Sense and Memory

Autumn won't officially end until December, but now that the clocks have turned back an hour and snow is in the forecast, it seems winter is upon us.  I have no regrets about the way I sent off the season though.  The last week has been a good one.

Last Sunday, six of us drove north to Farmington to spend the day riding roller coasters at Lagoon.  I hadn't been there since 1997.  I will try to remember three things for my next scheduled visit in 2019.  First, take hand sanitizer.  Second, skip the corn dog.  Third, don't miss the mural on the front of the Terroride--it may be the best thing in the park.



















I ate proletarian Mexican food this week.  This is not the meticulous pre-columbian cuisine enjoyed by college types and out-of-town visitors at The Red Iguana.  These places have landscaper's trucks parked in front and international phone cards for sale at the register.

On Wednesday at lunch, I went out to 3200 West to pick up some ski goggles from the backcountry.com warehouse.  I took advantage of the trip far west to visit El Paisa Grill. They have a satellite location at the latino mall, and I had noticed their main restaurant on 3200 west just south of the 201 freeway.  The space is kitchy and unpretentious, with  beach decor and beer signs.  I skipped the lunch buffet and had chile verde, which was rich, meaty and warmly spiced.  Beans, rice, and salsa were all very good.  El Paisa looks like a popular spot with people who live and work out west, and they have Mariachi music nightly.  I hope to get back there for dinner soon. 



















On Friday with five bucks and change in my pocket, I went for tamales at Victor's Tires and Mexican Food on 700 West.  They serve a great variety of handmade tamales, along with the usual tacos, burritos, and quesidillas.  Orders are placed at the main counter of the tire showroom, which resembles a downscale version of Vinson's rim shop from The Wire, full of huge chrome rims.  Two tamales with beans and rice cost $5.38, or they are available by the dozen for a dollar apeice.  



















I also photographed this awesome lowrider. The owner told me it had been stolen and recovered, and he was at Victor's to replace the rims. 



















With the big storm coming in, the crew from work decided to say goodbye to the Wasatch Crest trail on Saturday.  Instead of instead of following the direct route and dropping into Mill Creek Canyon from the crest, we extended the trip by riding down Lamb's Canyon and back over Elbow Fork to Mill Creek.  Most of my photos came out dark, but we the air was clear under high clouds, and we could see over a hundred miles in every direction.  I suffered on the uphills a bit, having pushed the stroller more than I've pedaled the bike lately, but it was a great way to end the mountain biking season.