I left Boston on Friday May 20th aboard a SouthWest flight that was direct to Denver. As per usual it seems with this airline, it was late in leaving the gate. For me, that was not that dramatic, as I did not have a connecting flight. For some people, there was some anxiety.
My arrival in Denver later than expected, got settled into the hotel. I heard the last bit of a private concert that U2 was playing inside of the stadium. It was weird, I thought it was just sound checking, but I was later told it was a full concert for some VIP's. I guess I must have left my invite at home. I then decided to check out the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Denver. Luckily the hotel had a shuttle service that took me there, and then I took a cab back. I had my usual, twisted mac & cheese with chicken. I also got my collector pins, and Steve's t-shirt. They had a U2-tribute band there playing, and it was great to watch the last few songs.
The next morning woke up leisurely and went to the Four Seasons Hotel for Brunch. It was called THE EDGE. Go figure ! I think I had the best Corned Beef and Hash I have ever had. It was amazing! Service was excellent ( as would be expected). Celebrity sightings: Bono's daughter, Bono's Brother, and Joe O'Herley ( their sound guy for past 30+ years)
Got to the GA line around 3:30pm, waited in line until they let us in around 5-5:30pm. Found a great spot on the rail inside of the inner circle on Adams side. Awesome show ! It was wonderful to see U2 perform again, my last concert was in September 2009 in Foxboro. Where I was, I think the tallest guy on the floor decided to stand in front of me with his white hat and TALL ARMS !! That is OK, I still had an amazing time. Nothing could ruin this, even that stupid drunk guy that tried to get by me and ended up falling on me, luckily he did not have a beer in his hand. ( always a bright side)
The next day I trekked to the famous Red Rock Amphitheater. It was everything I expected, only I did not imagine it was going to used a a gym. I had to laugh seeing YOGA being done on the same state where U2 performed in 1983.
It was this stage that I fell in love with U2. MTV was just beginning in the 1980's, and I remember vividly seeing Bono marching across the stage at Red Rocks with a flag singing "Sunday Bloody Sunday", and it was love at first sight. ( Hey, I was 18 years old !) I will always remember that feeling seeing them on TV. I had heard of them, and I believe even had a cassette, but never had I seen a video of them until that moment.
After visiting this hallowed ground, I went to the surrounding town of Morrison. ( I should have worn my THE DOORS shirt, but I wore it the day before to the U2 show!). Had brunch at the BLUE COW. OMHeck, another fabulous dish of Corned Beef Hash. Now I am confused. I am not sure which is better, this one or at the Four Seasons in Denver. Both were the YUMMIEST I have EVER had & that is saying a lot because I always order that when going out for breakfast/brunch.
In the small gas station I spoke to a gentlemen who suggested I visit a small town called Evergreen. It was about 12 miles from Morrison through a beautiful canyon. What a cute little Western Town. Looks like I would love to come back and visit with my family !
On my way back to Denver I saw on the highway a sign for Buffalo Bill's Grave Site. WOW, I am SO excited, and this was SO unexpected !!! William Cody is a co-author of one of my prized collectable books, "The Great Salt Lake Trail". It was amazing & I am glad I went back to visit where he was buried and the small gifts shop that was there that was full of great information on the life of Buffalo Bill. This was one of the best spontaneous stops that I have come across on a trip.
Before I checked into my hotel, I had been thinking a lot about visiting Columbine. Twice in the past few years we have had Craig Scott, a survivor from the Columbine school shootings visit our high schools and present Rachel's Challenge. ( www.rachelschallenge.org). I felt that since I was soooo close, that I should go and pay tribute and say a prayer at the memorial for the children that were affected in that school shooting. The reverence of the memorial was amazing. It was surrounded by fields where kids were playing all sorts of athletic activities, yet in that memorial one could feel a sense of respect and reverence. I was truly happy that I made that trek. I am not sure when I will be in that neck of the woods again. I am thankful for the town of Columbine for recognizing the need for a beautiful place to remember the lives of some ordinary kids that have effected the lives of so many now.
Checking into the airport hotel for a nap...flight leaves in 5 hours !!!
6:15 flight to Salt Lake City UTAH !! Last time I was in Utah was in 1988. I know, TOO long ago. Hopefully I will be back before another 23 years pass by !!
My first stop was Temple Square. I had never been to the Salt Lake Temple. It was amazing to behold inside. I stand all amazed at the sight. I can see why it took 40 years to build. After my session of service in the Temple I had a nice lunch at the Nauvoo Cafe in the Joseph Smith Building. Yummy soup and sandwich with Mormon Mint Brownie Squares. Oh, yes, it had been SOOO long !!
I made my way to my new found friend home, Julie Newsome. This is our first meeting & I am staying at her home. She does not know me, other than a few messages on Facebook. How do I know this lady? Well, her son was a missionary serving in the Plymouth area for about 9 months ( great kid), and he once said that his mom & I would be great friends. He was right ! ( THis whole story is a longer story, but this will suffice for now!)
Julie & I chat like we have known each other for years ! We then go out to dinner with her 2 friends for Mexican Monday.
Next morning, wake up, have a great nights sleep in Elder Newsome's room ( no worries, Elder Newsome is still on his mission), and Julie & I ran some errands. Yummy yogurt, delicious chocolate and a drive up to the Bountiful Temple. WOW, she is my kind of friend ! We ate lunch at The Red Iguana, a famous Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake City known for their Mole' sauces. It was hard to choose. They brought out a sample plate, which made it easier. Now I want to go back & try them all!
Now, what we have been waiting for !! Off to the University of Utah to see U2 ! ! We got to the GA line around 4pm after finding a great parking spot FREE in the VIP parking. Yes, my MOJO was working! Got into the inner circle of the floor, and we were about 10 people from the main stage, and about 3 people from the outer stage. An amazing spot. It was Julie's first time seeing U2 live. I think it was my 32nd time, but who's counting?
The people around us were amazing. This is the first concert that I have EVER been to that is alcohol free!!! AMAZING !!! NO drunk people ! WOW !!
OK, so here comes the part about the LEG !! ( I bet you were wondering when I would get to that part) A lady near us was looking for her husband, Jonathan. She could not find him in the crowd. Right behind us was this guy in his twenties, and a bit tall. Girl asks this guy if she will "hold up her leg" because her husband will then be able to find her. WHAT? YES, she takes OFF her prosthetic leg, proceeds to give it to the guy to hold up, meanwhile she is leaning on her friend to give her balance. So all of us around her then in unison shout " JONATHAN", he yells back, he is across the stage on the other side. They find each other, she then puts her leg back on. Weirdest thing ever happened at a concert.... SO it doesn't end here ! I am taking photos of the show, and guess what? After the show I am showing Julie the photos while we are waiting in the traffic in the parking lot, and low and behold I see said lady's leg ( with clog) in my photo. Not only that, it is with Bono and it looks like leg is kicking Bono. I think this is my FUNNIEST photo !
So there you have it.
Arms in the way in Denver,
and Leg in Salt Lake City.
My ARM and a LEG story.
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