Utah ..Bonneville Salt Flats

Bonneville Flats is one of the most unique natural features in Utah, stretching over 30,000 acres. Thousands of visitors such as commercial filmmakers, and of course, highspeed auto racers, make the Salt Flats a world famous destination. The raceway is 7 miles beyond the pictures I've taken. Gary Gabolich's Rocket Flame, attained a spectacular 622.4 mile per hour in 1970. The salt is heavy and thick and many stop to write their names or initials with the black or brown stones lying around, It was over 100 degrees when we were passing through. The soda machines were empty and bathroom/rest stop was closed.

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The salt surface contans potassium, magnesium lithium and sodium chloride(commom table salt) In the winter, a shallow layer of standing water floods the surface of the salt flats. During the summer, the water slowly evaporates while winds smooth the surface into a nearly flat plain. There is a small sign referring to the First Transcontinental telephone line completed near this point on the border of Nevada and Utah at Wendover. Telephone and Telegraph Companies met here to make the last splices in the wires which joined the EAST and WEST in voice communications for the first time on June 14, 1914.

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You can't miss this while driving on Hwy 80 in either direction. Overnight stays are prohibited on the salt flats. Camping is encouraged on the surrounding public lands. Camp sites are in nearby Wendover. Call 1-800-426-6862 for more information.

Great place, mini suite with full size kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, fridge, dishes & pots and pans. Living room has convertible bed and TV with VCR. French doors in bedroom for privacy. Large bathroom, full tub w/hair dryer.

Found this place thru link They have coupons for one night''s stay for $55.00. Otherwise expect to pay at least 85.00. They have non-smoking rooms as well as smoking. About 5 mins from airport and 2 miles from Downtown Salt Lake City. Coupons also in Travel Guide available at most Denny''s or McDonalds. If you decide not to cook, several restaurants within 2 blocks.

Guess What? I found my Starbucks coffee at the Coffee Bar in the Marriott Hotel. Hotel is located across from the Convention Center, 1/2 Block from Temple Square.

The 10 acre refuge with is a magnificently landscaped ground surrounding the Salt Lake Temple. Experienced representatives will take you on a complimentary tour of Temple Square, including the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall and the beautiful flower gardens. Brigham Young designated where the temple would be built, and on April 6, 1853, he laid the cornerstone of the temple's foundation. As you enter the courtyard you will notice the lines of buses (tourists)in the street. The SLC convention center is directly across the street. Plan to spend the day: so many sites to see and free admission. You will NOT see a Starbuck's at any location downtown. Don't expect to find many places for breakfast, except for the large hotel chains. We were there on Saturday morning with a temperature of 87 degrees at 9 am. Allyson saw a Weiner Schnitzel and insisted on their famous Hot Dogs. Yes, at 10 in the morninng.

Leaving Salt Lake City toward Nevada is a long and tedious drive. The lake seems to run forever over the desert colored hills and flat lands. You can drive at 85 mph, since the speed limit is 75 mph. Along the lake which is solid white salt, you see names and initals of those who have stopped to leave their mark with rocks & stones near the dirt path along highway 80. Pictures attached were taken by Allyson, my daughter, while I was speeding at 85 mph. Next stop...Bonneville Flats.