7 summer activities you can still do even though it is almost fall
Gipper Finau hits his ball from the sandpit on the first hole during day one of the Web.com Tour Utah Championship on Thursday, July 30, 2015, at Thanksgiving Point. You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy a round of 18 at Thanksgiving Point before summer turns to fall.
There is still time to visit a natural swimming hole before summer turns to fall.
Enjoy some shaved ice before all the local shacks shutter their windows for the winter.
If you are like me, you were a little taken aback by how quickly summer came and went.
It seems as if summer vacation started with me wearing my pajamas through the fast food drive-thru for lunch every day, then I sported solar eclipse glasses for approximately seven minutes, and then summer vacation morphed into a new school year.
But, wait! School may be in session, but that doesn’t mean your favorite summer activities are closed for the season. In the spirit of having too many plans and so little time, here are seven activities I hope to do before the warm weather is gone forever:
Learn the RSL fight song.
I admit it. I’m new to the MLS soccer scene. But after some strong encouragement to give it a go, I am hooked. Seasoned soccer fans confess that, in relation to the rest of the world, Utah is still new to the fan scene, but the enthusiasm that races through Rio Tinto Stadium with each goal — as 20,000 voices chant and clap to the RSL fight song — is electric.
Eat a Hawaiian doughnut.
Just one bite and this Portuguese donut, called Malasadas, is leaving sweet tooth advocates with sugar-laced chins and a yearning desire for just … one … more. Forget about trying to deny eating the entire box, the evidence is all over the front of your shirt.
Complete the Aqua x Zone course in 10 minutes flat.
This imposing water toy stationed at Jordanelle State Park taunts you to try it. It has peaks; it has valleys, and it has a giant water pillow to launch people who are taking too long to complete the course. Move it, slow mo!
Play 18 holes at Thanksgiving Point golf course.
Speaking of water hazards … with the soaring temperatures taking a break from melting the soles of my flip flops to the pavement, I look forward to enjoying a pleasant yet challenging afternoon of yelling “fore,” taking seven, and writing down five.
Enjoy one more trip to the shaved ice shack.
I cheered when the ice freezer was hooked up (a sure sign that the enormous variety of flavorings was certain to follow), and I will mourn when it is taken away for the year. Until that time comes, I will enjoy my Long Board Bahama Mama with only one spoon. (Don’t even THINK about sneaking a bite. Just don’t. I don’t want things to get awkward between us when summer ends.)
Camp in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Since 1963, this mass of peach-tinted sand, which is piled as far as the eye can see has been the unique destination for hikers, off-road enthusiasts, and fans of rolling in the sand. Day passes start at $8, and camping permits start at $20.
Swim in a natural waterhole.
There is something alluringly Tom Sawyer-esque about sidling up to a natural waterhole and taking a late summer dip. For this, Mona’s natural pond is the ticket. And, the rope swings are the bomb. Literally. You can dive bomb any unsuspecting swimmer with the perfect cannonball. Just don’t spray the cows, ok?
It’s true that Utah shares the best a season has to offer, but there is something about summer that is really special. It’s not too late to take one last dip, sip or trip. What are you going to do with your last few weeks of warm weather?