Helper, Utah

Today my husband and I took a day trip around Central Utah. We drove on new roads, saw new things, and had a delightful day! We visited Manti where my daughter will be married in August, then went to Gunnison to see where her fiance was raised. We decided to come up the more easterly part of Central Utah. Here we saw oil derricks, fantastic mountain shapes, and lots of blue sky. It was such a fun day.

We stopped in Helper to stretch our legs. We walked down Main Street which was definitely on the decline--there were more empty shops than occupied. As we neared the end of the street, here was a balancing rock--one of the many features of Central/Southern Utah and the Helper banner-we learned that this small town was originated in 1881 when the railroad was being built. Helper is near the bottom of a 7,477 foot pass, Soldier Summit. The trains needed the help of an extra engine called a "Helper" to get their loads up and over the pass. Hence, the name Helper, and the train on the city's banner.

Two more days before the wisdom teeth come out! Tomorrow we get to meet our daughter's future in-laws. We will go out to dinner and have a good visit!