From Rock Springs, Wyoming we had planned to head up to the Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, but a weather forecast for 4 days and nights of snow forced us to reconsider those destinations.
Consulting the map, we saw that Salt Lake City was a mere 3 hour drive west, so off we went to Utah.
What a wonderful diversion that proved to be.
On arrival at the Salt Lake City KOA, Marlene not only escorted us to our designated site, but ecouraged us to visit Temple Square and the Family History Library to which there was a free shuttle service from the campground.
Our first stop was the Family History Library where we were greeted warmly, given ‘first-timer’ badges, assigned helpers and off we went in search of family records. Unfortunately, neither of us were able to glean any information from our Polish paternal ancestry, but I managed to source information to my great grandparents in the Netherlands – learning that my mother was named for her father’s mother – Martijna Wouterina. Wonder why she never told me that? Too, my helper gave me the information I needed to search farther back in time once we get home.
Then we made our way across the street to Temple Square where we saw the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and the outside of the Temple. We took the elevator to the top of the Office Building where we enjoyed a superior view of Salt Lake City. We also popped into the Convention Center where we listened to an organ recital in the auditorium, then headed up to the roof garden which was amazingly beautiful with trees planted on the east side and desert flowers on the west. We had a nice lunch at the Pantry Restaurant, after which we toured the Beehive House, former home to Brigham Young.
The next morning we went back to the Convention Center to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir record their Sunday broadcast. One of the selections included “What a Wonderful World” which is one of my all-time favorite songs. How fortuitous and what a beautiful rendition!
Despite the incredible architecture of Temple Square, both Ed and I were most taken by the Church of Latter Day Saints members who were so very helpful with showing us around and made us feel so incredibly welcome within their community.
See all the pictures I took at Temple Square.
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