#4 Test my 0-60 on salt flats (Utah Bucket List)

Secret confession, guys!  (well, maybe not now...)  I geek out about geology.  You should go on a hike with me.  really.  I took this field geology class just for fun, and LOVED it!  I have a closet rock collection that I'm super proud of.  If I know anything, I spout it off whether you were interested or not!

Now, salt is not a rock...but it still makes me excited (actually it's called halite and it's a mineral ;).  And the fact that Utah HAS a salt flat is even more exciting.  Geek time: the salt flat was formed when the ancient Lake Bonneville began to recede after the Ice Age.  It was a fresh water lake, but had many dissolved minerals (like halite) that were deposited into the bed.  Now--ta dah!--it's a huge salt flat.

yeah, those were the salt crystals!  Wouldn't YOU get excited?!

Early fur trappers and traders found it impossible to cross.  In 1896 a guy had the brilliant idea to have "carriage and bicycle" races here --yeah, I read that on the sign and laughed right out loud!  In 1914 they had automobile races and the first land speed record was set.  Now they continue to set speed records (ironically the 0-60 times aren't that great, but the salt flats allow them to gain speeds in excess of 400mph) at events called "speed week," "world of speed," and "word finals" all in August and September.

These cars go 400-600 mph.  They have to be that low, otherwise the air will lift them off the ground!

So now that you've seen me geek out, you'll understand why I wanted to go!  I actually went here last year, probably in November, and there was an inch of water covering the flats.  It was really cool for taking pictures...but no way to drive on it.

Note cool reflection!

So I had to go back!  We drove Greg's car (his has more get-up-and-go than mine), and each took turns going 100 mph.  I did 105 while listening to "The Distance" by Cake (if you haven't heard that song, go youtube it right now!).  :)

I also did my first E-break turns and donuts.  I've always wanted to do those things, but have always been scared.  ...but in the salt flats there's nothing to run into!  So I felt really safe.  And Greg taught me how to do it.

Greg driving

By the end, the car was filthy with mud and salt.  And we were happy campers!

Before--see how clean?

After--yeah, that's right!  I sprayed the mud up on that car!

We stayed past nightfall to see the stars, and were richly rewarded.

Such a great trip!  And another goal accomplished.  And my dollar today goes to help with the typhoon that hit the Phillipines.  They need it more than anyone else I could donate to right now.  I donated through Direct Relief International, which works with a partner on the ground to deliver medical supplies.  Click here if you want to donate too!