It was a heavy teaching/learning morning for me: I taught 2 classes and attended 1.
I realized I would not discover much of Ogden if I am to stay on track. Ogden’s vibe is good and the city seems to have a lot to offer. I made a mental note to visit Ogden again sometime. For the moment, I needed rest and a massage (for which I made arrangements the previous night). Yes, my achey-breaky back called out to me the previous day, and I made an appointment with Shayna Taylor at Empowered Bodywork & Wellness.
I normally avoid trying a new massage person. Individual treatment styles vary, so I never know whether I will derive the benefit I am looking for. Dudes, I scored! Shayna’s style differs from what I am accustomed to. She blended traditional massage modalities with OOP (i.e., stones, cups, hot towels, etc.). I initially had my doubts regarding the latter but, ladies and gentlemen, I could not be more pleased to be proven wrong. I especially like the cupping, which was a first for me. These were not traditional Russian-style hot cups, but silicone (probably) and cool. The feeling was similar to that which you get when you close a clothespin on your skin, a kind of gentle but constant tugging.
Here’s how effective Shayna’s techniques were for me: When I walked into the office, I could hear each turn of my head sound like steps on old wood. When I walked out, my neck and head cooperated with one another and turned smoothly. Not a sound!
Feeling good, I headed out to Wyoming to see the Flaming Gorge reservoir—or so I thought. You know how they say it’s the journey and not the destination? Well…
I deliberately detoured a bit so as to get on the US191 South in Rock Springs, WY. As soon as I wound my way down that highway, I was enveloped in extreme beauty. Hands down, this is the most beautiful drive of my lifetime. I spent 2 hours driving the 191 from Rock Springs to Vernal, UT, where I lodged. Never have I enjoyed a more beautiful, interesting, and difficult drive. I recommend you do this only in the daytime as there is much wildlife on the road, no artificial lighting, and so many curves, I had no idea which way I was facing.
Remember, there were fires burning. The sky and air were hazy, diminishing from the beauty of these videos. It is also unfortunate that my windshield was noticeably dirty, but I didn’t notice.
The hotel in Vernal is a prime example of how a 2-star is unpredictable. Was it pretty and clean? Absolutely, I was impressed. Was it safe? Absolutely not.