Desert Detour

Tree of Utah sculpture

My time in Utah deepened my appreciation for the technology innovation scene that stretches from Salt Lake City to Provo. I met with entrepreneur and early seed stage investor, Sid Krommenhoek, who pointed out the similarities between the region and another global tech hub, Israel.

After we spoke, I headed west on I-80 off the planned route to hit a 3-for-1 detour: Tree of Utah sculpture, Bonneville Salt Flats, and the casinos just over the border in West Wendover, NV. The extra 1.5 hours of driving and nighttime foray across the Great Basin was worth it.

I drove in the wet marshy flats near the sculpture and on the dry flats near where the land speed records are set. Very surreal environment filled with sensory delights. The smell, the dryness, and the crunchiness.

Then I grabbed takeout from The Montego Bay casino and came out even between the slots and blackjack tables. The casinos take COVID seriously with required masks and infrared temperatures checks.

As I drove through the dark, I stopped to take a low light exposure of the waxing gibbous moon. Hitting my pillow at 1am, I girded for the 6am alarm clock knowing it was worth it.