Nearly Famous Faces

Early morning sun rays touch lightly the eastern angles of the mountain peaks, burning off the fluffy blanket of clouds. The population of the Valley below admires the view multiple times during the day, gauging temperature and season by what the highest parts of Timpanogos look like. Three photos are of Timp taken in Orem, at sunset and a reflection in the lake and taken in downtown Provo.

The graceful silhouette has long been a favorite landmark for generations of residents and is one of many mountains that claim the look of a reclining figure or facial profile. Timpanogos is apparently an Indian word meaning "reclining" and has grown into a colorful legend about an Indian princess who died of grief from the loss of her lover.

Our son, Brian caught on to the enjoyment of saying Timpanogos and wanted to name our 3rd child with that fascinating word. Luckily he had no vote in the process.

Here are two paintings of the mountain with made-up landscape in front because of the growing metropolis in the Utah Valley. Photos for the second painting were taken in May when there was less snow on the peaks.



The mountain is a great hiking place even clear up to the top, with a 360 degree view and a peaceful hint of Mount Everest conquest about it. Hikers can make arrangements to tour the Timpanogos cave, an extensive underground area which is a national monument. Several of our family members have made it up to the summit.





< - John and Laura l to r > Clayne, Amber, John, Laura and Evan