Jack's Journal: SLC Giveaway

Stories From the 'Great American Vacation' Roadtrip

(CBS)  CBS News producer and Winnebago driver Jack Halsbond shares his adventures as he travels the country as part of The Early Show's "Great American Vacation" giveaway.

Salt Lake City lived up to its promise to turn out the town for The Early Show's visit. The folks of CBS affiliate KUTV rolled out the red carpet, which included their own helicopter for aerial shots of the "Great American Vacation" giveaway.

The early arrivals included fans of the local professional hockey team, the Bisons, and a bevy of cheerleaders also were on hand to welcome The Early Show to Gallivan Center Plaza.

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Dave Price surprises Richard and Chris Christensen with a trip to Seattle

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Dave Price may have met his match in live television inventiveness in 2News This Morning's Allie Mac Kay. They filled the early morning hours with riotous shtick. The laughter from the crowd was a sure sign that both were well received.

Also in the crowd were quadruplet sisters from Canada, who were a big hit with all of us.

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View my photos!

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Salt Lake City is a thriving metropolis surrounded by the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. It was founded on July 24, 1847, by a group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. These early pioneers began tilling the soil and planting crops on the very first day of their arrival. Until they settled in this valley, these lands had been the exclusive home to Utah’s first known residents, the ancient Pueblo People, also known as the Anasazi Indians. Brigham Young’s Mormons were the first non-Indians to settle permanently in the valley. The founding group numbered 148 — 143 men, three women and two children.

Construction on the Mormon Salt Lake Temple began in 1853; the capstone of this magnificent structure was not put in place until 1892. Constructed of granite, blocks were hauled individually by ox and wagon from Little Cottonwood Canyon until eventually a branch railroad line was run.

Today, Utah sports some of the finest world-class skiing. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and the success of that endeavor is evident throughout this very cosmopolitan city. The legacy of the games lives on in the city’s robust hotel, retail and restaurant industries.

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Dave Price takes part in a little fun with water sports at Salt Lake City's Olympic Cauldron Park.

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A big shout out to the staff of the Holiday Inn Downtown. This facility is loaded with amenities that make a weary traveler's stay comfortable and rejuvenating. The hotel has a beautifully enclosed outdoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna. Their restaurant is staffed by friendly folks who make sure that your dining experience is a grand one.

Salt Lake City also boasts a minor-league baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees who are part of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. They play in Frank Covey Field, a gorgeous ballpark in the shadows of the Wasatch Mountain range.

Should you ever have the opportunity to visit Salt Lake City, run don’t walk, for you are in for a marvelous time in a city that is truly constantly evolving into one of the premier metropolitan areas to be found anywhere in the world.

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