Look familiar?

    I remember as a kid my Dad decided to take some of the family on camping trip up American Fork canyon.  We loaded up the Aspen Wagon and hitched up our horrible canvas tent on a trailer and off we went.  Of course in all of the excitement, we left our cooler of food in the driveway.

   Upon setting up camp and realizing we were missing something, dad decided we did not need the cooler of food.  Instead, we would just get by on the dry goods we had packed which were not in the cooler.

   So the next morning, off we went on our hike to, if memory serves me correctly, the above pictured lake.  Upon our arrival at the lake, we built a fire and my dad buried some potatoes near the hot coals. We then spent a great few hours at the lake and after sufficient cooking time we dug up the potatoes.  I tell you, a little salt and pepper and I have never before or since enjoyed a more delicious baked potato.

   Later in the evening upon returning to our camp, my dad drove down the canyon and purchased some steaks at a local grocery store.  He then drove back up to our campsite and cooked us a great steak dinner.  Thanks Pops for a great memory at Silver Lake.

Postscript to this story.  Later on in life, my wife and I moved to American Fork.  As we settled in to our new neighborhood, I met a neighbor who confessed to selling my dad the worst used tent trailer he had ever seen.  He claims he tried to get my dad to buy something better but I guess the price on the canvas tent on a trailer was right for my dad's budget.  My neighbor informed me he had felt guilty all of those years for selling George Durrant such an awful trailer.  I do think I eased is guilt by telling him of the great times we had as a family in the old tent trailer.

So here you go, It is a rough drive up to the trailhead but I did see a few cars in the parking lot.

The hike to Silver Lake is about 2.5 miles with a 1450 ft elevation gain, for a big guy like me that is a tough climb.  Make sure to take some extra food (perhaps a potato) and water.

The last 25 yards is a scramble up some loose rocks.  Once you reach the top you should see a very large granite boulder directly between you and the lake.

Before enjoying your time at the lake, look to where the boulder seems to be naturally pointing at the ground.  At this point, you may find a fork and a little deeper in an orange match container.

Good luck and be safe.

Good Job eh.  My Canuck Niece Cami and her mate Emily found some loonies up at the lake.  Now they can afford to queue up for some poutine and a glass of homo milk at Tim Horton's.  Don't forget the serviettes.

Translation: Good Job girls.  My Niece Cami who will soon be leaving to serve a mission in Canada and her friend Emily found the hidden cash up at the lake.  Now they can afford to line up for some french fries covered in brown gravy and cheese curds and a glass of whole milk at a local diner.  Do not forget the napkins.