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Show DAILY HERALD D2 Friday, August 1,2008 Soak in domed crater 10,000-year-ol- d, Julie Chapman A V The Crater isnt what you think of when you think of a crater this isn't a type of hole in the ground. Instead, it is a beehive-shape- d calcite dome 400 feet in diameter on the outside, formed by the mineral deposits from the geothermally heated mineral water that fills deep-impa- v k WWW.UTAHADVENTURER.COM v.. ct - Jit r to it. As with all geologic formations, this one took a long time to become what it is. From rock samples and archeological curiosities taken from the bottom of the crater, estimates put its age to be a modest 10,000 years. A crew of gold miners was hired to construct the 1 runnel in the north side to provide access to the hot spring within The crater was opened to the public in 1996. The Crater itself, though on the Homestead in Provo. property, is managedby-Waterworl- d Because of this, there are some exciting activities in this tall, deep mineral wonder. Although we took advantage of the snorkeling activities, you can also just go swim or soak in the clear, mineral water; or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can scuba dive. Technically this "outdoor dive" is really more like cave diving, and unique for that reason. If you areni already scuba certified, you can take lessons to earn your certification, completing your final dive at the Crater. If you aren't ready to go through certification but still want the experience, and are more than 10 years old, you can go on a guided dive no experience necessary. My lamented that she has to wait "two whole years!" Homestead Resort and Crater The Crater at Homestead Resort. ot n J1; - 55-fo- woo MICHAEL COOPEROisney Arielle Jacobs as Gabriella and John Jeffrey Martin as Troy in theBroadway Across America touring production of "Disney's High School Musical" If you aren't up for swimming of any sort, the site offers a free tour every hour on the half hour. It is well worth it, just to be able to get a better look at and understanding of its formation, history and archeology. When you're ready to get out of the water there is still plenty to do in and around the Homestead, nestled in Midway. Certainly you could stay there, as a hotel, but you can also sign up as an outside participant for horseback rides, bicycle tours, buggy and wagon rides, experiences, skiing and even sleigh rides in the -- 65-fo- winter. If you go, be sure to explore the area. The Crater at the Homestead is the biggest geothermally produced dome in the area, but it is only one of several others, all well worth checking out. Additionally, with the back of the Wasatch Mountains rising up around you, there are plenty of trails to hike and bike, in addition to the activities the Homestead runs. HSM comedy and heart and she was a bright spot whenever she was on stage. The Scott character is new, written specifiContinued from D l cally for the stage version of "HSM." Scott the "Voice of East High," or as he Often refers step out of the stereotypes their peers have serves as a assigned to them and try out for the lead roles to himself, "The Velvet Fog," in the high school play. Of course, teen angst, narrator of sorts by making announcements over the school's P.A. system. The role could conniving rivals, romance and much singing have been pedestrian, but Mahany's lively and ensue, yada, yada, yada, before the expected comedic delivery made his appearances somehappy endingfull cast dance number. John Jeffrey Martin (Troy) and Arielle Jathing to look forward to. cobs (Gabriella) certainly acquitted themselves Songs are a big part of "High School Musi- well in the two starring roles. The parts in the cal," and they certainly have an impact on the movie are so well known that it's hard to envistage version whether it be during solos, sion anyone besides Zac Efron and Vanessa duets or big ensemble numbers. Highlights included "Start of Something New," "What Hudgens in those roles but Martin and Jacobs helped alleviate those concerns early on. I've Been Looking For," "Bop to the Top" and It seemed obvious that an effort was made "We're All in This Together." In addition to in casting to find stage actors that somewhat those soundtrack stalwarts, there are two new resembled their movie counterparts. This was songs in the stage production, "Cellular Fuespecially helpful early on, making it easier for sion" and "Counting on You." audience members to match the live characters Set changes were extremely crisp and well up with the TV roles and connect the dots of executed, making the production sail forward the story based on looks and costuming? with few distractions. The snobby duo of Sharp-a- y And if you're wondering how a live stage and Ryan Evans were played by Helene play executes a winning-sho- t sequence for the York and Bobby Cist, respectively. York What would happen, big basketball game d after all, if the lead character tossed up a brick spoke throughout with a nasally whine that seemed unnecessarily over the top. at the key moment? then you'll just have to She did deliver the best the night, atteid the show and see for yourself. All I can though, such as when she shot down the offer say is, "Basketball on a stick? Hmmmmmm ... " of one potential'suitor by saying, "I'd rather AU in all, "Disney's High School Musical," suck the mucus from a dog's nostrils until its which is appearing at the Capitol through skull explodes!" Sunday, offers an evening of full-ofamily enTwo performances that really stood out ' tertainment. If you have children who like the were delivered by Ellen Harvey (drama teach- "HSM" movies, they'll likely give a "Wildcat er Ms. Darbus) and Michael Mahany (Jack Cheer" for the stage production as well. Scott). Harvey's portrayal contained a lot of . high-pitche- n Homestead Resort and Crater Inside the Homestead Crater you can swim, snorkel or scuba dive. If you go I What: Homestead Resort and Crater ft Ml ilil 911 Ulffijl I Where: 700 N. Homestead Drive, in Midway I Directions: From Provo take Provo Canyon Road (it changes into about 16 miles. Turn left onto Charleston Road (Highway 113) o Midway. Turn west or left US-18- onto Main Street, turn right at the stop sign onto 200 West. Follow the green directional signs for the Homestead for approximately 1.1 miles. The road will turn into Homestead Drive at the top of the hill, continue to follow for approximately 1 mile to the Homestead entrance. I Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-- 7 p.m. daily I Cost for a swim soaksnorkel: $11 weekdays, $16 weekends. Snorkel equipment rents for $5. Tours, every hour on the half hour, are free. I Crater reservations: (888) I 327-722- 0 Information: www. thecrater Prejudice A MUSICAL Crater which is how it formed in the first place. Because of that there are no fish, but we all enjoyed exploring what is essentially a geologic formation, much like a calcite formation in a cave, complete with small stalactites hanging from the ceiling above us. With the water as clear as it is, you can see far into its depth. We could run our hands along the walls (something you are never supposed to do to calcite formations in a a cave, for fear that it will "kill" the formation), swim down to formations under the surface of the water, and, of course, everyone's favorite activity, watch the SCUBA divers doz- ens of feet below, the depths illuminated by their lights. Continued from Dl 65-fo- homesteadresort.com PRIDEw Homestead Resort and Crater Looking down into the crater. The Homestead Crater offers unique swimmingsnorkelingscuba diving experience. ' For more on Julie's visit to the crater, video of her adventure, plus other Utah adventures, visit www. UtahAdventurer.com. Register and get tips, ideas and weekly giveaways, post your own photos and get answers to your adventure questions. Your Insurance Stats. Superstore! Players. Stories. IOMAS MM i! i. Neal Dastrup Agency 1840 N State, Provo K$ Convex its E QUESKR KS"0UN,"' 374-184- 0 Dastrup Family Agency Jeremy Trail Agency 1070 E 800 North, Orera 100 E State, Pleasant Grove ' kbvu tmstor 225-800- 8 XANGO" , 785-434- 3 r c L l I !l t I . ; kk k 1 i |