Day 28 – Lakeside Stories & Mountain Views
October 16th, 2025
We wake up on the pristine shores of Bear Lake and decide immediately: we’re staying another night. The rain showers from overnight have moved on, leaving behind an overcast sky settled low over the lake and surrounding mountains. After a home-cooked breakfast by Chef T, the queen catches up on her real estate work while the king tackles the blog and his self-appointed janitorial duties. By midafternoon, we’re ready for adventure.
As we’re heading out, we meet Ranger Ken doing his rounds.
“I’m from Provo and recently retired,” he tells us. “Picked up this part-time gig at the state park.”
I say, “What a job—beautiful lake, beautiful mountains. You’re lucky!”
He smiles. “It’s a great sailing lake too. Actually came with a slip for my 25’ O’Day.”
That gets my attention. “No kidding? I grew up summers on Cape Cod racing an O’Day DaySailor.”
Before he drives off to answer a call, he adds, “Just watch out when those dark clouds drop over the mountains—squalls here get wild.” Good to know.
We head into the tiny town of Garden, UT—more tourist destination than hometown, with fewer than a thousand year-round residents. On the way, we pass a steady stream of 18-wheelers dumping loads of dirt along the shoreline. Turns out the marina is expanding. Probably where Ranger Ken keeps that sailboat of his.
After replenishing supplies, the queen stops a guy in the parking lot and asks where to grab dinner.
“Coopers,” he says without hesitation. “Great food, even better view—up on the mountain overlooking the lake. Right on the Idaho line.”
Say less. The royals are on the move.
Coopers sits high above the western side of Bear Lake, part of a public golf course, with breathtaking panoramic views. Inside, antlers greet us at the front door—classic mountain pub energy. We head downstairs to the bar and meet Nicki, the bartender. She’s quiet at first, but once she hears we’re from Cape Cod on a two-month cross-country RV trip, she warms right up.
Before long, a couple at the end of the bar—Clint and Alana—join the conversation. Somehow, the topic of the Mormon Church (Latter Day Saints) comes up, and Jessica has questions. Nicki, who was raised LDS but left the church at 18, opens up about her experience: a devout mother, a strict upbringing, and her decision to step away and live life on her own terms as a tattooed, pierced, single mom of an 8-year-old boy she absolutely adores.
Alana nods along—she left the church too, after meeting Clint while working for his father’s Les Schwab Tires stores. Together, the ladies share some truly wild, eye-opening stories about the church. Jessica, coming from a long line of Lutherans, is in full fascination mode and will happily pour you a tall glass of chillable red and repeat every detail.
While the ladies dive into theology and life stories, Clint and I get talking.
“I helped run my father’s tire stores back in the 80s and 90s,” he says. “When the internet took off, we had an idea—why not sell tires online?”
They built the business from scratch, ran it for 25 years, and eventually sold it. Now they’ve bought a house perched above Coopers with an incredible view.
“Americana at its finest,” I tell him.
Clint grins. “That’s the plan.”
After homemade elk meatballs, a chicken sandwich for the king, and a BLT with local bacon for the queen, it’s time to head back. Jess, Nicki, and Alana exchange hugs like old friends. Back at camp, we settle into bed on the tranquil shores of Bear Lake—warm, content, and grateful for the stories and kindness we’ve been shown.
This country really is full of good people.
Tomorrow we head south to explore the rugged, otherworldly beauty of Utah’s national parks—Zion, Bryce, Escalante, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. We can hardly wait. 🍀😎🍺