Sorry I haven't been invading your inboxes for the last two days. As the title of the post suggests - it was my turn. For what? For altitude sickness. It was horrible. It's amazing - we are. In Las Vegas now, and I have none of the symptoms I had in SLC and Deer Valley. But, lets catch up on what two days worth.

Wednesday was a MASSIVE day. The alarm went off at 4:30 am. This photo was taken 2 minutes later.

We were off to a place called Kanab. It was a one hour bus ride, one hour flight then a two hour bus ride to arrive and the same in return. It was a super early start, so there weren't many photos taken until we got to the airport. With all usual morning starts, there was the obligatory morning coffee. Contrary to popular belief (myself included) there are lots off coffee shops all around SLC, including the airport. 

So, one thing I forgot to tell you is that Stampin' Up chartered a plane. THE.ENTIRE.PLANE. There was about 200 people on board. It was a LOUD and crafty plane ride. Did I mention that it was LOUD?

We touched down in a place called St. George. It was hot as hades. 

This was the view that greeted us when we walked out of the airport.

So, we are basically in the middle of the desert.

In fact, we made the local news;

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2013/07/25/boeing-757-brings-international-crowd-to-southern-utah/

This was typical of the views we saw on the 2 hour bus ride. 

When we arrived, we were greeted by all of the staff (and some ring-ins for the day)

It's a literal oasis in the middle of a parched landscape.

And, then we had lunch provided and took a tour of the facility. We were stunned. The stamps are literally hand made. I expected automation.

In fact, I made one for myself.

Sets being cooled before trimming - by hand!!!!!

Kylie had a go at assembling a pack - also done by hand.

One of the many freebies for the day. These other husbands were chuffed about getting their first stamp set. I pretended it was my first to fit in. Lol

Labels being affixed to the ink pads

Card stock being sorted and packaged.

We had 2 stain up home office employees on our tour.

We also had a look at Shelli Gardeners holiday place which is on site. I took some interesting pictures. 

On the way home, we stopped by at a park where the off its from the rubber stamps are used in a park. So, I buried my arm in it.

It was really bouncy and really hot.

SUPER Cute

The park

This was at the edge of the park

Then, we headed home. It was not good. The bus ride was good. We all boarded the plane. To conserve energy, the ac was not on while we waited for the flight plan ....... For in excess of 45 minutes. On the Tarmac. Someone had an asthma attack. It was HOT! But, then we took off as soon as it was received. Took the flight attendants by surprise. Add a bit of turbulence and there was an almighty cheer when the plane touched down.

That was a super eventful day. I'm still 2 days behind because the next 2 days, I was sick so I have to catch up on those.

Altitude Sickness

Like me, youve probably never really heard about Altitude Sickness. Let me break it down for ya - When we left SLC, the height above sea level was;

When we touched down in St. George, the height above sea level was;

Two hours later, when we arrived in Kanab, the height above sea level was;

To give you an idea by comparison, note this excerpt from Wikipedia;

Mount Kosciuszko is a mountain located in the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park. With a height of 2,228 metres (7,310 ft) above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Australia.

The ENTIRE city of Salt Lake City is above the highest point in Australia. And, the hotel we stayed in - I didn't take the reading. But, we were driving for about 20 minutes up the mountain. So, you can understand why some, including both Kylie and me, suffered from altitude sickness.

Symptoms? Wikipedia - thanks again;

Primary symptoms[edit]

Headaches are the primary symptom used to diagnose altitude sickness, although a headache is also a symptom of dehydration. A headache occurring at an altitude above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet = 76 kPa), combined with any one or more of the following symptoms, may indicate altitude sickness:

• Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Insomnia
• Pins and needles
• Shortness of breath upon exertion
• Nosebleed
• Persistent rapid pulse
• Drowsiness
• General malaise

And we both had all of those.

Anyway, all seems ok now.

Today, we went to the Stampin' Up Home Office in Riverton, UT. 

It looked like a school. It's in a beautiful setting. It was about an hours drive from where we were staying. But, wait. I forgot to tell you something. Kylie is better! Yay! This is the centre from where Stampin' Up is organized and products are designed and shipped within the US and Canada.

When we arrived, all 400 staff members were on hand to welcome in a large central space.

At the bottom of the central void, there is a beautiful garden. Here are a few pics taken there;

Me and Kylie. We are both dressed by Tommy Hilfiger (clothes bought yesterday)

With Sue Madex (who some of you may remember as Miss Madex).

Louise and Daniel from NSW.

MONEY shot

It is such a beautiful space. We then had some group photos. This is a photo of all the achievers from Australia whom Stampin' Up flew to Utah with their guests.

Spot Kylie.

We then broke up into groups to look at different aspects of the operation.

Kylie's dream! Colored card stock as far as the eye could see.

The packing line (semi automated) bringing craft products to you.

A MASSIVE operation.

Then we had lunch and chatted some Stampin' Up identities.

Amy Swartz and Shelli Gardener (co-founder and CEO)

With Shannon West - on the design team

With Brian Pilling and Shannon West

Then the achievers and guests split up and the achievers did.....

Make-and-take while the guests went.....

Bowling????

Something new from SU

Then, we came back into SLC for shopping and dinner.

Where we had dinner. They serve more than cheesecake. 

An awesome light feature in the restaurant.

And, then, after a massive day, we arrive home at 9:30 pm and have this beautiful scene to greet us at the St Regis

And! Kylie was left another pillow gift

Another MASSIVE day tomorrow. Brekky is at 4:30 and we are flying to a place called Kanab where we will see where the products are actually made. 

Thanks for reading.

Today was a rest day. But, we really didnt rest. Maybe a better name could be 'Own Arrangements Day?' We had a mild sleep in and almost missed breakfast. Kylie didnt eat anything again. She is really suffering from Altitude sickness. But, as usual, she looked at thing in a positive light 

I miss my babies!!!! There have been dogs all over town and we stop and talk to every one of them. I saw on Instagram the other day that they are having fun (they don't have their own Instagram account - my mum posted them - thanks Mum) 

Next to the restaurant, there was a sign for something called a Funicular. Id never heard of it before. But, this is what it is. Its to take people up the mountain the quick way. Was way cool (oh, man, Im starting to sound american). Its basically a tram that runs on a slope (and, one part of it almost runs vertical).

 

Down the bottom of the Funicular, there is another lobby to the hotel. It also is beautiful. 

Ski runs in every direction. This place is beautiful now, and I can only imagine how nice it is in Winter.

So, then we went to the Outlet Mall. We didnt even get half way through it. Soooooo cheap! We spent the most time (and probably the most money) in the first shop -Tommy Hilfiger. I have never bought anything from Tommy (from Thailand doesnt count).

The satisfied look after shopping.

Then, after shopping, we went to this nice little town with a historic strip called Main Street in Park City. While we were there, the street was overtaken by little leaguers and they were swapping badges. Mark - you would have appreciated it. Unfortunately, this was towards the end of the day and we were over taking photos. And, it was more than 35 degrees.

Park City

At Park City I had a glass (loosely called glass) of Baa Baa Black Stout.

Hmmmmm. Did we really buy this much?

When we got back, Kylie was not feeling well still, so she had some oxygen treatment for the altitude sickness. It takes 12-36 hours to work, so we will see if it had an effect.

It was in the Spa. And, she is wearing one of her new dresses. She played Candy Crush and almost got past the level that I have been stuck on for a few weeks.

While she was there, I went to the pool. It was beautiful. I dont think you would appreciate seeing me in swimmers (NOT speedoes).

Every time I walk past the lobby, it just amazes me. Its so beautiful.

One of the amazing details of the hotel.

So, when we were riding up the funicular, there was a guy who is a mountain biker (is the word biker a verb? Do you BIKE a BIKE? Or do you RIDE a BIKE? I think title should be Mountain Bike Rider - but thats not really important to the story). Anyway, he said "Are you guys staying at the St Regis?" We responded in the affirmative. And, then he proceeded to give us a voucher for dinner at the restuarant for a three course meal. And, let me tell you it was NOT cheap! And tonight was the only night that we had to provide our own meal.

I chose the Alaskan Halibat. It had a glaze of miso and some Japanese Fruit (tasted like Passionfruit). Was AH-MAY-ZING! The entree was a watermelon gazpacho which was TD4 (to die for).

 And, then, came to the room and there was another present. Nothing for me this time though.

Some craft products for KJ

Thanks for reading and commenting.

Sorry, you must be getting sick of me by now. I just had to show you some pics from dinner tonight. It was amazing!

About 200 demonstrators and partners from Europe and South Pacific had dinner here tonight. Spectacular weather.

Colorful table dressing

My date

Table present

Menu and cutlery (featuring Stampin Up products of course)

It was like meeting Oprah.

Dessert 1

Dessert 2

As if this weren't enough - a sack of presents for Kylie awaited us in our room

.....and, earlier, we received this mini hamper of goodies.

Has been awesome! And, wish you were here.