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The Crater at the Homestead


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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

Quick, where is the world's only calcium "domed" crater? Where in Utah can you swim, snorkel and scuba in 90 degree azure, calm, mineral water?

Did you guess the Homestead in Midway? You're right! The long-time favorite resort in Wasatch County now has a facility that attracted over 120,000 people last year. The crater holds 1/3 million gallon of pure mineral water. It's heated two miles down in the earth and comes into the crater through cracks in the rocks at the bottom.

We all know that the Homestead has been a popular tourist destination spot for many, many years. Generally, when we think of The Homestead, we think about the golf course, the swimming pool and the great food and lodging. We have climbed the stairs to the top of the old crater and peaked down into the dark hole. Now, we can also think about additional water sports when we think of The Homestead.

Six years ago, Jerry Simons, who owns a scuba diving business at the University Mall in Orem, made arrangements with the resort to drill a tunnel through the potrock wall of the large crater and opened a new business and a great recreation facility to visitors.

Jerry used 15 tons of dynamite to accomplish the task. The potrock, made of limestone, is so hard that the blasts literally shook the earth. The side of the crater was 110 feet thick. But once inside, the water was 65 feet deep and crystal clear.

When you are in Midway, take the opportunity to swim, snorkel or scuba dive in this amazing aqua facility. If you would prefer, there are free tours of the inside of the crater where you can hear the interesting story of the geography and history of the site and see the beautiful water and the tunnel.

This is a natural addition to Jerry Simon's other business activities. He owns Water World in Orem. He also takes people to different spots around the world for scuba diving adventures. He recently returned from a three-week trip to the Caribbean with 22 water lovers.

Jerry's Homestead venture complements his business but also provides just one more reason to visit the beautiful Midway Valley.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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