Road Tripping to Bears Ears Pt.4

 Since we had another full day in Bluff, we decided to explore the area.  First up was the Sand Island (more properly, pictographs) Petroglyphs.  (By the way, if you've clicked on some of the links, you'll note that Bluff, UT has an incredible website).

Sand Island is a put in site for river running on the San Juan River.  In late October, the cottonwoods are changing, creating great Fall beauty.  

Then we decided to cruise through the Valley of the Gods.  The road was rougher than I remembered (40 years ago!) but still quite passable.  And the Gods were out in full force!

Coming out of the Valley of the Gods, we drove up the twisty road (more scary going up!) and found a road out to Muley Point Overlook.  What amazing vistas!

Then it was back down the twisty road (less scary going down).  Since we had time, we decided to drive to Mexican Hat in search of, what else, Mexican food.  No luck.  WTF!  After spending way too much money at the trading post, we headed back to Bluff.  One shot from the Mexican Hat area...

For some reason (middle of the week?), the restaurants in Bluff were closed.  We did see this place that had looked permanently closed, and not too appealing.  But, desperate for food, we decide to try the Comb Ridge Cafe one more time...  it was open and way cool once inside the "plaza" surrounding a giant cottonwood.  The food was great, and "Chester", our server, made our day.

Road Tripping to Bears Ears Pt.3

 When we arrived at Natural Bridges National Monument, we were disappointed to find the visitors center closed and no one around.  No problem paying the entrance fee, we had our Golden Eagle passes.  But what if we wanted a t-shirt?  The Park Service needs more funding.

Anyway, we drove around the loop, stopping many times to see and hike towards the bridges.  First up was Sipapu Bridge.

Then we hiked to the Horse Collar Ruin overlook.

Next up was the Kachina Bridge.

The surrounding area was fabulous...

Finally, the Owachomo Bridge.

Then it was back to Bluff via the road towards Blanding and then south to Bluff.  This highway is incredible, passing through Comb Ridge.  Photos wouldn't even begin to capture the immensity and beauty of this scenery.

Back in Bluff, the BBQ joint across from the motel was open and hopping.  Great food, even for Vegans!  That night there was a power failure in town.  But, as the full moon poked through the clouds and shined in our windows, all was good.

Road Tripping to Bears Ears Pt.2

 The next day we were off to explore some archeological sites in Bears Ears as well as see the bridges in Natural Bridges National Park.  First up was Butler Wash and the ancient cliff dwelling.

Our intrepid hikers...

Wandering around the area, I discovered a new arch, which, following tradition in a sense, named it for my self:  Ka-Sherm-Ti Arch.

Unfortunately, Rodney took a fall and was injured.  We realized then that for the continued health and safety of the rest of us, we needed to sacrifice him to the desert gods.  So we left him lying in the sand, unconscious, bleeding out, and headed back.  Saved his camera, though...  (obviously, this is BS, but he did cut himself significantly).  One last shot...

We also found this reconstructed ruin at another stop in Bears Ears...

Then it was off to Natural Bridges.

Road Tripping to Bears Ears

After months, and some cases years, of planning, four of us loaded into a rented SUV and headed south.  Soon we were joined by a fifth friend, and headed souther...

 (selfies suck!)

First stop, a bridge over the Dirty Devil River... (as always, click on the photos to enlarge, especially the panos).

Then down the canyons and up over Cedar Mesa.  We stopped again at the Moki-Dugway overlook, before descending the twisty dirt road off the Mesa into the desert flats below.  A bit of Valley of the Gods can is on the left, and Monument Valley in the distance.

We crossed this territory hell bent for Bluff and the Bears Ears Visitor's Center, forgetting it was a holiday therefore closed.  Oh, well...  We checked into the Recapture Lodge (infamous! and very cool if rustic).  Then it was off to the Gooseneck State Park.  For 5 bucks a car, we got quite the thrill!  Again, that's Monument Valley in the distance.

Driving back to Bluff, we stopped at Dukes for dinner,  Curious place, part of a modern motel complex.  Limited service, no wine (damn it!), but the food was delicious.

Finally, back to the Recapture and some needed rest.  The next day would find us exploring more of this part of Southeastern Utah.

Wisdom

 By the time I learned what I needed to know

It was too late to apply it.

--Charles Potts

The Rev. Willis Bandcamp Site

 I recently formalized my Bandcamp site and have posted several albums available for modest purchase and streaming.  Please visit and enjoy.  www.revwillis.bandcamp.com

First up is my recent live recording of Subconcious 3, doing their original jazz compositions.

I've also added the John Henry Combo from their studio recordings.  Amazingly good stuff featuring the Chisholm Brothers and David Halliday.

And for something different, site has the Charles Potts recordings.  Potts is a noted poet and songwriter from Walla Walla.  

I hope to add more recordings in the near future.  I have a vast trove of live jazz recordings, and even some surf music recordings!  I want to respect the rights of the musicians and only hope to recoup enough to cover my Bandcamp subscription.