Greetings all!
It has been a few days since we've written. Between fatique, a lack of internet connections and of course traveling, we've gotten behind. At any rate, today finds us in Monument Valley having arrived late last night. We toured Canyon Valley en route here [well a third of it since it is very broken up in terms of access] and totally enjoyed the massive buttes and mesas. The pictures we have taken, while technically good, are hugely inadequate to the task of describing the landscape.
One of the things we've made a point of doing is to hike nearly every day we are in a park. Today was no exception. We took a 4 wheel drive road as far as we could and then hiked maybe 2 & 1/2 miles to the lip of a canyon. Our goal was to find the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Alas, we did not and we might even been within a short distance but not have known it. No matter really - we found a large flat rock and enjoyed the moment with not a soul within 10 miles of us.
The title of this blog speaks to a feature of American roads that I've not seen as much elsewhere. Roadside signs marking events, topographical features and quirky little stories. These signs are literally everywhere and while in NH, I would occasionally stop by them for the 2 minute it took to read them. Out here, we've really made an effort to stop by as many as we can. They tell of stories important enough to someone out there that they research it, fund it, make a lasting posting, and go to the effort to erect it at the spot. They speak of outlaws hiding out in a canyon and being starved out and feeling grateful it was not the ranchers that they had robbed that found them. They tell of geologic uprisings, hardy travelers with 7 children and a tolerant wife living in a dirt floor hut for 10 years. They tell of prairie dogs, antellope, elk and that bears have been recently sighted. They share animal protection strategies such as don't fight a bear if he attacks [right.....] but do fight a mountain lion. And mind you, this is all contextual in that you, while reading this sign, are actually IN bear or mountain lion country so it is QUITE relevant.
So, for what it is worth, take the time to read these signs. Even around the area you live. Amazing stories can be found. And it has the added benefit of slowing you and [and us] down.
Spent a few days in Salt lake city - saw the major buildings of the Mormon faith. Had my usual aversions but a pleasant day nevertheless. Found an art gallery and a comedy club later that night. Also a very nice Italian restaurant.
Wound our way down to Arches National Monument and took three hikes the later of which was to delicate arch [photo] and brought us down in the end to nearly total darkness. Good hikes though totalling about 8 miles. Spent last night in Moab Utah.
I will be thinking of that restaurant as we dine tonight since Monument Valley is in a Navajo reservation and there is NO alcohol.
Don't forget to write!
Matt
