Utah

 We entered Utah on April 12th and will exit it on May 1st. During that time we traversed the southeast third of the state. Of Utah's 5 National parks, we visited four. Utah is a beautiful state and the terrain can change quickly. To be sure there is plenty more of Utah left for us to explore, and we plan to do just that. But this was a good start to be sure. While weather forced us to miss Cedar Breaks, our hearts are not saddened nor is the trip a failure. We did the best we could. One of our goals was to not rush through madly, but not to sit idly someplace just killing time. We did pretty well allocating time for various stops. Some could have used a day more, some a day or so less.


  In visiting this area we learned about the Colorado plateau and how it was lifted. This lifting set in motion the creation of the canyons and vistas one see's today.

Colorado plateau

   Utah is so very different than Texas, some good ways some not to my liking. But that is good as if it was the same, why make the drive?

  We have learned many things on this trip, with more to go. Ever heard of Cyptobiotic soil? I have now and know of it's importance. Have added to our knowledge of the Ancestral Puebloans and other ancient peoples. We are getting a little long in the tooth, but not too old to learn and to appreciate. As we visit Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation my thoughts will include the works of Tony Hillerman. Now deceased, Tony wrote books centered around a character that was part of the Navajo Tribal Police. I have read all his books but am reading one again on this trip. He always includes reference to Navajo legend and beliefs. Many of our stops thus far have ties to those legends, including the Grand Canyon.

  We have been enjoying the rebroadcast of Ken Burn's movie, "National Parks, Americas best idea". Having been enjoying our nations parks, we are most thankful for the work to create and protect them. So much was destroyed and lost by greed. Going all the way back to Buffalo Gap in Texas, the museum there reminded us of the buffalo slaughter. That upset Mary to the point she mentioned it many times. Ken Burns movie, while celebrating our parks, also shows how greed nearly cost us many parks. Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it.


  Trivia question for you: remember the scene in Forest Gump where he quits running? That was shot facing south bound on 163 between Mexican Hat and Monument Valley. Told Mary she was in the same park as Tom Hanks as Forest in Savannah Georgia, now on same road as another scene. As close as she will ever get to Tom Hanks.


 More from Monument Valley later