VALLEY OF THE GODS

We left "The Valley of the Gods," Mexican Hat, Utah yesterday morning by taking the road less traveled, A 17 mile twisty switchback not much better than a gravel two-track and got stuck/hung-up in a dry wash 5 miles in.  No phone service to call for help so the only option was to walk-out or pop-a-top and wait.  Just as Jackie and I were flipping the coin to see who was going to take the hike for help, two angels appeared in a Safari Jeep, complete with a snatch strap.  We tried to tug the rig forward. No go.  The Jeep dug 4 tire holes and the rig's wheels spun but didn't budge an inch.  Around to the rear and re-attached the strap. The Jeep snorted, dug another four holes and damn if the big cracker box didn't come loose and slide out.  I filled in the low spots with rocks, dropped the tranny in low, aimed a new course and hit the gas. I heard a lot of dragging and complaining from the big box but we were through that swale and only had to drag through another dozen , in as many miles, to get back out to the highway. Yes, I would have turned around if at all possible.

So life is good this morning, we're high and dry in Cortez, Colorado in a neat little RV park still giving thanks to the angels that arrived at our darkest moment.  Paying it forward, ya you betcha.


Sandstone rock formations sculpted by wind and rain over many millenniums.

 

Utah, Valley of the Gods, screams silence. Except for an occasional high altitude jet leaving  a soundless white contrail in an ocean of blue, you’ll hear only the buzzing of your own ears.

A sacredly mysterious country without porta-potties, plastic signs or finger pointing rangers. The looping 17 mile dirt road  is not for the timid and surely not for the neon-night reveler.

We hung out here four days and soaked up the silence. Our solar was undisturbed by clouds and our personal batteries were charged with humility.

Exactly why the BLM has left this place untouched, undeveloped is not understood but refreshingly welcomed.



                             Angles riding in a Jeep come to the rescue.

                          A winter's worth of wear, now back to lace-ups and long johns.