Capital Reef is a giant buckle in the earth’s crust that
stretches over 100 miles across south-central Utah. The formation is actually called a
Waterpocket Fold. Imagine 100 miles of
this…
Amazing rocks lay at the base of the tall cliffs.
Not all formations look alike.
Many are only one one side of the road. The other side looks like the desert it is, flat
with juniper bushes, this beautiful yellow flower I have yet to identify
(help?), and tourists with cameras.
Slot canyons are in the park – this one is a 1 mile walk
down the riverbed into the slot canyon.
The slot canyon was the only way through the Capital Reef in
the late 1800’s when the area was settled.
It was dangerous - a sudden
thunderstorm, even 50 miles away, could cause a flash flood that would fill the
slot canyon in minutes. Today, warnings are posted
everywhere, advising checking the weather carefully before you hike there. The old explorers and settlers did use the
river canyon, though, and were proud to place their names in the “pioneer
register” on the slot wall.
Of course, there were many before…
Like wasn’t easy.
This cabin sheltered mom, dad, and 10 kids. The parents and two youngest slept in the
cabin. The girls made beds in the wagons
outside. The boys carved sleeping holes
in the rocks. Mmm…
A few of the Mormon settlers did manage to make a good life
for a while. Nestled in the bottom of
the canyon, against the above-mentioned flood prone river, they were able to
divert water and raise fruit trees, dairy cows, chickens, and produce. The little community was named Fruita. Living with the constant threat – and reality
– of flooding, no more than 10 families every lived there at one time, but some
did last until the late 1960’s.
On Monday we drove down into Arizona, to Canyon de
Chelly. The trip was beautiful. We passed through endless miles of scenic road that
we loved (we have learned that "scenic highway" does not mean "good highway"...)
Put the rv into places that you usually see in the promo
ads.
One particularly beautiful spot was overlooking the Glen
Canyon, which holds part of Lake Powell.
WOW is all we can say.
Rocks seem to just spring up out of nowhere.
Next, Canyon de Chelly --
The Canyon de Chelly National Park is a bit unusual as it is
a shared responsibility with the Navajo Nation. The park
is indeed a national one, but as the land is Navajo reservation, it is
also home to many local Navajos. It’s a
bit unusual to see both a national park and scattered homes in the same
space. To respect the privacy of the
locals, visitors are allowed to view at the overlooks, but to hike, you must
employ a Navajo guide (there is one hike that is the exception).
Also, the Navajos are allowed to peddle their art wares at
the overlooks. There are some beautiful
paintings, pottery, and jewelry, but they are expensive for me. Our campsite is a private enterprise by a
local. Advertised as an “all natural
camping experience amidst the junipers and pinon pines”, it does live up to
that definition.
We hurried in around 5, as thunder and clouds forecast rain
– made it just in time. The winds picked
up the red dust, blowing it everywhere.
Then the rain started – our RV must be a nice red tint by now. We are settled in, no reasons to leave the
RV, and comfy for the night. Smoke felt
she had a long day and neeeeded some Daddy attention.
But! Before we got to our campground, situated at
the far end of the rim trail in the park, we did stop at several overlooks. Here is a view of the canyon that the Navajos
have lived in for over 300 years. It’s a
wide canyon – that small square is a house.
Here is White House.
Early Native Americans, the Ansazi, lived here, up to 100 people in this
structure. You can see the bottom and
top (the part built into the rocks).
Still raining….hope it stops by the morning. I have (I think) officially finished my hat
pin collection of the parks and places we’ve visited. Good thing, as I’m running out of space on my
purse!
Tuesday - we left for Albuquerque to visit Luke’s
uncle for a couple of days. After that, we
will be making a straight shot for home-sweet-home and the beautiful fall
colors.
By the way - we have finally seen that elusive bird of the SW - the Road Runner! We've wanted to see one. After almost 2 full months in the SW desert, here is the rascal. In the gas lot of the truck stop in Albuquerque....
I think truck stop living has made him into one tough little bird!
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