We awoke in a cool canyon wonderland, the high red cliffs and domes contrasted sharply with the vibrant green in the canyon below. After a quick breakfast of green tea (I’d eaten the rest of my snack food yesterday.), I joined Sharon and Lindy on the way down to the creek. Passing numerous minor cliffs and a dead horse along the way. Travis had told us he’d ridden his ATV down this trail. He must be psychotic.
Once down among the oaks, aspens and cottonwoods, we filled up at one of the small springs in the creek bed. Squirrel Creek was flowing well with good water, but the water got steadily worse as we dropped down the canyon. By the time we reached Short Creek, the water was intermittent and nasty. Cow signs were omnipresent lower down.
As we dropped down toward Hilldale Utah/Colorado City AZ the landscape grew steadily more impressive. Larger canyon walls and monoliths dominated our surroundings. On the other hand, as we approached civilization, it’s signs increased as well. Trash piles got bigger, fences more frequent, road more convoluted, until finally we reached the outskirts of town.
These twin cities on the AZ/UT border are a fascinating place. Everyman wears a bright white shirt with a black tie and every woman wears a dress. Houses are in a state of permanent construction/addition. Everyone was cordial, but obviously not please with us.
We reached the highway and the only open store in the vicinity: A gas station/convenience store/café combo. The café was called “The Merry Wives” café; at least someone in town has a sense of humor. We had a quick breakfast, resupplied and took off fairly rapidly, walking down the highway in unbelievable wind. Occasionally we would loose sight of each other in the distance because of the dust.
After four miles a small family took pity on us and gave us a ride to 239. The rest of the day was spent on straight flat dirt roads walking headlong into gusts approaching 50mph. The sun set shortly after we reached Yellowstone Spring. We walked another three miles under the near full moon before camping in the wash.
No comments:
Post a Comment