Bears Ears National Monument, Utah - Bluff edition

I understand there is great controversy over this monument. I'm just here to show you pictures.

I'm sitting at the Bluff Public Library, which most generously leaves its wifi on. It's open twelve hours a week, and this largesse fills in some gaps.

The Bears Ears Education Center stands in support of the National Monument. I stand in support of their kindness, their offer of water, their passion, and free wifi. Also, of  the Monument.

Don't look for an apostrophe in Bears Ears. I know, but just go with it.

Fancypants Mountain

I took off to tour Valley of the Gods, and to discover new lands and new civilizations. Really, to notice campsites I could enjoy at a later time. I had to thumb-war a young dad for a prime spot, but then his 4-year-old, Sophia, jumped me and I surrendered.

I'm hesitant to darn with faint praise by posting my photos of the Valley. Everyone was there - I waved but you didn't see me.

My traveling companion says these are spadefoot. I guess that makes them TOADpoles.

This spring/river is at the southern mouth of the Valley of the Gods route.

The signs warn of wet road impassibility. I'd believe them, but roads here dry out quickly.

I told Mike I was becoming more myself every day. He got alarmed. It's not that scary - it's just me with extra relaxation - like I could ooze out of Spud at any moment.

It's true: if you want to know who a person is, go camping with them. THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING.

Getting Spud rolling: Utah

My friend, James, said ""traveling" is NOT touring New Mexico again." Fine, James. I hope you are satisfied.

Another friend* has invited me to join him in a backcountry camping trip into Utah, and that felt like a spark of inspiration. I've been ignoring an itch to camp again; it's just hard to remember how to be after a while off the road. While telling a friend (for example) that I needed to remember things like "take a toothbrush," I remembered that I hadn't packed a toothbrush. I had, however, packed a poop bucket and a toilet seat.

I've just been mildly stuck. Thanks, Mike**, for the "gentle" nudges you've been offering for about three years.

*He says we're not friends. Whatever, dude.
**His blog is mildly adult.***Whatever, dude.
***Those pictures are not me! Dude!

Let me show you a picture of not-Utah:

 

He was right outside my door, and didn't even care that I was home. DO NOT TELL ME WHAT THIS IS.