Reliving the trip is ALMOST as good ...

Met Donna of Always Backroads to compare Utah stories and get new ideas. Check, check! Time to get out the map.

Backcountry Bluff, Utah to Angel Peak, New Mexico. To Truth or Consequences.

 I'm back "home" now, with hot water that comes right out of the wall, and a big, squishy bed. It's the same, but everything is different.

It's a hydrant that's a dog ... the circularity boggles my mind.

I've known for a while that I want to reclaim the considerable parts of overlanding (I warned you earlier) that were full of wonder and magic. 

I was just a little stuck on the notion that that life had been hard and somehow ... traumatic? Fixated is probably the word.

This is the kind of "washing" you don't want to do while camping.

I also wanted some guidance and maybe company, realigning my head. And, by head, I mean my noggin and my toilet.

That's why it was both wonder-full and magical that my friend, Mike (YES DOOD, WE ARE TOO FRIENDS!!), invited me on his trip to Utah. He is one of the overlanding royalty, entering his ninth year of this life.

I had full swaths, not just slivers, of the recognition that I am meant for this. [Mom: I am also meant for a pied-a-terre; no worries.]

I'm also not the person I was three years ago. I've written aloud that I wonder what difference that might make.

Angel Peak Scenic Area. You can scene, but you can also camp.

Mike, my gratitude for your patience and im-. 

What I forgot.

Mike and I agreed: the rain is rare, but it looms large. We retreated to our rigs with snacks and books. I forgot how claustrophobic a little Prius can feel. NAP!!

There was something about this particular campsite in a little box canyon that seemed visually-rich.

I was too late to save him.

There's a lot about Utah that seems visually-rich.

Bears Ears. Stop looking for the apostrophe.

We surrendered to the weather and ran like the wind back to Blanding for hot food and hotter showers. Pro tip: 7-11/Exxon sells the best showers in everywhere.

The real question is where to go next. Question mark. We're thinking at least to lower elevation, which means Bluff, so that the precipitation is at least liquid. Bluff? Key West?

P.S. If you see a duck, wish it a happy birthday!

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.