August 7, 2006

August 7, 2006 Animal Day
So far today, I’ve seen a squirrel, chipmunk, lizard, bear cub (no picture) numerous deer, raven and little gray birds (lbg). I slept off a mountain road, county unmantained, last night. It was a twisty, rocky road through aspen, then fir and pine forest. About 8 pm I had had enough and pulled over. Slept fine! One car went by this morning. Arrived in Blanding, Utah about 10 am. Everyone there was so pleasant. Bought gas and Bob helped check my tire pressure. He referred me to the hotel across the street where I got and sent a fax. Had a Navajo taco for lunch. That is how they advertised it. It was pretty much a tostada on fry bread - delicious. At the Blanding Visitor Center, Lynne was very helpful and Linda a tourist who knew the area was too. All women over 50.
As of today, I’ve gone 2000 miles in three weeks and sometimes I think I’m trying to do too much. It is really too hot to do a lot of serious hiking. Phew! I’ve decided I’m not really a hiker but a walker.
I got a taste of what I’m missing at Mesa Verde today. A small Anazasi ruin off the road on the way to Natural Bridges. It is administer by Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Interesting the difference between language in BLM literature and NPS writing.
It is the first time in about 10 days that I have p aid for a campsite. The only difference in an established campsite is the picnic table and grill and feeling of safety. This site has no water and dump station. There are other people around which is not good or bad. I’m not afraid when I’m alone because - nobody knows I’m there!
I discovered a local writer, Edward Abbey, sometimes referred to as an ecoterriorst, I’m enjoying his book “Desert Solitaire”.