Day #81, September 7

We leave Canyonlands and head east on 211. Rounding a turn near Newspaper Rock we see a flock of twenty wild turkeys, big fat females and some chicks. Lord only knows what they eat out here! Probably lots of insects.

Sunup at Canyonlands, Squaw Flats Campground

We turn south on 191 and drive through Monticello, back through Blanding and pick up 90 west bound. Very little traffic out in these parts. A few cars and trucks. Just north of Black Mesa Butte a highway flagman, or should I say flag woman, stops us. Here we sit for about forty-five minutes. Excellent opportunity to strike up a conservation. Her name is Theresa Yuza Singer, a full blood Navajo native, Mormon and card-carrying member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Every week she drives from the Navajo Indian Reservation further to the south close to Mexican Hat where she has a family, a husband and children. She lives in her car during the week to be close to her work and returns at week’s end. Time for me to quit complaining about the small shit.

On the Way to Natural Bridges National Monument

We drop from Black Mesa Butte, cross a deep, dry canyon and enter the Manti-La Sal National Forest, a remote 1.2-million-acre area centered on the La Sal Mountains, the second highest mountain range Utah, near Bears Ears National Monument.

We leave 95 and head over to natural Bridges National Monument. Another hidden gem on the American Western landscape. Infrequently visited and no less spectacular than many of the parks we have visited. In time to do a little exploring in Bridges and Bears Ears. Nice campsite overlooking canyon country.

Natural Bridges National Monument Views

I had forgotten to mention that when we camped at Hovenweep Monument we had met a fantastic young couple from Oklahoma City with whom we had shared maps. They were both geologists and were traveling around on a vacation doing what we were doing. And, as luck would have it, here they were at this campsite.

Our Geologists Friends, Vigorous and Fit, Returning from the Canyon Bottom

Bears Ears National Monument

Beautiful clear star-studded night in canyon country. Good night all. Tomorrow Bridges and Bears Ears.