Old Homesteads Have Everlasting Charm.

Today is the first day, after about six continuous days of snowfall, that I have not shoveled or laid down ice melt.  So, I have decided to go back in time, to July 2016, and relate a tale of old homesteads.  I happen to enjoy taking photos of old cabins, barns, houses; stonework, wood, or combination thereof; they have history behind them, and charm.

Sunset was around 8pm, so after dinner we decided to go on a short gallivant; check out some of those county roads north of Highway 491.  5.1 miles - CR 308 (Hallers); South on Hwy 491; directly across and North on Hwy. 491 is CR 362; 1/2 mile north on CR 362, turn east onto CR 335 (North Old Highway). 

Here's a map to help follow our little drive.

There are alternative county roads to access CR 335 from Hwy. 491:

Eastland Tower in far background.

CR 335 is one of those pretty, scenic roads where you don't mind taking your time as you drive along; definitely a good way to relieve any stress tension and get into relaxation mode.

Except if you're me; my excitement comes when I find old homesteads, cabins, barns, even windmills.  They tell stories of when the pioneers and ranchers first began to settle the Old West.  I do get disappointed when I can't find the owners around, and ask if I can explore and take photos; sometimes they even give me a verbal history about the buildings.

Old Planks.

Before we knew it, we'd reached CR 370 (Ucolo); we went only about a mile north and found this old tree house in a field.  There was an old foundation too, but really nothing else left of whatever building(s) had once been. Up ahead we saw modern day homes, barns, farm machinery; and they just weren't that interesting; so we turned around and decided to take the southern end back to Highway 491.


















Jackpot!  More old homesteads, plank fencing, pieces of farm equipment; a photographer's paradise.

Homestead #1

Farm Equipment Lying About.

 Homestead #2

Fencing made from Planks.

Almost to Hwy 491, we were graced with a raven in flight.

Before going directly home though, we visited Shake Shack; Roy's favorite is pineapple, and I love the mint; perfect ending to a perfect gallivant.

Oh, one side note: we also found out that Utah Highway Patrolman, Sanford Randall, was able to find our friend's camera that had gotten lost at the Blanding 4th of July Parade.  Ivy Kropf happens to be Amy Watkins Kensley's sister; and since the Watkins family adopted Roy and myself, well they're our sisters too.  Anyway, all's well that ends well.

Mary Cokenour

Mary Cokenour

Bear Cave, and Mammoths Too!

Richard Watkins, Age 79

Known to locals; often hiked to as a family event; location passed on to each new generation; that's Bear Cave in San Juan County, Utah. As part of our July 4th family day with the Watkins Family, Roy and I became part of this generational event.  Well, we were adopted by them after all, so it stands to reason we know this family secret.  That's right folks, this is a well kept secret among San Juan County families, so I will NOT being giving directions or even landmarks to this location.

First, let me introduce you to the patriarch of the Watkins Family, Richard Watkins, age 79 and who will be 80 come February 2017.  This sweet, gentle man decided that Roy and I were as close to being family, as were the blood relations.  Basically his daughter Amy is our sister, as we are brother and sister to her; and now we have two new sisters, Ivy and Jan; along with a slew of nieces and nephews now (their children).  This proves the fact that water can be as thick as blood; consider this a life lesson from "This Ole Wise Woman".

The climb down into the cave, and returning up the other side, is not easy; there are boulders to climb over and between; fallen tree trunks to get over; many tight spaces and hugging of walls along ledges.

The Climb Down begins.

Looking back up to the top of the climb.

 Looks easy along here.

Victoria wondering, "Why are you so slow!?!"

...or Not!

Bessie and Victoria show how to squeeze through.

Not getting any easier.

Squeeze through some boulders.

The Log of Sad Memories and Remembrance - the last time dad's wife, Marie, came here with him, her foot became entangled in a bush and she fell.  Previously diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a stent had been placed in the artery. When she fell, the stent was damaged; subsequent internal bleeding took her away from her family and friends.  While dad has been here afterwards, it's no longer a place of sadness, but remembrance of his sweet Marie.

Sliding down the pathway

Hug that tree!

Welcome to Bear Cave

Bear Cave is immense; as you can see from the photos, viewing the family inside gives a good depiction of the size and depth.  Rock art adorns the walls, as does modern graffiti from locals who could not resist adding their names to the walls.  Unfortunately, the ceiling and walls of the cave have been flaking for generations.  Back in the 1950s, the Bear and two Mammoths were quite discernible; now only one Mammoth remains (partially) while time has erased the other.

The Cave Drawings

Graffiti from locals.

Ceilings and Walls are flaking.



The one remaining Mammoth

Mammoth outlined

 



The Bear

Bear outlined

 

Humanoid Figures

 

 

Looking out from the Cave.

I presume that the trees that now rise up tall in front of the cave were mere saplings when it was inhabited by ancient Native people.  Back then, they would have had a grand view of the canyon beyond.

Knowing dad (yes, Roy and I call him dad), he was thinking about his wonderful Marie; she was there in spirit, keeping an eye on all of us, and smiling the whole time.  Well, we were there as family, and that was very important to her; family.












....time for the long and strenuous climb up to the top, back to our vehicles for much needed fresh, cold water and snacks.  Hope you enjoyed this newest adventure, and no, I'm still not telling the location!

Mary Cokenour