Showing posts with label Monticello. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monticello. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Fool’s Gold, a Book Review

It's been a very long time since we've been able to travel anywhere, and I've not been inspired to write about past travels.  I very much enjoyed doing tourism work at two establishments.  However, due to "high school behavior" and lies told to get my job (must have been one heck of a lucrative job, right?), I had to leave those establishments.  The people who did that to me, I left them to Karma, and she has done her very best to get me justice. 

Recently though, someone involved, from one of the establishments, did verbally apologize to me, for what was said and done to me.  However, the question of, "If it was verified that I was a good employee, and vicious lies were told, why didn't I get my job back?"  Something tells me that that would then become a public apology of wrongdoing, and they just couldn't have that.

Anyway, while at home, or should I say while, "forced into early retirement", I've been doing lots of reading, and enjoying other hobbies.   Recently I read a new Old West novel by one of our resident authors, and here it is...


Opening up the cardboard packaging, sliding the hard copy book out, I am immediately sent back to my child to preteen years.  The hardcover novel is reminiscent of books, geared towards younger readers, such as Black Beauty, Gulliver’s Travels, and Call of the Wild.  Hand illustrated artwork, upon the cover, draws the reader’s eye in with an enticement of what is to be discovered within the pages.

 Yet, this novel is not geared towards only the younger reader, but to the lovers of books in general.  Eric Niven, author of Fool’s Gold, has once again published a Western novel of adventure, gunslingers, greed, and good vs. evil.  His previous Western novel, The Reaper, has drama, action, humor and what is missing in many novels and movies these days of "instant gratification"...suspense!!! Several times I was on the edge of my seat wondering if, main characters, Malcolm and/or Lydia would make it out of a dire situation.

 With Fool’s Gold, action was packed in from the very beginning, and there I was again, on the edge of my seat and holding my breath till the end of the scene.  Set in the time of the Civil War era, the Confederacy is in dire need of funds to keep the war effort on target.  A detailed map, of a mine in California, must be delivered, if the South is to remain solvent.

 A stagecoach leaves Salt Lake City, Utah, in route to Carson City, Nevada, and a rail train that will take four passengers to California.  On board is Rory Sean MacTavish, a Pinkerton agent posing as a newspaper reporter; his assignment is to stop that map from reaching Confederate hands.

 Jacques Fore’, an immigrant from France, was on a journey to seek his fortune; to start a winery and make a great name for himself.  Overweight, the heat from the southwestern environment did nothing to making his journey comfortable.

Vivian Creed, a genteel young lady, from Maine, was on her way to visit her patron, and guardian.  Taking time off from finishing school, her nonstop chatter ended soon as the stagecoach bumped along.  Of course the ungentlemanly smells assailing her nostrils did not encourage opening her dainty mouth for further conversation.

The fourth passenger is Jack Thaddeus Lowe, a gunfighter and gun for hire who had decided to branch out into “security services”.  He received good money for taking on the job of getting the map to its rightful destination.  What he did not know is that another Southerner wanted that map, not for the good of the South, but the good of his own pockets.  “The Boss”, and his hired hands would do anything to get the map, find the mine, and line their pockets with gold.

Then the adventure begins when the stagecoach driver is gunned down by a sniper.  The horses are running wildly and the coach careening; will it crash and all be killed!?!  Rory climbs up top to, somehow, gain control, the coach’s wheels hit a ditch in the rough trail, and…no spoilers sweetie!

 This quote, from near the book’s end, speaks deep of life, and death, in the Old West.

“So here he was again, about to engage in a life and death struggle where men would die.  Even he might die.  He had been the means of causing death several times, but it still caught something deep inside him.  One minute a man is alive, he is a reasoning being, and the next he is useless meat.”

Oh, how I would love to tell you more, but that would ruin the entire story.  What I can say though is buy yourself a copy of this new novel, by Eric Niven.  Be prepared to have your heart racing, anxiety and anticipation build, and your fingers numb from holding the book tightly.  The ending will definitely not disappoint, as there is a plot twist no one, and their mother, would have ever seen coming.

I would like to thank Eric Niven for lending me his ARC of his novel, and having the faith, in me, for reviewing it.  Be assured that it was very difficult returning it, so now I better go buy a copy of my own, and you do the same as you will not regret it.

Fool’s Gold is currently available at: https://bhwesterns.com/book/fools-gold/ , Amazon.com, Google Books, and hopefully, soon, at San Juan Record Bookstore.

Mary Cokenour


Wednesday, January 15, 2020

ROAM Industry; Roam if You Want to, Roam Around the World.


Roam Industries

265 North Main Street
Monticello, UT, 84535

Phone: (435) 590-2741


Website: http://www.roamutah.com/








“I hear a wind
Whistling air
Whispering
In my ear”

“Roam” by The B-52s

Surrounded by majestic Ponderosa Pine; sailing upon a one-track trail and the breeze whispers into ears a blessed silence.  Welcome to mountain biking in the Abajo Mountains with Roam Industries.  Opening its doors July 2018, owners Dustin and Natalie Randall, enjoy the great outdoors of San Juan County.  They wanted to bring mountain biking, hiking and winter sports to visitors, and locals, of this vast area. 

When it comes to mountain biking, Roam Industries became the organizers and hosts of the Abajo Enduro.  A yearly mountain biking fest which has grown to a 2-day, 3-State event, and has sold out the past two years.  What started out, as a handful of friends, to ride and have friendly competition, is now a full on event, maximum participation of 50 riders!  

“…dancing down those dirty and dusty trails
Take it hip to hip, rocket through the wilderness”

“Roam” by The B-52s

Mountain biking, as well as hiking and climbing, tours are offered during the spring to fall months.  Tours are initially 1-3 days of exploring various sections of San Juan County. Climbing is mainly in the Indian Creek Valley, or what is now part of the Bears Ears National Monument. 

Roam Industries offers the service of a mobile tiny home; sleeping 7 and room for supplies; it is camping with the comfort of home.  Currently the tiny home is up at Buckboard National Forest Campground.  Sports of shoe shoeing and cross country skiing are a major draw during the winter months.  Natalie Randall helped develop the trails that extend from the Dalton Springs and Buckboard campgrounds.  Through her grant writing, Monticello has been able to expand other trails as well for biking and walking.  A hut system, throughout San Juan County, is now in the works.

Do not think cross country skiing is your sport of choice?  Dustin Randall states, “It takes about one season to learn, and become proficient, on the skis.  After that though, you will love it!”














Another benefit of visiting Roam Industries is their self-serve snack bar and relaxed seating section.  Delicious scones of Lemon Rosemary, Pumpkin, Coconut, Ginger Apricot and more are the creations of home baker, Hannah Plemons.  Crisp around the edges, tender and fluffy inside, the fruity to savory concoctions are pleasing to the taste buds.  Along with coffees, teas, water, the scones are an indulgent start to the day’s event, or a relaxing finish.  Hannah’s scones are available Monday and Wednesday at 1pm, and they are gone in the blink of an eye!




While Roam Industries did have some success with a connection with Airbnb, it is mainly word of mouth that sustains this business.  Repeat customers and great reviews feed the trickle down effects to the City of Monticello.  Hotels, restaurants, and shops benefit from the influx of visitors, their families that come along, and the friends that decide to have their own Roam adventures.  What better way is there, for economic sustainability, and development, then to have local businesses holding hands, with each other, in camaraderie?

Current winter hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1pm-6pm.  Once spring’s warm fingers begin to caress the land, more adventurous opportunities will become available.  With the summer months, family reunions are always looking for activities; how about a group tour with Roam Industries? 

“Roam if you want to
Roam around the world
Roam if you want to”

“Roam” by The B-52s

Mary Cokenour

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Hog Canyon Travel Guide.



Hog Canyon, so named for the pigs that ranchers once pastured there, is part of the Indian Creek Valley; and the northern section of the Bears Ears National Monument.  While narrow hiking trails lead up to the walls that are popular with “Crack Climbers”, ancient ancestral rock art cover the walls as well.  Carvings and drawings adorn the desert varnish with humanoid figures, animals, insects, fern leaves, circles and many other shapes.


·         Location is 29.4 miles northwest of Monticello.  Take Hwy. 191 north for 14.4 miles, make a left onto Hwy. 211 and continue for 15 miles.  Newspaper Rock is 12 miles along Hwy. 211, Hog Canyon is located 3 additional miles west and located at mile marker 4.  There will be a dirt pull-in area on the right hand side of the roadway; narrow trails up to the rock face can be seen and followed up to the rock art.




·        Difficulty: Easy to Moderate; due to the falling of rock off the walls, it will be necessary to maneuver around, or climb over, boulders.  The dirt is loose on the trails, so wear appropriate hiking shoes/boots plus carry a walking stick, if necessary, for added stability.

·        Admission: Free

·        Facilities: None at this location.  Vault toilets are located at Newspaper Rock.  Any trash should be taken out and placed in refuse bin.

·        Camping: There are five (5) BLM campgrounds located along Hwy. 211

·        Pets: Allowed, owners are expected to clean up after pet(s).  Hwy. 211 is a much used roadway which leads to Canyonlands National Park– Needles.  For the pet(s)’s safety, keep aware of their location and surroundings.

As with any site containing ancient rock art, this is a historical area, so look, but do not touch nor deface.

Mary Cokenour








Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Travel Guide to the Four Corners Monument.


 4 Corners Monument

  
Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states intersect: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. You can stand on that spot and truly be in four states at one time. 

·         Location from Monticello is either 99.2 miles from Monticello going via Hwy 491 through Colorado; or 90.9 miles going via Hwy 191 through southern San Juan County, UT.

                               Via Hwy 491                                        


   






















 Via Hwy 191



























Hours of Operation

The Four Corners Monument Visitor Center is open year-round, playing host to a variety of Navajo cultural demonstrations, as well as vendors selling handmade Navajo jewelry, crafts and food.

Open daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

* October 1 to March 31: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
* April 1 to April 30: 8 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
* May 1 to Thursday of Memorial Weekend: 8 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
* Friday of Memorial Weekend to Aug 15: 8 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.
* Aug 16 to Sept 30: 8 a.m - -6:45 p.m.

Park Entrance Fees

 Pay in cash at the gate. (The nearest ATM is five miles away in Cortez, CO.)

Adults: $5/day
Children (6 and under): Free

·         Camping: Not Allowed
·         Pets: Not Allowed

For More Information

Four Corners Monument Office
PO Box 861
Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514

Phone: (928) 206-2540

If you have not tried Navajo Fry Bread yet, this would be a great chance to do it now.  You simply cannot go home without experiencing this culinary treat of the Southwest.

Mary Cokenour 


Monday, August 5, 2019

Why Go the Mountain Path?

In this age of  "technology rules, brains drool", so many visitors to San Juan County don't have a clue as to why they are even in the area.  There was a time, an ancient time, when one did research on planning out a vacation.  Library for information, travel agents supplying guides, AAA for mapping out a quest.

Now it's Siri or Alexa...which is discrimination against the male sex...whatever happened to Tom-Tom!?!  Anyway, the majority are so busy asking their cellphones, tablets, IPads to plan out their lives for them; well people have stagnant water for brains now.

One question that always annoys me about visitors is, "Is it worth it to me to go (insert destination)?"
Umm, do I know you?  Do I know your likes, dislikes, passions, bucket list, fears, must-dos?"  No, no I do not.  While I can tell you how much it is worth to me, we  are NOT the same person, so stop asking this rather ridiculous question.  Oh, did I offend you?  Good!  Put the cellphone down, stop asking it what to do, open your eyes and start enjoying the vacation!!!  Go everywhere you can, see all you can see, experience wherever you go as if you're a resident.  On old phrase that used to carry a lot of weight with travelers was, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."  In other words, live like you live there.

So, most folks I have met are dead set on going to National Parks and Monuments only; it's all they have heard about, only thing of importance within any state they visit.  Wow, why in the world do these people limit themselves so much?  Canyonlands National Park is located in San Juan County, the entrance to the southern end, Needles, is just north of Monticello on State Highway 211.  Many people go the quickest route, State Highway 191, but forego the one paved mountain road through the Abajos.  Many are thankful when told about this alternate, quite scenic route; while others are, "Why would I want to go that way, it's just mountains and a forest?"  This is another example of limiting one's self; there is so much to see along the way, but you won't know till you go.

I'm going to show you, via photographs, why it's worth it to me.  You will have to be brave, take the journey yourself, and then decide how much worth for yourself.

Landscape

7 miles up the mountain road is Monticello Lake.





North Creek's rushing waters due to the spring thaw.





9 miles up, Panorama taken at an informational rest area.

 Shay Mountain in the distance; Storms are normal during July and August.

At 10 miles up the paved road, 2 choices; left is to Foy Lake which has camping, fishing, mountain biking trails and the road to Shay Ridge and Shay Mountain.

Right is Harts Draw Road which will lead directly to State Highway 211.






Indian Creek Valley; SH 211 will take you through this area.

La Sal Mountains and Dry Valley


If you don't mind a bit of detouring, a road can be taken from Monticello Lake which will lead to Spring Creek Road.  Lots of scenic views, but you'll end up coming out onto SH 191; or you can simply turn around, head back to Monticello Lake and then continue the journey along the paved mountain road.  Like I keep writing, don't limit yourselves!

Abajo Mountains seen from Spring Creek Road

Spring Creek is full during spring thaw.

Abajo Mountains and Latigo Wind Farm
There is an abundance of natural wonders to be seen: plants, trees, wildlife; I love photographing it all.  Ranchers often have cattle grazing up in the forest too.

Wildlife

Wild Turkeys
Mule Deer


Photoshopped to look like a walking billboard; No cattle were shaved.



Roosters are not allowed in Monticello City limits.  Someone dumped this little guy.  We
couldn't catch him and chances are he ended up a coyote's dinner.

Plant Life

Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Blooming Yucca


Colorado Aspen
Common Globemallow


Golden Pea
Lupine





Due to the drought the past two years, this plant remained in hibernation.  Winter 2018 - Spring 2019 were very wet seasons, so Milk Vetch could be found in abundance.


Stinking Milk Vetch

Utah State Flower - Sego Lily


There you go, a little landscape and nature tour while traveling up into the Abajo Mountains and then down Harts Draw Road to State Highway 211.  Very worthwhile every moment to me, but for you, well only you  can make that decision.

Life is an adventure, or nothing.  Helen Keller

Mary Cokenour