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

Canyon Rims to Photograph Gap.

Returning to Canyon Rims Recreation Area (CR 133); we were on our way to finding out what there was to see off of North Flats Road (CR 137) past Sugar Loaf (CR 140).  Along the way, ravens kept flying overhead; and with our little raven stuffed toy on the dashboard, we felt watched over.




Staying along CR 137 this time, instead of taking that side road that circled round, it was 5.0 miles before we reached the CR 140 junction.  Like most trails in our area, 4 wheel drive is a must; take your car if you want to, but whatever happens to it is totally on you.   Out here, a standard passenger vehicle equals a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I've already mentioned this before, and hope you were paying attention.

At 6.8 miles we stopped and I took some shots of where we'd come from (looking northeast); we have the most stunning scenery in San Juan County!

Looking southeasterly, large sandstone mounds loomed ahead; at 7.3 miles, a trail on the left led to them; and to a cave area as well.  We found one of the best nature made playgrounds!  By the way, our adorable Doberman, Jenna, was with us and she was having the best fun ever as well.  It was incredible watching her maneuver up and down the slickrock, sandstone, and along the rims of the formations with such sure footing.  Here and there was a stone campfire ring, so camping is a given; there's more shaded areas near the caves, and at the bottom of the sandstone hills at the back.

Roy and Jenna.



Sculpture by Mother Nature

Roy at the top of one of the sandstone hills.

At the top of the hills, we found the sandstone slides; weathering of the sandstone created them in such a fashion that, instead of complete potholes, slides were formed.

Views from on top of the sandstone hills.

The Abajo Mountains in the distance.

La Sal Mountains in the distance.

Raven in flight.

The Cave area.

Not sure if this is weathering or writing; couldn't get close enough to examine fully.

We reached the Photograph Gap area at 8.2 miles; it's a beautiful area and no wonder Marie Ogden decided to settle here and create The Home of Truth; her cult's settlement.  4/10ths of a mile and we were on Route 211; what remains of the settlement is only 2/10ths of a mile to the east (make a left onto Route 211).

View of the Abajo Mountains.

Driving the trails, whether County, BLM or National Forest, is a must in San Juan County.  Not only do you find the most beautiful landscapes, but plant life, wildlife; and it's the biggest stress reducer that's free!

Mary Cokenour