Dalton Wells to Klondike Bluffs - Part One.

Almost three years now since we first visited Dalton Wells, and I did a blog post on the Concentration Camp that was there in the 1940s.  Driving through again, the wire and wooden post gate is not there, and it is easier to see the remaining foundations of the buildings that once stood on the land.  RV campers were now parked in areas we would explore and let the dogs run free, ATVers zoomed onto one trail from another; and this was only April! 

Well, we came all the way up here to Moab to explore some trails we'd not done before, and it wasn't long before we came to an information board.  Now I know our maps indicated we could reach Klondike Bluffs and Copper Ridge from Dalton Wells, but this info. board verified it for us.



It is best to have 4 wheel drive out here; the trails are natural terrain, maybe slightly graded, but that doesn't mean the weather didn't have a picnic tearing ruts into the dirt.  Very soon we came to an uphill section that basically was rock crawling over slickrock. but it quickly turned back to sandy soil and remained that way until we reached Route 191 again (yes, it's a loop trail).  The landscape, to a novice, would look mainly the same; but after traveling up, down and all around these desert trails for seven years, we could pick out the differences easily.  The majority of trails are well marked for ATVs only, mountain biking, 4WD, hiking or combination.

Part of the uphill slickrock section of trail.

Of course none of my desert posts would be complete without showing an example of plant life; delicate flowers growing out of the sand and rocks.

Funnel Lily (Lily family)

Silvery Townsendia (Sunflower family)

After many a twist, turn, uphill, downhill....ok, spare me a moment to vent.  Why the hell do people come out here and complain about the trails, and that they are not paved?  Seriously, get a grip and pull hard!!!  Anyway, before beginning an ascent, I decided to take a photo of where we had come from, and where we were continuing to.



Looking Back



The Road Ahead.

We were driving along when we began to see the Klondike Bluffs in the distance; we'd seen the road to them off Route 191, but kept putting off traveling on it.  So I better warn you now, there will be two more parts to this adventure...Copper Ridge  - Dinosaur Tracks and Uranium Mines; and a closer view of the Bluffs, Tower Arch, and the Marching Men...part one, what you're reading now, is your basic tease.

Three Panoramic Views of the Klondike Bluffs

Moab is a very much used area for the film industry and commercials; so it was not unusual to find the remains of a movie set.  This was from the 1968 Western, "Blue"; and while I learned about the Southwest via western television shows and movies, this was one I did not see.  From the reviews I've read, I didn't miss much.

Pottery Shards, NOT Authentic Native American

We got a better viewing of Klondike Bluffs, and the Marching Men, as we made our way westward.  There were trails that led closer, but that's for the telling in Part Three, and will include Tower Arch.  So, once again, here's a tease.

Some of the "Marching Men", but actually they look like knights from a chessboard.

Almost to Route 191, and we can see the Moab airport; there is an information board with mountain biking trails outlined.  While we saw a few mountain bikers on a hill; we did see dirt bikers too who were kicking up lots of dust.  That is until they saw me taking photos, suddenly they slowed way down...not sure if they were posing for photos, just being polite, or both.



Route 191 Ahead.

Looking back at Klondike Bluffs.

 I've added this map to help you see the trails, also this will help you understand parts two and three, and where we exactly were.

We spent two days traveling around, and it still wasn't enough!  I guess you could say we're desert junkies, but this addiction is extremely healthy....better than kale smoothies, that's for sure!!!

Mary Cokenour

Celebrating 50 Years with Stan Bronson.

Saturday, July 2^nd, 6pm, people walking into San Juan High School, solos; couples young and old; carrying young children; helping older folks with walking canes or wheelchairs.  Tickets are purchased, greetings heralded between friends and family members; this social event is definitely a joyful occasion.

7pm, seats have been found;  happy chattering between rows…the lights of the auditorium dim and a voice is heard from behind the stage.  “Here I lay, at night, watching the stars on fire...” and out strolls Stan Bronson, singing the title song from his first album, “Down From the Mountain”.  The audience erupts with hoots, hollers and hand clapping; Stan Bronson is a much loved son of San Juan County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now as Stan explained it, this was the 50^th anniversary of the album being recorded and sold to the masses.  However, it was actually in 1965, a 51^st anniversary of his first concert at San Juan High; 1200 audience members, including Albert R. Lyman himself.  Stan's aunt, Cleone Bronson Cooper, offered to pay recording expenses if he would record his folk songs "for the sake of history"; smart woman!  Now while I could recap Stan’s entire history in this article; a great write up already exists at his website: http://worldmusicplace.sharepoint.com/Pages/AboutStan.aspx or http://www.stanbronson.com

Stan Still Has the Original Hat from the Album Cover Photo

In between lyrics, or between songs, Stan would give joking comments and the audience would wholeheartedly laugh.  He reminded us of the stories behind the lyrics; events that actually took place in San Juan’s historic past, or slightly embellished.  For the song, “Posey”, two women and a young child, from White Mesa, came up on stage to sing with Stan.  The oldest of the women was the granddaughter of Posey himself!  With many songs, the audience sang along; sometimes tears were wiped from eyes as the words hit the heart.  I must admit, I’ve listened to Stan’s albums, love the songs, and wiped a few tears myself as I knew the stories well from my travel blog research.  Strange coming from a woman who believes that listening to heavy metal music is relaxing.  Requests were asked for, and I gladly yelled out, “Cowboys, Indians and Mormons” which he played, along with “Navajo Eyes”, “The Hunter” and a few more.

 

 

Posey's Granddaughter - Woman in Green Shirt

 

Stan played to all sides of the auditorium; you would swear that he looked directly into your eyes and he was singing a song just for you.  He admitted that the stage lighting was keeping him from seeing the audience well, but you would never have known it.  His eyes are piercing, but there is a gentle, kind, sweet soul emanating from them.  As Blanding resident, Terry Hatfield, told me later on, “He was that even in school, even though I was an underclassman and he was in high school, he knew my name and always said hello when we met. Just an all-around nice guy.”  My good friend, Amy Watkins Kensley, introduced me to Stan’s music by giving me a great present, the double album “Songs of Old San Juan” (Down From the Mountain/Cowboys, Indians and Mormons). 

 

 

Near the end of the concert, Stan talked about his friends and their high school band; he asked for the lights to be turned up and walked down the stairs to be closer with the audience.  Switching to the same guitar he used in this band, Elvis Presley songs were then played, and everyone roared with pleasure, especially the women.

Afterwards was the meet and greet; CDs purchased were autographed by Stan; I even got one of his handkerchiefs autographed…going to frame this for sure!  Photos were taken, hugs; it was great…sorry Bruce Springsteen, you’ve got nothing on Stan Bronson.  Totally a most awesome night of music, storytelling and overall enjoyment.

Amy Watkins Kensley with Stan Bronson

Me with Stan Bronson

 

By the way, I did film some of the concert; not all as, well, my arms were getting tired from holding up the camera.  I am very happy I didn’t film it all; the up close and personal sensation of watching, and listening to, Stan was a deeper impact than experiencing it through video.  If you want to see his performance of “Blue Mountain” though, go to his link: https://youtu.be/EHOJXXMZtiA

 

 

 Mary Cokenour

 

Harts Point Road is 15 Miles of Awesome!

So many people do it, drive up the paved mountain road, up and over the Abajo Mountains, down Harts Draw Road and onto Route 211.  They either head back to Highway 191, or towards Newspaper Rock and Canyonlands National Park - Needles District.  Seems the sign saying, "Indian Creek Recreation Area" is bypassed; recreation?  Why in the world would anyone be interested in recreation?  'cuse me while I roll my eyes for a bit.


Ok, now that my eyes are back in focus, I can continue.  Indian Creek Recreation Area is more than a primitive camping area; there are 4 wheel drive trails, ATV trails, campsites, breath taking scenery.  Harts Point Road (San Juan County Road 137) is 15 miles itself, with trails leading off all along the way; it ends at a sandy and slickrock area which has three ATV trails just at this point.  The road itself is red dirt mixed with sand; now and then slickrock will stretch across a section; dry washes are easy to drive through.  4 wheel drive is a must!

Harts Point Road mainly runs parallel with Highway 191 and Route 211; also with the road that runs past Photograph Gap and up to Canyon Rims Recreation Area.  Elevation does ascend the further you head inward, so you end up getting outstanding views of Dry Valley, Harts Point, Donnelly Canyon and the Indian Creek Valley.

Dry Valley

Harts Point, one of the interesting formations within.

Moon over another section of Harts Point.

We passed by two old corrals with windmills; and a grey hill here and there, with obvious track marks.

Glimpses of canyons off Route 211 are seen when the land flattens out, and there is low lying shrub growth.  Donnelly Canyon was one, and we were basically riding eye level with rock walls that loom up when you're driving along Route 211 way down below.

...and then comes the first sighting of one of the Sixshooters.  

Background - Bridger Jack Mesa.

Before you know it, the landscape opens up again, Bridger Jack Mesa and the South Sixshooter are just visible.  A sandy descent brings you to ledges and then it fully opens up before you...Bridger Jack Mesa below, you're eye level with the South Sixshooter; the whole experience is breathtaking!!!

It's difficult to get over the completely serene feeling of standing on a ledge, eye to eye with the South Sixshooter; a desert tower that looms over those driving along Route 211 way down below.  Starting up the sandy land, that's when it happens....it's quick and sudden; you're totally caught off guard.  A swarm of kamikaze blood sucking fighter pilots attack!  Gnats!!!  Gnats out here are as large as flies; they are relentless and vicious; no amount of bug spray or lotion deters them from their main goal...sucking your life's blood.  Clutching both cameras in one hand, I swatted this way and that.  Alas, I was bitten mercilessly; finally obtaining safety within our vehicle and slathering on anti-itch cream.  Traveling, hiking and climbing around the Four Corners area, you learn quickly what items should be in the first aid box.


At mile mark 15, the dirt road ends at a rocky, sandy campground area; there are three ATV trails around.  It is a beautifully peaceful place to rest up at.

View from the camping area at mile mark 15.

Plantlife time!  The prickly pear cacti were in bloom; here are a couple of photos of a yellow blooming one.

After we returned to Monticello, we shared a meal at Shake Shack; fresh cut fries, a double stack patty melt, and above the rim shakes (mint for me, pineapple/coconut for Roy).  A perfect ending to a perfect adventure.

Mary Cokenour