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Saturday, April 11, 2015

Something Old, Someplace New

Well... at least new to me.

For years, we've driven Highway 163 through Mexican Hat to Blanding and on to Moab for our nearly annual Green River odyssey. Once, we stayed at Sand Island before a San Juan River trip, and once, I drove the Moki Dugway as part of a solo Lake Powell kayak trip years ago. All told, we've passed through the area about 25 times and never taken the time to explore it.

For the past week, I've had my nose in some books and maps including some new purchases now that we have some room on the bookshelves. I'm headed for southeastern Utah looking for ruins and petroglyphs. I'll have three weeks before I need to be back in town for a few days. The weather should be perfect for hiking and I'm told I should be ahead of the cedar gnat hatch.

There are several well regarded books about the area. I chose the Michael Kelsey book because I had two other books of his. Not easy to read, but LOTS of information if you're willing to dig for it.

We've been blessed in life to know a professional cartographer who does wonderful updated versions of classic USGS Quad maps. She concentrates on maps of high interest in the west. When I checked Amtopo, I saw that she had the Sugarloaf Butte map, but the map covering Mule Canyon wasn't listed. I sent her a note and she responded that she had the Hotel Rock quad 90% completed and if I could wait a couple days, she'd have it ready.

I'd say that's a pretty fresh map! The declination rose is dated this past Monday.

I'll start heading north tomorrow. I'm looking forward to visiting ruins and rock art of Ancient Puebloans along with a few hikes just for the view. I might loop through Grand Staircase, Bryce, & maybe Zion on the way home, or maybe loop through Green River and Moab.  Choices, Choices.

6 comments:

  1. Oh, I love those maps! So cool to get one with the declination date ink still damp! Can't wait to see where you end up...

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    1. They are superb maps! Shari (and her husband Ian) is a wonderful friend. I hate to think what projects got pushed aside to finish that map for me.

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  2. We camped at Muley Point just at the top of Moki Dugway. Hardly anyone else there and a great place to hike along the rim with fantastic views. Also enjoyed the hike to Fallen Roof House ruins. There are so many ruins and so much to explore in that area. Look forward to see what you find!

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    1. I'm planning to concentrate on the area closer to Highway 95 this trip before heading to to Horseshoe canyon.

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  3. Wow! Wish I was there with you. Love that area. Looking forward to a fantastic trip report.

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    1. This trip report is going to last for weeks if not months!

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