Summer Dream 2006

In your Chevrolet, America’s the greatest land of all. Believe it or not that tune rattled through the cranium at different times today. And tonight in one of America’s fine chain motels, Pat Boone was singing it in an oldie. Coincidence….I think not. Today was travel and, corny or not, it felt the theme, except for perhaps a couple of inspiring moments when song gives way to contemplation.

But first…. And would you believe it…nature struck again! A leisure departure time today towards Idaho began with threatening thunder clouds to the west. NO problem, the road goes north out of Vernal. And the road wound in and out of the edges of this monster. What is this, that the instability which causes thunderstorms should exist in the stable, cool morning air? The work of demons…. or of angels? Large drops… worry…. more rain… finally the suit of yellow puts aside the question. And we ride in rain for a half hour. Joe baths, singing in the rain. And surging North, the rain abates, left behind for travelers yet to come.

Another day in nature’s great amphitheater, Flaming Gorge sweeps by, engulfing all in its path. Another work of art, a majesty, brilliant vermillion, sandstone, water, carved in stone, in awe for all to see. This overwhelming gorge, through the canyon, up the cliffs, atop the mesa, and on the other side a verdant valley, landscape transformed, the canyons gone, as if Houdini lives.

Again across the prairie, then trees, then sage, then rolling hills. Wyoming an infinite number of faces. Rolling in sun for hours, another storm looms near. A detour to Fossil National Monument, escape the storm or in its midst? Six miles off the path, perhaps to return to its wrath. And thanks to Mary, fossils her strength, for the beginnings of an education, a stop at Fossil Beds was so much more worthwhile. Easy to pass by, boring to the uninitiated, but fascinating when you can see. A crocodile fifteen feet or more. It is inconceivable how many fossils exist in this region, how much life was here before humans came to the scene. 4000 million years ago when life began, 400 million when our scale of evolution began. This monument has one of the best fossil collections I have ever seen. You must go.

Today ends in Idaho Falls. A planned 250 mile day ended in 410 miles, side trips and adventures. A meal on camping stove in the room. It says no smoking, bnt not no cooking.

Time is moving on. Today, sleeveless and hatless for some last sun in the remaining days. …. and tonight, no thirst, no burn. I remember day one and two and three. The days were hot and the sun was hotter. Today it feels good. And as the sun sinks slowly in the west. we sit, Joe and I, and listen to Benny Goodman, cooking dinner, blogging, and remembering…. yet another perfect day.