What a View

It has been over two weeks since my last post, and I hope you remember where we were. Between having a relapse of my infection and a general lack of motivation, my mood has been less than stellar. I found out that I should have been on the antibiotics for two weeks instead of just one. Let’s hope it gets rid of it this time, as getting up to pee several times at night, as well as all day is not any fun. I apologize sincerely for not staying up to date and posting regularly. My plan going forward is to post at least every Monday and Thursday, with additional posts in between, as I catch up and may have more than a couple posts to share at a time. I hope not to leave so much time pass, even if it is only a simple post. I’m working on having a positive, energized mind set, feeling less defeated and more ambitious...and that should help. I have been a little more productive today. I made breakfast, wiped the dust off all the surfaces, and shoveled some dirt into the potholes. That is more than I have done in total for the past month. I can feel my attitude is much more tolerable when I have the sense of accomplishment from doing things, and the day is not half over!

The Anticline Overlook, which is south of Moab, has been one of our favorite places since we were first here 5 years ago. With extraordinary views in each direction, it’s easy to see why. The Colorado River canyon is on one side, and Kane Creek canyon on the other, giving the overlook a vantage point above them. You can see in all directions for what seems like hundreds of miles. Another perk is that there aren’t any crowds here pushing, shoving, or being inconsiderate like many other magnificent spaces. We had the place almost to ourselves both times, and this time we didn’t meet anyone along the paths while there was one car in the parking area when arriving and gone when we departed.

Sweeping from right to left, we had views into Kane Creek canyon, where the sun light showcased immense vertical walls of red stone that are carved into irregular shapes by the elements. Snow capped mountains rise above the plateau to the east, showing the diversity of environments nearby. The path of the creek as it weaves back and forth is easily followed as it is the only green to be seen. Off-road trails are just as easy to pick out as they meander along the canyon floor, vehicles looking like tiny ants bringing morsels of food back for the colony. Railings along the viewpoint edges are meant to keep us safe, also giving inspiration to Tom for some creative photos. He seems to have a better eye for that.

Views to the north feel like you could see to Canada (I know they really don’t go that far). Moab is in this direction, but the buttes block it from our sight. The focal point in this field of vision is the remaining section of the butte that used to extend from this overlook. It’s been ravaged by time, but its craggy remains manage to stand tall and strong despite being isolated now. The off road trails curve their way up one side, through a pass out of sight to the north, and back out the other side. One day, we’d hope to find ourselves on that trail. Unfortunately, we’ve been pampering the Liberty, awaiting parts and repairs. We’ll delve further into that in another post, but the drive will have to wait for our next return.

Panning farther left, our views present a much wider canyon carved by the powerful Colorado River, winding through the middle of it I think the most spectacular feature here is the electric blue pools of the potash ponds. They stand out like a gem surrounded by all of this red sandstone, and can range in color from the vibrant blue to turquoise, yellow, orange, or white, depending on how much water has evaporated from them. It was fortuitous to be here when most of them were the electric blue. The Kane Creek Anticline rises on the opposite side of the canyon, showing layer upon layer of rocks pushed up by the seismic forces below. The bulges and angles are quite visible in person, although they don’t translate as well in photos. More off-road trails can be spotted wandering between the river and the bluffs, but do not seem as busy as the other side. We think we spotted some campers next to the river, but they were too far away to know for certain.

While this is still one of our favorite places, I tarnished it a bit this day. My stand-offish attitude and frumpy behavior took away from it both for me and Tom. While he pointed out so many things, I kept mostly to myself, sharing little to nothing in return. I am better than that. Hopefully I can put a shine back on the Anticline Overlook, as it is too beautiful not to enjoy. It wouldn’t have taken much to make it another wonderful visit. Lesson learned: Enjoy your time with loved ones and friends, you will never get the moment back. Fervently grasp every opportunity to make the most of every moment.

With any luck, we will be back here again later this year. This will give me a chance to restore the excitement and pleasant memories of a place dear to us. It is one of the special places, and needs to remain that way.

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