My next trip starts on Monday, September 8. I will be spending some time in Colorado. My father grew up there albeit in one of the most desolate spots in the state, La Junta. La junta means the meeting or meeting place in spanish and, sure enough, that's where several railroads meet (or met- passenger trains ain't what they used to be). My father used to speak about the wind and the snowdrifts and the unbearable summer heat. He also talked about his father being an excellent outdoorsman. I never met my grandfather. He died in 1948 at age 48 due to acute alcoholism. I wish we'd known each other. I have sensed in my lifetime that some of my genetic predilections are directly linked to him and his appetites.
The stories that my Dad told me about the outdoors often revolved around the southwestern part of the state in the San Juan mountains. Places like Creede and Pagosa Springs were mentioned. This is an area I'd promised myself that I would spend time in before I died. I plan on fishing, camping, hiking and exploring. The mountains are at their peak in September in the West. The crowds and kids are gone. September is my favorite month of the year anyway. Even when I was working in the schools I loved it. The parents and kids were well behaved and everyone still had hope for a successful school year. While this made school and my job better than say, in March, I still always longed to be outside. I remember, even as a child, thinking that I was missing some important things going on in the outdoors in September. Now, at long last, I get to spend some time in the Rockies in September. Do you know the song from "The Fantasticks"? Try to remember the kind of September When life was slow and oh, so mellow. Try to remember the kind of September When grass was green and grain was yellow. Try to remember the kind of September When you were a tender and callow fellow. Try to remember, and if you remember, Then follow. I am going to "follow". Here's the tentative itinerary: September 8 Monday - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, UT September 9 Tuesday- Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, CO September 10 Wednesday - Same September 11 Thursday- Silver Jack CG - (Southeast of Montrose) September 12 Friday - Same September 13 Saturday Bridge Campground (Northwest of Pagosa Springs). September 14 Sunday Bassam Guard Station (Northwest of Salida) September 15 Monday -Same September 16 Tuesday Holbrook, AZ September 17 Wednesday Home My trips are generally set up as "tentative". If I find a place I like, and it doesn't require reservations, I'll stay and stay. I have found, however, that being literally "on the road" is what I enjoy most. It's the discovery that I like. Of course, many of the best places are found in exactly that way. I'm cutting this trip a bit short as I am required home to prepare for a baby shower of epic proportions. This should be a good "taster" of the area. I've always loved Durango and I'll be sure and spend some time there (if nothing else than to pick up a fishing license and grab a bite to eat). The drive home requires one motel night in Holbrook. AZ which is a fine western town. When I get home I'll have a bit of time to prepare for my October Utah Red Rocks trip that promises to be spectacular. After that I'll be laying low waiting for my first grandchildren to be born. The twins are coming in November which means December and January will be perfect for celebrating their birth in Organ Pipe, Cabeza Prieta and other desert wonders in southern Arizona. One last note, I've been communicating on Twitter with the excellent film director and cinematographer Eric Temple. He claims we are "brothers from another mother" and I agree. His films are all great and I own "Edward Abbey: A Voice in the Wilderness" which is truly excellent. If you can find it- buy it. If you can't buy it then see it any way possible. It's fantastic and features some other great Southwest artists and authors including the great Charles Bowden who just passed away. Charles' death is a huge loss for us desert and justice lovers. Eric did mention to me that for his next film subject he's considering either Maynard Dixon (my favorite Southwest artist) or my inspiration Everett Ruess. See? He is, indeed, a "brother from another mother"! I'll keep you posted from the road. Peace.
4 Comments
Sounds like a great trip. My wife is from Tucson, and we spent a lot of time poking around in the desert around there while we were courting and I would visit. When I moved her up to Montana, we drove from Tucson through AZ, UT, and into MT. I've made that AZ/UT/CO drive, or versions of it, three times, but never had time to linger. One of my big goals is to go down there and spend some time properly sauntering about. I've had the opportunity to spend a long Memorial Day weekend in Moab, and that wasn't nearly enough.
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9/3/2014 01:22:48 am
Hey Chris. thanks for the comment. Since you live in Missoula I'll bet you get plenty of nature. Living in overcrowded suburbia in Southern California these treks for me are as much necessity as desire. Hopefully, you'll get down to the Four Corners soon. Love your blog and that poem is perfect. Take care.
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Tammy
1/17/2016 02:18:52 pm
Hoping you could give an honest opinion of the Bassam Guard Station. Hoping to stay there in 2016. Would you have photos?
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Doc Hubbard
1/18/2016 12:10:07 pm
Hi Tammy, if you look at Trip Reviews for September 2014 you'll find a couple of pictures of Bassam. I am not a fan personally but other people seem to love it. The cabin is on pretty property with aspens nearby. However, it is filled with old items that should be discarded. Further, the cabin's cupboards are stuffed with food from previous lodgers. As a result, the cabin felt like it was overrun by mice. They kept me awake all night scurrying everywhere in the small room and getting into the cupboards, etc. I have concerns about Hantavirus. it is NOT a sanitary place- at all. I like rustic, this is not rustic- it's just filthy. Let me know if you go and what you think.
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