Southern Affair

I am madly, passion-
ately in love. The object of my
affection is warm, alluring, captivating, compelling, enchanting, fascinating, intriguing, impressive, stimulating, full of stories rich with history and never boring or dull-- The Capitol Reef, Escalante, Grand Staircase area of Southern Utah.



Just as a new love affair should, the area fills me in ways that nothing has since my first Southern Utah love, St. George. Moab, Kanab and many other dusty southern Utah towns never turned me on the way this place did. It all started with a short drive with my true loves (in my car I love--can you feel the love?) to one of the most spectacular places on the planet. With views that stop the breath, you have to pull over and stop the car. We did at every possible over look. Rich vistas of crimson rock covered with a dusting of crystal white snow, intertwined with yellow, white and gray formations in various creative arrangements. It was love at first sight. All 4 of us, instantly pulled bewitchingly into the otherworldly aura that seems to encompass the entire area.
Wanting to be included more in the magic, we felt we should learn more about the stories hidden within the amazing landscape. Stopping at the Anasazi Museum gave us a glimpse into the
lore of the land. Learning about the religious symbolism prevalent in every aspect of their lives, helped us appreciate those who did not try to tame, but live in harmony with this mesmerizing place.


The Anasazi lived both above and below ground in different dwellings. Believing that their ancestors climbed up out of the earth, they mimicked that event every day climbing a ladder into the light. Lore that added to our mystical journey.



Adding reasons to adore my new love, was the availability of affordable, comfortable accommodations. A cabin high in the mountains on National Forest land on a working ranch stocked with all the appropriate creature comforts and isolation my family desires.



Camping in a cabin is totally acceptable when the cabin has two levels (allowing for "elbow room" and "privacy" as my 3 men chanted joyously!), a bathroom complete with hot running water for a shower, and a pot belly stove, microwave and refrigerator, and 2 heaters allowing total comfort while experiencing our journey.


No sojourn into another world would be complete without good food. Hell's Backbone Grille had been on my radar for some time. A luxury, organic restaurant tucked away in the middle of Nowheresville, Utah. Reservations assured us a seat at the dinner table. Dining on food fit for the Native American Gods, secured the perfect ending to our first day.