From my new home named “Molly’s Nipple,” I hear chatter along the semi-circle of cabins. A field of alfalfa is in front of us, and Powell Point, Utah is in the distance, a table-top series of hills with hoodoos on the sides. The sun is behind the cabins, we’ve had showers and refreshments, and all are awaiting dinner in the barn, also known as Keela’s Cathedral. Keela and Pete own the ranch, horses, and mules, and have the National Park concessions for riding. Daylean and Robert take care of food, entertainment, and all the multiple arrangements for entertaining guests. Both have children and grandchildren also involved in the work.
Today we rode the Sand Bench trail in Zion National Park. We started at the Virgin River in a stand of Cottonwoods and rode up the canyon past the Court of the Patriarchs – three mountains- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We continued on toward Sentinel Mountain. A grey squirrel whistled like a bird, and lovely big-eared mule deer browsed quietly in the forest. Rabbit brush was blooming yellow and prickly pear was in fruit. On the way to our picnic lunch at the top of the trail, we passed juniper and scrub oak.
I got too hot coming down and felt weak. Tomorrow, drink more water! Too bad I don’t like beer – they have one called Poligamy Porter – “Why just have one?” the label quips.
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