Ancient storytelling

Saturday, October 19
We stayed close to Thompson Springs today. We caught up on laundry and checked out the town a bit more. We've been staying at Ballard RV Park and I recommend it if you are passing through on I70 or you want to get away from the craziness of Moab. Friendly folks here, respectful use of ATV's, level  gravel pads and reliable power. The laundry is clean as well. Loads are $4 and includes wash and dry. If no one is in the office just leave the money in the drop box!

Our site

Parking for your ATV. Users were slow and quiet coming and going. Perfect!

Quieter today. It was full the day we arrived.

Well maintained and neat park.

This old Chrysler Windsor met you at the gate.

The town of Thompson Springs has 70 citizens officially. It is a pretty dead town and it's most recent claim to fame is that it was the filming location for the movie Thelma and Louise. Still, it's an interesting drive around town. Lots of old buildings that are quite photogenic, I think.

It hasn't seen water in a while. I love the name, U-go I-go!

The old Thompson Motel. Reminiscent  of an old Route 66 motel.

This is the Blue Moon campground. Only two permanent residents here.

Thompson one room school house from 1907.

Then we headed back to the petroglyph (carved) and pictograph (painted) site 3 miles north of town.

You can see the painted red pictographs behind the carved petroglyphs. Graffiti is unfortunately also present.  

I think I know what this one means. If you handle two snakes they will bite you and you will die!

A short walk from the rock art was this natural bridge.

The road back to Thompson Springs.

Awesome scenery around here. Glad we came.

You have seen me comment how busy Arches and Canyonlands National Parks were. I heard on the news yesterday they are holding public consultations to decide what to do about the issue of congestion at Arches. Suggestions are that they require reservations to drive through Arches, or to make buses a mandatory way to view the Park. Or they are talking about building a second access road into the park and improving some of the roads and parking areas. It seems these Parks are becoming more popular and the current infrastructure just can't handle the usage. It's a tough issue. National Parks and Monuments are owned by the citizens of the USA and they should feel they have a right to see them. The trouble is the parks are being 'loved to death' and high usage may mean a degraded experience for all visitors. I wish I had an answer to the issue. Canadian National and Provincial Parks are likewise struggling to keep up with public demands and too few resources.

We're heading down the road to the town of Bluff, UT on Sunday. Internet services are pretty spotty so not sure you will hear from us for a few days. We'll be seeing Monument Valley, Natural Bridges National Park and the various sites in between.

.....and that was Our View From Here!