W. Lloyd Williams

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Blanding, Natural Bridges & Abajo Mtns

July 3-7, 2009 We were in Blanding for July 4th and though we didn't partake in the festivities, we took in most of the show from our campsite: a long and impressive fireworks display, especially for a small town (pop. ~3300), and some rowdy tunes from the rockin' band and loud crowd.

A 9-mile loop circles Natural Bridges Natural Monument park. Water and time have cut two canyons and three large bridges out of sandstone.

Canyon view:

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Short hikes are required to view the bridges. A steep hike including a ladder descends to a viewpoint overlooking Sipapu Bridge, the second largest natural bridge in the world. You may remember the word "sipapu" from prior posts, a Hopi word that means a gateway for spirits or "the place of emergence".

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A nice find along the trail - the last of the prickly pear cactus blooms:

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A 1.2 mile return trip hike of switchbacks, stairs and slickrock swings by Owachoma Bridge.

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Since Natural Bridges National Monument can be toured in a day, we had more time to explore the Blanding area. The owner of Blue Mountain RV Park suggested the Abajo Mountain Loop Trail. A single-lane dirt road navigates Abajo Mountains, part of the Colorado Plateau, for 43 miles meant for high clearance vehicles. We were told "abajo" means blue in Spanish, but others say "low". Whatever it means, we enjoyed a peaceful, albeit bumpy, ride through the mountains.

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If you want a dining recommendation, The Peace Tree Juice Cafe is the cool place to refresh. The Blanding location features local art for sale and also art from recycled material like metal. If you find yourself in Blanding, Monticello or Moab, you can find The Peace Tree. We know firsthand that Katie and Lisa make delicious paninis, breakfast burritos, smoothies, and americanos.

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-P