Saturday 10/16
My plan is to camp at Sand Canyon CG then up Moki Dugway tomorrow, a steep dirt road that switchbacks up to the top of a large plateau This will get me to Natural Bridges. I have come down Moki, which puts you on the drop-off side of this narrow dirt road with never ending switchbacks. There was a couple of spots Bill felt way out there. Going up, Bill will be against the mountain.
I also thought i would stay at Gooseneck SP in stead of Sand Canyon. But i ended up in Valley of the Gods. Beautiful spot. A 20-30 mile road that circles the valley with small spurs that end at a campsite. Free, BLM land. Beautiful wide open views with multiple buttes….lots of traffic. A vehicle every 15-20 minute, some would stop and get out and walk around where Bill was set up. Not saying i didn’t have a nice spot but, people.
A older lady in a Kia van with temp plates parked about two car lengths from Bill and sat there for a while, then locked up and started walking out into the middle of the valley. No hat, no water, hiking boots. I was surprised, but hey. She returned a hour or two later and called out to me. Which necessitates we walking over to her cause i don’t have my ears on. “was i camping by myself?” Could she camp right here too?……..Really? IMMEDIATELY I say “It’s a pretty windy spot, or at least it was last night. Now that’s not a lie it’s a bit of conjecture on my part. “Oh that won’t be a problem, i sleep in my car. “Well do what you like.” as i turn and head into the schooner, shut the door and lower the blinds. Sat inside and read, listening for her car to start. Never heard it start. Waited a hour before i looked. Gone! Strange encounter.
Had a wonderful evening after all my visitors had left. So tomorrow Gooseneck SP then up the Dugway.