Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Morning in Moab


The Eagle has landed, or in this case, the Nissan. I arrived in Moab yesterday afternoon. The weather is a bit cold, but I don't mind. It wasn't the weather I came for, nor why I decided to hit the road. It's the fresh perspective that seems to be pervading my thoughts, my life, and it feels good. Snow-capped red rock against blue sky is a pretty fine thing to wake up to.

Two days ago, while riding on the shoulders of the Rocky Mountains, I became aware of a greater strength inside me, as though I was drawing from their strength. As I emerged from the Eisenhower Tunnel, an ever-so-slightly new way of looking at life also emerged and quietly fell into step beside me. Later, while driving out of the Rockies through Glenwood Canyon, gliding along, mile after mile, curve after curve, beauty in my wake and around every corner, I became even more aware of this strength quietly moving around and through me, guiding my every move.

I was reminded of a previous trip, one I took with my sister, Jane, going out west together in the early spring of '95. We were aware that weather patterns in the mountains can be unpredictable, but we had our sights set on Pagosa Springs. So, with some trepidation and the promise of hot springs waiting on the other side, we headed up Wolf Creek Pass in the early afternoon. Jane was driving. I was navigating. Half way up the pass the snow started. By the time we got to the top it was coming down pretty good and darkness was falling fast. We had no recourse, but to keep going.

While Jane drove, I kept my eyes on the side of the road, warning her if we strayed too close to the edge. We both knew fear was starting to gain a toehold in our thinking and we found ourselves bolstering each other with false merriment over our unexpected adventure. As we headed down the pass, heavy snow was filling up the night with large, mesmerizing flakes. I think we were both quietly praying for some form of salvation there on Wolf Creek Pass.

It arrived in the form of a semi-truck, just ahead of us in the road. We were able to follow him as he blazed a trail through that snowy night, his tail lights guiding us down, every long mile of the way. By the time we finally landed in Pagosa Springs, fear had given way to gratitude and a gigantic sense of relief filled the car. Boy, did those hot springs feel good, the San Juan River running next to them, the snow lying gently along its banks.

So, here I am. Morning in Moab. A bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and raspberries for a belated breakfast, the La Sal Mountains standing sentry right outside the door. It's good to be back at my playground in the west.



I'll be sharing my own photos soon. In the meantime, another photo courtesy of JB, here in red rock country, in slightly warmer times.

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful Teresa! I'm so glad you're on the road, accompanied by your Divine sense of presence and wonder. Stay safe, stay open, and much love to you.

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  2. Any chance you'll be swinging through New Mexico, Teresa...?

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  3. I believe I will, but not certain yet when.. I will keep you posted! Thanks, Kristy, and much love to you. Love your new post! So very timely. :)

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  4. Oooh...I'm so jealous!!! Tomorrow I'll have to post on jealousy. YUK! I love Moab and that entire area. I'm getting that travel fever too, and so I'm excited for you and excited to hear of your adventures in an area I love. Your descriptions of the area, and your travel insights are such a tease...
    Have fun, be safe!!!

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  5. What amazing terrain! I never made it to Moab when I lived out west, it surely looks inviting. Really liked the story of you driving over the mountains in the snow with your sister. Sounds like fun!

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  6. Oh, I'm so JEALOUS!!!! I thought I'd be content at home, this winter, but reading this post has given me itchy feet! It might just be because I love the Southwest so much. I do love the Southwest.

    That was a pretty scary trip that you had with your sister. It happened to me a few years ago near Albuquerque and it was dark. The snow was just blinding. So I know how you felt.

    Have a great trip, Teresa, and keep us posted!

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  7. It is fun to welcome those mountains.I worked on the tunnel for close to a year, and played in the mountains all around there.You are on a good trek.
    Steve

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  8. wolf creek pass is scary in daylight and no snow, glad you made it through ok, have a good time, something so serene and relaxing about seeing those red rocks again here in your photos, one of these days I hope to do another trip out West again.

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  9. Yes! Back out to the red magic, fresh air and exploration. External. Internal. All good. The snow ride of 95' is one I much prefer reading about than experiencing. What a story! Enjoy the road sister girl. Given the time I'd be doing it too.
    Hugs,
    Chris

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  10. Lucky you, on the road again in such beautiful unpopulated country.

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  11. Even the place names you mention sound so special, so spiritual - Woolf Creek Pass - and the route must be amazing through some very spectacular countryside. No wonder you can feel a change as you travel.

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  12. Nice to be headed out of the snow. Let the warm weather penetrate your bones. Although yesterday Montana had a surprise thaw. I used an ice scraper on my sidewalks and they're so bare, I could roller skate on them. I kinda love moving the snow around. Today I'll find my little sheltered spot in the back yard and get my fill of Vit. D.
    Take care... Love and peace.

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  13. Lynn, Thanks so much for sharing the excitement of my new adventure with me. I'm glad you know the area. Nothing like a road trip...

    Bill, Thanks for reading and commenting! You have a fine thing going on over there at WildRamblings. New England offers much of the same terrain for storytelling as Minnesota. That ride down Wolf Creek Pass was indeed fun, in retrospect :)

    CherylK, There's something about those blinding NM snowstorms. I know ho much you love it out here, so maybe those itchy feet will win you over??? I hope you're having a good week and staying warm.

    Steve! A name attached to that great blog of yours! You worked on the tunnel and played on that playground - very cool. It's a great place to Be, isn't it?

    Linda S. I'm glad I can share my trip with you. There's a some great clay out this way...maybe a clay collection trip?

    Chris, Thank you so much for sharing in the excitement of my road trip. Exploration, of any kind, is always fun and interesting. Fresh air and red magic - exactly!

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  14. Linda M., The unpopulated places are what have always appealed to me the most. Real adventure starts there. You must be having some fine good times there in Old Mexico. And you're warm!

    Marilyn, Yes, I've always found the place names intriguing, too. And the scenery really is spectacular. Thanks so much for your comments.

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  15. Manzanita, There is some snow here, as well, but it's compensated by these crisp blue skies. Sounds like a chinook come through Montana?

    A hike today will be just the thing.
    Love and Peace,
    T

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  16. This photo of red sandstone weathered by ions of wind is breathtaking. The vistas here are indelible.

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  17. It is a beautiful landscape, isn't it?

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  18. Wow! I look forward to seeing your pictures!

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  19. Hi Ms. Sparrow! Nice to hear from you again. Pics coming soon...

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  20. Oh how I love the west and the mountains. Montana and flyfishing is my Nirvana but most anyplace in the Rockies will do. Not so much though in front of the Front Range with its millions of people and dry and ugly terrain and suburbia. Still thats were our family lives and I look for every opportunity to take them up in the mountains camping. Have fun on your trip and post lots of pictures!

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  21. Troutbirder, Thanks for visiting. Yes, the Front Range is another terrain altogether... The Rockies are magnificent and always a joy to be in or near. Some pics forthcoming.

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