Sunday, August 9, 2009

Walk #218: Ed Abbey's House and Delicate Arch...

Friday morning. I finish up the work at the courthouse, make a few telephone calls and then drive to Moab, Utah. While there I met a knowledgeable man who told me where Ed Abbey lived in the 1970's (of course, he also lived at Arches National Park and near Ken Sleight's ranch). The house below is where he lived in the mid 70's:

It is a simple house. From here he wrote many fine books, including "The Monkey Wrench Gang". By the way, the house is for sale. Joni gave me permission to investigate how much they want for it. Joni said she would love for me to own Ed Abbey's house...

Off to Arches National Park. A petroglyph panel near the Delicate Arch Trail:


Climbing the trail to Delicate Arch should be on everyone's "life list". Climbing the slickrock to the top is sure joy. Yes, it is crowded. It should be. This is one of the best sacred sites nature has ever made.

It is around 4 pm on a hot August day. A person really should hike this trail with sunscreen, snacks, a sun hat and lots of water. Doing it on the hottest part of an August day with inadequate physical training is not recommended.

Oh well. I coaxed my Michael Mooreish body up the trail. Hot sun blazing. On the way, I made sure I had my health insurance card with me.

I did bring water. And two Snickers bars (the best energy bar ever made).

And here I am at Delicate Arch...






4 comments:

Tim Koppenhaver said...

I'll chip in if you need an investment partner! :) Edward Abbey was one of the best.
Moab sounds like an amazing place. I hope to make it there some day.

lph said...

Allan,

A great motorized ramble across the west is always great fun. I have done it a few times and have always been energized by the adventure.

Seeing your photos of the Arches landscape sparks memories of days past.

What a great way to add some spice to your walks.

Walk on(ward) my friend!

Larry

greentangle said...

Haven't checked blogs in a few days so first, congratulations on keeping the girls.

Second, did you buy Ed's house to celebrate?

Third, this post made me think of The Dead Man at Grandview Point!

Allan Stellar said...

Tim,

I haven't called about the house yet. Joni and I are a little short on cash right now (so we would welcome an investment partner). Not many people know that the house above was Ed Abbey's. Took a bit of digging to find it.

The man who told me of the house actually owns Ed's Red Cadillac. He offered to sell that to me for $26,000. I was tempted. The Cadillac is being sold as a fundraiser for an enviro organisation.

I also learned some stuff about Ed that I promised not to publish. I am a man of my words...

Green,

Thanks...

As for Deadman's Point---yup. I was writing in the Allan Form of St. Abbey's Style. A keen eye you have...

Larry,

A trip to the canyonlands always energizes me. I lived near there for a few years and have spent much time in Arches, Canyonlands and the vicinity. I couldn't pass through without a trip to Delicate Arch.