near the Paria River, Utah
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The Nautilus near the Paria River, Utah |
October 25, 2019
Today's original plan was to walk a couple of miles down Paria Canyon to an unusual
rock formation; but because rain is in the forecast, I will do the prudent thing and scrub
that idea for today. Languishing in my Kanab motel doesn't appeal, however, especially
when no hot breakfasts are currently available due to COVID-19, and the hot tub isn't
even hot. Besides, I must do something to justify an 800-mile drive down here.
Part-B of the plan was to visit a little-known rock formation in the same area that
even has a name, and which has been on my bucket list for a while; so I pile into the car for the
90-mile round-trip.
Two miles behind the Paria Contact Station is the White House Campground and trailhead. Stopping half a mile short of there, I can see many hikers preparing to head into Paria Canyon despite the weather conditions. I hope that it works out for them.
That must be my venue off to the left
There is a small parking area just south of the wash. If it were suddenly to fill up with water, I would be stranded on the wrong side; but my objective is only half a mile away, so I'll take my chances on that.
The only signage is one warning vehicles to keep out
Why such admonitions are necessary is something of a mystery in this land of frequent
flash-flooding, but apparently a lot of people really are that dumb.
Now cows will be straying through here
The white rocks nicely complement the red ones
This wash is pretty interesting at that
Having already traveled the requisite four-tenths of a mile from the road, I start looking around.
Getting close, I presume
And there is is!
The Nautilus
Or rather, what is left of it. It seems that the top of the formation broke off a few years ago, leaving it rather less interesting than it was.
It curves around and out to the back
Nifty colors inside
Peering out the front
A final view
Walking back against a strong breeze, I must endure a lot of dust blowing in my face; but it doesn't last long.
§: Well, I did it and I'm glad; now I can chalk it off my bucket list.
I am pleased with myself for having bothered to make the effort.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
