The WINs moved on to Bluff, UT, a town so small I'm not really sure it's a town. But because of all the Ancient Pueblo ruins around, it appears to be the oldest town in the US, at least according to them.
This is pretty much the whole town. We went to the Twin Rocks Cafe one night to celebrate Karen's birthday. (Notice the rusty stuff...)
We stayed 2 1/2 miles east at a gravel pit. Nothing but the best for us! We had these visitors from the Navajo reservation across the river the first day.
Just west of town is Sand Island, which contains some of the best petroglyph panels around.
It's the only place I've seen Kokopelli, the flute-playing ancient god of fertility.
Can you see why?
Some of the petroglyphs are not as old as 1000 years. You can tell because the newer ones are brighter, and some have horses, which didn't arrive here until the 1600s. And some are really new - more like vandalism.
The Bluff Fort Historic Site in town is brand new since I was here last. There are about 10 cabins furnished in authentic items from when the Mormons first came here. It looked like each one was decorated by a family, as there were lots of old photos.
You could get a free Book of Mormon in almost any language.
The Mormons first settled here after a death-defying journey that involved going down the Hole in the Rock to cross the Colorado River.
There was even one of the original wagons from the 1879 journey here. I saw where they came down to the river when I was on the houseboat in 2009. You can read about it
here.
The Hole-in-the-Rock story is fascinating. We watched the film at the visior center and it was hard to believe they were able to make that journey!
ReplyDeleteGreat petroglyph panels! Don't you love seeing furnished rooms just like they were in the past? I always find that fascinating. :)
ReplyDeleteI would have made a lousy pioneer. They were so much braver than I could ever be. Just to let you know. B & K are playing again. We didn't get down there last night but maybe next week.
ReplyDeleteLove the Twin Rocks. Did anybody have Indian Tacos at the cafe?
ReplyDeleteLove all that rusty stuff, and the petroglyphs. I've seen Kokopelli at Mesa Verde, but not so well endowed.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that the petroglyph panels aren't protected. Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to see this area one day. Happy, safe travels! :)
ReplyDeleteOn my first trip out West, I bought a little Kokopelli doll, I thought it was cute.
ReplyDeleteWhen I found what it stood for, I got rid of it quick, I wasn't going to take any chances! ;c)