October 28, 2010

Padre Pass

After some study on where the Dominguez-Escalante Expedition crossed Strawberry Ridge in 1776, Steve thinks he's found the spot.  Although the pass is unnamed, he has dubbed it Padre Pass, labeled in green in the photo above. Padres Dominguez and Escalante were making their way from the valley that is now covered by Strawberry Reservoir (they called it Valle de Purisima) through the Wasatch Mountains to Utah Lake.  They were the first non-native Americans known to venture through the area. 
We were drenched in orange, since it was the last day of elk season. 
These hunters watching from a ridge weren't likely to find any game, since any intelligent elk was surely in hiding, and any not-so-intelligent elk were probably goners already.
We found bright yellow Scouler's Willow growing on a ridge:
Boss found some grass.
Our trail wound through aspen groves:
past this Douglas fir twisted by the west wind:
To enjoy an expanse of fall color spread out below:
All of this goes to show that following in the footsteps of history can be fun. 

17 comments:

  1. Hi Janie, Isn't history just awesome??? So glad that Steve found the info --and that you were able to go on the same path that the pioneers went... How neat is that!!!!!!

    Beautiful post--and the pictures are wonderful... I'm glad the elk we saw in Cataloochie Valley are protected and cannot be hunted...

    Thanks for taking us with you.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Following history can be lots of fun, especially when it leads to such beautiful scenes as these. You all looked quite dashing decked out in orange. I'm glad it kept you safe!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I could just imagine them making it up and over the pass. Perhaps Steve is right?

    Nice photos.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I could just imagine them making it up and over the pass. Perhaps Steve is right?

    Nice photos.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an awesome and interesting history tour, Janie. Thanks to Steve for finding the info and naming that pass. The fall (known here as autumn)colours are beautiful, thanks for sharing. I love your orange neckerchief's. And of course, I love Daisy always at your side. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings Jo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Following in the path of all those who have gone before you and Steve must give you both pause for thought and reflection.
    Your wonderful series photos tells your own path into history, Janie.

    Thanks for another beautiful journey.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You guys are true die-hards...with finding rich history and trails!!!
    Gorgeous scenery.
    Wishing you and yours a lovely weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a great trip through time. Probably be in Steve's next book.
    Good to see you all in bright orange. May have to get some of that as deer season starts tomorrow in many of our favorite haunts.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Not only a very picturesque post but I learned something new today, one reason I love blogging and the older I get I love history even more. Always enjoyable visiting Janie. Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow..the hills are really starting to get some color. So beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  11. those aspen groves are pretty perfect! and that willow- wow! awesome colors! Good idea on the orange, i always get a little uneasy with hunting season :/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love studying old maps like that and speculating. Funny to see that four wheel vehicle looking down the ridge. It makes me think what a better sound horse hooves are.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Looks like it was a wonderful day of exploring. I love your image of the aspen grove - stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Padre Pass looks absolutely gorgeous! Love the trees, and would love to ride there.

    ReplyDelete
  15. what a beautiful day for a ride.

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin