January 7, 2012

Sam's Mesa

On our trip to southern Utah, we explored Sam's Mesa.  The deep gorge to the left is Happy Canyon.  A branch of the Dirty Devil River flows through there.  Sam's Mesa is the flat tabletop land above the canyon.
Steve and Boss are standing at a fence gap.  At this choke point,10 posts and 30 feet of barbed wire can close the only entry to Sam's Mesa.  It's hard to appreciate in the photo, but on either side of the road, steep drop offs prevent taking an alternate route. 
Ahead of Steve, nature and time have carved deep valleys between the sandstone knolls. 
Here is some sandstone carving up close.  Steve is studying his GPS to determine our next move.  Daisy is checking out a possible bunny trail.
We found snow in the shadows.  Daisy enjoyed rolling in it.  The horses didn't have a watering hole along the trail, so they ate a little snow to cool off after a gallop.  The days were mild, in the 40's, and the nights were in the upper 20's.  Not bad for January! 
This was only the first afternoon's ride.  More will follow...

14 comments:

  1. Gorgeous, Janie.... We enjoyed seeing some of southern Utah when we were there this summer. But seeing it from a horse has to be the ultimate... Love the photos.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  2. Happy to see you on the trail once again. This warm weather must be permitting you to do something normally you wouldn't in January.

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  3. Nice to be out riding in January. I so love natures sculpting of sandstone.

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  4. Oh Janie what a wonderful way to bring in the new year. Wishing you and yours the very best for 2012 and looking forward to sharing your adventures.
    Smiles

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  5. That is beautifully rugged country.

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  6. WoW!! Looks exhilarating. Love the shot of Daisy on the bunny trail. She obviously loves her work!

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  7. Hi Janie, I love that Happy Canyon is in the Dirty Devil swell! You show the west as it is meant to be seen - wide open spaces and breathtaking views both close and far. Is the GPS or Daisy's nose better?

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  8. Re: Daisy's nose.
    Her nose is very good, but it's hard to know if she's tracking for home or just going after deer or rabbit scent! The GPS is more reliable because it rarely chases rabbits...
    Boss is the most reliable guide for getting back to the trailer. He might take shortcuts, but he always knows where he's going.

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  9. The sandstone is so beautiful. I love the way it appears to have been sculpted by hand.

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  10. There must be a story to how the river got it's name -- Dirty Devil River. I do like the sound of Happy Canyon, however. The scenery is beautiful, but I can't help wondering how often Daisy's bunny trails agree with the GPS.

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  11. Your panoramas are jaw-dropping!

    Re: picture #2, I would imagine those drop offs look even more intimidating when your sitting on top of a tall horse. ;-)

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  12. This is really gorgeous...I've missed seeing your travels and of course, we all miss seeing Daisy in action again!

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  13. O.M.G. that is such beautiful country. Glad you are back to keep taking us on such amazing rides!
    - The Equestrian Vagabond

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  14. Those rock formations are nothing short of awe-inspiring. What an incredible place to ride.

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