Valley of the Gods and More

Usually the Bluff Balloon Festival advertises a "Valley of the Gods Run" but seldom does it really happen.  It is usually canceled because the ground is too wet, the wind is too strong, or the temperature is too cold.  This was a one in five year event.  And because our ward did not start till 1:00 p.m., Dana and I snuck down early on Sunday morning for a few pictures. 

Sweet Memories of Colorado

I really thought that I would have lots of pictures to share about the wonderful people we worked with during our sevice in the Denver Colorado South Mission. However, everytime I review the pictures of the people we loved, I hesitate.  Those were sacred relationships.  We still love to look back and remember--but it is probably more appropriate to share pictures of where we were, not who we worked with.  Thus, the pictures of today's post are some mountain scenes in our Idaho Springs backyard, not thirty minutes away!  Yes, we really suffered. And yes, we are a little homesick.

The Colorful Skys of Bluff, Utah

Every January, hot air balloon enthusiasts from all over the West meet in the little pioneer town of Bluff, Utah to fly the friendly skys of Southeastern Utah.  It is such a beautiful background for the colorful balloons. 

Holding the top while the balloon fills

Bluff Cemetary

Unnamed Ruin in Unnamed County Close to Blanding

The government agencies with stewardship over our public lands are a little concerned about stupid people visiting some of our wonderful ruins.  I have come to agree with them on some of their issues.  People can be so stupid and destructive.  Ancient ruins can be so easily destroyed by ignorant sight-seers who only think of themselves.  In that vein--the agencies have encouraged us not to name the ruins we put on the internet, especially if they are not well-known, in the hopes that there may be a few ruins left for our grandchildren to visit.  These pictures show one of those nameless treasures. Surely you will not recognize the mountain range . . .

In the distance. . .



Poles going to a grainery.  No we did not scale them.

Inside walls and rooms

Lashings on support poles above window

Inside the ruin looking out.  Nice day for January, huh?

This peep hole was one of many in the circular entry wall.  We guessed they were just big enough to shoot out of, but we were not sure if they had bows at that time.  So interesting. . .

Another angled slit in the entry wall.

The green rock was a peculiar feature of this ruin.

The round room--Kiva?