May 31 - Hanksville UT  - Torrey UT

A tough day riding through fabulous scenery. . .

Up at 4:00 a.m. I had a good night's sleep in a Kawasaki motorcycle themed room. 40-50 huge trophies were on display, earned by one of the sons of Curtis and Chylene Whipple as he was growing up. A jeans denim quilt tied with lime green and black yarn adorned the queen sized bed. Motocross pictures and plaques were prominantly displayed on every wall.

Ate breakfast, got everything loaded up, prayed with our host Curtis, then Gary and Charlotte started riding while Curtis and I drove about four blocks to the market they own, Bull Mountain Market, to get ice cubes for our wzter bottles and water jug. Stop in there if you're heading to Lake Powell through Hanksville.

Crossed the Fremont River then paralled it on Westbound Utah 24. The road was relatively flat and the landscape reminded me so much of Grand Junction. The formations looked so much like the Bookcliffs. There were also gray "dobe hills" (pronounced dough bee, with emphasis on the first syllable.) Our first destination was Caineville but there wasn't even a sign! There was a Rodeway Inn there which probably caters to the motocross riders who ride in the BLM area there in the North Caineville Mesa north of Hwy 24. Crossed the Fremont River again. Big hill west of Caineville. Great views of the Bentonite Hills in their tan and almost maroon coloration. When I arrived in the van, Charlotte was at the top! Gary was still climbing the hill, but got slowed down because his bike threw the chain (came off of the front chainring). He also had another problem, since a screw fell off of the support arm on his rear bike rack, and it was vibrating. He made a temporary fix with duct tape.

Views of Capitol Reef rock formations were on the horizon. Highway 24 traverses the 100 mile long Waterpocket Fold, which was once a formidable barrier to east-west travel. Early prospectors who had been seamen often called such an obstacle to travel a "reef." The rounded white sandstone formations capping the fold bear a resemblance to capitol domes; hence the name "Capitol Reef."

There was a nine mile climb up to the Visitor Center. Passed a pioneer cabin built of sandstone blocks. I only lasted 2 2/3 miles riding very slowly. Charlotte came along in the van so we switched. A bit later we found the Fruita Historic District with an old one room schoolhouse and fruit orchards. Many were peach trees that had been planted by the hearty Mormon pioneer families who homesteaded there well before there was a designated Capitol Reef. The children went to school in winter, because they helped with farming in Spring, Summer, and Fall. The school closed in 1941, four years after Capitol Reef became a National Monument. Capitol Reef became a National Park in 1971.

Ate lunch at a picnic area near the Visitor Center, then looked at the displays and souvenirs. The orientation video wasn't working, which was a disappointment.

There was a two mile long killer hill just west of the Visitor Center. While Gary and Charlotte struggled up that hill and beyond, I drove the van out to within four miles of Torrey and started riding and walking. The hills were too much for me too. The spirit was willing but the flesh was week. I did finally make it to Torrey, elevation 6843.

Torrey was established in the 1880's by Mormon settlers, and was initially known as Youngtown, after John Willard Young. Later the name was changed to Torrey in honor of Jay L. Torrey. He was originally from Pittsfield IL. He was a member of the Wyoming legislature, who, upon the advent of the Spanish-American War, achieved national attention by proposing the creation of what became three volunteer cavalry regiments made up of cowboys and stockmen. He was comissioned Colonel of the 2nd Regiment, the "Rocky Mountain Riders;" the 1st Regiment, the only one to see action, was better known as "The Rough Riders."

Torrey is sort of a resort town. Pricey restaurants except where we ate - Subway. The pastor of the First Baptist Church where we are staying works there!

I'd like to write more, but am too tired. Gary and Charlotte each have crashed and are snoring. Ride distances tomorrow and more.

Good night, John Boy, Jim Bob, Elizabeth, and anyone else who's still awake.

With love,
Marie