April 21
As I crossed into Arizona from Utah, on Utah route 59, I saw about 15 people (all over the age of 70) from a bus taking photos of the “Welcome to Utah” sign. I used to do that many years ago, when I first visited each state. But I have been in every state multiple times, so I no longer pay attention. But great to see this enthusiasm across generations. Speaking of enthusiasm, the two rangers I met at Pipe Spring NMon had plenty, as well as cheery attitudes. That is a combination we should all have. The VC sure looks in great condition. I was told it had been remodeled in the last 20 years. Stories of the Mormons, the Kaibab Paiutes, and U.S. Government were on many display panels, along with artifacts. The park movie definitely helps one understand why there was so much friction between the three groups. Not until 1896 when the Mormon Church agreed to drop polygamy, allowing Congress to bring Utah onboard as the 45th state, did things settle down.
The fort was named Winsor Castle after the ranch’s first manager, Anson Winsor. The Winsor family states they can claim lineage back to the builders of Windsor Castle in England. When he constructed the “ranch house” in 1870, there was still the concern of Navajo and other Indian tribes raiding the ranching community. Brigham Young himself was involved in design decisions, and he ordered the fort to be cut back by two-thirds of the original design size, in order to get it completed. There was also the issue of obtaining lumber. Trees had to felled nearly 30 miles away and brought by wagon to the spring. I noticed all of the doorways in the fort were very low. The one ranger said this was due to the high price of obtaining the wood… so, just make the ceilings short.
The spring still runs to this day. The outlet from the ground runs into one room of the fort, then out to two ponds. The building is smack dab on top of the spring outlet. Does not seem quite Christian of the Mormons to keep the Paiutes from accessing the water.
On a side note, check out Red Hollow Slot Canyon in Orderville, UT. It is only 50-yards long, but if you want to get the “slot experience”, you will. I was going to try Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon, but found out that only 4WD high-clearance vehicles can even begin to get through the deep sand for 3 or so miles. Red Hollow is accessible to all vehicles. And while on US 89, stop at the Sand Caves (near Kanab). Tomorrow is Bryce Canyon.