I didn't think These Days Existed Anymore

[ckcarr]

Kind of a selfish thread I know.

Yesterday I went out onto the White Rim for several hours looking for Desert Bighorn Sheep. However what struck me was the complete and utter lack of people anywhere. Maybe it was just timing, or something was going on somewhere else, but I noticed:

Driving up to the Shafer turnoff I did not encounter one vehicle. There were only one or two cars in all the pullovers and new (mountain biker) parking areas along 313. Not a car anywhere.

Going down into the White Rim I didn't see another car, Jeep, motorcycle. Or person. Eventually, as I was hiking with my camera I saw a ranger off in the distance on a KTM motorcycle checking my Jeep license plate, probably making sure I had a White Rim pass (which I did).

Then at the end of the day, I came back on the Potash road, which is normally full of cars, people, bicyclists, motorcyclists, etc. etc. etc... Nope, not a one anywhere. The Corona Arch campground virtually empty, parking lot empty... No climbers anywhere either.

It was like the Twilight Zone and I was the last person left...

It reminded me of the old days, before the "Might Five" promotions, the stupid "Worlds Largest Swing" video, and incessant motel building and rebuilding of the town by developers...

Well, I'm sure I won't have that experience again, but it was just so eerie and noticeable I had to share. I miss the "good old days."

Yes it's selfish, but the people that live in these type places need some time to themselves....


This was exactly 10 years ago. Not a person anywhere. Things have changed a lot.

 

[Ben Egbert]

I Guess my first trip was in 2011 and even in that time I have seen a lot of changes, so I can just imagine what it was like prior to then. Nice shot of the Arch, I have never gone there because of the crowds.

 

[AlanLichty]

I still have fond memories of renting mountain bikes from Rim Cyclery in the late 80's. My wife and I rode out the door and went up Kane Creek road. Had a delightful day and never saw another person all day. We stayed at the edge of town with our VW Vanagon camper in a small campground called Canyonlands Campground.

When we were walking along the main street we were afraid to go into the small shops because the owners were so anxious to see an actual customer we felt guilty if we didn't buy something. I got the impression we were the only customers they had seen all day.

Then someone published an article on Moab in a mountain biking magazine....... <queue up the mushroom cloud>

I do most of my traveling/photography between the week after Labor Day weekend and the week before Memorial Day weekend just because it's so much quieter.

 

[Zeph]

It's OK to be selfish Craig, it's in our DNA. A lot has happened in the last 10 years and now we learn to share.

 

[JimFox]

Yep, so much has changed! That must have been a totally odd experience with no people around. As you know since I haven't stopped by in a few years in Moab is the main reason is the crowds, there are still places one can go out there where crowds are at a minimum, and you have a better chance of being by yourself even. Sadly, going to the areas around Moab these days is like going to a local shopping mall here in SoCal, people are to be expected.

A really cool shot of Delicate Arch by the way. I am glad this little chat of yours has gotten that one pulled out of the archives.

And a nice write up too, this one is definitely Blog worthy!

 

[beavens]

You're not alone in this feeling. While there is nothing wrong with being social and gregarious I believe that everything has their time and place. Being alone (or with limited good company) in these situations truly let us take in the beauty of the natural world without the distractions of humanity. I know that when I go pretty much ANYWHERE we hope for next to no other people around.

It's not so much being antisocial, it's wanting to have YOUR unique moment.

Selfish? Maybe. Wrong? Absolutely not.

Jeff