Lens-Artists Challenge #158 – Along Back Country Roads

[Categories: Photography, Photography 101 Forever]

As WanderingDawgs might say: “…Country roads, take me home… ” (John Denver)

My back road begins in Gateway, Colorado. According to the book Place Names in Colorado by J. Frank Dawson (pub. 1954):

“GATEWAY (Mesa) Believed named for nearby Gateway Canyon which has a pillar formation of rock at its entrance. Another version is that GATEWAY is the natural entranceway to the adjoining country to the south, west and north.” (p. 23)

The road starts at the Gateway Canyons resort, a remote getaway established by John Hendricks, founder of the Discovery Channel on television. It was a pricey place when this ‘road less traveled’ was taken in 2009, it is pricier now.

The resort is 50+ miles from Grand Junction, CO, and 44 miles from the main highway. Car enthusiasts won’t mind the drive, if only to see the 50+ incredible machines at the Gateway Auto Museum:

But about that back road.

“… The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where…”

“… It’s a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we’re on the way to there
Why not share…”
–He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother – The Hollies

I haven’t mentioned yet that we are taking one of several ‘back roads’ from Gateway to Moab, Utah. (Click map for a larger view.)

It is long, with many a winding turn. Non de l’essence (no gas), no convenience stores, no IN-convenience stores, very few cars, no cell phone coverage as I recall, at least at that time. Whoo-hoo, let’s go!

Few people, yet you are not alone:

One must be well-provisioned on back roads. (Hey, it was 2009!)

Getting closer to the highway to Moab and Arches N.P., we start to get a taste of pavement:

Made it:

Stay safe, stay well, stay wonderful.