Leaving the Beef Basin, I had the good surprise to find a message from Hans, a Swiss who lives here with his wife Madeleine for 35 years. I was greeted like a king by this adorable couple, not forgeting to specify that Madeleine is fine cooker. 😉
They explained me how to access a petroglyph site within walking distance of their beautiful home nestled on a sandstone hill.
 
 
1. What a privilege to discover this private site where access is usually closed!
 

 
 
2. I have found some symbols already observed elsewhere.
 

 
 
3. The next day and despite his 80 years, Hans brought me drive the Sevenmile Ridge Trail, a 4WD trail listed red (the most difficult) which passes near Uranium Arch.
 

 
 
4. It’s a nice medium sized arch.
 

 
 
Near this arch, we met a couple from Colorado, Dave and Leanne, a little lost because their trail description was out of date. They followed us throughout the rest of the trail and took images of VLV in downright cool passages, especially a leaning spot that I really wasn’t sure how to deal with VLV high-pitched on her wheels. They sent me some pictures to discover here…
 
 
5. Steep hill leaving the arch.
 

 
 
6. It’s like David and Goliath, isn’t it? 😉
 

 
 
7. Here is Hans spotting me on the step to access to the leaning spot..
 

 
 
8. It doesn’t seem so but this entry is rather steep, with a good step!
 

 
 
9. and here is the off camber spot. It leans quite a bit despite the left suspension fully inflated and the right one completely down..!
 

 
 
10. After VivaLaVida it’s Dave who goes through in his 50 inches wide only vehicle. I indicated him the line to follow. Well done Dave ! 😀
 

 
 
I want to say a huge thank you to Hans and Madeleine for their so warm welcome. I had such a great time with them. 😉
 
 
Hans recommended me a spot on the Dome Plateau where I had already spotted a natural arch. Leaving them, VivaLaVida took the path of this view that I discovered the next morning.
 
 
11. Colorado River and Castle Valley in early light…
 

 
 
12. Not far away, I went to discover La Boca Arch, a small pretty massive arch.
 

 
 
13. A bush managed to grow under the arch…
 

 
 
14. Castle Valley towers in front of La Sal Mountains.
 

 
 
15. On my way to natural shelters, the famous herbs that are seen in Westerns rolled by the wind have almost eliminated the trail… 😉
 

 
 
16. Here are sandstone cavities inhabited by Indians several hundreds years ago. One of them houses a source.
 

 
 
17. The bluff above is polished by the elements.
 

 
 
18. The lower cave is quite deep and some water oozes from the walls in places. The soot of inhabitant’s fires is still present (left of the entrance on this image).
 

 
 
19. The top one’s ceiling is shaped in a quite photogenic circular vault.
 

 
 
20. Back to the overview in late afternoon.
 

 
 
21. Very red material of Fisher Towers is colored by the sunset light.
 

 
 
22. Last sunrays over Castle Valley.
 

 
 
More to come soon. Once again, thanks for your loyalty! 😀