San Rafael Swell

The morning light before the sun was beautiful in the Factory. The quiet reminded me of my days of opening shifts at Starbucks. I’d rise while the world still slept, stumbling to the store to set-up shop. The early hours were sometimes brutally challenging to wake up for, but it was well worth the quiet store time. Our first to rise regulars were my favorite too. Mostly sleepy and very grateful for our opening time of 5:30 am.

Rex got us moving around 5:30 am. I could’ve slept a few more hours but packing up camp is so much easier and faster in the cool, sun-less mornings. We shared a Starbucks iced Double Shot with Energy, as we drove deeper into the swell, reaching the reef.

We’re driving into the bowels of the earth.

Rex

Into Middle Earth

Once upon a long, long time ago, there was a geological commotion that resolved in a large swell on the surface of Earth. After years of wind and weather, the land varied with buttes, spires, cliffs, and open vistas. 

The lunar-like landscape was impressive with unique formations and swells. We drove down to the end of one dirt road that ended at the Muddy Creek, and we set up shop. I was beginning to feel the early morning heat, and I contemplated dipping my toes in the salty, muddy water. But then I imagined mud tucked in between my toes that would remain for the duration of the trip. I kept my shoes on.

Rex finished his first painting of the day by 10am. A three-color palette, he made quick work and mastered yet another beautiful painting that does the landscape justice.

Because of the water, the flora and fauna was much different than Factory Butte (which wasn’t too far away). Birds, lizards, and of course BUGS.

Leaving the Factory Butte Area, two buck antelope thundered across the road up ahead from us. Proof that life does exist in stark conditions.

Into the Swell we go!

Our final destination for the day was deep into San Rafael Swell. We turned off on dirt road and kept driving until Rex said, “this is the place.” I couldn’t have agreed more. It was stunning every which way I looked. We set up camp and the canopy, and we set to work. Despite the hot day and constant sweat, I managed to produce a few words.

Midday: 4:34pm

Just after two dust devils skirted around us (missing our camp), two four-wheelers appeared up the road. We held our breath waiting for the dust from their wheels to blast us, but instead, they slowly drove up to our camp and stopped. I was surprised to see anyone as it was a Monday afternoon and far from the holiday weekend. But as they neared, I noticed they weren’t the typical weekend wheeler warriors. They were on official business.

Goblin trespassers

“Which direction did you guys come from?” dude asked.

Rex pointed back down the road, towards Hanksville.

“Are you camping?” the other dude asked.

“Yes,” I said.

“Please don’t tell me that you’re sneaking into the park…” dude sighed, shaking his head.

Apparently, just up ahead, on the other side of the way, was Goblin Valley National Park. We had no idea. We explained that we were on an art project and had come to the San Rafael Swell.

The park officials were polite and nice.They were just doing their job, and I appreciate their work. But I have just one question.

What kind of person sneaks into a park?