I have yet to write about this place, but this is where my blogging journey started……….
I was sitting in Annie (my name for my Tiger Adventure Vehicle) that night after dark and wondering what I could do to try to fill the void of emptiness in my soul. I needed a place to vent. A place to express myself. Someone had once told me that writing about things helps clear your mind and deal with grief and trauma. Lord knows I have had a lot of that in my life…… I had my phone tethered to my computer and googled “how to start a blog.” Next thing I knew I was thinking of a name for it.
I had been thinking quite a bit that I wanted to live before I died. Go see and do things that most people never see or do…….. I started typing in names on “Go Daddy” and most of the ones that hit me were already taken. Then I typed in “livinbeforedyin.” It was available! $9.99! Next thing I knew I had my credit card out and typed in the info. SNAG! DONE!
So, here in one of the most stunning places on the planet is where it all started……..It took me a while to start writing in earnest and I did not even know if I would be any good at it, or if people would even like it. But they have, and this is the reason why I continue to write.
So here we go……… it might get weird from here………
The view right before you leave the black top and get on the rough dirt road that meanders it’s way through the valley.
Valley of the Gods is a massive sandstone valley outside of Mexican Hat, Utah in the southeastern corner of the state. Every time I visit this part of the country I am absolutely floored at the unbelievable beauty. Near here is the place where Forest Gump stopped his cross country run. Remember the scene where he says “I’m tired. I think I’m gonna go home now.”? This is right down the road…….It’s all BLM land out there and although it doesn’t have the WOW factor of Monument Valley, it’s still impressive, and because it’s a little off the beaten path it doesn’t get a fraction of the visitors Monument Valley does.
Just off of Utah SH 163 is the east entrance, the west entrance is on Utah SH 261. A 17 mile semi maintained dirt road connect the two, but that f***er can get a little gnarly. Especially after a rain or snow storm. Maybe even impassible…….I wouldn’t want to try it!
My moto I travel with. A gift from my buddy Ricky. Thanks bro! I use the hell out of it!
I rolled in mid afternoon, found a semi level spot right below a huge spire and unloaded my dirt bike to go check out the views. I used to ride a two stroke bike in my younger days, but now I just prefer to cruise rather than try to kill myself……..Therefore I ride a four stroke now, plus it’s street legal. A bonus when you gotta go into town for supplies and don’t want to break camp…….But bottom line, I guess as I age it just hurts more!
stunning view from the upper part of the road.
After my ride and some awesome scenery I set up camp and started a fire. it was pretty cold being it was January? ( I think but can’t exactly remember now) and when you are alone a good fire is good company. Seeing how I mostly travel alone sometimes you need a little warmth and company.
It was cold outside that night, but bundled under the sleeping bags and blankets I knew I’d found solace and maybe a purpose? What the f*** do I know? I’m just some low life trying to live the high life……..
The fire, my buddy for that night.
So that night, in the desert southwest I started my blog. Which many of you are now reading regularly. Thanks for the inspiration! I hope you enjoy the journey, and always remember……. You gotta LIVE BEFORE YOU DIE!
livin' before dyin' 