The death of old Dewey Bridge last month, burned to death by a seven year old playing with matches, was almost more bad news than I could bear to hear. As one relic after another of the rural West’s past vanishes, this was one remnant I thought would survive. It was just a few years ago that Jennifer Speers, the millionaire with a soul, bought up the adjacent Dewy Bridge subdivision from a developer, plowed under the roads, dismantled the infrastructure and tore down a $600,000 home in order to restore the area to the way it had been.
It was a rare place of Hope. Now this. The fire triggered memories of my first visit to Dewey, more than 30 years ago.
I first heard about Dewey Bridge, believe it or not, from my mother. In 1973, I was still living in Kentucky, trying to scrape together enough money to come West again, if only for a month or so. The previous winter, I’d passed through Moab for the first time, on one of the coldest days in recorded history. With a can of flaming Sterno on the floorboard of my VW Squareback (the damn heater never worked), I stopped only long enough to gas up and then drove all the way to Grand Junction, where I used my dad’s Gulf Oil credit card for a warm bed at the Holiday Inn.
But I’d seen enough of this country to plan a return visit under better conditions. I’d hoped to leave in July for SE Utah, but my parents had booked a raft trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with their friends, Bill and Vera Parker, and they asked me if I’d stay at their farm and keep an eye on the place. In exchange, they offered to help me out with gas money when I came West in August.
When they arrived home, I was eager to hear of their adventures on the river, and they had plenty to tell. But the highlight of their trip, it seemed, had been a 50 mile drive down a Utah back road, a dusty unpaved, corrugated “highway,” designated State Route 128. And they told me of a one-lane suspension bridge, Dewey Bridge, that crossed the river 30 miles upstream from Moab.
Weeks later, when they came home to the farm, and my dog Muckluk and I prepared to leave, my mom gave me very careful directions—it was the first exit to Cisco, not the second, she insisted. Look for the dirt road on the left, a couple miles west of the town.
I followed her directions and, incredibly, they were accurate (my mother has never been known for her navigational skills). We passed through Cisco—there was one café still open then, Ethel’s I later learned, but didn’t stop. Just as my ma had predicted, I spotted the gravel and dirt road, Utah 128, and turned left toward the river. I saw no one. Not a car or motorhome. No trucks or RVs. No ATVs. Nothing.
We came to the river, my dog and I, and figured the bridge was just ahead, but it was late afternoon, so I pulled into a stand of cottonwoods to make a camp. I pitched my cheap little blue nylon tent, fed Muck, cooked some beans on my Coleman stove and walked over to the Colorado to eat. The river was low, but the current was swift. I saw a Great Blue Heron, heard other birds whose songs I could not identify. And I could hear the rustle of the leaves in the great cottonwoods above me.
Finally, as the canyon filled with shadows, I heard the whine of a motor, coming down the grade from Cisco. It was a pickup truck, a local rancher I guessed. He saw me and waved and kept going. I could hear his truck for a few minutes and then the silence returned.
That night was one of the happiest of my life. An evening of “quiet exaltation” as someone once said.
The next morning, I found the bridge, just where my mom said it would be. We stopped for a while, Muckluk jumped in the river for a swim so she could later smell up the upholstery on my car. It was a glorious morning.
I knew it would be the first of many visits to Dewey Bridge. It never occurred to me that any of this would change or disappear.
But in 1974, much of the gravel and dirt road from Cisco to Moab was paved, though the asphalt was rough and pitted, and the “improvements” were negligible. Even better, because Dewey Bridge was only one lane wide, barely eight feet, large vehicles could not get across it. It was one kind of discrimination I could live with and even applaud. For another decade the road from Moab to Cisco remained quiet.
In 1985, however, UDOT construction began on a new bridge, just down river from the old one. And a year later, when it opened, traffic on highway 128 increased dramatically. Further “improvements” have brought still more traffic. Sometimes it is downright congested. Still, it’s a beautiful drive and those discovering it for the first time will be awestruck. But they’ll never be able to understand just what it felt like on that summer night in 1973. I’m not even sure they’d care to.
Last week, I stopped at the old bridge site for the first time since the fire. I could still smell the ash. The parking lot adjacent to it is now a staging area for mountain bicyclists and on this day, about a hundred brightly clad participants were prepping themselves and their bikes for a ride over the Kokopelli Trail. I felt peculiarly out of place in my Wranglers and Redwings—as much of an anachronism as the old bridge once was. I walked to the south abutment. The fire had burned every sliver of wood; all that remains are the cables. I stood there for several minutes, almost paralyzed by the sight.
One of the bikers walked up to me and said, “Hey I hear they might rebuild it…It’ll be just like it was before.”
I looked at him, smiled, and went back to my car.
The Feb/Mar Z (click the cover)
After I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added-
checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment.
There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service?
Many thanks!
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using
for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because
I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another
platform. I would be great if you could point me in the
direction of a good platform.
I read this paragraph completely concerning the resemblance of newest
and previous technologies, it’s remarkable article.
This is really attention-grabbing, You are a very professional blogger.
I have joined your feed and look forward to looking for more of
your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your website in my social
networks
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in reality was
a leisure account it. Look complicated to far delivered agreeable from you!
However, how can we be in contact?
If you are going for best contents like me, just visit this website daily for the reason that it offers feature contents,
thanks
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and
find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking
for. Do you offer guest writers to write content available for you?
I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write related to here.
Again, awesome web log!
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before
but after looking at a few of the articles I realized
it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly pleased
I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!
Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your
web site in web explorer, might check this? IE still is the marketplace chief and a
huge section of people will pass over your wonderful writing because of this problem.
Hello! I just want to give you a huge thumbs
up for your great info you’ve got right here on this post.
I am coming back to your web site for more soon.
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering problems with your website.
It appears as though some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and
let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This may be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Thank you
After checking out a number of the blog posts on your web page, I really appreciate
your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark
website list and will be checking back in the near future.
Take a look at my website too and let me
know your opinion.
Wow! Finally I got a blog from where I be able to actually take valuable information regarding my study and knowledge.
Howdy very cool website!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb ..
I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally? I’m glad to search out so many helpful info right
here in the post, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard,
thank you for sharing. . . . . .
ChinaWebX is a b2b seo agency china companies can use to
reach decision-makers searching for products and services online.
As a b2b seo company china businesses can work with, we focus on commercial keyword strategy, technical SEO, content optimization, and authority growth.
Businesses looking for an seo consultant china
can use ChinaWebX to build a clearer search strategy aimed at
qualified international traffic and B2B lead generation.
Hi, itss good poost about media print, wwe aall bbe
awsare off meda is a wpnderful sourcde off facts.
xnxx
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this useful info with us.
Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
hello!,I love your writing very so much! share we keep in touch extra
approximately your article on AOL? I need a
specialist on this space to unravel my problem. Maybe that’s you!
Having a look forward to see you.
I have read so many posts regarding the blogger lovers however this piece of writing is genuinely a fastidious post,
keep it up.
ChinaWebX is a b2b seo agency china companies can use to reach decision-makers searching for products and services online.
As a b2b seo company china businesses can work with, we focus on commercial keyword strategy,
technical SEO, content optimization, and authority growth.
Businesses looking for an seo consultant china can use ChinaWebX to build a clearer
search strategy aimed at qualified international traffic and
B2B lead generation.
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
your useful info. Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most
certainly donate to this outstanding blog!
I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding
your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook
group. Talk soon!
Open Singapore’s event deals throuɡh Kaizenaire.com, the supreme promotions collector.
Singaporeans сonstantly claim ʏes to an excellent deal,delighting in their
city’ѕ popularity ɑs a worⅼd-class shopping heaven filled ԝith promotions.
Singaporeans ⅼike joining flash crowds іn public гooms foг spontaneous fun, аnd
remember tօ remain upgraded on Singapore’s newest promotions and shopping deals.
Starhub ᥙses telecom and TV solutions wіth bundled plans, preferred ƅy Singaporeans fοr their enjoyment choices and hіgh-speed web.
PSA handles port procedures ɑnd logistics sіa, valued ƅy Singaporeans foｒ helping with global tradе and reliable supply chains lah.
Sushi Teii οffers fresh sushi аnd Japanese meals, cherished ƅy Singaporeans for top quality seafood аnd comfy dining experiences.
Ɗоn’t be outdated leh, Kaizenaire.ϲom updates with latest discount rates one.
Loⲟk at my web site singapore discount
Thanks for finally writing about > (from the 2008 archives) ‘IN MEMORIAM: DEWEY BRIDGE’ —Stiles – The Zephyr < Loved it!
What’s up friends, how is all, and what you would like to say
about this post, in my view its in fact remarkable in favor of me.
I every time emailed this webpage post page to all my
friends, as if like to read it afterward my links will too.
현재 공개된 정보와 직접 확인할 항목을 나눠 설명합니다. https://todaki-world-blue.vercel.app/regions/gyeonggi-suwon
Howdy! I realize this is sort of off-topic but I needed to ask.
Does running a well-established website such as yours take a lot of
work? I am completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal every day.
I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my personal experience and feelings online.
Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or
tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!
Howdy! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to look it over.
I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and
will be tweeting this to my followers! Terrific blog and terrific design and style.
Verified Link List https://resources.rankingautomation.com/page/new-protocols-for-systematic-backlink-scale
I all the time used to read article in news
papers but now as I am a user of web therefore from now I am using net for articles or reviews,
thanks to web.
Remarkable! Its in fact amazing post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this
paragraph.
Ι needed to tһank yoս ffor tһіs excellent гead!!
Icertainly lovved ｅvеry lіttle bіt of it.
I have gоt you bookmarked tօ look at new stuff ʏօu post?
Here is my web blog; maths tuition singapore
I like looking through a post that will make people think.
Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
What’s up every one, here every one is sharing these kinds of knowledge,
so it’s nice to read this blog, and I used to go to see this blog
all the time.
Discover exceptionaal promotions ɑt Kaizenaire.com, Singapore’ѕ top site for curated deals ɑnd
shopping experiences.
Singapore’ѕ shopping centers аnd markets develop a shopping heaven that accommodates
Singaporeans’ ingrained love fⲟr promotions.
Singaporeans ⅼike signing up with flash crowds іn public spaces fоr spontaneous fun, аnd
bear in mind to rеmain updated οn Singapore’s most гecent promotions аnd
shopping deals.
Guocoland builds domestic ɑnd industrial buildings, valued ƅy Singaporeans for
tһeir lavish growths ɑnd city living remedies.
Ԍreat Eastern supplies life insurance policy ɑnd health protection intends lor,
precious Ьy Singaporeans foг their detailed coverage and satisfaction іn unsure tіmes leh.
Chope books tables ɑt top restaurants, adored Ƅy foodies for vｅry easy reservations ɑnd exclusive deals.
Don’t be suaku mah, check Kaizenaire.cߋm regularly lah.
Ηere is mʏ blog post … ippudo promotions
I used to be suggested this blog by my cousin. I am no longer certain whether
or not this publish is written by way of him as nobody else understand such unique about
my difficulty. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Thanks for any other great post. The place else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal approach of
writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the look
for such info.
Hi there colleagues, how is all, and what you wish for
to say regarding this post, in my view its truly
awesome in support of me.
Thank you for any other informative website. Where else may I get that type of info written in such an ideal approach?
I have a undertaking that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
You really make it seem really easy with your presentation however I find
this topic to be actually one thing that I believe I
might never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely extensive for me.
I’m having a look ahead in your subsequent put up, I will
attempt to get the grasp of it!
Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it
was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any tips and hints for rookie blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it.
When someone writes an paragraph he/she maintains the image of a user in his/her brain that how
a user can understand it. So that’s why this paragraph
is perfect. Thanks!
There’s certainly a great deal to learn about this
issue. I like all of the points you have made.
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with
my facebook group? There’s a lot of folks that I think
would really appreciate your content. Please let me know.
Many thanks
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on.
You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
my blog: مكافحة الشيخوخة بالخلايا الجذعية
Saved as a favorite, I love your site!
OMT’s engaging video clip lessons tսrn intricate math principles гight
іnto exciting stories, helping Singapore trainees drop іn love with thе subject
аnd feel motivated t᧐ ace tһeir exams.
Founded in 2013 Ьy Mr. Justin Tan, OMT Math Tuition һas
assisted many students ace examinations ⅼike PSLE, O-Levels,
and A-Levels ԝith tested pr᧐blem-solving techniques.
Ƭhe holistic Singapore Math technique, ԝhich builds multilayered ρroblem-solving abilities, underscores whү math tuition iѕ
іmportant fⲟr mastering the curriculum аnd preparing fօr future professions.
Math tuition addresses specific learning paces, permitting primary students tօ deepen understanding оf PSLE
subjects ⅼike arｅa, perimeter, аnd volume.
Routine simulated Ο Level tests іn tuition setups simulate genuine conditions, permitting pupils tо improve
thеіr strategy аnd minimize mistakes.
Tuition incorporates pure аnd used mathematics effortlessly, preparing students fоr thе interdisciplinary nature ߋf A Level issues.
OMT’ѕ exclusive math program complements MOE standards
Ƅy stressing conceptual proficiency oger memorizing discovering, ƅring about much
deeper lasting retention.
Team discussion forus іn the platform let yߋu discuss witһ peers ѕia, clarifying uncertainties аnd improving your mathematics performance.
Math tuition ɡrows willpower, helping Singapore pupils tackle marathon exam sessions ѡith
ssustained focus.
Ꮮoоk ɑt my web page: maths tuition singapore
Ⅿany Singapore parents opt fⲟr primary mat tuition tߋ guarantee their children keep
pace in tһe demanding MOE syllabus and av᧐id falling Ƅehind compared to classmates.
Ԍiven Singapore’s strong focus ⲟn rigorous tertiary admissions,
solid secondary math performance — ߋften reinforced tһrough tuition — unlocks access
t᧐ premier junior colleges, t᧐p polytechnic courses,
ɑnd competitive university programmes.
Α largе proportion ߋf JC students depend on math tuition tօ develop profound conceptual insight ɑnd hone precise methods fⲟr thｅ theoretically rich questions tһat characterise Ꮋ2 Math
examination papers.
Secondary students tһroughout Singapore increasingly choose remote
secondary-level math coaching tօ obtain instant feedback on practice papers ɑnd recurring errors in topics sucһ aѕ
vectors and trigonometry, accelerating progress tօward А1 օr A2 results in Additional Mathematics.
OMT’s gamified aspects award progress, mаking mathematics thrilling ɑnd inspiring trainees tߋ intend fоr test proficiency.
Dive іnto self-paced math mastery ԝith OMT’s 12-month e-learning
courses, total with practice worksheets and tape-recorded sessions fоr thoroսgh modification.
Ꭲhe holistic Singapore Math method, ѡhich builds multilayered problеm-solving capabilities,
highlights ԝhy math tuition іs indispensable fоr mastering tһe curriculum ɑnd gettying ready fоr future professions.
Ꮃith PSLE math progressing to include more interdisciplinary aspects, tuition қeeps students updated on integrated concerns mixing math
ԝith science contexts.
Ԝith O Levels highlighting geometry evidence and theses, math tuition рrovides specialized drills tto ensure trainees ϲan take on thеѕｅ with precision аnd confidence.
Tuition incorporates pure ɑnd սsed mathematics flawlessly, preparing students fօr tһe interdisciplinary nature օf A Level troubles.
OMT’ѕ customized curriculum uniquely straightens ѡith MOE structure ƅy ցiving connecting components fⲟr smooth shifts іn between primary,
secondary, аnd JCmathematics.
Interactive devices mɑke learning enjoyable lor, so
you гemain determined and enjoy yoᥙr math grades climb սp steadily.
Tuition centers in Singapore concentrate ⲟn heuristic ɑpproaches, impοrtant f᧐r tackling the challenging wοгd troubles in mathematics exams.
Look at my site: Online Tuition Singapore
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative.
I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this
in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!