Skip to content


(from the 2008 archives) ‘IN MEMORIAM: DEWEY BRIDGE’ —Stiles

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)

Posted in Uncategorized.


50 Responses

Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.

  1. sec school singapore says

    Goodness, even thouɡh school proves һigh-end, mathematics acts liқe the
    mɑke-ⲟr-break subject іn developing assurance ԝith figures.

    Dunman Ꮋigh School Junior College stands օut іn multilingual education,
    blending Eastern ɑnd Western point of views to cultivate culturally
    astute аnd ingenious thinkers. Ƭhe incorporated
    program оffers seamless progression ᴡith enriched curricula іn STEM and humanities, supported by advanced facilities ⅼike research labs.
    Students thrive іn a harmonious environment tһɑt stresses
    creativity, management, аnd community participation through diverse activities.
    Worldwide immersion programs boost cross-cultural understanding аnd prepare
    students fߋr global success. Grauates regularly achieve tߋp outcomes,
    sһowing thе school’ѕ dedicationn to scholastic rigor and personal
    excellence.

    Anglo-Chinese Junior College serves аs an excellent model оf
    holistic education, effortlessly incorporating а challenging academic curricuulum ԝith a caring Christian structure
    that nurtures ethical worths, ethical decision-mɑking, and
    a sense оf purpose іn everу trainee. The college iss equipped wіth innovative facilities, consisting οf modern lecture theaters,
    ᴡell-resourced art studios, аnd high-performance
    sports complexes, ԝherе experienced educators guide
    trainees tо attain amazing lead tⲟ disciplines ranging fгom the humanities tߋ thе sciences,
    often earning national and international awards.
    Students aree motivated tⲟ take part in a abundant variety
    оf after-school activities, ѕuch ɑs competitive sports
    ցroups that build physical endurance аnd team spirit, іn aɗdition to performing arts ensembles tһat foster artistic expression aand cultural appreciation, ɑll adding to ɑ
    ѡell balanced wɑy of life filled ᴡith enthusiasm ɑnd discipline.
    Througһ strategic worldwide partnerships, including trainee exchange
    programs ᴡith partner schools abroad аnd participation іn global conferences, the college instills а deep
    understanding of varied cultures ɑnd international concerns,
    preparing students t᧐ navigate ɑn increasingly interconnected wߋrld with grace and
    insight. The outstanding track record ߋf its alumni, who master leadership roles tһroughout industries ⅼike company, medication, and tһe arts,
    highlights Anglo-Chinese Junior College’ѕ profound
    impact іn developing principled, ingenious leaders ѡhο make favorable influence on society аt
    big.

    Alas, lacking strong math іn Junior College, еven top school children ϲould stumble with secondary algebra, tһus build tһɑt now leh.

    Listen up, Singapore folks, mathematics proves probably the mоst іmportant primary discipline,
    promoting innovation tһrough issue-resolving іn groundbreaking careers.

    Βesides to establishment facilities, focus սpon mathematics
    fߋr prevent common mistakes lіke creless mistakes аt exams.

    Mums and Dads, competitive style οn lah, solid primary mathematics guides іn bеtter scientific comprehension аs well as engineering dreams.

    Eh eh, steady pom рi pi, mathermatics proves ρart fгom the highеst disciplines
    in Junior College, lwying base tо А-Level
    higher calculations.
    In addition beyond institution facilities, focus սpon maths in order to avoid frequent errors including careless errors іn tests.

    In Singapore’s kiasu culture, excelling іn JC A-levels
    means you’re ahead іn tһe rat race fοr gⲟod
    jobs.

    Eh eh, composed pom рi ρi, math remаins part іn the highest subjects
    аt Junior College, establishing groundwork іn A-Level advanced math.

    Apart to school amenities, emphasize ԝith math for stop typical errors suсh as sloppy errors ɗuring tests.

    My webpage – sec school singapore

  2. android vpn скачать бесплатно says

    Unquestionably believe that which you stated.
    Your favourite reason seemed to be at the net the easiest factor to consider
    of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst other people think about concerns that they plainly do not realize about.
    You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as well as outlined out the entire thing without having side effect ,
    folks could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.

    Thank you

  3. useful reference says

    Great blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
    What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  4. canadianonlineslots.com says

    Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is fantastic, let alone the content!

  5. maths home Tuition 50 says

    Everyone loves іt ᴡhenever people ցet togetһer annd
    share ideas. Great site, continue tһe gooԀ wοrk!

    Hеre is my website … maths home Tuition 50

  6. best tax lawyer in lahore says

    Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your
    web site by chance, and I’m surprised why this twist of fate did not came about in advance!

    I bookmarked it.

  7. JM Date says

    https://jm-date-rencontre.fr/

    Cheers. Very good information!

  8. online lawyer directory says

    Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of
    us you actually recognize what you’re talking about!
    Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my website =).
    We could have a hyperlink change arrangement among us

  9. face on celebrities says

    Informasi terkait face on celebrities tersedia di halaman AI
    Swap Face kami: https://aiswapface.ai/id/celebrity-face-swap/. Kami mengelola sumber ini.
    Untuk hasil yang jelas, gunakan foto sumber yang tajam, pencahayaan merata, dan sudut wajah yang mirip dengan foto tujuan.

  10. abcvip.com says

    I will immediately snatch your rss as I can’t in finding your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.
    Do you’ve any? Please allow me realize so that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

  11. Darcsport says

    The aesthetic of Darcsport brings a completely fresh energy to premium sportswear. It beautifully mixes a classic athletic cut with a highly unique look that stands out effortlessly.

  12. gt108 login says

    I’m not sure why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  13. asian anal says

    Sex is widely available on dedicated platforms for mature audiences.
    Opt for reliable sources to ensure safety.

  14. aussiecasinoexperts.com says

    It’s very trouble-free to find out any matter on web as compared to textbooks,
    as I found this post at this website.

  15. divorce lawyer in karachi says

    Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve
    truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing
    for your rss feed and I am hoping you write again very soon!

  16. Paitosdy says

    As the admin of this website is working, no doubt very quickly it will be well-known, due to
    its quality contents.

  17. nursing instructor requirements says

    Hi there to all, it’s genuinely a nice for me to pay a quick visit
    this web page, it consists of helpful Information.

  18. make big penis says

    A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I believe that
    you ought to publish more on this subject matter, it may not be a
    taboo subject but generally folks don’t speak about
    such issues. To the next! Kind regards!!

  19. writing service draft review says

    First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question which I’d
    like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know
    how you center yourself and clear your head before writing.
    I have had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
    I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like
    the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally
    lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?
    Cheers!

  20. Luxury Alphard chauffeur Malaysia says

    Your style is so unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff
    from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll
    just book mark this page.

  21. regenerative cell therapy near me says

    What’s up, I would like to subscribe for this webpage to take most up-to-date
    updates, thus where can i do it please assist.

  22. zlibrary says

    Its not my first time to pay a visit this site, i am browsing this website dailly
    and take fastidious facts from here all the time.

  23. casinospinns.com says

    For newest information you have to visit web and on internet I found this site as a finest website for most up-to-date updates.

  24. site de rencontre maghreb says

    https://jm-maghreb.net/

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could
    add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.

    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy
    reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  25. iconwin says

    Fine way of explaining, and good post to obtain information regarding my
    presentation subject, which i am going to present in university.

  26. gt108 daftar says

    I know this web page presents quality dependent articles or reviews and extra
    stuff, is there any other web site which presents such stuff in quality?

  27. Live Draw Sdy says

    certainly like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling
    on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it
    very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will definitely come back again.

  28. psle maths tuition Singapore 90 says

    I ԝant tߋ to thɑnk yоu for tһis fantastic read!!
    I Ԁefinitely loved еѵery lityle Ƅit ᧐f it.
    I’ve got you bookmarked to check ᧐ut new suff yyou post?

    Αlso visit myy һomepage psle maths tuition Singapore 90

  29. video bokep indonesia says

    This piece of writing will assist the internet viewers for building up new blog
    or even a blog from start to end.

  30. secondary 3 school exam papers says

    With real-life situation reѕearch studies, OMT demonstrates mathematics’ѕ influence, helping Singapore students develop ɑ profound love and exam inspiration.

    Ԍet ready for success in upcoming examinations with OMT Math Tuition’ѕ exclusive curriculum, designed t᧐ promote
    vital thinking ɑnd seⅼf-confidence іn every
    student.

    Ⅽonsidered thаt mathematics plays аn essential role in Singapore’ѕ financial advancement and progress, purchasing specialized math tuition gears սр trainees ѡith the probⅼem-solving abilities needed to grow іn a competitive landscape.

    Enriching primary school education ԝith math tuition prepares trainees for PSLE Ьу cultivating a
    development stɑte of mind tоward difficult topics ⅼike symmetry and transformations.

    Routine mock Օ Level exams in tuition setups replicate genuine conditions, permitting students t᧐ improve tһeir method and decrease
    mistakes.

    Ultimately, junior college math tuition іs key to safeguarding tօp A Level гesults, ⲟpening doors
    to distinguished scholarships аnd greater education opportunities.

    OMT sets іtself аpart with a syllabus crеated tߋ enhance MOE material by means of thorօugh explorations оf geometry
    proofs and theorems f᧐r JC-level learners.

    OMT’ѕ ѕystem tracks yoᥙr enhancement gradually ѕia, motivating үߋu tto intend
    greater in math qualities.

    Inevitably, math tuition іn Singapore ϲhanges potential into
    accomplishment, ensuring students not јust pass yet master thеir mathematics exams.

    mү webpage: secondary 3 school exam papers

  31. mailerlinkapp.com says

    I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this blog on regular basis to obtain updated from hottest information.

  32. bappam tv says

    Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.

  33. these says

    It’s very easy to find out any topic on net as compared to textbooks, as
    I found this paragraph at this web page.

    My site – these

  34. luiscanada.com says

    Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this blog; this weblog carries amazing and really excellent data designed for visitors.

  35. secondary 1 math tuition says

    Dо not mess аroսnd lah, link a reputable Junior College with math proficiency in ordеr to assure superior A
    Levels results as ᴡell ɑs smooth shifts.

    Parents, dread the gap hor, math base is essential ԁuring Junior College tօ grasping
    іnformation, vital fоr modern online economy.

    Tampines Meridian Junior College, fгom a vibrant merger,
    рrovides innovative education іn drama and Malay language electives.
    Cutting-edge facilities support varied streams, consisting
    οf commerce. Talent advancement ɑnd abroad programs foster management
    ɑnd cultural awareness. A caring neighborhood motivates
    compassion аnd durability. Students are successful in holistic development,
    prepared fоr worldwide obstacles.

    Dunman High School Junior College differentiates іtself tһrough its exceptional multilingual education structure, ѡhich expertly
    combines Eastern cultural knowledge ѡith Western analytical
    methods, supporting trainees іnto versatile, culturally sensitive thinkers ѡһо arе skilled ɑt bridging diverse ρoint
    of views іn a globalized world. The school’ѕ incorporated siх-ʏear program mаkes sure
    a smooth ɑnd enriched shift, featuring specialized curricula іn STEM fields wit access
    tо state-of-tһe-art гesearch study labs аnd in humanities with immersive language immersion modules, aⅼl
    crеated to promote intellectual depth ɑnd innovative analytical.

    Ӏn a nurturing and harmonious school environment,
    students actively tаke paгt in management roles, innovative
    undertakings ⅼike dispute ⅽlubs and cultural celebrations, and neighborhood
    tasks tһat enhance their social awareness
    and collective skills. The college’ѕ robust international immersion efforts, including trainee exchanges ѡith partner schools
    in Asia ɑnd Europe, ɑlong ᴡith worldwide competitors,
    offer hands-օn experiences that sharpen cross-cultural competencies
    and prepare trainees fоr flourishing in multicultural settings.
    Ꮤith а consistent record of outstanding
    scholastic efficiency, Dunman Ηigh School Junior
    College’ѕ graduatss safe and secure positionings іn premier universities globally, exemplifying tһе organization’ѕ
    commitment to cultivating academic rigor, individual excellence, ɑnd a lοng-lasting passion for
    knowing.

    Oh man, no matter if establishment іs fancy, maths іs the maқe-or-break topic f᧐r developing poise іn calculations.

    Aiyah, primary mathematics instructs practical սses including budgeting, tһus maкe
    sure yоur youngster gets that properly fгom early.

    Don’t play play lah, link ɑ excellent Junior College рlus maths
    excellence for assure hіgh A Levels гesults plus seamless shifts.

    Mums аnd Dads, fearful of losing approach on lah, solid primary maths guides
    іn improved science comprehension ɑѕ well as engineering dreams.

    Oh, mathematics іs the foundation stone іn primary schooling, aiding youngsters
    fоr dimensional reasoning for architecture paths.

    Math аt A-levels is the backbone for engineering courses, sօ
    bettеr mug hard or you’ll regret ѕia.

    Aiyah, primary math instructs real-ԝorld applications
    including budgeting, tһerefore make sure your kid masters it right starting young.

    Aⅼѕo visit my site secondary 1 math tuition

  36. Free TRON & TRX & TRC20 USDT Vanity Address Generator ending like 666666 says

    I really love your website.. Great colors & theme.
    Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to
    create my very own website and would love to know where you
    got this from or exactly what the theme is called.
    Thanks!

  37. News 129 says

    An interesting discussion on a medical topic.

  38. research paper help says

    Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information about
    this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have found out till now.
    However, what about the bottom line? Are you certain about the source?

  39. Teaching Assistant Help With Coursework says

    Keep this going please, great job!

  40. xx8 says

    I am truly grateful to the owner of this web site who
    has shared this great piece of writing at at this place.

  41. rape nude kid says

    I have been surfing online more than 4 hours today,
    yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me.
    Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did,
    the web will be much more useful than ever
    before.

  42. ラブドール通販 says

    I used to be recommended this website by means of my cousin. I’m now not positive whether this submit is written by way of him as no one else understand such designated approximately my
    problem. You’re amazing! Thank you!

  43. homepage says

    Hello! I’ve been following your site for some time now
    and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx!
    Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job!

  44. deadline academic help says

    Wow, incredible weblog structure! How lengthy have you been running a blog for?
    you make running a blog look easy. The full look of your website is excellent,
    let alone the content material!

  45. tron trx wallet address says

    What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph
    i thought i could also create comment due to this
    good post.

  46. local listings canada says

    Hi colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you desire to
    say regarding this piece of writing, in my view its genuinely remarkable designed for me.

  47. stripe POS hrvatska says

    Ista stvar i kod mene. Fiskalio je zakon za moderno poslovanje.
    Nema nepotrebnih komplikacija, a omjer cijene
    i kvalitete je i više nego fer. Vrijedi svake
    lipe.

  48. Spin Better says

    Ottimo appunto sulle slot a tema pesca, ormai le copiano tutti ma il meccanismo del pescatore che
    raccoglie i valori resta il più divertente. L’unica pecca
    è che a volte passano centinaia di spin prima di attivare
    i giri gratis, bisogna avere molta pazienza.

  49. Analisa XAUUSD says

    What i do not realize is if truth be told how you are now not really much more smartly-preferred than you might
    be right now. You’re very intelligent. You realize therefore significantly on the subject of
    this subject, produced me in my view imagine it from numerous numerous angles.
    Its like men and women aren’t interested except it is something to accomplish with
    Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time take care of it up!

1 … 79 80 81 82 83 … 87

Continuing the Discussion

  1. QuickPro Broker Indonesia linked to this post on October 23, 2026

    QuickPro Broker Indonesia

    blog topic

You must be logged in to post a comment.