Sheep Camp at Horseshoe Canyon trailhead -- my home for nine days
The adorable 15×7 foot trailer (nicknamed ‘Sheep Camp’) beckoned me: “Come, stay awhile.” In 1994 the Park Service parked it behind some sand dunes and attached a solar panel, and rangers and volunteers have been living in it ever since when they patrol the canyon for a stretch of time. Somehow I had envisioned a dusty old hantavirus-laden box which I’d share with small critters, but this was a camper’s delight.
I unlocked the door and found sweet quarters for my solar- and LP-powered wilderness habitation. A tiny kitchen, bench seats, and lofted bed welcomed me. Ruffled blue curtains covered the three windows. A couple of propane lanterns (mantles intact) graced the walls, and a battery-powered radio pulled in a few Salt Lake City stations. Water containers and an ice chest were brought from the station an hour away by a ranger. The outhouse at the trailhead was nearly a half mile off; I’m not shy about peeing behind a blackbrush.
Kathryn surveying her kingdom from Sheep Camp
After reading a bit about the rich local history, I fell asleep my first night wondering how many Basque sheepherders slept on this knoll. Up to the mid-20th century, thousands of head of sheep were grazed in this canyon. This spot made a good camp for the shepherds since it was near the livestock trail that leads down 750 feet to Barrier Creek, the only water supply. Today this rough trail provides the access for most hikers wanting to see the rock art; I would become quite familiar with all 6.5 miles of it over the next nine days.
Comments: Have you any clear memories of a particularly delightful cabin or campsite you’ve occupied?
Ranger Kathryn's Arches 
you say you are alone……. i’m no dummy. someone has to be there with you to take the pictures 🙂
Comment by john — March 24, 2011 @ 11:44 am |
The ranger who oriented me took these photos. Hey, besides, haven’t you heard of a self-timer? How do you know I didn’t use one of those, huh??
Comment by Kathryn Burke — March 25, 2011 @ 11:32 am |
Kathryn! I seriously can’t wait until the next post. Awesome!
Comment by michael matthes — March 25, 2011 @ 12:30 am |
If you click on the “Sign me up!” button in the upper right, Michael, you’ll never miss a single post! Gotta love the convenience factor. Thanks for reading!
Comment by Kathryn Burke — March 25, 2011 @ 11:32 am |