When we arrived at the Minneapolis airport and told the ticket agent we were traveling to Moab, and she responded with a completely blank expression...."I have no idea where that is", I knew we were in for a trip to a very unique place in the world. Moab lies on the eastern border of Utah, near Colorado, proudly placed near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It is a place of raw beauty where everywhere you turn, you are reminded of our own insignificance in this world.
To say that the scenery is beautiful seems to be a very weak description for a place with such grandeur. There is quite literally nowhere you can turn where you aren't facing a canyon, a cliff, a desert, or a mountain that has stood there for thousands of years...that has stood the test of time. On our first full day in Moab, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to stand on the overlook of Dead Horse Point and watch the sun rise over the canyon. (This is the canyon where Thelma and Louise took their final...drive.) It was spectacular and I could only think about how huge and vast this space was and how I was so insignificant standing over it. We then journeyed to Canyonlands and stood next to trees that have stood watch over those canyons since before the time of Christ. And all I could think was that my life is just a heartbeat in comparison. Those trees have stood there through countless generations and will continue to stand there long after I am gone. The experience left me feeling insignificant in comparison to the universe but also, in a way, feeling quite connected to the universe as well.
We happened to be in Moab during "Gay Adventure Week" and on one of our free days, we went into town for the Gay Pride parade. As far as gay pride parades go, this was a pretty small affair but the people who were there were so joyful and so accepting of everyone who joined them. I stood just a few feet away from the mayor of Moab as he kicked off the parade that morning. He said:
"Today we bury fear and recognize our common humanity with all its differences. We are bound together by humanity. Regardless of whether you are rich or poor, regardless of your color, your sexual preference, your politics or any other fact - each one us puts on our pants the same way."
This is what travel is. When you go to another place, maybe even a place that the ticket agent at the airport didn't even know existed, you are given an opportunity. It is a chance to find your place in the universe, however small. Or to find your place in history, however insignificant. Or to simply be reminded that no matter where we are, we all share a common humanity.
So what to do in Moab?
1. At some point in your stay, hire a guide! I spent a day with a local photographer (Bret Edge - check him out at www.bretedge.com.) There is no better way to learn about an area than to explore it with someone who knows every back road, every hidden overlook, the name of every tree and plant. It will give you an insight to the destination that you will never find on your own.
2. Dead Horse Point - you HAVE to stand on this overlook and look into the canyon below - and if you can do it at sunrise, all the better. Stand with someone you love. Or stand with a cup of coffee and take it in on your own. However you choose to do it, just stand.
3. Shop at "Cowboys and Indians" on the main street in town. The jewelry there is unique, local, beautiful and the prices are very reasonable. I bought a bear pendant (to symbolize strength) and an opal and turquoise ring shaped as a buffalo which has so much symbolism within my family.
4. Eat at Jeffrey's Restaurant. Overall, the restaurant service in Moab leaves much to be desired. The food is good almost everywhere but in many cases is served by young kids who are only working enough hours to support their habit...not drugs...but canyoneering, or riding, or biking, or other adventures. It makes them interesting and fun but not the most committed servers. However, the service at Jeffrey's is outstanding and the food is five-star.
5. Do NOT call Moab Taxi to take you to the airport on the final day of your trip when you have no other transportation. I'm not kidding. Do Not Call Moab Taxi. Instead call my friend, Tom the taxi driver, with 259-taxi. He saved us by getting us to the airport on time with a last minute emergency call (it's not like there is a taxi at every corner in Moab). Tom is a hippie cowboy...after enjoying the 60's in Haight Ashbury, he became a guide of sorts. He was kind, interesting, and treated us as though we were no less than the Baron and Baronness he had escorted through the area the day prior.
6. Look UP. The first night we were there, I just happened to glance at the sky and it literally took my breath away. There are more stars there than I ever imagined. Look Up.
7. Most importantly...take time to...stop....look around....take it in....and breathe. In Moab, none of us is as important as we think we are. It's okay to be reminded of this once in awhile, to feel small and yet a part of something larger at the same time...that is Moab.
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