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Satisfaction
July 12th, 2009 | Jeff Zutant
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A sore but happy Jeff Zutant checks-in from another stop on his cross-country trek.
Moab, Utah. (Hot, baby. Hot!)
When I was 19, Wes, one of my best friends, handed me a book called, Confessions of the Barbarian. It's written by Edward Abbey, an author, naturalist and champion of the southwest. It's a collection of his journal entries and deepest, most terrifying thoughts on life, love and traveling in this part of the country. A friend of Abbey's found these boxes full of his journals and edited it down to the bare essentials of the man.
The book was a stark reality check for me and made me realize that there are other nuts out there that think a bit differently. And that's not a bad thing. So, go to your local library and check it out. But first read Desert Solitaire. It's about his season in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. In his raw style, Abbey preached about the beauty of this place. Then he became so disgusted with the world when he realized he couldn't keep it to himself. It's quick, funny and brutal all at once. It's worth your time.
While staying in Colorado and trying to decide on where to go next, I looked over and saw Desert Solitaire sitting on a bookshelf next to me. The decision was made and off we went.
Now, as you know, I am traveling with my friend Jeremy. He wanted to let you all know that no matter what I am doing out here on the road, he is searching for Bigfoot. You can stop holding your breath. I think another one of life's mysteries will remain unsolved.
With that being said, I have no idea what I am looking for, but I have a feeling that I will know it when I see it. Today, I may have seen it. I finally understand you, Edward!!!!! All it took was ten minutes in this place, as you can see in these pictures. (Which I hope to sell someday. So, save your cash and help out an out-of-work friend!) But if you have the chance, see this place.
It's 11pm. My head is pounding and my back is aching from bike wrecks, hiking in 108-degree heat and a drive into the back country that would bounce the fillings out of your teeth. Jeremy and I are sitting in Woody's Tavern going over the day's events. Our faces are red and dusty, but a feeling of satisfaction is hanging over this little corner table in this local dive. I love it. If you're in a rut and need a change, call me. For a small fee, I'll come get you, pack you up and leave. Destination is up to you. But I get to choose the route. I work cheap and only ask that there be no nagging. Trust me. You will enjoy it.
Any takers?
I know I should be talking about life on the road, but there is so much more to it than "get in and go." This place needs no words from me. They have already been written and by better men than I. All I can offer are these images that will forever be floating through my mind.
Related Topics: Jeff Zutant, Moab
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Jeff Zutant | 1 Comment »
Satisfaction
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Let Jeremy know that he ought to be in search of a wooly mammoth to ride. Safe trip.