(But not before a little nap)

The next stop was a little town called Manti, Utah.  I had never been before and boy was I glad to see civilization!  I think that’s what I don’t like about driving out west, there is nothing around if you were to get into trouble.  Or want some food.  Or need a bathroom.  I keep imagining me having to use the facilities behind a tumbleweed (since there’s not much else around) and a big gust of wind blows the weed away, leaving me exposed and embarrassed.  Not a pretty thought.  Needless to say, I felt better to arrive in a place that had restaurants, hotels and other modern establishments. 

The reason that we made this little detour was to visit the Manti Temple.  Being as we are members of the church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) it was important to us.   

It was built sometime in 1888 and is truly awe-inspiring.  The grounds were immaculate and the building itself was a work of art. 

I enjoyed it so much that we decided to drive a little further to find the “perfect spot” for a picture.  I had plenty of shots from the front and side, but I wanted the rear view too.  We drove to the base of the mountain and hit the end of the road, literally.

I hopped out of the car, camera in hand, and set out to find my view.  I didn’t get far before realizing that it was a bad idea.  It doesn’t look like much in this picture, but trust me when I say that the dirt there wasn’t dry.  Not only was it wet, it was sticky and gooey and deep, and I was walking right in the middle of it!

By the time I realized what I had done, it was too late.  I had mud caked all over my shoes, my pants, and the car.  

I spent the next 20 minutes trying to wipe everything off by using the snow on the side of the road and what little water remained in my water bottle.

But hey, I got my shot…

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