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Our new store is now open at CafePress.
Order hats, t-shirts, mugs & bumper stickers emblazoned with the 89 Logo.
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Our Supporters
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Corporate Sponsor:
Appreciation Society Business Members:
Doug Groppenbacher, CCIM, CIPS
Custom-Built
Teardrop Trailers
by
Teardrop72
Cultural Organization Members:
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If this issue of Along 89
was forwarded to you,
click here to join the list.
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First Exhibit of US Route 89 Collector Prints
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 Last August when we were in Salt Lake City we were introduced to Shalee Cooper, the curator for Saans Gallery. In the course of the conversation I mentioned that I had a new portfolio of prints from the US Route 89 project. Her response was enthusiastic and we immediately started planning for the show.
As of October 17th, it is a reality. There are twelve limited-edition prints now hanging in the Saans Gallery as well as a group of smaller prints of scenes on the highway. The opening was held during the monthly Salt Lake City Gallery Stroll. I had a good time meeting people and talking about our travels on the highway. One of the gallery strollers even joined the US Route 89 Appreciation Society.
 The reception Barbara and I have received in Utah has been very warm and welcoming. Everyone we've met from small towns to the big city has been interested in the project, often offering suggests and advice on people to contact and places to visit. US Route 89 connects a vital part of the history and culture of Utah and we are pleased to be helping in the effort to make it more widely traveled.
Details: Saans Downtown Fine Art Photography Gallery, 173 East Broadway, (801) 328-8827, open 10 am to 6 pm, Monday-Friday and on weekends by appointment.
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Camping in the Lap of Luxury
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Our second trip with the new teardrop trailer involved using it on the way up to Salt Lake City to deliver Jim's artwork to the SAANS Gallery and then on the drive back to Ajo. In a way it wasn't so much camping as it was pulling into a camping spot in the dark, sleeping and then taking off again first thing in the morning. We end up doing this a lot during our Route 89 trips because it's a long way from where we are in Southern Arizona to where ever we might be heading to along the road. Tent camping under these circumstances is not fun at best and beyond difficult at worst. Imagine trying to find a camping spot with suitable tent space, putting up the tent in the dark, deciding not to add the rain fly because the sky is perfectly clear only to have it rain (or snow). Getting up and racing around (in the dark) to get the tent covered and then taking down a wet tent in the morning is not my idea of fun.
Now imagine pulling into a camping area and finding a place to park the pod (my nickname for the teardrop trailer). It's so easy. We pop open the back and there is our kitchen all set up. It's easy to cook something or just put together a snack. Imagine crawling into the bed, which now has a 4" foam pad, complete with sheets, pillows and down comforter. Yes, it's a little chilly at first, but it seems that within minutes, we are toasty warm. You can see the stars out the skylight (vent) in the ceiling. As the rain begins to pour down in the middle of the night, you can chuckle and roll over and go back to sleep.
 In the morning, getting out of bed and braving the outdoors is bracing to say the least. But good hot coffee helps. So does knowing that we can be back on the road again in minutes, no fuss, no muss, we are on our way to enjoy the next piece of US Route 89!
P.S. Yes, you could do the same in a camper or RV but not with such a small initial investment, low impact on gas mileage and ease in hauling. Not to mention the great people we meet along the way who are curious about what in the world we are toting behind us!
Details: Our trailer was custom built by Preston at Teardrop72 located in Logan, Utah. Go to the Teardrop72 website for more information. Members of the US Route 89 Appreciation Society receive a 5% discount.
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Staying in Salt Lake City in the Lap of Luxury
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I love to go camping. Even better, I love the contrast between camping and staying in a unique and comfortable bed and breakfast hotel. After camping (3 days in a row is about my limit), a hot shower in a room with a desk and chairs and table and closet is so wonderful.
We were lucky enough to find Parrish Place, which is in the Sugar House district of Salt Lake City. More accurately, Jim searched the Bed & Breakfast Inns of Utah website and was attracted to the convenient location and amenities of Parrish Place. We arrived tired and cranky (me) with our pod trailing behind, to be greeted by Karin's warm smile and helping hands.
We got a quick tour of the place and then settled into our room on the second floor. Lovely dappled light entered the room through large windows, courtesy of the huge, leafy trees just outside. In addition to the ultra-comfortable room, there is a sunroom downstairs that is always stocked with coffee and tea. It's a great place to sit and relax. There is also a hot tub, which we didn't have a chance to try out on this visit. Maybe next time.
In the morning, a basket of breakfast goodies awaited us outside our door. We enjoyed fruit, yogurt, cereal and muffins, plus coffee in the comfort of our own room before starting the day's business in the city. Parrish Place is close to everything. There are a number of really good local restaurants just a mile or two away. In addition, it's a quick drive to downtown.
Four days later, we left Salt Lake refreshed and pleased with what we had accomplished. Jim's show at the SAANS Gallery looks spectacular. I'm looking forward to going back to pick up the work in a few weeks, and especially to enjoying another stay with our new friends Karin and Jeff at Parrish Place Bed and Breakfast.
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Support the "Slow Road" Movement:
Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
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 You love driving the two-lane highways that keep you close to the edge of the road so you can see the land at a leisurely pace. You think nothing of stopping along the way to admire the view and smell the fresh air. You seek out unique places to eat where the special of the day depends on what's in season at the nearby farm. You already appreciate the opportunities offered by a journey on US Route 89.
You are not alone in your passion for a trip on a "slow road." There are many others like you. Together we can spread the word of the joys of leisurely travel. Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society and you'll receive an official membership certificate and button to attest to your belief in the "slow road" movement.
General Membership: $5
Benefits:
· Membership Certificate
· Membership Badge
· Email Newsletter
· Invitations to all project events
Download the Membership Brochure in pdf format |
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