Americana

Panguitch is a small town straddling US 89 (which becomes Main Street as you enter civilization).  Main Street is sided with old brick buildings, just as you'd imagine in any small town, and the businesses are exactly those which you'd expect--even if they aren't "old school" businesses.  Panguitch is mostly a tourist town, a sort-of gateway to Bryce Canyon, and it provides just what the locals as well as the tourists require.

The town is laid out on a grid, as are many places in Utah (including Salt Lake City).  The primary north-south thoroughfare is Main Street, and the primary east-west thoroughfare is Center Street.  All the other streets are named in relation to these.  100 East is the north-south street 1 block east of Main.  The section of 100 East that is north of Center Street is called N 100 East, and the section south of Center is called S 100 East.  All the streets are thus named.  Once you learn the system, it's easy to find any location in habited Utah!

Many of the houses are built of (locally made) bricks.  Others are manufactured houses, some are bungalows.  Some hint at a bit of wealth, others are more modest, but they all display pride of ownership.  The "new" high school is very nice looking, one of the largest buildings in the town.  I've seen three churches, one of course Mormon.

All the history of the town is tied to the Mormons, and the town doesn't shy away from that at all.  They are unabashedly unashamed of their Mormon history, and the signs, plaques, statues, and other monuments make that perfectly clear.  Being from California I'm unused to seeing such open displays of religion--especially in civic places--but upon reflection, you cannot separate the religion from the history.  They are interwoven in the tightest tapestry.

If just passing through this must seem like any of thousands of small towns spread across our country.  It's important to remember, however, that however much they have in common, each is unique, each is special, each is American.

As forecast, it rained like heck this afternoon.  By the time I got back to my truck I was quite wet, and then the hail started coming down in force.  Many years ago I lived in Colorado Springs so I know what mountain weather can be like, especially in the afternoon.  I came back to my trailer and began reading What I Saw In California, essentially the journal writings of an emigrant who left Missouri for California in spring 1846.  It's well written, an easy read, and the time races by as I turn the pages.  The author admitted that he did not embellish, that he gave an honest appraisal of what he saw, but that doesn't diminish the impact of his story.  The rain beat down on my roof as I read the book, a space heater keeping the trailer warm against the cold air.  This is marked contrast to the conditions of the author, who often was soaked to the bone!

It's supposed to rain again tomorrow afternoon.  I intend to leave early and make my way to Bryce Canyon, and hopefully I'll see a lot of the touristy sights without any view-obscuring rain.  My plan is to pay my park admission and then ride the shuttle through the park.  I'll also see if I can make a reservation for Wednesday on a special bus that goes all the way to the end of the park road so I can see the view from there as well.

The American West is a vast place, so full of beauty.  If you haven't experienced it, consider this a strong recommendation that you do so.

Update, 6/26/19:  Panguitch, Utah.