Meatballs Meet The Old Spanish Trail.

 This is a combination of my travel and food blogs.

 “Into the great wide open

Under them skies of blue

Out in the great wide open

A rebel without a clue”

Into the Great Wide Open, by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1991

Since around June, hubby and I have taken short riding trips, with our dog, just to get away from the town.  Like the song lyrics just read, into the great wide open, under the skies of blue; and San Juan County certainly has a monopoly on both.  Round and round the trails of Lisbon Valley; Steen Road where Charlie Steen had his Mi Vida mine.  Crossing over Highway 191 onto old highway 191, driving past the abandoned Monticello CCC Camp location and coming out at Wilson’s Arch. No matter how many times we travel these parts, we always notice something new.

 

Recently, a dirt trail past Casa Colorado Rock caught our attention.  Oh, we already knew the trail was there, seen it before, say, “One of these days we’ll check it out.”  Why did we notice it more this time?  There was a new sign, and we knew it was new, cause it was all shiny new, and didn’t see it anytime before, put up by the BLM.  Sign reads, “Las Tinajas Water Holes, Bureaus of Land Management, Old Spanish National Historic Trail”.  This is so new-new that we could not even find it listed on the BLM, nor The Old Spanish Trail Association, websites.  Lots of references to the Las Tinajas Waterfall and Swimming Holes in Puerto Rico though.  Even asked Google AI which stated, “The BLM has no new established trails in San Juan County, UT relating to The Old Spanish Trail.”  Good thing I always take a camera on our jaunts, so could document what we had found.

 

So, the trailhead is off Steen Road, near Casa Colorado Rock; now that’s the name the BLM has listed on their information board about this formation.  If you visit my travel blog, February and May 2014, I wrote extensively about Steen Road and the formations along, and seen from, it.  In 1874, Willian Henry Jackson photographed the same areas, and named the formation "Cave Rocks / Sierra La Sal / Dry Valley”.  Closer to Highway 191 is where the Hook and Ladder OHV Trailhead can be accessed as well. 

 

But I digress, the trail to the water holes is one-mile, round trip, over very sandy ground, and it gets steeper the closer to the water holes you get.  There are no areas of shade along the trail, so, being in the great wide open, wearing a hat; loose, light colored clothing, hiking shoes and carrying lots of water is a must.  A side trail to Casa Colorado Rock brings you to more shaded areas, so bring a picnic for a restful lunch.

This is a combination travel and food article, so that was the travel part, and here comes the food.  Since this trail is an established part of The Old Spanish Trail, it is quite appropriate to introduce a Spanish recipe that has become a staple in Mexico, Albóndigas Guisadas aka stewed meatballs.

During the 6^th to 15^th centuries, the Moors, of the Middle East, inhabited and influenced southwestern Europe, which included Spain.  When the Spanish explorers came to Mexico, and the more southern regions of North America, they too influenced the people already dwelling there.  Albondigas was one culinary influence in which it can be served as a savory stew, or a full bodied, comforting soup of meatballs, vegetables and rich broth.

The word "albondigas" comes from the Arabic word "al-bunduq," meaning "hazelnut" or "small round object," which refers to the shape of the meatballs.  Since the 15^th century, the recipe has gone through many changes throughout Spain and Mexico, however, tomatoes, garlic, onions, peppers and olive oil (combination known as “sofrito”) remain the foundation for the broth.  This type of recipe is similar to ones from Italy, but the seasonings of cumin and chili powder give albondigas its Spanish signature.

After the meatballs are browned, they are finished off by cooking in the broth.  For a stew, the broth/sauce is much thicker, and can be served over rice or mashed potatoes. In soup form, the broth is thinner, and vegetables of zucchini, potatoes, and carrots can be added.  An ingredient, sold under the brand name “Maggi Jugo”, is a rich brown liquid whose equivalent is dark soy sauce, and is a must for the broth, whether the product itself, or using the soy sauce as a substitute.

For the onions, white or red (purple) can be used, or a combination.  The same for the bell peppers, all one color of red, yellow or green, or a combination.  First cut the vegetables into strips (julienne), then cut the strips in half before adding to the sauce mixture.  The first recipe will be a stove top method which will be quick cooking.  The second will be for the crock pot which I have found creates a better dish.  The slower cooking allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce it is cooking in; and the entire dish becomes richer and more flavorful.

 

Albóndigas Guisadas (Spanish Stewed Meatballs)

Meatball ingredients:

2 and ½ lbs. lean ground beef or 2 lbs. beef + ½ lb. ground pork

2 Tbsp. Maggi Jugo (dark soy sauce can be substituted)

1/2 cup minced onions

2 Tbsp. beef stock

2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 cup plain, dried bread crumbs

1 egg

For frying: 1/2 cup olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

2 cups onions and peppers, julienned and halved

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. cumin

2 tsp. chili powder (mild or medium)

1 can (10 oz.) tomato sauce

1 can (4 oz.) tomato paste

1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with chilies (mild or medium)

1 cup beef stock

¼ cup Maggi Jugo (dark soy sauce can be substituted)

Preparation:

 

For the meatballs, mix all meatball ingredients, except olive oil, thoroughly, in a large bowl.  Roll mixture into two-inch balls; makes about 3 dozen.  In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat, add meatballs and brown for 3 minutes; turn over and brown again for 3 minutes.  Do not drain oil.

 

For the sauce, in a large pot, 4 to 5-quart, on medium-high heat, add all sauce ingredients and cook for 20 minutes, stir occasionally.  Add browned meatballs, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook 15 minutes; uncover, stir bottom to top, cook additional 10 minutes.  Serve with white rice or mashed potatoes.

Makes six servings.

Crock Pot Method

In a 4-quart crock pot, mix together all sauce ingredients, set on low.  Create meatballs as in stove top directions, add to sauce in crock pot, including the oil (full of added flavor).  Let cook for six hours before serving over white rice or mashed potatoes.

 

A huge thank you to my taste testers at the Monticello 7-11/Exxon; your positive and helpful opinions made this worthwhile.

 

Looking for something in the sandwich genre,  Preheat oven to 400F.  Place six meatballs, plus veggies and sauce on one half of a large sized Naan bread.  Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling. Fold the other half of the Naan bread over the filling, place on an aluminum foil covered pan, place in oven for 15 minutes.  Now that's going to be one heck of a satisfying sandwich! 

Mary Cokenour 

 

Fool’s Gold, a Book Review

It's been a very long time since we've been able to travel anywhere, and I've not been inspired to write about past travels.  I very much enjoyed doing tourism work at two establishments.  However, due to "high school behavior" and lies told to get my job (must have been one heck of a lucrative job, right?), I had to leave those establishments.  The people who did that to me, I left them to Karma, and she has done her very best to get me justice. 

Recently though, someone involved, from one of the establishments, did verbally apologize to me, for what was said and done to me.  However, the question of, "If it was verified that I was a good employee, and vicious lies were told, why didn't I get my job back?"  Something tells me that that would then become a public apology of wrongdoing, and they just couldn't have that.

Anyway, while at home, or should I say while, "forced into early retirement", I've been doing lots of reading, and enjoying other hobbies.   Recently I read a new Old West novel by one of our resident authors, and here it is...

Opening up the cardboard packaging, sliding the hard copy book out, I am immediately sent back to my child to preteen years.  The hardcover novel is reminiscent of books, geared towards younger readers, such as Black Beauty, Gulliver’s Travels, and Call of the Wild.  Hand illustrated artwork, upon the cover, draws the reader’s eye in with an enticement of what is to be discovered within the pages.

 Yet, this novel is not geared towards only the younger reader, but to the lovers of books in general.  Eric Niven, author of Fool’s Gold, has once again published a Western novel of adventure, gunslingers, greed, and good vs. evil.  His previous Western novel, The Reaper, has drama, action, humor and what is missing in many novels and movies these days of "instant gratification"...suspense!!! Several times I was on the edge of my seat wondering if, main characters, Malcolm and/or Lydia would make it out of a dire situation.

 With Fool’s Gold, action was packed in from the very beginning, and there I was again, on the edge of my seat and holding my breath till the end of the scene.  Set in the time of the Civil War era, the Confederacy is in dire need of funds to keep the war effort on target.  A detailed map, of a mine in California, must be delivered, if the South is to remain solvent.

 A stagecoach leaves Salt Lake City, Utah, in route to Carson City, Nevada, and a rail train that will take four passengers to California.  On board is Rory Sean MacTavish, a Pinkerton agent posing as a newspaper reporter; his assignment is to stop that map from reaching Confederate hands.

 Jacques Fore’, an immigrant from France, was on a journey to seek his fortune; to start a winery and make a great name for himself.  Overweight, the heat from the southwestern environment did nothing to making his journey comfortable.

Vivian Creed, a genteel young lady, from Maine, was on her way to visit her patron, and guardian.  Taking time off from finishing school, her nonstop chatter ended soon as the stagecoach bumped along.  Of course the ungentlemanly smells assailing her nostrils did not encourage opening her dainty mouth for further conversation.

The fourth passenger is Jack Thaddeus Lowe, a gunfighter and gun for hire who had decided to branch out into “security services”.  He received good money for taking on the job of getting the map to its rightful destination.  What he did not know is that another Southerner wanted that map, not for the good of the South, but the good of his own pockets.  “The Boss”, and his hired hands would do anything to get the map, find the mine, and line their pockets with gold.

Then the adventure begins when the stagecoach driver is gunned down by a sniper.  The horses are running wildly and the coach careening; will it crash and all be killed!?!  Rory climbs up top to, somehow, gain control, the coach’s wheels hit a ditch in the rough trail, and…no spoilers sweetie!

 This quote, from near the book’s end, speaks deep of life, and death, in the Old West.

“So here he was again, about to engage in a life and death struggle where men would die.  Even he might die.  He had been the means of causing death several times, but it still caught something deep inside him.  One minute a man is alive, he is a reasoning being, and the next he is useless meat.”

Oh, how I would love to tell you more, but that would ruin the entire story.  What I can say though is buy yourself a copy of this new novel, by Eric Niven.  Be prepared to have your heart racing, anxiety and anticipation build, and your fingers numb from holding the book tightly.  The ending will definitely not disappoint, as there is a plot twist no one, and their mother, would have ever seen coming.

I would like to thank Eric Niven for lending me his ARC of his novel, and having the faith, in me, for reviewing it.  Be assured that it was very difficult returning it, so now I better go buy a copy of my own, and you do the same as you will not regret it.

Fool’s Gold is currently available at: https://bhwesterns.com/book/fools-gold/ , Amazon.com, Google Books, and hopefully, soon, at San Juan Record Bookstore.

Mary Cokenour

ROAM Industry; Roam if You Want to, Roam Around the World.

Roam Industries

265 North Main Street

Monticello, UT, 84535

Phone: (435) 590-2741

Email: info@roamutah.com

Website: http://www.roamutah.com/

“I hear a wind

Whistling air

Whispering

In my ear”

“Roam” by The B-52s

Surrounded by majestic Ponderosa Pine; sailing upon a one-track trail and the breeze whispers into ears a blessed silence.  Welcome to mountain biking in the Abajo Mountains with Roam Industries.  Opening its doors July 2018, owners Dustin and Natalie Randall, enjoy the great outdoors of San Juan County.  They wanted to bring mountain biking, hiking and winter sports to visitors, and locals, of this vast area. 

When it comes to mountain biking, Roam Industries became the organizers and hosts of the Abajo Enduro.  A yearly mountain biking fest which has grown to a 2-day, 3-State event, and has sold out the past two years.  What started out, as a handful of friends, to ride and have friendly competition, is now a full on event, maximum participation of 50 riders!  

“…dancing down those dirty and dusty trails

Take it hip to hip, rocket through the wilderness”

“Roam” by The B-52s

Mountain biking, as well as hiking and climbing, tours are offered during the spring to fall months.  Tours are initially 1-3 days of exploring various sections of San Juan County. Climbing is mainly in the Indian Creek Valley, or what is now part of the Bears Ears National Monument. 

Roam Industries offers the service of a mobile tiny home; sleeping 7 and room for supplies; it is camping with the comfort of home.  Currently the tiny home is up at Buckboard National Forest Campground.  Sports of shoe shoeing and cross country skiing are a major draw during the winter months.  Natalie Randall helped develop the trails that extend from the Dalton Springs and Buckboard campgrounds.  Through her grant writing, Monticello has been able to expand other trails as well for biking and walking.  A hut system, throughout San Juan County, is now in the works.

Do not think cross country skiing is your sport of choice?  Dustin Randall states, “It takes about one season to learn, and become proficient, on the skis.  After that though, you will love it!”

Another benefit of visiting Roam Industries is their self-serve snack bar and relaxed seating section.  Delicious scones of Lemon Rosemary, Pumpkin, Coconut, Ginger Apricot and more are the creations of home baker, Hannah Plemons.  Crisp around the edges, tender and fluffy inside, the fruity to savory concoctions are pleasing to the taste buds.  Along with coffees, teas, water, the scones are an indulgent start to the day’s event, or a relaxing finish.  Hannah’s scones are available Monday and Wednesday at 1pm, and they are gone in the blink of an eye!

While Roam Industries did have some success with a connection with Airbnb, it is mainly word of mouth that sustains this business.  Repeat customers and great reviews feed the trickle down effects to the City of Monticello.  Hotels, restaurants, and shops benefit from the influx of visitors, their families that come along, and the friends that decide to have their own Roam adventures.  What better way is there, for economic sustainability, and development, then to have local businesses holding hands, with each other, in camaraderie?

Current winter hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1pm-6pm.  Once spring’s warm fingers begin to caress the land, more adventurous opportunities will become available.  With the summer months, family reunions are always looking for activities; how about a group tour with Roam Industries? 

“Roam if you want to

Roam around the world

Roam if you want to”

“Roam” by The B-52s

Mary Cokenour

The Rock Art of Hog Canyon.

Hog Canyon is located three miles west (mile marker 4 on Highway 211) from Newspaper Rock, there is a short pull-in area for parking.  The trails up to the walls (Blue Grama aka Blue Gamma – popular to crack climbers) are well worn, but the soil is loose.  Following the rock art itself entails maneuvering up and around boulders, sometimes squeezing between one that has split in two after its fall from the wall.

Trails are not marked and tend to be narrow.

Be prepared to climb over, between and around boulders.

Therefore, being 60 years old, overweight, diabetic, and arthritis in my hands, arms and shoulders means I cannot do this adventure, right?  Wrong!!!   There are people out there that are preaching that "young, fit and healthy" are 3 traits you must have to be able to adventure in the outdoors.  That is certainly the largest load of bull crap I've ever heard!  By the way, this is coming from folks who haven't even done 1/16th of the adventures that Roy and I have experienced.  What do they really know?  Obviously what some current fad is telling them to know, as they do not have a mind of their own.  No matter what your age, fitness level or health; get on out there and do something adventurous!  Life is a gift, but not guaranteed, so never say never and enjoy life!

My hubby, Roy.

Now back to our regularly scheduled write up of the latest Cokenour adventure.

Carved onto stone, drawn into the desert varnish, there are square-bodied humanoid figures, mountain sheep, insects, long leaves resembling ferns, circles and many other shapes and figures.  There is the occasional signature of those who settled or visited in the early 20th century (1911 – Ralph Hurst and Bill Dalley).  While many modern day traveler thinks that the Indian rock art is nothing more than “ancient graffiti”, they fail to understand that it was the earliest form of the “written word” for these cultures.

1911 Signatures amongst the ancient rock art drawings.

Like Shay Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park and Nine Mile Canyon, many of the figures are identified as Fremont culture.  For those saying, "Wrong, it's Anasazi"; identified tribes we know of, such as Ute, Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Fremont were the Anasazi.  The Anasazi didn't "disappear", they simply branched off to create singular tribes in the areas they decided to call home. 

Oh, sorry, disclaimer necessary at the moment, "Visitor/Welcome Center Managers or Tour Guides, if you have not signed an agreement with me, and/or paid a yearly fee, you do NOT have my permission to download any content from this travel blog. You certainly cannot erase my name, put a different name on it, with the intent of giving away, or selling, to the public.  That is copyright infringement!"  

Ah, back to Hog Canyon...

Why the name “Hog Canyon”?  In Utah’s Canyon Country Place Names (Steve Allen), there is a reference to “Pete Steele noted that the canyon was fenced with knit wire (sheep wire) to hold the pigs that used to pasture in the canyon.  The fence still stands.  (1821~)”.  In the December 10, 2014 issue of the San Juan Record, Albert Eugene (Pete) Steele’s obituary states, “One of his jobs growing up was punching cows for the SS Cattle Company rooted deep in San Juan County’s history. His tales of the Old West and the history of San Juan County were a treasure to anyone lucky enough to hear them.” 

Great look out spot.

Climbers love these walls.

The rock art continues along the bottom of the crack climbing walls; so if you're going to climb, be aware and do not destroy!

Of course, as you make your way up to, and along, the walls, make sure to turn around and take a good look at the surrounding landscape.

Personally, I call these "The Three Graces"

...and my write up wouldn't be complete without a bit of plant and wild life.

Claret Cup Cactus

Desert Lizard

I would say that Roy and I spent about two hours climbing up, around and down from the Hog Canyon walls. It was a great workout!

Mary Cokenour