Sunday, May 15, 2016

Escalante/Mayberry USA

I was living in Hawaii in 2009 when I received a call and invitation to return to Escalante as caretaker. 
I was caretaker of a Hawaiian coffee farm at the time located in Kona Hawaii, famous for its Island coffee, and though the beauty of the islands tugged at my heart, I heeded the invitation.
From the first moment I first entered the Escalante valley I could feel a strong connection to this special place.
First called Potato Valley, Escalante was settled by early pioneers looking for a place to build a new life. Tall grass tickled the bellies of their horses, wild potatoes grew abundantly, deer, elk, and wild life lived in the mountains and valleys of this special land. 
But, there was more here. A special feeling of peace and security gave the early people a hope that their dreams would be fulfilled.
The first families laid out a town grid and drew lots for locations in the valley. Water was a concern and soon irrigation was flowing though the valley to sustain gardens and fields.
Our home built around 1879, was one of the first adobe homes built in Escalante. It quickly became a place for people to share stories and enjoy in music and dance. It is home to 6 generations of our ancestors who have lived and thrived in this small community.
Escalante has stayed relatively small over the years and a current population of 850 people has created a home town, Mayberry kind of feeling. Instead of Andy Taylor as sheriff, we now have Jerry Taylor as Mayor.
The library is across the street, the telephone and city office are within shouting distance. There is the old church across the street, built by my grandfather, now converted into the senior citizens center where lunch is served to any who wants or needs it.  The Share and Care food bank is spitting distance and provides for those who need a little extra to get by each month. The local thrift store provides for locals and tourists alike. The post office and grocery store are walking distance from just about anywhere in town. 
People of vision are moving to Escalante and forward thinking people can see the economic opportunities that are available here.
Each day during tourist season there are thousands of people who pass through. 
Many tourists see the beauty here, but a few special ones, see and feel the invitation to come here and settle.
Each of us is looking for the perfect place to live and raise a family, some of us are lucky enough to find it in Escalante.
A smaller community has created a place where everyone knows your name, where you live, and what you have growing in your garden. A general sharing of values, garden vegetables, and well being is what makes this place strong.
Smaller classroom size and a sensitivity to changing family structure has allowed the school system here to adapt to the needs of the students. Extra time is allotted to split family children to be with non custodial parents. Make up work is customized and on line courses are offered as part of the school curriculum. The teachers not only know the children by name, but where they live, their family makeup and special needs that might need to be addressed. 
Escalante Elementary was named highest preforming elementary school in the state in 2012, 
Because classes are small the teachers can work one on one with the students or in small group settings where learning is maximized because the needs of the kids come first. 
Special needs are met with skilled teachers who are vested in the school and community.
The Escalante area was set aside as a national monument by President Clinton in 1996. He recognized the unique beauty and opportunities offered by this area and designated the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Escalante was also recently designated a national historic district.
Around noon each day the locals head to the post office where everyone has a post box. Gossip and local news are discussed and a general feeling of community is felt by all.
The air is clean, the sky is clear, the stars are bright, and traffic is slight. 
People from all around the globe come to Escalante to experience the natural beauty and pristine wilderness. 
Slick rock, slot canyons, mountain lake fishing, and big game hunting make Escalante a natural for those who want to visit or stay and raise a family.
The Petrified Forest state park with fishing, boating, and hiking are a short distance from town. Dinosaur bones, and tracks are located near by. Remains of the Anasazi indians are abundant in the valley and can be seen from Highway 12.
Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is one of only 27 roads in the United States that has earned this lofty recognition. 
Highway 12 in Utah is also often listed as one of the top 10 scenic drives in the United States
Next door Boulder Utah was the last place to receive regular mail delivery in the United States. That is no longer the case for this rural haven. World travelers, USPS, Fedex, UPS and fast internet connect Escalante with the world. 
A new community health care center and hardware store provided locals with all they need. 
The Lyons club, horse clubs, local church, and private citizens provide ample activities.
Schools provide basketball, track, long distance running, baseball, theater, wood and metal shop, and special educators for special needs children.
There is a reason this place was set aside as a monument, the first settlers felt the peace and tranquility here, the people who visit this area today are awed by the simple beauty and magnificent magistracy of nature. 
The nation we live in wanted to preserve this place as a national monument so that all could experience this same feeling. 
For those of us who are lucky enough to live here, we know how special it is. We would like to keep that little secret to ourselves, but the cat is out of the bag. 
Escalante is the best place to live and raise a family of well centered, community involved, and well balanced children. A legacy that Escalante has already proven.

Visitors often stop by our home in Escalante, it is an showplace where people feel welcome. We share stories, coffee, and send them on their way with a warm feeling, a few garden vegetables and if the chickens are feeling generous, a few free range organic eggs.

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