A couple of weeks into our 9000-mile road trip, Captain Winnebago was steering the Winnie through Southern Utah. Utah is –– as Holden Caulfield might have said –– lousy with park land. The state has the "Big 5" National Parks: Arches, Bryce, Capital Reef, Grand Canyon, and Zion, plus more: Canyonlands, the Pony Express, Mormon Pioneer, and California National Trails, and a nice handful of National Monuments. As if that weren't enough, it also has Goblin Valley State Park. |
It was first called "Mushroom Valley" when Anglos first found it. Although in full disclosure, even more than goblins, I think one could argue a valley of phallus-like items.
Names matter.
I get it.
Who in the world would agree to chaperone a busload of teenagers to Dingus Valley State Park for an overnight tenting adventure?
I can restrain myself only by strong effort. Goblins! Goblins!