Grange had already begun fleshing out a few ideas, and we both liked the one
focusing on what it was like to be born and raised in the "Red Rock Wilderness"
of southern Utah. Noticing what we were discussing, Jana mentioned the recent
U.S. Census had classified San Juan County as "frontier." This designation
is reserved for counties with population density of less than two people per
square mile. Consistent with that finding, our friend Cleal Bradford has for
years labeled the residents of Bluff "modern day pioneers." This of course
refers to the challenges faced by the founders of this isolated community and those
confronted by its current residents.
Nielson’s philosophy has guided me through 31 years at Twin Rocks Trading Post. Indeed, although I realize the words were never really spoken by Gene Kranz during the ill-fated moon mission, we long ago adopted the Apollo 13 motto, "Failure is not an option." Like those in Nielson’s party who feared descending into the sandstone abyss, we frequently ask ourselves, "How we will ever get through?" The answer is most often uncertain. We, however, persist, and in the process have become "Find-A-Way" people. Just as Bluff’s patriarchs conquered the Hole-In-The-Rock, I have always gone through.
In times like these, we must also find our way through, even if we are sure we can’t. Patience with our fellow man, diligence, and goodwill will get us through. God bless us all; we will need it.