As a piece of history of Natural Bridges N. M. myself, I commend the author's article, which is quite accurate throughout. I worked at the Monument as a seasonal ranger in 1970-71, and again in 2018-2022. In between those times, I traveled to the area frequently, and led up to 16 backpack trips into the Dark Canyon Wilderness nearby Bears Ears. I'll add that NABR (Park Service parlance) was the first National Monument established in Utah, and didn't get a road to it until the late 1920s. The Moki Dugway is today much the same as it was in 1970, truly an experience for the casual traveler, but in 1970 it was actually better than the Hwy 95 alternative, the Comb Ridge Dugway. People would arrive at the Bridges sometimes trembling having taken that route. A modern crossing of Comb Ridge was completed about 1973.
As for Bears Ears, an 1850s U. S. government survey learned the Spanish derivation, "Orejos del Oso". That name remained on many maps well into the 20th century before becoming Anglicized to Bears Ears.
The Bee's Knees' beginnings were placed in the Prohibition era due to its inclusion of gin and its flapper-influenced name.
Along with “the cat's pajamas,” “the flea's eyebrows,” and “the kipper's knickers,” the phrase “the bee's knees” was a popular expression in the 1920's.
As a piece of history of Natural Bridges N. M. myself, I commend the author's article, which is quite accurate throughout. I worked at the Monument as a seasonal ranger in 1970-71, and again in 2018-2022. In between those times, I traveled to the area frequently, and led up to 16 backpack trips into the Dark Canyon Wilderness nearby Bears Ears. I'll add that NABR (Park Service parlance) was the first National Monument established in Utah, and didn't get a road to it until the late 1920s. The Moki Dugway is today much the same as it was in 1970, truly an experience for the casual traveler, but in 1970 it was actually better than the Hwy 95 alternative, the Comb Ridge Dugway. People would arrive at the Bridges sometimes trembling having taken that route. A modern crossing of Comb Ridge was completed about 1973.
As for Bears Ears, an 1850s U. S. government survey learned the Spanish derivation, "Orejos del Oso". That name remained on many maps well into the 20th century before becoming Anglicized to Bears Ears.
I love the phrase 'the bee's knees' but now I'm going to have to say bridges are 'the bear's ears!'
I did not know the difference between arches and bridges. Thanks!
I may have to adopt that phrase when discussing bridges!
The Bee's Knees' beginnings were placed in the Prohibition era due to its inclusion of gin and its flapper-influenced name.
Along with “the cat's pajamas,” “the flea's eyebrows,” and “the kipper's knickers,” the phrase “the bee's knees” was a popular expression in the 1920's.
Lots of great stuff, learned some things I didn’t know, thanks