Do you want to experience living green in an off-the-grid bed and breakfast? A visit to Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast in southeastern Utah will satisfy your curiosity. And the introduction to peace, quiet and pure relaxation will keep you coming back for more.
When Alan and I stayed in the 1933-era ranch house, it was our first experience with green living off the energy grid. The sturdy, stone home is solar and wind powered. Although a well exists on the property, water is hauled in by truck, but, owner, Gary Dorgan, is experimenting with water harvesting.
Our accommodations included a private bath with unique stone shower plus a sunroom filled with houseplants. From the king-sized bed in our room, we woke up to views of Cedar Mesa.
At breakfast, Alan and I sat around the large kitchen table watching Claire Dorgan prepare french toast topped with oats and stewed apples accompanied by thick slices of bacon. We shared our meal with guests from Ottawa, Corsica and Santa Fe. With Gary and Claire’s easy banter melting away any language barriers, we were soon laughing our way through the meal.
What is there to do at such a remote location? You name it— explore Valley of the Gods (a mini-Monument Valley), raft the San Juan River, photograph the river curves at Goosenecks State Park, or explore the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, Natural Bridges National Monument or national parks at Canyonlands and Arches.
Dinner requires a drive to Mexican Hat or Bluff, Utah. For a real Western steak, try Cottonwood Steakhouse. If you eat outside under the cottonwood tree, don’t sit at the first few tables. Those are reserved for locals.
Alan and I enjoyed relaxing in the comfy rocking chairs on Valley of the God Bed and Breakfast’s 75′ covered front porch, watching the sunset reflect on Monument Valley. Next time, we’ll bring our own steak and cook it on the gas stove that sits at the end of the porch. Or, maybe we’ll get lucky, if Gary and Claire are cooking a roast in their solar-powered oven. They might share.
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