The Delta Farce

Hey Folks,

A few weeks ago I got word from the local gas company that there was a one week survey job in Delta, Utah that needed to be done.  Similar to the trip to Price last month but this one needed two people. My co-worker Don and I were chosen for the task.  Since his wife Sandy works at the KOA she needed to stay behind, so the four of us got together and discussed it.  We came to the consensus that Margo and Sandy could stay behind in SLC in LuLu and Don and I would take their Class A RV to Delta.  The ladies were okay with it, saying they would, “enjoy a break from us.”  Go figure…..  Don and I saw it as a chance to get away without having to pick up after ourselves or wear clean clothes.  With that we christened ourselves the “Delta Farce” and hit the road.

 

Home for the week.  Not an Airstream but it did keep the beer cold.

Delta Farce team member Don on a satellite adjustment mission

Delta Utah, (pop 3,400) is about 130 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.  It lies along US-50 (affectionately known as The Loneliest Road).  For most people it’s nothing more than an adjustment on the cruise control unless they need to gas up at the Sinclair or stop for a bite at the only McDonald’s within 100 miles.  Both probably a good idea especially if they’re headed into Nevada.  The road got the nickname for a reason.

Fill 'er up

Some old aluminum could be found here and there

This is as rural as it gets

Delta isn’t a fancy place but in the 4 days we were there we found it to be like many other unknown small towns; friendly, unique and with plenty of civic pride.  It has seen hard times but is making a comeback as evidenced by the new, very large Ace Hardware going up and new construction on many of its residential streets.

Main St. Delta

 

The economy is supported by agriculture, corn and hay, but with less than 8 inches of rain per year, the crops are dependent upon irrigation.  That’s a good thing when it comes to hay.  You see, when hay is cut it has to dry in the field.  If it rains during that time the crop is lost to mold.  Here in Delta they just shut off the water when they’re ready to cut and let it dry - worry free.

Irrigation canal.

Green hay ready for cutting

Cut and drying

Baled and off to market

 It’s nice that my job allows me to see these places like few people can.  To come to a place like this and work would normally be very difficult.  There just aren’t that many jobs available in these small towns.  I get to bring my job with me temporarily, visit, get to know the people and the community then be on my way – oh, and then tell you guys all about it.  

So with that in mind, we’re excited about our next post.  We’re going to take you back to the Old West.  We recently visited the Golden Spike National Historic Site – the location where the transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory Point, Utah in 1869.  Till then may the Farce be with you.