My ride started once again in a spectacular way, a sunrise through the spires and hoodoos in Kodachrome State Park.
There was a hefty climb up the Paunsaugunt Plateau, followed by a drop down through beautiful Red Canyon. By 11a or so, I was in Panguitch, and I thought it would be worth a quick peruse of tonight’s event venue, the Panguitch Gem Theater! We planned to have a town hall discussion on climate discussion. Also, free ice cream for all!
Our tour team met up with the Kaspar family: Roger and his sons Chris and Jake. Chris runs the theater and joined us for lunch and gave us a tour of the theatre, which also is an ice-cream shop (they make their own), mexican food restaurant (tamales), organic fruit and vegetable stand, and rock shop! It is a such a gem of a place!
Later in the afternoon, Roger found us and we discussed climate, how Panguitch is affected, water issues, and quinoa. Roger and family realized that quinoa is an excellent high-value agricultural crop for the high-elevation, rocky soil of Panguitch. They’re growing various varieties to see which work best. They have founded a Quinoa Harvest and Andean Festival that the are hosting next Saturday (Sept 17, 2022)!
The event started at 7p, and we had a diverse community crowd join us with backgrounds in the gas business (now retired), US forest service, National Park Service, local business owners, and city council. There was heavy discussion on climate change origins, attempts to hone in on the specifics of what should be done, and the role of federal government in energy solutions. Some of the conversation had tension, and there was disagreement within the community. But face-to-face conversation was very productive, and I feel it is so important that we find ways to simply talk, despite differences. In the end, we found common ground on a number of items. At the conclusion, I was heartened to see community members pair off in thoughtful debate and discussion.
Upon our return to the lobby, we were surprised and delighted to find dinner awaiting us — homemade Thai squash curry and sticky rice and organic melon, courtesy of Jake. It was delicious! We continued our discussion while patrons queued up for fresh fruit and homemade ice cream.
I am very grateful to our hosts, the Kaspars. They made a visit to Panguitch truly a gem!
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