On August 2, 2017, my friend Billy Ward and I spent most of our day at McConkie Ranch outside of Vernal, Utah.  We first hiked the main trail, then, as we prepared to hike the Three Kings Trail, we ran into Jean McConkie McKenzie, the owner of the ranch and oldest daughter of Sadie McConkie, the original owner and patron of the rock art site on the property.  Jean was very gracious and generous, and showed us her private collection of artifacts.  She was born on the ranch and has lived there her entire life.  What a treat it was to spend time talking with her about her life at this special place.  After our visit with Jean, we hiked over to the Three Kings Panel.  If you ever get the chance, go see this rock art site  — it is really something special.  I hope my photos do it some justice…

I was so impressed by our visit with Jean McKenzie while at her ranch.  Her generosity, humility, and willingness to share her experiences growing up on the ranch were the highlight of this trip for me.  When I returned home, I felt it only proper that I send her a note of thanks, not just for the kindness she showed Billy and I, but for her unselfish work to protect and share the cultural resources on her ranch.  I wrote her a letter, expressing as best I could how grateful we were for her generosity and kindness that day, and included a couple of photos we took.  I also included a shawl made of baby alpaca that I brought back from Peru in April of 2017 as a token of our appreciation.  Soon thereafter, I received this sweet note from this sweet lady…it made my day!  Thank you, and God Bless you, Jean McKenzie!