Matrimony Spring

We don't drink tap water..unless we absolutely have to. We don't buy jugs at the grocery store. We don't have a strong man who brings it to us either. We go to a nearby spring. (which comes out of a mountain near the Colorado River) It's an underground fresh water source. Here is the legend of it:

THE LEGEND OF MATRIMONY SPRINGS March/April 2006

By Shannon Hurst Lane

The Colorado Scenic Byway in Utah holds many secrets, including a number of hidden ranches and Native American rock art. Less is known is the legend of Matrimony Springs. It's a tale that deserves telling, especially for couples in love. Locals in Moab, UT make daily pilgrimages to fill jugs with water that surfaces through the rocks and canyons, surrounding the Colorado River. Local lore with a newly married couple who found and commemorated the site. The pioneer couple found the spring while traveling through the Wild West. Thirsty and in love, they drank from the fresh water source and vowed never to leave each other or the area now known as Moab.They must have stayed and had a prosperous and happy marriage. Today, when someone drinks the spring water, it is said that they will stay in Utah.

Many who have had sipped this libation have never returned home and have instead stayed in Moab. I wondered if this was just a legend or a true story. I began asking.Steve, an attorney from California, visited Moab more than 16 years ago. He was going for a hike in Arches National Park and filled up his water bottle at Matrimony Springs. Well, he never left Moab. He closed his law practice and is now a waiter at a local restaurant. He's one classy waiter.I was still skeptical, so after meeting Steve and enjoying a wonderful dinner one evening, I took a ride to the springs. I filled up a water bottle and had a few drinks of this cool and refreshing water and took it back to my room at the Greenwell Inn.When I began to pack my bags for my trip home, thinking of the wonderful time I had during my stay. It was winter, and my exploration of the surrounding national parks, arches and Canyon lands was ideal for romantics. The lack of tourists lent an atmosphere of mystery and solitude for couples to enjoy ramblings by foot or the Tagalong Adventures and Off Road Hummer Tours that took me to canyons, breathtaking cliffs and a landscape that resembled red velvet cake topped with powdered sugar. Moab offered a variety of restaurants, depending on one's palate. This destination even offers gold, in the form of award winning wines from its two wineries, Spanish Valley and Castle Creek.

During my flight on Utah's Salmon Air I reminisced and clutched my bottle of fresh spring water. I was already pining to return to Moab.It seemed that fate had not decided if I should leave Utah. Mechanical difficulties delayed my plane and airline officials were not sure if they would replace the plane or wait another day. Was it the water from Matrimony Springs? I had another sip. Unfortunately, the airline ended up finding us a different plane and I headed home. And that brings me to this moment, in the airport writing this, and planning a return to Moab and Matrimony Springs.

Now...a few years ago, right before we started dating, Corey came here a few times to climb and mountain bike. Then a couple years ago, he was here again hiking with his best friends and Dad (aka: best friend) As he was heading out of town, he knew he had to live here. I'm pretty sure he drank from this spring. My plan is to take my sister and her family there when they visit.
We will sure have fun living our lives here in Moab!!

This is the trip that brought us here.