tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659817010104361622024-03-13T03:37:55.954-07:00Tin Wheeler AdventuresThank you for visiting. Originally this blog was about our travels in the Mary Joan, our Airstream travel trailer(s). Recently we have added Luna Rossa, a 27' Ranger Tug to our mode of exploration and will now include her in our blog. Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-241658194288459082018-01-05T08:32:00.001-08:002018-01-05T08:44:41.002-08:00Wandering Once Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Get out while the getting is good</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-fjNjY8o44/Wk1YO7cljmI/AAAAAAAAHAk/yyxEPZ3b1Qob1V_E0NKs1UfLDAyfVFlfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1103.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-fjNjY8o44/Wk1YO7cljmI/AAAAAAAAHAk/yyxEPZ3b1Qob1V_E0NKs1UfLDAyfVFlfgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1103.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Security Camera View less than 24 hours after our departure</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As evidenced by the date of my last post on this blog it has been much too long. The lapse in adding to the blog was not for lack of travels and adventures because there has been plenty of that. Mostly, attending to medical issues and completing necessary home maintenance kept me away from the keyboard. But we are happy to be back on the road once again.<br />
<br />
<br />
Together with our friends, Liz and Jack, we left New England at the end of the first week of December just before the first snow arrived. In fact, we left a day early to avoid driving during the first snow of the season. Nevertheless, we were forced to change our route south and finally got stopped by an early storm that swept across the southern states. Early in the afternoon of our second day on the road we encountered snow squalls near Columbus, Ohio that became steady snow with accumulation by the time we were about fifty miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. The highway quickly became very slick such that just a light application of the brakes caused the trailer to begin to slide sideways. Fortunately, there was a rest area less than a quarter mile ahead so we joined the many truckers and other RVs and stayed the night. It was a good decision because the next day we saw several cars in the ditch, two of which were flipped over.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oclJuKIJJvs/Wk46E-OZnAI/AAAAAAAAHA0/BqqBdt6oeUs0F2pq7LSgGgMdo5XARullACLcBGAs/s1600/Hot%2Bsprings%2BNP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oclJuKIJJvs/Wk46E-OZnAI/AAAAAAAAHA0/BqqBdt6oeUs0F2pq7LSgGgMdo5XARullACLcBGAs/s640/Hot%2Bsprings%2BNP.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulpha Gorge Campground, Hot Springs National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We put in three more long days stopping at TO Fuller State Park on the outskirts of Memphis, Hot Springs National Park, where we relaxed for two days, then pressed on to Tyler and Mother Neff State Parks in succession before resting in New Braunfels, Texas where Liz and Jack rejoined us after they made a detour to the factory where their Casita camper was made so they could affect repairs to their furnace. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.landarv.com/" target="_blank">Landa RV</a> park in New Braunfels where we were happy to find inexpensive camping with full hookups within walking distance of the many shops, restaurants and cafes in town. In the neighboring community of Gruene (pronounced "Green"), we spent an evening listening to Ray Wiley Hubbard perform at the venerable Gruene Hall where many famous musicians such as Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Townes VanZandt and so many others have performed to enthusiastic audiences.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
. We returned the next day to browse the shops and have lunch in Gruene. If you enjoy good coffee, the <a href="https://www.gruenecoffee.com/" target="_blank">Gruene Coffee Haus</a> sells freshly roasted coffee at grocery store prices. We bought a pound each of their Sumatran and Costa Rican beans.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYVD28YLzaY/Wk744YHyDAI/AAAAAAAAHBE/HKIvNU7Azdshgz0YL7FEZE9yHcnSoCqaACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYVD28YLzaY/Wk744YHyDAI/AAAAAAAAHBE/HKIvNU7Azdshgz0YL7FEZE9yHcnSoCqaACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1119.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah buying bread and sweets at Naegelin's Bakery, the oldest in Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoXXOEtDwi4/Wk772gUraYI/AAAAAAAAHBU/aXmboVHqgCwFUIiGomymhosR7VEtv-i0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoXXOEtDwi4/Wk772gUraYI/AAAAAAAAHBU/aXmboVHqgCwFUIiGomymhosR7VEtv-i0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoXXOEtDwi4/Wk772gUraYI/AAAAAAAAHBU/aXmboVHqgCwFUIiGomymhosR7VEtv-i0ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the band at the Pour Haus with Jack and Liz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From New Braunfels we made a short trip further west into the beautiful Texas Hill Country to Guadalupe River State Park which we used as a base camp to explore the towns of Sisterdale, Luckenbach and the beautiful town of Frederickburg. Our friends went off to explore the town of Bandera where we joined them in order to enjoy yet another night out at an old Hill Country Dance Hall to see Steve Earles play at <a href="https://www.liveatfloores.com/" target="_blank">John T Floores</a> in his home town of Helotes on the outskirts of San Antonio. Floores dance hall has hosted nearly every well known American country and musical roots musician. One would never have known we were in, arguably, one of the reddest states in the Union when Steve Earle sang some of his newest songs with stridently liberal political content.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6K-zVevN9A/Wk8AxT-V5MI/AAAAAAAAHB8/dyocS0pJWucW3NnK6tICFwqHkyr3VARrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6K-zVevN9A/Wk8AxT-V5MI/AAAAAAAAHB8/dyocS0pJWucW3NnK6tICFwqHkyr3VARrACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bandera, Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6YF4z7c-MA/Wk7-oHHyO3I/AAAAAAAAHBg/i0SSYfzRt8Uoynl5GpLa3BMkQSAiI6m_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6YF4z7c-MA/Wk7-oHHyO3I/AAAAAAAAHBg/i0SSYfzRt8Uoynl5GpLa3BMkQSAiI6m_ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Earle with the Mastersons at Floores</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We could have spent a lot more time in the Hill Country, but we felt we had pressed our luck about as far as we should with the weather and therefore made tracks for West Texas. Two more long days with an overnight stop in the community center parking lot at Langtry, Texas brought us to Big Bend National Park's Rio Grande Village Campground. Even though we only had one night at Rio Grande Village we managed two beautiful hikes. The afternoon of our arrival we hiked from the campground about three miles to the hot spring on the Rio Grande River and the next morning before departing we hiked a couple miles south of the campground to a small hill overlooking the river.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6k7g__qOV6o/Wk7_rNaWSxI/AAAAAAAAHBs/Zh2tPvKR0CIHh_IYYaaWz2KywhRAwox6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6k7g__qOV6o/Wk7_rNaWSxI/AAAAAAAAHBs/Zh2tPvKR0CIHh_IYYaaWz2KywhRAwox6QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah with Liz and Jack in Lantry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On December 23rd we pulled into <a href="http://www.retrorents.com/index.html" target="_blank">Retro Rents RV</a> park in Terlinqua Ghost Town just west of Big Bend National Park. As of this writing Retro Rents only has two sites available for transient campers, the other sites are occupied by vintage Airstreams and Argosy trailers that they rent out. Together with Jack and Liz we celebrated Christmas making a southwest Christmas feast, exchanging presents, sitting around a campfire, listening to live music at the Starlight Theatre and playing board games until late into the night. Jack is the master of the game Blokus. We took a couple more day trips to hike some trails on the western edge of the park that we hadn't done before. Then Sarah and I drove north to Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area while Liz and Jack returned to the Cottonwood Campground inside Big Bend NP for the couple days we had before our reservations in Marfa for our New Year's reservations at the <a href="http://www.tumbleinmarfa.com/" target="_blank">Tumble In RV Park</a> where Sarah first met Jack and Liz five years ago.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpRTLToMPJI/Wk8CIVRdMYI/AAAAAAAAHCI/pL7cMEQSrXkpTueUazgIELNzTMEsmVaiACLcBGAs/s1600/RioGrande%2Bnear%2BRG%2BVillage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpRTLToMPJI/Wk8CIVRdMYI/AAAAAAAAHCI/pL7cMEQSrXkpTueUazgIELNzTMEsmVaiACLcBGAs/s640/RioGrande%2Bnear%2BRG%2BVillage.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over Rio Grande from above Rio Grande Village Camp Ground, Big Bend National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sha5cO_7XD0/Wk8C-zmZ7-I/AAAAAAAAHCQ/1_D32kV-cnspgpcedysmrhR2tFQiQ0dbACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sha5cO_7XD0/Wk8C-zmZ7-I/AAAAAAAAHCQ/1_D32kV-cnspgpcedysmrhR2tFQiQ0dbACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1169.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the Western end of the Chimney's Trail, Big Bend National Park<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Ei_guK2jk/Wk8EFd_vcxI/AAAAAAAAHCg/Uk5sn_XRtaMCrH3oQWxXevom4COPzzNoACLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas%2Bat%2BTerlinqua.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Ei_guK2jk/Wk8EFd_vcxI/AAAAAAAAHCg/Uk5sn_XRtaMCrH3oQWxXevom4COPzzNoACLcBGAs/s640/Christmas%2Bat%2BTerlinqua.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas at Terlinqua Ghost Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6plrdPyYHA/Wk8EitKsf-I/AAAAAAAAHCk/zUS0CvJ4NNEfCVmxW9VhNBCTQAmrKR8WQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6plrdPyYHA/Wk8EitKsf-I/AAAAAAAAHCk/zUS0CvJ4NNEfCVmxW9VhNBCTQAmrKR8WQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1193.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dorgan House, an early farmhouse on the floodplane of the Rio Grande in the western<br />
part of Big Bend National Park<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkAetHAL9e0/Wk8GZprXRyI/AAAAAAAAHC0/5dv0vsWaAJIExrrkFfGIYXDC5lGMTvxTACLcBGAs/s1600/St%2BElena%2BCanyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkAetHAL9e0/Wk8GZprXRyI/AAAAAAAAHC0/5dv0vsWaAJIExrrkFfGIYXDC5lGMTvxTACLcBGAs/s640/St%2BElena%2BCanyon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north from St. Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Tumble In is an easy walk to the small town of Marfa. In addition to its appeal to artists and those strolling through the art galleries, the town is known for the phenomenon known as "The Marfa Lights". Over the course of many years people have reported seeing strange and inexplicable lights east of the town. The reported sightings have drawn so many visitors that there is a designated rest area where people can safely park at night in hopes of getting a glimpse of the ghost lights.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieeYdV3CGfk/Wk8HYe8ZMqI/AAAAAAAAHDA/pfl2F1LzMHEOopu67CorGXk9Hn_rq9mDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieeYdV3CGfk/Wk8HYe8ZMqI/AAAAAAAAHDA/pfl2F1LzMHEOopu67CorGXk9Hn_rq9mDQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1228.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Sunrise at Terlinqua Ghost Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdZMPHOr1YU/Wk8IYe-IZdI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/SdzD3eSJH_IRxtLhSdIOQqahI93x9MqawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdZMPHOr1YU/Wk8IYe-IZdI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/SdzD3eSJH_IRxtLhSdIOQqahI93x9MqawCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E1238.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area, South of Alpine Texas (Rt/118)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDiRg1PC7WM/Wk8K1bszWfI/AAAAAAAAHDc/fM8tK0tI9joA6sF8LtwiBkSHBVXGwYMegCLcBGAs/s1600/chalk%2Bhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDiRg1PC7WM/Wk8K1bszWfI/AAAAAAAAHDc/fM8tK0tI9joA6sF8LtwiBkSHBVXGwYMegCLcBGAs/s640/chalk%2Bhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalk House in Elephant Ear Wildlife Management Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Because Marfa and the nearby town of Alpine have elevations well above 4,000 feet the weather can be extremely variable from day to day and minute to minute. We arrived on the 30th of December and was greeted by sunshine and temperatures in the upper 60s. The next morning the sun rose bright and the day promised to be a repeat of the day before. But, in less than an hour the temperature dropped nearly 30 degrees and the wind howled out of the north sending tumbleweeds as big as small cars careening across the open fields and the highway. Our plans of New Year's eve around a campfire were dashed. But, while Sarah was walking in town the afernoon of New Year's eve she spied a billboard advertising a celebration in town we had somehow missed. The <a href="http://www.marfasaintgeorge.com/" target="_blank">Hotel St. George</a> was holding a party at the St. George Hall with live music highlighted by Texas singer/songwriter Jimmy Dale Gilmore along with three other acts. Tickets were available and thus we enjoyed a New Year's Eve that we all agreed was the best we ever had.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKLgdb_Iq5Q/Wk8MZyWWN-I/AAAAAAAAHDo/S3f_ikT_Izs6Opdo3WZBSKXy0PR5kkGZwCLcBGAs/s1600/new%2Byear%2Beve%2Bmarpha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKLgdb_Iq5Q/Wk8MZyWWN-I/AAAAAAAAHDo/S3f_ikT_Izs6Opdo3WZBSKXy0PR5kkGZwCLcBGAs/s640/new%2Byear%2Beve%2Bmarpha.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve Moonrise over Marpha, Texas<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFrqPzhNoVM/Wk8NoAudTRI/AAAAAAAAHD4/K_CcA8QhokIFDRV9nicJ1eMecxhGUM9wwCLcBGAs/s1600/NYE-POSTER-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="299" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFrqPzhNoVM/Wk8NoAudTRI/AAAAAAAAHD4/K_CcA8QhokIFDRV9nicJ1eMecxhGUM9wwCLcBGAs/s320/NYE-POSTER-2018.jpg" width="251" /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zv86CnKYRE0/Wk8PwYPQHqI/AAAAAAAAHEI/5fCdAp3CdX09qcrAUwjiV2LUCYMh9WZYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zv86CnKYRE0/Wk8PwYPQHqI/AAAAAAAAHEI/5fCdAp3CdX09qcrAUwjiV2LUCYMh9WZYwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1311.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jimmy Dale & Colin Gilmore, Butch & Rory Hancock with the Masteron's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSKkzsw4PpQ/Wk8NY8pBEpI/AAAAAAAAHD0/41Z2z6zqmfomCtqEqf8LruKgKvmKCHoDACLcBGAs/s1600/cold%2Bfront%2Bapproaching%2BMarfa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSKkzsw4PpQ/Wk8NY8pBEpI/AAAAAAAAHD0/41Z2z6zqmfomCtqEqf8LruKgKvmKCHoDACLcBGAs/s640/cold%2Bfront%2Bapproaching%2BMarfa.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold Front arriving at Marpha, Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since the weather forecast predicted more cold and potential freezing precipitation, we four decided to leave a day early and find warmer weather further to the southwest and at a lower elevation. Stay tuned.Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-88436702838675838942016-07-01T11:39:00.000-07:002017-01-23T13:06:38.672-08:00Making Tracks and Heading for Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nYh8iJACts/WIZT9opOCmI/AAAAAAAAGvg/14GQyqCRDvAjROaabuYxqqyK9dpe1jTnACLcB/s1600/20160103_182537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nYh8iJACts/WIZT9opOCmI/AAAAAAAAGvg/14GQyqCRDvAjROaabuYxqqyK9dpe1jTnACLcB/s640/20160103_182537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Despite our promise to keep moving slowly and take one month to travel, once the decision to return home was made, it was a difficult promise to keep. Like the horse heading back to the stable, we were excited return to our beautiful home and welcome spring's arrival to Massachusetts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rr-T71urmc/WIZsodEwolI/AAAAAAAAGvw/4x_vGN27eMItcQvZAdV4M35BsF4X-eoBwCLcB/s1600/20160303_110818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rr-T71urmc/WIZsodEwolI/AAAAAAAAGvw/4x_vGN27eMItcQvZAdV4M35BsF4X-eoBwCLcB/s400/20160303_110818.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't see too many Airstreams while traveling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have a cousin who lives just outside of Phoenix. Phoenix has been a mandatory stop on our southwest adventure not only because of the beautiful Lost Dutchman State Park (see our blog entry here:****), but also to visit my cousin and her mother, my aunt who passed away earlier this year). Because we bypassed Phoenix on way west and not wanting to leave Arizona without visiting my cousin we did a long day's (for us) drive from Anza Borrego Desert State Park to Goodyear, Arizona.<br />
<br />
We stayed at the county park in Goodyear in the overflow area because the regular sites were all taken. Situated in a couple of large, gravel paved parking lots, the overflow area was actually very attractive. We especially like the elevation that afforded us a great view overlooking the city. Sarah and I enjoyed a nice dinner with my cousin, Lynn, and her partner, Tom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pKTV8yrWpk/WIZsoVpxCQI/AAAAAAAAGv0/0EgCnDXot9s1_2q7yxojzyw6WmkTrdWSwCEw/s1600/20160227_182825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pKTV8yrWpk/WIZsoVpxCQI/AAAAAAAAGv0/0EgCnDXot9s1_2q7yxojzyw6WmkTrdWSwCEw/s320/20160227_182825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With this being our third trip to the southwest, it was difficult to find routes that we had not traveled before. There are only a few roads available in this vast and rugged terrain, but we were able to connect a few stretches of scenic roads allowing us to see new territory. From Phoenix we took US 60 through Globe then on to Show Low, a town we have stayed in before. This time, we stayed at the Scott Reservoir Campground just 7 miles south of Show Low on Penrod Rd. The camping season had just begun the day we arrived. Sadly, the place was a mess with trash everywhere. Clearly, the campground had been used by people from the area as a 'party' destination. But, we just needed a place for the night, and even with the trash, it was superior to staying in a Walmart parking lot.<br />
<br />
Continuing 145 miles east the next day took us through beautiful mountains where there was still a little snow persisting on the northern slopes of the mountains and beneath the evergreen trees. We stopped at Pie Town to buy, you guessed it, pie. This little town, sitting on the Continental Divide, has several shops offering home made pies for sale. We chose a little settler's log cabin, set back from the road that had a small sign advertising pies. The Pie Source is in the cabin. Cyndi serves coffee and and soups in addition to her fine pies. In front of the cabin are a number of interesting antique windmills decorating the yard.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1472.7499344430362!2d-108.12713653688421!3d34.29851709298557!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1467398670554" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
From Pie Town it was a short drive to Datil Well campground where, like in Show Low, the campground had just opened for the season. Unlike Show Low, however, this campground was immaculate. We were only one of two rigs in the campground. Since it was so early, and the chance of a hard freeze remained, we had to dry camp as the water and power had not yet been turned on. We didn't mind at all because the recreation area had a nice hiking trail that wound around and to the top of a nearby hill rewarding us with wonderful views from the Datil Mountains across the Plains of San Agustin to the Gallinas Mountains to the northeast. On our hike, we saw lots of sign of elk, but we didn't see any on the hoof.<br />
<br />
Keeping our eagerness to get home in check, we drove only about 160 miles today. Our route took us through the town of Capitan where Smokey the Bear is buried. His grave is in the garden adjacent to a small museum dedicated to him and forest fire fighting. We had visited the museum and Smokey's grave a couple years ago.<br />
<br />
Our destination was the Rob Jaggers Campsite at Fort Stanton Snowy River Cave recreation area that is run by the BLM. Located just a short distance southeast of Capitan, the campground is in an open field that is clearly set up for the convenience of horse owners to camp and trail ride with their steeds. Once again, because it was so early in the season, except for two horseback riders, one other camper and the full time caretaker, we had the place to ourselves. It wasn't until I was writing this post that I learned of petroglyphs in the park. We will definitely need to return <a href="https://www.blm.gov/publish/content/nm/en/prog/NLCS/FSSRC_NCA.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AghUe8sRmXk/WIZssiFPm9I/AAAAAAAAGwE/IUCrIDGoaAIMYyJ2DJhFl2KUDontGB4XACEw/s1600/20160303_142500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AghUe8sRmXk/WIZssiFPm9I/AAAAAAAAGwE/IUCrIDGoaAIMYyJ2DJhFl2KUDontGB4XACEw/s640/20160303_142500.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From Fort Stanton we continued east on US 82/380 through Roswell, New Mexico to Brownfield, Texas where we turned north on US 62/385 toward Lubbock, Texas. Northwestern Texas does not have as much public land as other parts of the state. To get to a state park from Fort Stanton would have required well over 300 miles, a distance we were unwilling to do in one day. We also needed an oil change for the truck, so we chose to stop in Lubbock. We mistakenly confused a private resort on a man made lake for a county or state run facility. We pulled into the Buffalo Springs Resort which is a community of private homes with a campground. Like too many campgrounds that are in close proximity to urban areas we were disappointed by the unkempt nature of the facility and the rowdiness of the campers who used the campground as place to escape and party. The grounds were bare dirt and the 'roads' were indistinguishable from the rest of the area. We had an early morning appointment for the oil change for the next day then enjoyed visiting the Buddy Holly museum that afternoon and departed the next morning bound for Palo Duro Canyon State Park.<br />
<br />
Since the drive from Buffalo Springs to Palo Duro was only about 125 miles, we put the GPS into "avoid highways" mode. Still, it wanted to send us onto Interstate 27. I had picked up a detailed map of the state and used it to determine our route. Based on all of our previous experiences with the roads in Texas, I felt confident towing the Mary Joan on county and "Farm to Market" roads. This day, however, that was a mistake. In this part of Northwest Texas, unlike everyplace else, these roads began as paved roads but turned to washboard gravel roads after we had committed some hours of driving on them and it was too late to turn back. We were forced to slow down to 10 mph to travel without inflicting damage to the trailer.<br />
<br />
Because we drove so slowly, we arrived at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the early afternoon. By the time we arrived, all of the walk up (camp sites that cannot be reserved) were gone and the campground was filled which was not surprising because it was the week of spring break. Luckily, just outside the park entrance was a private campground that had plenty of spaces. We quickly settled in then drove into the park to hike within the second largest canyon in the United States. While most of the canyon is private land, Texas has preserved a spectacularly beautiful section. Besides the beauty of the canyon, it boasts some of the finest example of cap rocks. These hard igneous rocks that overlay softer sedimentary rock stand atop the pillars that were created due to the protection the harder rock provides for the softer rock below resulting in pillars of rock with 'hats' on top.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebqde9fbuWE/WIZspgnVwLI/AAAAAAAAGv4/wzeW9Ry8D_oOC0MWnT1dydUTkkJlcp6qgCEw/s1600/20160306_161501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebqde9fbuWE/WIZspgnVwLI/AAAAAAAAGv4/wzeW9Ry8D_oOC0MWnT1dydUTkkJlcp6qgCEw/s320/20160306_161501.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palo Duro Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On our hike to view the cap rocks we saw our first rattlesnake on a trail in the southwest. Walking along the trail my eye was drawn to movement on the side of the trail and I spied a snake disappearing behind a rock then saw it re-emerge on the other side. It stopped when it saw me. I continued ahead on the trail. It then continued to watch and I was amazed that it did not shake its rattle. I motioned to Sarah to come see and we both stood and watched as it crossed the trail behind us and vanished into the brush. While we were watching, other people stopped on the trail and we pointed out the snake. Afterwards I commented on the fact that the snake didn't rattle. One of the people who stopped said the snakes in this canyon have evolved so as not to rattle since those that did were attacked and killed.<br />
<br />
Another canyon would be our home for the next night. We left early because we had 250 miles to reach Red Rock Canyon State Park in Oklahoma about 40 miles west of Oklahoma city. This place was also quiet this early in the season. The park is in a narrow canyon formed by soft red sandstone from which the park gets its name. It is obviously a summer getaway place for people from the Oklahoma city area. It has a swimming pool and numerous places where people can set up ropes fixed to the top of the canyons walls and rappel down into the canyon. <br />
<br />
Concerns about the weather was now on our minds. We were now in tornado alley and the reports were calling for severe weather the next day. We decided to be on the road at daylight and move as quickly as possible across the rest of Oklahoma and all of Arkansas to reach Memphis. Hopefully, this 650 mile day will stand as record that we will never break. We endured the day by promising to spend a few days in Memphis and enjoy the music and food the city is famous for. While still subject to severe weather, we believed it would be safer to put Oklahoma and Arkansas behind us and rest up in Memphis. Our decision proved timely since severe thunderstorms with hail were just behind us as we raced east toward Tennessee.<br />
<br />
We found Meeman-Shelby State Park just 20 minutes north of Memphis to be a convenient base from which to enjoy Memphis. The storms that followed us from Oklahoma delivered heavy rains for each of the three days we spent at Meeman-Shelby, but since we were exploring a city and not hiking we didn't mind. During our stay we visited the Metals Museum, the Gibson guitar factory and of course , Graceland. Each evening we enjoyed the food and music at one of the many venues on Beale Street.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzaZNT0uE1w/WIZssfrJ0rI/AAAAAAAAGwA/ilQIVc1ILSI7NFRlJfrjRymyt_akt7u4wCEw/s1600/20160309_224029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzaZNT0uE1w/WIZssfrJ0rI/AAAAAAAAGwA/ilQIVc1ILSI7NFRlJfrjRymyt_akt7u4wCEw/s400/20160309_224029.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good music on Beale St.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZEHPxEE44Y/WIZvVufBAII/AAAAAAAAGwg/pcR4o01hMLgafItPf2xl78tWeY517ER0QCLcB/s1600/20160310_131114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZEHPxEE44Y/WIZvVufBAII/AAAAAAAAGwg/pcR4o01hMLgafItPf2xl78tWeY517ER0QCLcB/s400/20160310_131114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friends of ours told us to have lunch at what he believed was the best BBQ in Tennessee, Central BBQ on Butler Ave. It was fine BBQ, indeed. On leaving the restaurant, we accidently stumbled upon the National Museum of Civil Rights which was just across the street. The museum is housed in the former Lorraine Motel where the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Visiting the museum was a deeply moving experience. Rather than a museum, it felt to me more like a shrine because the subject matter was so profound and it presented the weighty moral topic in an engaging yet solemn manner.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUTcVjS1uPU/WIZvVMULJII/AAAAAAAAGwc/gnQIdXjSSY8Fe2jjvshJBL8Vrip51XQLwCEw/s1600/20160310_153011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUTcVjS1uPU/WIZvVMULJII/AAAAAAAAGwc/gnQIdXjSSY8Fe2jjvshJBL8Vrip51XQLwCEw/s640/20160310_153011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balcony where Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
Keeping our promise to not rush, we set our sights on the Land Between the Lakes on the Tennessee and Kentucky border. The most direct route US 70/79, a distance of only 155 miles, but we decided to take the more scenic US51 north to Dyersburg, TN then east on TN104 where we joined US 70/79. The Land Between the Lakes is a 5 mile wide peninsula running approximately 75 miles north and south bounded by the Tennessee River on the west and Lake Barkley on the east. The entire peninsula is the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area with numerous campgrounds along the entire length. We stayed at Piney Campground. With 384 campsites, it is the largest campground we have ever stayed at. Almost all campsites have a view of the water, ours was directly overlooking the magnificent Tennessee River.<br />
<br />
Traveling northward in the late winter it can be difficult to find campgrounds that are open in state or national parks. That was the case after leaving Tennessee. The Twin Knobs Campground on Cave Run Lake in the Daniel Boone National Forest wasn't scheduled to open until March 15, but it was only March 14. However, there is a large parking lot at the boat launch where boondocked for the night.<br />
<br />
Some state parks in Pennsylvania are open all year and Lackawanna State Park, a perfect distance for the next days drive to the northeast is one of them. Once we are so near to home, we are less interested in scenic destination than the desire to back in our home. Therefore, we don't have much to say, or even remember about some of these stopovers. I note is so that we will remember the next time we are just passing through.<br />
<br />
We left Anza Borrego Desert State Park on February 28 and arrived home on March 16, a journey of over 3,000 miles. Stay tuned for more.<br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0Catron County, NM, USA34.298380337869951 -108.1286859512329134.296740837869947 -108.13120745123291 34.300019837869954 -108.12616445123291tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-77494428008489244002016-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:002016-02-28T16:35:26.906-08:00More Fun in the California Desert<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzI-SgLXas4/VtOBqzSdbpI/AAAAAAAAGhg/LVQuLxfwPSY/s1600/CulpValleyRainbow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzI-SgLXas4/VtOBqzSdbpI/AAAAAAAAGhg/LVQuLxfwPSY/s640/CulpValleyRainbow3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning rainbow at Culp Valley Campground. The rain never made it into the valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our friends, Liz and Jack, told us that we should visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California. Since we wanted to continue west to El Cajon, California and meet up with a friend I've known since childhood and the park was on the way we decided to make it our next destination. The route we chose to depart Death Valley took us west on state route 190 to the Panamint Valley and then state route 178 south. We hit a stretch of resurfacing on this road that presented us with four miles of the worst washboard we have yet to experience. The fastest we could travel was seven or eight miles per hour.<br />
<br />
Since it was Super Bowl weekend we wanted to be in a town with a good sports bar. We decided to boondock on BLM Off Highway Recreational Vehicle Area just 15 minutes from Ridgecrest, CA. Ridgecrest is at the gate to the U.S. Navy's China Lake Weapons Testing Grounds. My research told me that the Navy put a lot of effort into attracting highly educated and skilled scientists and technicians to such an isolated and harsh place. The efforts apparently paid off because the town is rather charming with nice restaurants and shopping. Unlike most "military towns", the main street leading to the base was not a series of pawn shops, predatory lenders and "gentleman's clubs". Rather their were nice restaurants and shops.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs63aNXryFU/VtOEt8QJWZI/AAAAAAAAGi0/6Geyv3yQGZA/s1600/RidgecrestOHVsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs63aNXryFU/VtOEt8QJWZI/AAAAAAAAGi0/6Geyv3yQGZA/s640/RidgecrestOHVsite.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off Highway Vehicle recreation site, southeast of Ridgecrest, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We watched the superbowl at Schooners Patio Grille where the walls were lined with large televisions providing excellent viewing for everyone. Sitting beside us were two British Airmen who appreciated our assistance understanding the rules of the game. The crowd was about evenly split about whom they were cheering for. And, despite several patrons who had obviously not paced themselves in the amount of alcohol they were consuming, the crowd was generally well behaved.<br />
<br />
Sarah and I celebrated Fat Tuesday at a fine French Restaurant, Mon Reve. The restaurant is small and unpretentious offering a small menu of French country cuisine by a very charming owner, Herve. Hevre waits on the tables and his wife does the cooking. Unfortunately, we didn't get to meet the chef.<br />
<br />
Our next stop along the way to Anza-Borrego was at the Applewood Campground in the San Bernadino National Forest just north of San Bernadino. We were saddened to see that this campground is inhabited by homeless people, some of whom had automobiles and others that did not. The campground is rundown, ill-kept with vandalism to the park buildings and grounds. At other campgrounds near metropolitan areas we have experienced the occasional camper we suspected was homeless. The clues are not so subtle, they often have older rundown cars and makeshift camping equipment and they avoid even the simplest social contact. We stayed the night and moved on to Dripping Springs State Park. Being that it was Washington's Birthday and thus a long holiday weekend, we were lucky to get a campsite on a Thursday afternoon before the park filled up. We stayed four nights and enjoyed the hikes that led us high into the hills overlooking Temeculah, California. Temeculah is just a 20 minute drive from the campground. It is an upscale small city with good shopping available, Sarah found a Trader Joe's, and a beautiful library that we took advantage of for good internet connectivity. A drive through Old Town confirmed for us that we were in Southern California. On the warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, everyone in the county seemed to have descended on the small shopping and dining district.<br />
<br />
With the weekend crowds thinned out, we headed for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is a huge park surrounding the town of Borrego Springs. The weather was exceptionally warm, upper 80s to lower 90s in the valley, so we chose to stay at the Culp Valley Primitive campground that is 3,000 feet higher and 10-15 degrees cooler. The campground is primitive in that there are a few rutted roads meandering through a relatively level open area among the huge gneis boulders with haphazardly situated places where one could get off the road and place a tent or RV. Other than a vault toilet, there are no services. Our campsite backed up to a level area among the boulders with a commanding view of the valley to the east where we ritually watched the colors change each evening at sunset.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzRB6wjN9jE/VtOGUhXk4sI/AAAAAAAAGjA/1MDrWMn6YwI/s1600/CulpValleySunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzRB6wjN9jE/VtOGUhXk4sI/AAAAAAAAGjA/1MDrWMn6YwI/s640/CulpValleySunset.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east from Culp Valley near sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku07DEpVjjI/VtOQNuCCgYI/AAAAAAAAGjk/UE4GZ1XBpUU/s1600/CulpValleyMoonrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku07DEpVjjI/VtOQNuCCgYI/AAAAAAAAGjk/UE4GZ1XBpUU/s640/CulpValleyMoonrise.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbors watching the moon rise from Culp Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anza-Borrego is home to a small and threatened herd of Bighorn Sheep, Borrego in Spanish, and nearly limitless places to hike and explore the washes, canyons and peaks of the park. The rangers and volunteers offer a surprising variety of guided hikes educating visitors about the geology, ecology and history of the area. Sarah and I especially enjoyed hiking trails that led to seasonal springs and the oasis they provide in this desert. Unlike Death Valley, the El Nino rains had missed Anza-Borrego so the wildflowers were not as magnificent. Here we had to slow down and look closely to see the beauty and diversity of each section of this desert. It reinforced, for us, that from the window of a speeding automobile it is impossible to appreciate the full beauty of a desert. We were told that a small flock of sheep had been seen regularly just a mile or so from the campground at Palm Canyon. Indeed, they we were easy to find. The five sheep seemed completely indifferent to the dozen or so people who quietly watched and took photos of these beautiful creatures.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n15gve9pEs/VtOH1FbdcYI/AAAAAAAAGjM/riKLXG579PY/s1600/PalmCanyonBorrego.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n15gve9pEs/VtOH1FbdcYI/AAAAAAAAGjM/riKLXG579PY/s640/PalmCanyonBorrego.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ram didn't seem to mind having his picture taken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwg_kgdP2a8/VtOCdcLyqYI/AAAAAAAAGiw/1UFmMcHFikw/s1600/slot2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwg_kgdP2a8/VtOCdcLyqYI/AAAAAAAAGiw/1UFmMcHFikw/s640/slot2.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in the Slot. A deep narrow canyon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlvMDmbcNCQ/VtOCdVkNgFI/AAAAAAAAGiw/Te9IYj6X_xs/s1600/slot4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlvMDmbcNCQ/VtOCdVkNgFI/AAAAAAAAGiw/Te9IYj6X_xs/s640/slot4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to The Slot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The town of Borrego-Springs has several restaurants, hotels, RV parks and shops. Once again we took advantage of the public library that provided nice benches with electrical outlets for those of us who needed internet connectivity.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_ZJIfeYS_A/VtOCPfxp7qI/AAAAAAAAGio/mY9ylObMEPQ/s1600/Sculptures1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_ZJIfeYS_A/VtOCPfxp7qI/AAAAAAAAGio/mY9ylObMEPQ/s640/Sculptures1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture Garden in Borrego Springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFC_tDpszCA/VtOCIkokAKI/AAAAAAAAGio/MOi0rgrrz0Y/s1600/Sculpture4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFC_tDpszCA/VtOCIkokAKI/AAAAAAAAGio/MOi0rgrrz0Y/s640/Sculpture4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XE8rokf_9Q/VtOCMawtI_I/AAAAAAAAGio/f6rwLulIIDk/s1600/Sculpture5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XE8rokf_9Q/VtOCMawtI_I/AAAAAAAAGio/f6rwLulIIDk/s640/Sculpture5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXrpA9diZ1U/VtOLgambJ3I/AAAAAAAAGjY/ZdWYxwNWCFA/s1600/Agave2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXrpA9diZ1U/VtOLgambJ3I/AAAAAAAAGjY/ZdWYxwNWCFA/s640/Agave2.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Agave blooms once, then dies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J80UrcgWhHo/VtOCFZQfh6I/AAAAAAAAGio/ZNtqLWymprg/s1600/OcatillaBee2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J80UrcgWhHo/VtOCFZQfh6I/AAAAAAAAGio/ZNtqLWymprg/s1600/OcatillaBee2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="521" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J80UrcgWhHo/VtOCFZQfh6I/AAAAAAAAGio/ZNtqLWymprg/s640/OcatillaBee2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bees love Agave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Discovering water in the desert is magical. The presence of water creates oasis where the flora changes dramatically in just a few yards. The heat of the desert vanishes as cool breezes envelope you. A hike in the desert that culminates with a waterfall is a magical experience.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dr19LPDxQq4/VtOBwkis3NI/AAAAAAAAGiY/nLAGDqMIjlA/s1600/FanPalm1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dr19LPDxQq4/VtOBwkis3NI/AAAAAAAAGiY/nLAGDqMIjlA/s640/FanPalm1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The presence of broad leaf deciduous trees as well as the palm trees told us that water was ahead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfcX0jN51O4/VtOBxFcW-FI/AAAAAAAAGiY/XkZMgSsd2iA/s1600/MaidenheadFalls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfcX0jN51O4/VtOBxFcW-FI/AAAAAAAAGiY/XkZMgSsd2iA/s640/MaidenheadFalls.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maidenhead Falls in Hellhole Canyon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Among those who tow campers there is an ongoing debate about the necessity of 4WD for one's tow vehicle (TV). Sarah and I have concluded that 4WD is a wonderful luxury, if not a requirement for our purposes. While I can only think of three times in the thousands of miles we have traveled that we needed 4WD capability to tow the trailer, having the option has allowed us to explore many places we simply could not have without it. The drive into Coyote and Sheep Canyon cemented that belief in our minds. The drive into Coyote Canyon to Sheep Canyon involved driving through soft and deep sand, crossing a stream three times, and climbing up narrow rock strewn washes. Even still, we could not go where the short wheel bed vehicles could go, forcing us to hike eight miles round trip find the oasis in Sheep Canyon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vUAkDw7lLg/VtOCYFjK2WI/AAAAAAAAGiw/dm3VTPDWnJg/s1600/SheepCanyon1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vUAkDw7lLg/VtOCYFjK2WI/AAAAAAAAGiw/dm3VTPDWnJg/s640/SheepCanyon1.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed the cool water in Sheep Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After eight days at Culp Valley we made short drive to Cleveland National Forest. Our intention was to stay at Cuyamaca State Park's southernmost campground. However, the information I received from the ReserveAmerica person I spoke with that the Green Valley campground was open and reservations were not required was incorrect. The campground was closed until April 1. However, we found the Oakzanita Springs Thousand Trails campground just a couple miles away. Despite our preference to stay in State or National Parks we pulled in and signed up for two nights because our purpose for being in this area was to visit a lifelong friend and his wife who live in El Cajon. We were warmly welcomed to the campground by the gate attendant. He cheerfully drove us around the park helping us pick which site we wanted. While most of the sites are small, and not all have full hookups, we found a nice spot big enough to fit our 31' trailer and still have room to park the TV in front. Like so many other commercial parks we have visited, this one seems to have significant population of people who are living in travel trailers. Clearly, many of the motorhomes and trailers, though well maintained, haven't moved in a long time. But it is quiet and would serve our purposes. Sarah took advantage of the clean laundry facilities and we enjoyed having the large hot tub that evening completely to ourselves in the full moon's light. The town of Alpine, just 20 minutes away, has good grocery stores, restaurants and shopping.<br />
<br />
We returned to Anza-Borrego two days later. This time we camped at Mountain Desert Springs primitive campground about 25 miles south of Culp Valley. This campground easily accommodates trailers and motor homes. It is located on large, flat and open land at the entrance to a canyon with several springs and groups of the California Fan Palms. From here we were able to explore the Vallecito Badlands and enjoy the refreshing hot springs and swimming pools at Aqua Caliente that is just eight miles to the west. From Agua Caliente there is a nice loop trail into Moonlight Canyon that ascends from the springs to the head of the canyon then drops down into a canyon to the east before circling around and returning to Agua Caliente. There are two attractive side canyons begging to be explored, but they were closed due to a mountain lion having recently made a kill in the area.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_QOzKP3B78/VtOCU0CfmqI/AAAAAAAAGiU/VoMrwV78cLw/s1600/VallecitoOverlook2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_QOzKP3B78/VtOCU0CfmqI/AAAAAAAAGiU/VoMrwV78cLw/s640/VallecitoOverlook2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Understanding the meaning of "Badlands"<br />From a distance it appears to be flat, but up close, BAD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Our last morning at Mountain Desert Springs, we took one final hike into the canyon, past the springs and over a ridge to the west. On this south facing slope we discovered a few Beavertail cacti in bloom. We had been watching the buds on these cacti growing bigger by the day and we were delighted to have finally seen them in bloom. Just as we finished enjoying these flowers I noticed movement high up the steep slope. Here we watched a solitary ram come down towards us. He stopped and pondered us for a while then slowly passed us just 25 yards away. While not as majestic a creature, we also enjoyed seeing another desert dweller whose existence was evident everywhere, but we had never seen before, the desert packrat. He quickly skittered away up the slope, seemingly much more nervous than the the ram. What a perfect ending to our stay at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUu4HdNL1AE/VtOB8hqv6CI/AAAAAAAAGio/QiMJAjievo4/s1600/MountainSpringsBarrelcactus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUu4HdNL1AE/VtOB8hqv6CI/AAAAAAAAGio/QiMJAjievo4/s640/MountainSpringsBarrelcactus1.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the barrel cacti are blooming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5xTy5dODoM/VtOB2WI7_BI/AAAAAAAAGio/nCnu8oSXQI4/s1600/MountainSpringBeavertail1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5xTy5dODoM/VtOB2WI7_BI/AAAAAAAAGio/nCnu8oSXQI4/s640/MountainSpringBeavertail1.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beavertail finally in bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99D29FYbPmY/VtOB8X6WBgI/AAAAAAAAGio/eS7IgPS-CeU/s1600/MountainSpringBeavertail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99D29FYbPmY/VtOB8X6WBgI/AAAAAAAAGio/eS7IgPS-CeU/s640/MountainSpringBeavertail2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worth the wait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6wHGRt0hF0/VtOCQVtdhvI/AAAAAAAAGio/0nmRN4XZwp8/s1600/VallecitoBorrego2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6wHGRt0hF0/VtOCQVtdhvI/AAAAAAAAGio/0nmRN4XZwp8/s640/VallecitoBorrego2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this ram was posing for me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After almost three months on the road, it is time to begin our meander back to Massachusetts. We have set a goal of being home by April first.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-49751414497645412922016-02-05T22:41:00.000-08:002016-02-09T10:45:13.809-08:00Off to the Racetrack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZBIAYh6IjE/VrWDSsuvG-I/AAAAAAAAGfI/Iud5xEMvlM0/s1600/RacetrackPlaya1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZBIAYh6IjE/VrWDSsuvG-I/AAAAAAAAGfI/Iud5xEMvlM0/s640/RacetrackPlaya1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racetrack Playa </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Racetrack Playa in Death Valley is home to one of the world's most perplexing and intriguing phenomenon. This perfectly flat dry lake bottom has stones the size of bowling balls that move across the lake bed leaving trails of their movement in the dried mud.<br />
<br />
Many theories have been postulated as to how the stones move. But, no person has ever seen them move. The Playa is a three hour drive from Furnace Creek, Death Valley, the hub of the national park. Half of that time is spent driving 27 miles on a washboarded gravel road that will jar the fillings or crowns from one's teeth. And the gravel is not just any rock, it is chirt. Chirt is the rock Native Americans used to make arrow and spear heads. When broken, it is sharp as a razor and can shred a tire quicker than you can say "flat".<br />
<br />
While our Ford F250 is off road and 4x4 capable, we decided to rent a Jeep. Tearing up just one tire would cost more than the rental fee. Also, I had no problem driving the Jeep's shock absorbers into oblivion. Had I been driving my Ford the trip would have taken three times as long.<br />
<br />
We added an extra fifty miles to the trip by driving out of Death Valley towards the town of Beatty then driving back into the park through Titus Canyon. The road is a steep and narrow gravel road with hellish drop offs. But, the views were spectacular as we traversed the pass above the snowline. Along the way we encountered the old ghost mining town of Leadfield and some questionable petroglyphs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYg8tzdPAdk/VrWG3gA01dI/AAAAAAAAGfw/TUHWT0GOEyk/s1600/TitusCanyonRoad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYg8tzdPAdk/VrWG3gA01dI/AAAAAAAAGfw/TUHWT0GOEyk/s640/TitusCanyonRoad1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Switch back road climbing from Beaty to Titusd Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j66ERq2LII4/VrWJfs2d3TI/AAAAAAAAGgA/kGUMu_ptTjI/s1600/TitusCanyon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j66ERq2LII4/VrWJfs2d3TI/AAAAAAAAGgA/kGUMu_ptTjI/s640/TitusCanyon2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the pass, heading down into Titus Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGOGuEeeZ9Q/VrWEIbgc2BI/AAAAAAAAGfc/8dgkkBPqNqE/s1600/LeadfieldGhostTown1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGOGuEeeZ9Q/VrWEIbgc2BI/AAAAAAAAGfc/8dgkkBPqNqE/s640/LeadfieldGhostTown1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Leadfield, a boom and bust town in 1926</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dttGe6NPid0/VrWCFkWWQzI/AAAAAAAAGfA/75v319XrZhQ/s1600/LeadfieldMine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dttGe6NPid0/VrWCFkWWQzI/AAAAAAAAGfA/75v319XrZhQ/s640/LeadfieldMine.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Old mine shaft in Leadfield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO5Dz1Xx_r8/VrWL87wSmhI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/FDyIdpTyAhM/s1600/TitusCanyonPetroglyphs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO5Dz1Xx_r8/VrWL87wSmhI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/FDyIdpTyAhM/s640/TitusCanyonPetroglyphs.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Questionable petroglyphs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once through Titus Canyon, we drove another hour to Ubehebe Crater where the pavement ended and the 27 miles of harsh gravel road would lead us to Teakettle Junction and on to Racetrack Playa.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dQNIxJqNWg/VrWGGeAJEdI/AAAAAAAAGf0/TWC_6lJuocQ/s1600/TeakettleJunction.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dQNIxJqNWg/VrWGGeAJEdI/AAAAAAAAGf0/TWC_6lJuocQ/s640/TeakettleJunction.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teakettle Junction, wish we had known to bring a pot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The road rises continually from below sea level in Death Valley to 4,000 feet before beginning the descent to the Racetrack 200 feet below. From a bluff about 3 miles away, we caught our first glimpse of the expansive dry lake bed. The mud at the lake bed is said to be over 1,000 feet thick.<br />
<br />
Passing the Grandstand, a large outcropping of quartz monzonite rising from the center of the "lake", we drove on to the Racetrack. We were happy to see that the water from the rain of the previous week had finally evaporated and we were able to walk out onto the perfectly flat lake bed and observe the eerie tracks left by the movement of the rocks across the muddy bottom. I was especially happy to see that previous visitors had refrained from walking on the Playa while the mud was still wet.<br />
<br />
The Racetrack is an area of dry lake bed onto which rocks from the eroding hills surrounding it have fallen. These rocks move across the lake bed leaving tracks in the soft mud. Their movement has been the subject of great speculation. Some said that hurricane force winds following a rain was the force, others said it was the ice that moved them, still others claimed there was an alien force behind the movement. In the end, it was those who believed the ice caused the movement who were proven correct. Researches attached GPS units to rocks and placed them on the Playa. They showed that after a substantial rain in the winter ice would form entrapping the rocks. As the daytime temperature increased the ice cracked. And, as it typically happens following a cold front, high winds would develop pushing the broken ice sheets along the playa carrying with it the stones leaving trails in the soft mud.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V7sZzOwQpo/VrWSx7S73BI/AAAAAAAAGgo/2qkKM7Ea_sw/s1600/RacetrackPlaya3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V7sZzOwQpo/VrWSx7S73BI/AAAAAAAAGgo/2qkKM7Ea_sw/s640/RacetrackPlaya3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bowling ball sized rock has moved over 600 feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puZj9_lDxbw/VrWTJfOPHZI/AAAAAAAAGgw/hAJ6oDvPwfw/s1600/RacetrackPlaya4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puZj9_lDxbw/VrWTJfOPHZI/AAAAAAAAGgw/hAJ6oDvPwfw/s640/RacetrackPlaya4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bigger than a basketball.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We drove back to Furnace Springs after clocking 200 miles on the rental Jeep and enjoyed a fine dinner at the Furnace Creek Inn.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKZUAPgjxmo/VrowJbyE9RI/AAAAAAAAGg8/xuSSK62bQwE/s1600/DeathValleyReflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKZUAPgjxmo/VrowJbyE9RI/AAAAAAAAGg8/xuSSK62bQwE/s640/DeathValleyReflection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Panamint Mountains reflected in Death Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because of the exceptional rain five days earlier and the warm weather that followed, the desert burst into a bloom of colors. They were especially profuse at the southern end of the valley. We drove 45 miles south of Furnace creek to Ashford Canyon where we were excited to find Sarah's favorite flower, Lupines, in bloom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-redYFHQZbKA/VrowSMoUtAI/AAAAAAAAGhA/jc7-BIp0dNo/s1600/DeathValleyLupine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-redYFHQZbKA/VrowSMoUtAI/AAAAAAAAGhA/jc7-BIp0dNo/s640/DeathValleyLupine.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona Lupine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7voNUS53Hc/VrowuscveJI/AAAAAAAAGhE/AwYkQgFtSX8/s1600/DesertGold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7voNUS53Hc/VrowuscveJI/AAAAAAAAGhE/AwYkQgFtSX8/s640/DesertGold.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The predominant flower is Desert Gold. A brilliant yellow, daisy shaped flower. It's subtle fragrance permeated the air.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8rqag1Klo8/VrowHWXErTI/AAAAAAAAGg4/xItJMzptPZg/s1600/DesertFiveSpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8rqag1Klo8/VrowHWXErTI/AAAAAAAAGg4/xItJMzptPZg/s640/DesertFiveSpot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Desert Five Spot is sparsely interspersed among the Desert Gold </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx-3swqs0JM/VrPPwhXhHqI/AAAAAAAAGeU/ZB8S_xs7QkE/s640/DeathValleyWhiteFlower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown-eyed Evening Primrose<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNQ-joHI2y4/VrowwJguPXI/AAAAAAAAGhI/MXz9AP_9MDk/s1600/NotchLeafPacelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNQ-joHI2y4/VrowwJguPXI/AAAAAAAAGhI/MXz9AP_9MDk/s640/NotchLeafPacelia.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lining the canyon washes are natural rock gardens featuring Notch Leaf Phacelia (purple) and Lesser Mojavea (yellow)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-70900102691581374272016-02-04T19:03:00.000-08:002016-02-04T19:03:43.117-08:00Death Valley National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVwxMOrtOGQ/VrPWFUMlYJI/AAAAAAAAGeo/4HdgHCfKjVI/s1600/MountainSouthOfPassToPahrump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVwxMOrtOGQ/VrPWFUMlYJI/AAAAAAAAGeo/4HdgHCfKjVI/s640/MountainSouthOfPassToPahrump.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pass between Pahrump, Nevada and Death Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To appreciate the desert, one must slow down. Traveling in a car at 55+ miles per hour does not allow one to see the intricate beauty or understand how each rock, plant and lizard relate to one another. So it is in Death Valley that many of my preconceived ideas of what one of the hottest and most barren deserts on earth would be like has been shattered. Yes, there is rock, lots of rock. So much rock that you are forced to think about it, how it formed, how old it is, how hard or soft it is and how it came to be shaped the way it is.<br />
<br />
It happened that we arrived at the Texas Springs campground in Furnace Creek within minutes of our friends Jack and Liz. The campground sits on a hillside overlooking Furnace Creek. We chose it for the view, because it is close to Furnace Creek which has a gas station, general store and two restaurants. Also, Texas Springs is quiet owing to generators being prohibited.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDEP2cqYPCw/VrPQB_MiUtI/AAAAAAAAGeU/I5_ASqgr5Og/s1600/DeathValleyJackWithGuitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDEP2cqYPCw/VrPQB_MiUtI/AAAAAAAAGeU/I5_ASqgr5Og/s640/DeathValleyJackWithGuitar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our campground<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJLRJ1c5HhI/VrPHKIETN2I/AAAAAAAAGc0/4WKR-sDtuRs/s1600/DeathValley1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJLRJ1c5HhI/VrPHKIETN2I/AAAAAAAAGc0/4WKR-sDtuRs/s640/DeathValley1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west across Death Valley from Furnace Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hiking in Death Valley is mostly ascending from the valley floor up into any of the hundreds of canyons that drain water into this lowest place in North America. Some of the canyons end with impassable steep walls while others offer a climb up to the many ridges that ring the canyons. Each canyon has its own character because of the different types and ages of rock exposed by the torrents of water that have eroded the soft stone for millions of years.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nODkYJ9lwUA/VrPRpk3akjI/AAAAAAAAGek/pjoti6pxYAs/s1600/DeathValleyWithJack%2526Liz1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nODkYJ9lwUA/VrPRpk3akjI/AAAAAAAAGek/pjoti6pxYAs/s640/DeathValleyWithJack%2526Liz1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Liz and Jack, our hiking buddies approaching Zabrisky point<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunrise and sunset accentuate the multi-colored rocks that enclose the valley and form the deep canyons.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tiPRZUwt6o/VrPK88MNs9I/AAAAAAAAGdc/Zd4d6mkuhlg/s1600/DeathValley4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tiPRZUwt6o/VrPK88MNs9I/AAAAAAAAGdc/Zd4d6mkuhlg/s640/DeathValley4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Artist's Palette at Sunset<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFNISCs258o/VrPRhSBxkxI/AAAAAAAAGek/TGqD_vnl3oc/s1600/DeathValleyWithJack%2526Liz3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFNISCs258o/VrPRhSBxkxI/AAAAAAAAGek/TGqD_vnl3oc/s640/DeathValleyWithJack%2526Liz3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Silliness at Artist's Palette<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As forecast, the weather was cooler than normal with daytime high temperatures ranging from the low to mid 50s to the mid 60s for most of the time we were there. But, that was just right for the hiking we did on the many trails that took us into deep canyons or to the top of grand ridges overlooking the valley and giving us marvelous vistas of the distant snow capped mountains. Due to el Nino, we were treated to an uncommon event, a soaking rain that produced nearly one half inch over much of the valley that brought forth a profusion of flowers. The park rangers told us that such a bloom happens only about every thirty years.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_IaNLB_gCg/VrPM7FVzJUI/AAAAAAAAGdo/JrnSYEOvlyg/s1600/DeathValley7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_IaNLB_gCg/VrPM7FVzJUI/AAAAAAAAGdo/JrnSYEOvlyg/s640/DeathValley7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cold front is approaching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11kR30OnK98/VrPLc5sikhI/AAAAAAAAGdc/b7IWpqASf14/s1600/DeathValley14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11kR30OnK98/VrPLc5sikhI/AAAAAAAAGdc/b7IWpqASf14/s640/DeathValley14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rain is coming<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iBJgopBsug/VrPNw59gu-I/AAAAAAAAGd4/l5_JMFhyByQ/s1600/DeathValleyCampground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iBJgopBsug/VrPNw59gu-I/AAAAAAAAGd4/l5_JMFhyByQ/s640/DeathValleyCampground.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">After the rain<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMZNfo6ZMOc/VrPM4IKQMJI/AAAAAAAAGdo/rW5-Xr_xacI/s1600/DeathValley9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMZNfo6ZMOc/VrPM4IKQMJI/AAAAAAAAGdo/rW5-Xr_xacI/s1600/DeathValley9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The rain has come through, the flowers are blooming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6eRSaW-g1fM/VrPMarjpsCI/AAAAAAAAGdY/iYQSwefAclQ/s1600/DeathValley6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6eRSaW-g1fM/VrPMarjpsCI/AAAAAAAAGdY/iYQSwefAclQ/s640/DeathValley6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Clearing skies<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpAQYJhhRAU/VrPOcxeGMSI/AAAAAAAAGeA/QaTpZBnN3iM/s1600/DeathValleyGoldFlower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpAQYJhhRAU/VrPOcxeGMSI/AAAAAAAAGeA/QaTpZBnN3iM/s640/DeathValleyGoldFlower1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx-3swqs0JM/VrPPwhXhHqI/AAAAAAAAGeU/ZB8S_xs7QkE/s1600/DeathValleyWhiteFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx-3swqs0JM/VrPPwhXhHqI/AAAAAAAAGeU/ZB8S_xs7QkE/s640/DeathValleyWhiteFlower.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgtgIQX2fIk/VrPNy9jUdWI/AAAAAAAAGd4/XYKKhpQjzyU/s1600/DeathValleyBarrelCactus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgtgIQX2fIk/VrPNy9jUdWI/AAAAAAAAGd4/XYKKhpQjzyU/s640/DeathValleyBarrelCactus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cactus in Fall Canyon<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXtiKMxdTnw/VrPJrJR_zfI/AAAAAAAAGdI/wfLsPvGEb4w/s1600/DarwinsFallsDeathValley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXtiKMxdTnw/VrPJrJR_zfI/AAAAAAAAGdI/wfLsPvGEb4w/s640/DarwinsFallsDeathValley.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A permanent waterfall. There's water in Death Valley, you just have to know where to find it.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcoB3Dr-I2E/VrPHCQ2LdGI/AAAAAAAAGc0/R30SK-wEsuE/s1600/California-716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcoB3Dr-I2E/VrPHCQ2LdGI/AAAAAAAAGc0/R30SK-wEsuE/s640/California-716.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 20 mule team wagon. Carried Borax from Death Valley to the rail terminal.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avwTifKfP0M/VrPP1o5a_VI/AAAAAAAAGeU/1cPYrm0WUzA/s1600/DeathValleySunrise1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avwTifKfP0M/VrPP1o5a_VI/AAAAAAAAGeU/1cPYrm0WUzA/s640/DeathValleySunrise1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Surrounded by snow covered mountains</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We have another day left in Death Valley so stay tuned (it may be a while though, internet can be sketchy in the desert).</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-82598286882760240452016-01-23T21:28:00.000-08:002016-01-23T21:28:13.818-08:00Wide Open Spaces in Southern California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eRX-biyX44/VqQtJETscGI/AAAAAAAAGZo/gwq3Qys2Hmg/s1600/JoshuaTree2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eRX-biyX44/VqQtJETscGI/AAAAAAAAGZo/gwq3Qys2Hmg/s640/JoshuaTree2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The high desert of Joshua Tree National Park looking west toward Los Angeles<br />The 'trees' are actually giant Yucca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Where does the time go? It's difficult to believe my last post was three weeks ago. We have been to some marvelous places. After leaving Picacho State Preserve, we spent one night in Quartzite. I wasn't prepared for the number of motorhomes and the profusion of vendors selling everything from rocks and gems to Chinese antiques and generators. However, that was about all there is to the place. I wanted to celebrate Sarah's birthday at a nice restaurant, but after checking the menus at every eating establishment in the town, the best we could do was an acceptable pizza at Silly Al's. One would think with the number of big rigs in the area there would be at least one place to dine that wasn't a "family restaurant". Our impression was even less favorable as we walked around the flea market tents and more than once heard racist and vulgar comments openly made about President Obama. I dared not give a sideways look let alone engage those making the comments.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, Blythe, California is just a short drive to the west and is where we had reservations for the 29th annual Blythe Bluegrass Festival and we were allowed to camp at the fairgrounds as early as the Monday before the festival started. Initially, we planned on arriving in Blythe on Wednesday, but were happy to leave Quartzite and secure space for ourselves and our friends from home, Jack and Liz who joined us for the festival.<br />
<br />
There were a number of excellent bands showcased on two stages. The music on stage started early and ended just at sundown when the cold of the desert descended on the fairgrounds. But, there was plenty more music each evening in heated tents or around the portable wood stoves that were provided for the campers. In the campgrounds, the vast majority of campers were in massive motorhomes, many of which ran generators continually from 7AM until 10PM.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRwFnUoNyDY/VqRgmfPCy8I/AAAAAAAAGcY/uu4sBju4rQQ/s1600/20160115_103751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRwFnUoNyDY/VqRgmfPCy8I/AAAAAAAAGcY/uu4sBju4rQQ/s640/20160115_103751.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good bluegrass under blue skies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we enjoyed the festival, Sarah and I could only endure hearing some bluegrass standards so many times in such a short period. So, we left early on Sunday and headed for Joshua Tree National Park where we were to meet with Sarah's sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Topher, who drove from Oregon to spend a week with us. Choosing the Cottonwood Campground because it was closest to Blythe turned out to be fortuitous because we had forgotten that due to MLK day, it was a long weekend and the other campgrounds were full. Even still, we had to spend time carefully maneuvering the Mary Joan's 31 feet into one of only a few sites remaining that could accommodate us. The camp host even remarked on how well we did.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0MdE1rqGZY/VqQ1LqqkCRI/AAAAAAAAGaU/wnyRlj-IQXs/s1600/Mastadon%2Btrail1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0MdE1rqGZY/VqQ1LqqkCRI/AAAAAAAAGaU/wnyRlj-IQXs/s640/Mastadon%2Btrail1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking up the Mastadon trail in Joshua Tree National Park from Cottonwood Campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLbilGyHlmU/VqQ5Bf54hcI/AAAAAAAAGag/3SqvtwnYdT4/s1600/Mastadon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLbilGyHlmU/VqQ5Bf54hcI/AAAAAAAAGag/3SqvtwnYdT4/s640/Mastadon2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned mine on the Mastodon trail. We climbed the big boulder mound for a fine view of the Salton Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bckNHwtkC5k/VqQ6BtBScOI/AAAAAAAAGas/Q51K29DHt5s/s1600/Mastadon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bckNHwtkC5k/VqQ6BtBScOI/AAAAAAAAGas/Q51K29DHt5s/s640/Mastadon3.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of Mastodon trail, looking west over the Salton Sea toward San Diego</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Much of what Joshua Tree has to offer requires driving so we combined sightseeing with a drive into the town to purchase some provisions and access the internet to retrieve e-mails. Since we wanted to move to a campground at the northern end of the park and knowing that there were not many sites large enough to accommodate us, we drove through two other campgrounds to scout out our next site. At the Belle campground we found a spacious campsite that was large enough to hold the Mary Joan, our truck and our guests' car.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRLQUCJxJks/VqQy6I67t3I/AAAAAAAAGaA/nSvKP76m-0A/s1600/JoshuaTree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRLQUCJxJks/VqQy6I67t3I/AAAAAAAAGaA/nSvKP76m-0A/s640/JoshuaTree4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at Belle campground. Jennifer likes this place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9cv82Bqdkw/VqQ03UPCooI/AAAAAAAAGaM/QayyJt-45B4/s1600/JoshuaTreeHawk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9cv82Bqdkw/VqQ03UPCooI/AAAAAAAAGaM/QayyJt-45B4/s640/JoshuaTreeHawk.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west from Joshua Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oiybkW0xXY/VqRBbKkGZQI/AAAAAAAAGbk/KXschfR9nn0/s1600/SanAndreas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oiybkW0xXY/VqRBbKkGZQI/AAAAAAAAGbk/KXschfR9nn0/s640/SanAndreas1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Key's view at Joshua Tree. Looking west across the San Andreas fault and Palm Springs<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because Jennifer and Topher needed to begin their return to Oregon in just a couple days, we chose to go next to Mojave National Preserve for one night then on to Death Valley from where they would leave us to go home. As so often happens, the decision was a fortunate one because our tow vehicle's starter began to act up. With good phone service and internet at the Texas Spring campground in Death Valley, I made a reservation to stay at the RV park at Circus Circus and an appointment with the Ford dealer in Las Vegas to repair the truck.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRONKFoQ3C4/VqRAdfzqnUI/AAAAAAAAGbY/67W1DVjYKd8/s1600/RoysOnRt66AmboyCA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRONKFoQ3C4/VqRAdfzqnUI/AAAAAAAAGbY/67W1DVjYKd8/s640/RoysOnRt66AmboyCA.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Route 66 Motel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NqmTDW0w8Io/VqQ_eTo3dgI/AAAAAAAAGbE/GjWur84lFH4/s1600/RoysInstalation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NqmTDW0w8Io/VqQ_eTo3dgI/AAAAAAAAGbE/GjWur84lFH4/s640/RoysInstalation.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roy's is currently an art installation addressing the drought in California. Don't ask what's in those bottles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZeu3Bfxl2s/VqQ7jsQW1NI/AAAAAAAAGa4/DdGmpPMEBvg/s1600/PetroglyphsAtHoleInTheWallMojave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZeu3Bfxl2s/VqQ7jsQW1NI/AAAAAAAAGa4/DdGmpPMEBvg/s640/PetroglyphsAtHoleInTheWallMojave.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Hole In The Wall Campground (Mojave National Preserve) Sarah is happy to find PETROGLYPHS<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veXArxZqoCQ/VqQoNMSHjtI/AAAAAAAAGZA/fWjgM8Vv0kI/s1600/HoleInTheWall1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veXArxZqoCQ/VqQoNMSHjtI/AAAAAAAAGZA/fWjgM8Vv0kI/s320/HoleInTheWall1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Ring Loop Trail in Mojave National Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auJeGbiE57k/VqQpn-7w-uI/AAAAAAAAGZU/XNXFWJCd-tc/s1600/HoleInTheWall2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auJeGbiE57k/VqQpn-7w-uI/AAAAAAAAGZU/XNXFWJCd-tc/s640/HoleInTheWall2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gas pockets left after massive volcanic explosion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbUvgIxCHEY/VqQpNK38qhI/AAAAAAAAGZM/buawgYaTJyE/s1600/HoleInTheWall3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbUvgIxCHEY/VqQpNK38qhI/AAAAAAAAGZM/buawgYaTJyE/s640/HoleInTheWall3.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's called the Ring Loop Trail because of the hand holds needed to climb out of the canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z990QCAYhoI/VqQtKgn8w5I/AAAAAAAAGZw/zBi2_uT2zSI/s1600/HoleInTheWall4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z990QCAYhoI/VqQtKgn8w5I/AAAAAAAAGZw/zBi2_uT2zSI/s640/HoleInTheWall4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Mojave Desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The drive into Death Valley offered a continual display of multicolored mountains. I visited this place 25 years ago, but had forgotten how beautiful this place is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCIaBK_asxQ/VqRc3NUlEPI/AAAAAAAAGcE/2t5v9ffJkLA/s1600/DeathValley1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCIaBK_asxQ/VqRc3NUlEPI/AAAAAAAAGcE/2t5v9ffJkLA/s640/DeathValley1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Valley near Furnace Creek, Death Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A9BDsJ_A1Q/VqRc02WxgRI/AAAAAAAAGb8/TTkSgExNCow/s1600/GoldenCanyonDV1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A9BDsJ_A1Q/VqRc02WxgRI/AAAAAAAAGb8/TTkSgExNCow/s640/GoldenCanyonDV1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning hike into Golden Canyon, Death Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTRl5eCUJEg/VqRa1m9a2iI/AAAAAAAAGbw/UnXoeZpFR5g/s1600/GoldenCanyonDV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTRl5eCUJEg/VqRa1m9a2iI/AAAAAAAAGbw/UnXoeZpFR5g/s640/GoldenCanyonDV2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Golden Canyon, Death Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ECLeV-GbJY/VqRdJYVAZhI/AAAAAAAAGcM/V_hgLxrIsWo/s1600/GoldenCanyonDV3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ECLeV-GbJY/VqRdJYVAZhI/AAAAAAAAGcM/V_hgLxrIsWo/s640/GoldenCanyonDV3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Cathedral in Golden Canyon, Death Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We plan to return to Death Valley after having the truck repaired.<br />
Stay tuned<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-9233846912114216012016-01-11T17:16:00.000-08:002016-01-11T17:20:53.213-08:00Lines on a Map<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2mQ7J1wt-k/VpRKqGDdKyI/AAAAAAAAGWc/DP96eJtFWc4/s1600/20160101_162959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2mQ7J1wt-k/VpRKqGDdKyI/AAAAAAAAGWc/DP96eJtFWc4/s640/20160101_162959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We were sad to leave our friends, Liz and Jack when we departed Bisbee. SR90 took us through Sierra Vista then to SR82 west at Sonoita where we turned north onto SR83 to take us to Empire Ranch Road and the entrance to Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The refuge is high desert consisting of rolling hills surrounded by mountains on all sides. Good gravel roads lead to a number of dispersed camping areas. We enjoyed the beauty and peaceful solitude of the grasslands where many western movies were filmed by stars such as John Wayne, Barbara Stanwyck and Steve McQueen. Lacking horses, we rode our bicycles 9 miles to Sonoita where we had lunch at The Steakout Restaurant and Saloon. They serve good barbecue, and from the looks of it, great steaks. That evening, we returned to enjoy a beer, listen to live music and watch the football game.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUmvQo38gq4/VpRQR9NICuI/AAAAAAAAGYU/TFhdKnhZqhs/s1600/Las%2BCienegas1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUmvQo38gq4/VpRQR9NICuI/AAAAAAAAGYU/TFhdKnhZqhs/s640/Las%2BCienegas1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dispersed Camping in Las Cienegas </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With rain in the forecast, and because the trails into the campsites from the gravel road were dirt, we thought it wise to not stay and test the ability of our 4 wheel drive tow vehicle to get us out of Las Cienegas. Plus, if we had to endure rain, an urban area would provide more entertainment opportunities and we could complete necessary chores, like laundry and getting the oil changed in the truck. Tucson was just a short drive so we set off for Tucson Mountain Park, where we have stayed before. The weather cooperated the day we arrived allowing us to hike to Brown Mountain and back from the campground. The rain arrived the next day so we dropped the truck off at the Ford dealer and spent a few hours purchasing a few necessities (See's chocolates) at the nearby mall and shopping center. When we retrieved the truck, we were told that the brakes were very close to being worn out. The quote from the dealer to replace the brakes seemed a little high, but with the advantage of the internet I found a small repair shop that had high ratings and it was just a mile from the laundromat. The next day we arrived at Advantage Auto Repair on the corner of Fort Lowell Road and North Stone Ave at mid-morning and Oscar, the proprietor, promised us the work would be complete by mid-afternoon. After finishing the laundry we returned at 2:30 PM, and as promised, the truck was ready to go.<br />
<br />
The following day, we had lunch with Sarah's professor from graduate school, Eleanor, and her partner, Michael. After lunch, Michael delighted us by showing his collection of automatas. He has amassed an amazing array of intricately crafted objects designed to create movement in these fanciful 'toys' simply by turning a hand crank. See Michael's <a href="http://contemporaryautomata.com/" target="_blank">website</a> to watch them come to life.<br />
<br />
The lure of more petroglyphs was too strong to resist, so we headed for Painted Rock Petroglyph Site about 150 miles west of Tucson Mountain Park. Painted rocks are a misnomer for this site. The rock art here are petroglyphs. The ancient nomadic peoples that traveled along the Gila river here used stones to chip away at the dark oxidation, known as desert patina, that covers the exposed rocks leaving thousands of intricate figures and designs. The campsites were exceptionally large, ours was at least 100 feet square and provided great views of the distant mountains.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2ko31qygYs/VpRL1qs-GYI/AAAAAAAAGW4/EScq7B0JkP8/s1600/Painted%2BRock%2BPetroglyph%2BSite1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2ko31qygYs/VpRL1qs-GYI/AAAAAAAAGW4/EScq7B0JkP8/s640/Painted%2BRock%2BPetroglyph%2BSite1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge campsite at Painted Rock Petroglyph Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYwGJV-wKUE/VpRM8afWxtI/AAAAAAAAGXw/i5C_fVZQaN0/s1600/Painted%2Brock%2BPetroglyph%2Bsite2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYwGJV-wKUE/VpRM8afWxtI/AAAAAAAAGXw/i5C_fVZQaN0/s640/Painted%2Brock%2BPetroglyph%2Bsite2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not your average pile of desert rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tOnnPie4u8/VpRMOb6e_5I/AAAAAAAAGXI/QOJuMxqIobY/s1600/Painted%2BRock%2BPetroglyph%2Bsite3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tOnnPie4u8/VpRMOb6e_5I/AAAAAAAAGXI/QOJuMxqIobY/s640/Painted%2BRock%2BPetroglyph%2Bsite3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of petroglyphs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIe0Xqjh2tA/VpRMPyCbSsI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/jqsBko_-tlk/s1600/Painted%2BRock%2BPetroglyph%2Bsite4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIe0Xqjh2tA/VpRMPyCbSsI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/jqsBko_-tlk/s640/Painted%2BRock%2BPetroglyph%2Bsite4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mixture of cultures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our next destination was Quartzite where we intended to check out the gem and stone dealers while waiting to go on to Blythe for the Blythe Bluegrass Festival. But, needing to re-provision and being close to Yuma, we took advantage of the large city's fine grocery store to stock up. Rather than drive another 80 miles north to Quartzite, and noting Picacho State Recreation Area, in California, was just 24 miles north we decided to stop there for the night. "Beside's", said Sarah while holding the atlas, "there is a scenic road we can take that will bring us directly from there to Blythe". The road from Yuma to Picacho is gravel and it turned out to be very rough due to washboarding and we were reduced to less than 15 MPH. I told Sarah, I didn't want to drive 80 miles on this road. She assured me that the road north from Picacho was a paved road because it was drawn in red on our Rand McNally Atlas indicating it was paved. And, she said it was scenic because it had the little circles marking it as such.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FblsTNxXgYg/VpRMtCKFdYI/AAAAAAAAGXo/NNsKUJ7O6kM/s1600/Colorado%2BRiver%2Bat%2BPicacho1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FblsTNxXgYg/VpRMtCKFdYI/AAAAAAAAGXo/NNsKUJ7O6kM/s640/Colorado%2BRiver%2Bat%2BPicacho1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A river flows through the desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTLVlmLFc9g/VpRLjNTCLCI/AAAAAAAAGWw/H4UBN8L5uV8/s1600/Colorado%2BRiver%2Bat%2BPicacho2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTLVlmLFc9g/VpRLjNTCLCI/AAAAAAAAGWw/H4UBN8L5uV8/s640/Colorado%2BRiver%2Bat%2BPicacho2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east with the sun reflected on the mountains over the Colorado River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Picacho Recreation area sits alongside the Colorado River. Besides the campground host, one other camper and one person fishing, we had the place to ourselves. The campground is a pleasant surprise after traversing 24 miles of rock and desert. The lush vegetation and towering trees along the river contrasted dramatically with the surrounding desert. We enjoyed a quiet night along the Colorado River.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmKbj_ImarA/VpROJ2hf3wI/AAAAAAAAGYM/czZ8c0y--64/s1600/Picacho%2BCampsite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmKbj_ImarA/VpROJ2hf3wI/AAAAAAAAGYM/czZ8c0y--64/s640/Picacho%2BCampsite1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at Picacho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After enjoying a warm solar-powered shower the next morning and while preparing to leave, we discovered that we had had a guest inspect our trailer the previous night. In the fine dust that settled on the bumper of the Mary Joan we discovered footprints of what appeared to be a rather large racoon. We were both very happy that we try to never leave the door to the rear storage compartment open.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp4rFcpQlbE/VpRNDCCv7EI/AAAAAAAAGX4/69YFJoyfQfc/s1600/Racoon%2Bprints%2Bat%2BPicacho.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp4rFcpQlbE/VpRNDCCv7EI/AAAAAAAAGX4/69YFJoyfQfc/s640/Racoon%2Bprints%2Bat%2BPicacho.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Racoon?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our next surprise was the 'road' that Sarah said could take us north was not a road. Rather, it was the indicator of the location of the time zone divide. Resigned to retracing our tooth jarring route, we set off for Quartzite.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kST2HVu0mg4/VpRUyteBolI/AAAAAAAAGYs/9LrW9vZ4mDI/s1600/Blythe%2B2016%2Btimezone%2Broad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kST2HVu0mg4/VpRUyteBolI/AAAAAAAAGYs/9LrW9vZ4mDI/s640/Blythe%2B2016%2Btimezone%2Broad.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the line along the river?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aA4ulyragFg/VpRL3GAMNgI/AAAAAAAAGXA/AEjuYNhdqI8/s1600/Mordor%2Bon%2Bthe%2Broad%2Bto%2BPicacho.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aA4ulyragFg/VpRL3GAMNgI/AAAAAAAAGXA/AEjuYNhdqI8/s640/Mordor%2Bon%2Bthe%2Broad%2Bto%2BPicacho.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert view from road into Picacho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47VreQv50x0/VpRS9CpYilI/AAAAAAAAGYg/tRasH6S3Q9U/s1600/Road%2Bto%2BPicacho1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47VreQv50x0/VpRS9CpYilI/AAAAAAAAGYg/tRasH6S3Q9U/s640/Road%2Bto%2BPicacho1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Picacho on the washboard road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Stay tuned.Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-87463973515316519472016-01-06T17:22:00.000-08:002016-01-06T17:58:23.970-08:00Holiday in Southwest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gVy2hZbQx8/Vox6uEVklrI/AAAAAAAAGSY/AHPPbGLOoCM/s1600/Canyon%2Bdam%2Bat%2BHueco%2BTanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gVy2hZbQx8/Vox6uEVklrI/AAAAAAAAGSY/AHPPbGLOoCM/s640/Canyon%2Bdam%2Bat%2BHueco%2BTanks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone dam in Huecos Tanks State Historical Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Feeling proud for reaching Guadalupe Peak, Sarah and I rewarded ourselves with a short drive of only about 90 miles further west to Hueco Tanks State Historical Park just east of El Paso. This was a must stop because it is an area rich in ancient pictographs, which those who follow this blog know, Sarah and I enjoy viewing these ancient works and seek them out whenever possible. While the internet gives us access to a lot information, that information isn't always complete or accurate. This was the case at Hueco Tanks State Historical Park. Prior to arriving we knew that some areas were closed except to those on a guided tour, but we didn't know that hiking in the park is restricted to a limited number of visitors who register on a first come first served basis each morning. While we were allowed to go to our campsite, we were restricted to the roads in the campground until we registered with the park office the next morning. This required that we get up early and register at the park station to obtain a pass the day allowing us to explore the half of the park not closed except to those on the guided the tours. The reason for all the regulations is that at one time as many as 30,000 visitors a week were destroying this small park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-lhQb37ED0/Vox6NjdOQAI/AAAAAAAAGSU/ZyjBDqb9pYs/s1600/Huecos%2BTanks%2BPictograph1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-lhQb37ED0/Vox6NjdOQAI/AAAAAAAAGSU/ZyjBDqb9pYs/s400/Huecos%2BTanks%2BPictograph1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictograph relating the raid by Apaches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were also surprised to learn that access into and out of the park was restricted after 6PM. The stearn Park Ranger informed us that we could not leave the park except in case of an emergency after the gate was locked at 6PM. After our stay in Guadalupe we were low on provisions and needed to drive to El Paso to re-stock. Fortunately, the campground host understood and told us not to worry about returning after the curfew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtbXzLtdRxg/Vox7-gWpSeI/AAAAAAAAGSo/1CP0jV2gKvI/s1600/Huecos%2BPictograph2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtbXzLtdRxg/Vox7-gWpSeI/AAAAAAAAGSo/1CP0jV2gKvI/s400/Huecos%2BPictograph2.JPG" width="351" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We arrived at the Ranger Station in the morning at the appointed time and were granted access to the non-guided area. The park is unique in that it is an area of ancient limestone ocean bottom through which volcanic magma erupted. As the limestone eroded, huge mountains of lava rose from the former sea bed. Within the park are three distinct "peaks", north, east and west. We were allowed to roam the north peak at will and we shared it with rock climbers who come to boulder on the rock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oMs81vHcRs/Vox8J7ClpuI/AAAAAAAAGTA/xjF2-Sn2S3M/s1600/Huecos%2Bpictograph4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oMs81vHcRs/Vox8J7ClpuI/AAAAAAAAGTA/xjF2-Sn2S3M/s400/Huecos%2Bpictograph4.JPG" width="400" /></a>It didn't take long to understand why this park has such severe restrictions. Many of the pictographs and petroglyphs in the northern area have been defaced over the last 100 years. We only found about six sites with pictographs, but we enjoyed climbing the steep rocks and observing all the huecos, deep depressions in the rocks that hold water and create micro-oasis in the desert.<br />
<br />
After seeing the pictographs accessible without the guide, we enrolled for the next day's tour. We were not disappointed. Our volunteer guide, Jim, informed us that the tour's description says it lasts two hours. He said that, unless anyone in the group was on a tight schedule, the tour might be as long as three hours. There were no objections, and Jim took us on a leisurely and informative three and a half hour tour of the some very fine pictographs, not to mention the incredible scenery created by geologic forces millions of years ago.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZHvsQg0fZc/Vox8Ld1-BgI/AAAAAAAAGTI/yhrlh9re3fE/s1600/Huecos%2Bpictograph5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZHvsQg0fZc/Vox8Ld1-BgI/AAAAAAAAGTI/yhrlh9re3fE/s400/Huecos%2Bpictograph5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow deer with white antlers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB4p7KmxGw0/Vox8DvNnB1I/AAAAAAAAGS4/GOzauiwkpq8/s1600/Huecos%2Bpictograph6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB4p7KmxGw0/Vox8DvNnB1I/AAAAAAAAGS4/GOzauiwkpq8/s400/Huecos%2Bpictograph6.JPG" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handprint of young girl at the time of her coming of age</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was December 23, and we were to meet our co-conspirators on Christmas Eve in Bisbee, Arizona. When Sarah and I travel, we try not to have rigid plans. But, we made reservations for a week in Bisbee in order to share the holiday with our dear friends, Liz and Jack. That left us one more night on the road before making Bisbee. We usually don't know where we will spend the next night until the evening before departing our current location. I spend time with a map looking for state parks, wildlife refuges and National Parks. A few days before departing Guadalupe Mountains National Park, I spied Pancho Villa State park. The park is located in the center of the town of Columbus, New Mexico which is directly on the border with Mexico. However, I became skeptical of this town when I researched it using the internet. It seems the town nearly went bankrupt about ten years ago when a number of important people in town were found to have been criminals who ran guns to the drug cartels just across the border in Mexico and played hanky panky with the town finances. Further research on the internet revealed that the narco-criminals on the Mexican side were a rather brutal and murderous bunch. I had almost crossed this town off my list until I talked with other nomads who assured me that what I had read was ancient history and it was a perfectly safe place to visit.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuRlrfvI10k/Vo215AxRUVI/AAAAAAAAGVE/EkaFtEn6fuc/s1600/20151224_090313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuRlrfvI10k/Vo215AxRUVI/AAAAAAAAGVE/EkaFtEn6fuc/s640/20151224_090313.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancho Villa State Park is an old Army Fort and Customs Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We arrived at Pancho Villa State Park late in the afternoon, and selected one of the very large campsites available. The next morning, since Bisbee was only a few hours away, we decided to treat ourselves to breakfast in a local restaurant and then avail ourselves of the computer services of the local library. We needed to print and mail forms to cancel one of our health insurance policies due to achieving the age at which we qualify for Medicare. Unfortunately, all three cafes in town were closed on this morning of Christmas Eve. However, the library attendant told us that the Pink Store across the border in Mexico was open and serves a great huevos rancheros. She told us that we could park just on the US side and walk across the border. So, we drove the Mary Joan to the border, parked her in a large lot and walked into Mexico.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgAL2BKfu3I/Vo22kvqkEyI/AAAAAAAAGVM/vSIvwHN-A0A/s1600/20151224_100859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgAL2BKfu3I/Vo22kvqkEyI/AAAAAAAAGVM/vSIvwHN-A0A/s640/20151224_100859.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Pancho Villa in Puerto Palomas, Mexico across the border from Columbus, NM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kr84BcZQ4rQ/Vo22lV94laI/AAAAAAAAGVU/PvuCIrFYRDk/s1600/20151224_102845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kr84BcZQ4rQ/Vo22lV94laI/AAAAAAAAGVU/PvuCIrFYRDk/s640/20151224_102845.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great coffee and huevos rancheros at the Pink Store in Palomas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Pink Store is a large store that sells Mexican craftworks to tourists and has a fine restaurant. We arrived while the restaurant workers were still preparing to open for the day. That gave Sarah and I time to peruse the huge assortment of items for sale. We succumbed and bought a colorful chased tin and ceramic framed mirror that should look perfect in our half bath. With shopping finished, we enjoyed some of the finest coffee we have had to accompany our huevos rancheros. Just as we finished our breakfast Sarah received a text from Liz and Jack, who left Rhode Island just four days earlier, informing us that they were closing in on Bisbee. We hit the road and arrived just about an hour after their landing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr4qvunoCc4/Vox-a4AnpUI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/k-Ai4ubfxiY/s1600/Panorama%2Bnear%2BRodeo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr4qvunoCc4/Vox-a4AnpUI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/k-Ai4ubfxiY/s640/Panorama%2Bnear%2BRodeo1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Near Rodeo, on the border of New Mexico and Arizona<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8tz2nfmUKY/Vox_lOfVOjI/AAAAAAAAGTc/3ILI7RYJ3VU/s1600/Bisbee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8tz2nfmUKY/Vox_lOfVOjI/AAAAAAAAGTc/3ILI7RYJ3VU/s640/Bisbee.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bisbee, Arizona.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6Jq9_67QII/VoyECdRqNFI/AAAAAAAAGU4/9FYeZzTdbFk/s1600/Sarah%2Bat%2B%2Bcolor%2Bwall%2BBisbee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6Jq9_67QII/VoyECdRqNFI/AAAAAAAAGU4/9FYeZzTdbFk/s640/Sarah%2Bat%2B%2Bcolor%2Bwall%2BBisbee.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall art is everywhere in Bisbee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d04qC6fP5K8/Vo23vHqLqGI/AAAAAAAAGVo/mTNAHN8Y3ao/s1600/20151229_153625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d04qC6fP5K8/Vo23vHqLqGI/AAAAAAAAGVo/mTNAHN8Y3ao/s640/20151229_153625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9Z6dSKTwX4/Vo23vsvhrHI/AAAAAAAAGVs/gPKruq8HJX0/s1600/20151229_154117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9Z6dSKTwX4/Vo23vsvhrHI/AAAAAAAAGVs/gPKruq8HJX0/s640/20151229_154117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3_K-DcLEas/Vo23tNUeb9I/AAAAAAAAGVg/GFnq-VjFQZU/s1600/20151229_162027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3_K-DcLEas/Vo23tNUeb9I/AAAAAAAAGVg/GFnq-VjFQZU/s640/20151229_162027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bisbee is a former mining town that could return to its roots if the demand for and the price of copper ever sees a dramatic increase. From the late 19th century until 1975, Bisbee produced billions of tons of copper as well as significant amounts of gold, silver and lead. At its peak, it was the largest city west of St. Louis. Since the mines closed Bisbee has survived as a cool mountain oasis high in the southwest desert. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYYM6kkGLnI/VoyD_okHaQI/AAAAAAAAGUw/DkWJPD_1lZc/s1600/Panorama%2Bof%2BPit%2Bmine%2BBisbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYYM6kkGLnI/VoyD_okHaQI/AAAAAAAAGUw/DkWJPD_1lZc/s640/Panorama%2Bof%2BPit%2Bmine%2BBisbee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pit mine at Bisbee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are fine restaurants, hotels, antique stores and art galleries that attract tourists. However, the allure of Bisbee is that it is a very small community that welcomes visitors like few places we have visited. We experienced this openness when a fellow camper who has been coming to Bisbee for more than a decade invited us to a potluck music get together in the town. In just a few hours while playing music we became members of the community receiving invitations for other gatherings and expressions of disappointment that we were not going to stay longer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpjQVj0Wnro/Vo24suUCafI/AAAAAAAAGWA/T_7v6OoZunE/s1600/20151228_221702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpjQVj0Wnro/Vo24suUCafI/AAAAAAAAGWA/T_7v6OoZunE/s640/20151228_221702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6zAIHZp9dg/Vo24soPEVaI/AAAAAAAAGV8/pfejSV6LYLA/s1600/20151228_221738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6zAIHZp9dg/Vo24soPEVaI/AAAAAAAAGV8/pfejSV6LYLA/s640/20151228_221738.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making music</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrived on Christmas Eve and spent the week with our friends, Liz and Jack. Despite the cooler than average temperatures, we explored the streets and hiked the canyons and the peaks surrounding the old town of Bisbee.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7api-P144Q/VoyAOWQKpxI/AAAAAAAAGTs/6K0VFhJLmgU/s1600/Hiking%2Bin%2BBisbee1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7api-P144Q/VoyAOWQKpxI/AAAAAAAAGTs/6K0VFhJLmgU/s640/Hiking%2Bin%2BBisbee1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in the Bisbee canyons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-pnV3USzkw/VoyD7dJB-4I/AAAAAAAAGUk/NUHL8h6YC6M/s1600/Mine%2Bshaft%2BBisbee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-pnV3USzkw/VoyD7dJB-4I/AAAAAAAAGUk/NUHL8h6YC6M/s640/Mine%2Bshaft%2BBisbee.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
One of hundreds of open mine shafts<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajvVPOsh9gg/VoyALzHxMTI/AAAAAAAAGTk/uSu5XJx9000/s1600/Bisbee%2BPanorama2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="409" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajvVPOsh9gg/VoyALzHxMTI/AAAAAAAAGTk/uSu5XJx9000/s640/Bisbee%2BPanorama2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bisbee from Miracle Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hill across the street from our campground appeared to be just a few hundred feet above the canyon floor, just a short hike. However, owing to the steepness of the canyon walls we didn't see that the real summit was many hundreds of feet higher. Our thirty minute hike turned into a three hour sojourn to the summit of Miracle Mountain where we were enthralled with the efforts of those who sought to create memorials and shrines. Local legend told us that the first shrine was for Alfonso Velasquez whose illnesses were cured after the erection of a devotional shrine. Since then others have added to the shrines on the summit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI2dvVJg3JE/VoyDBMPcE6I/AAAAAAAAGUI/COmrszE4c5A/s1600/Miracle%2Bmountain%2Bshrine1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI2dvVJg3JE/VoyDBMPcE6I/AAAAAAAAGUI/COmrszE4c5A/s640/Miracle%2Bmountain%2Bshrine1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miracle Mountain Summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhDXr8DDo5M/VoyDAuNXBVI/AAAAAAAAGUE/0DJa7RU6CXY/s1600/Miracle%2Bmountain%2Bshrine2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhDXr8DDo5M/VoyDAuNXBVI/AAAAAAAAGUE/0DJa7RU6CXY/s640/Miracle%2Bmountain%2Bshrine2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrine of Alfonso Velasquez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9zAocJnfjc/VoyC_q13jfI/AAAAAAAAGT8/FdnfGCSGLZg/s1600/Miracle%2Bmountain%2Bshrine3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9zAocJnfjc/VoyC_q13jfI/AAAAAAAAGT8/FdnfGCSGLZg/s640/Miracle%2Bmountain%2Bshrine3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the entrance to Bisbee's canyon is the small one street long village of Lowell. It appears that time stopped in 1975. There is a Coop market, breakfast cafe and a number of storefronts with many vintage motorcycles along with antique cars parked out front.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wivLqq18uMA/VoyD7ERz89I/AAAAAAAAGUc/JV3nzL0Ul_Y/s1600/Lowell%2BStreet1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wivLqq18uMA/VoyD7ERz89I/AAAAAAAAGUc/JV3nzL0Ul_Y/s640/Lowell%2BStreet1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lowell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Together with Liz and Jack, Sarah and I rang in the New Year drifting between three venues offering good live music and fine company after a wonderful dinner at the Copper Queen. Thanks, Jack and Liz for sharing the cheer.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMJ-6MMjjdk/VoyD7vRjHYI/AAAAAAAAGUo/-zFAXAZwdFU/s1600/Liz%2Band%2BJack%2BChristmas%2BEve%2Bin%2BBisbee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMJ-6MMjjdk/VoyD7vRjHYI/AAAAAAAAGUo/-zFAXAZwdFU/s400/Liz%2Band%2BJack%2BChristmas%2BEve%2Bin%2BBisbee.JPG" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve with Liz and Jack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We departed Bisbee on the first day of 2016.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-89357467587468458292015-12-20T17:33:00.000-08:002015-12-20T17:33:06.369-08:00Back at Big Bend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRssoIrRwHQ/VndNX01nLoI/AAAAAAAAGQE/HtPCV9KSvEk/s1600/December%2B2015-557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRssoIrRwHQ/VndNX01nLoI/AAAAAAAAGQE/HtPCV9KSvEk/s640/December%2B2015-557.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mary Joan in Chisos Basin Campground (note the large boulders at the side of the road they will be revealed)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
From Seminole Canyon State Park, we continued west on US90 to Marathon, TX. We stopped in Marathon long enough to collect the mail we had delivered there and to acquire provisions. The plan was to explore Black Gap Wildlife Management Area which my research told me is some of the wildest and most pristine land in West Texas. Located just east of Big Bend National Park, it was on the way. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the headquarters, we learned that the area was closed for hunting. The caretaker let us camp at the headquarters that night and the next day we made the short drive into Big Bend National Park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYwQjXN0iZg/VndOD8XOJZI/AAAAAAAAGQM/p3pe39hzgJY/s1600/road%2Brunner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYwQjXN0iZg/VndOD8XOJZI/AAAAAAAAGQM/p3pe39hzgJY/s400/road%2Brunner.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beep Beep. This roadrunner wasn't too shy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Two years ago when we visited Big Bend we wanted to camp in Chisos Basin Campground, but thought that our trailer was too big since there were signs posted "Not Recommended For Trailers in Excess of 24 feet". At that time, we stayed in Rio Grande Village, which is essentially a parking lot where people can dry camp (no water, electricity or sewage connections). While it was close to the hot springs, it was a 30 minute drive to the best hikes in the Chisos Mountains. That year, after driving through the campground, I realized that I could have maneuvered the tight turns on the road into the basin as well as those in the campground. When we arrived at the park this year, I asked if the length limit was a regulation or an admonition. The ranger said it was the latter. So, we drove into Chisos Basin Campground with the Mary Joan. It was tight, but manageable. In fact, while we were there, two drivers of pickup trucks ran into the rocks placed to keep vehicles on the roadway. However, while I was able to maneuver the Mary Joan through the obstacle field, when leaving the brightly lit trailer to set up the telescope in order to see the stars, I tripped on one of those large boulders and broke a rib. It is healing, but coughing, sneezing, laughing and sleeping are painful.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2veFDxJZKmQ/VndO8UBKT2I/AAAAAAAAGQY/PGkwGUPWA9I/s1600/Mary%2BJoan%2Bin%2BChisos%2BBasin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2veFDxJZKmQ/VndO8UBKT2I/AAAAAAAAGQY/PGkwGUPWA9I/s640/Mary%2BJoan%2Bin%2BChisos%2BBasin.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite and the offending boulders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At Panther Junction visitor center we saw this incredible self made Motorhome. (we saw it again two days later, it was leaving Guadalupe Mountains National Park as we were arriving). I have a feeling we will see it again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-1AH3b8IEw/VndTVguH1EI/AAAAAAAAGRk/KCUfMaVHsNM/s1600/December%2B2015-587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-1AH3b8IEw/VndTVguH1EI/AAAAAAAAGRk/KCUfMaVHsNM/s640/December%2B2015-587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We did a number of hikes in the beautiful Chisos Mountains, the climax of which was the hike to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emory_Peak" target="_blank">Emory Peak</a>, the highest in the park. The trail to the summit from the campground is 10 miles with an elevation gain of about 2,700 feet. The trail passes through many ecosystems and provides beautiful vistas and pastoral images. Despite a broken rib and except for the rock scramble at the summit, it was a most enjoyable hike. It was cold and very windy so I put my camera in the backpack for the hike down. Of course it was on the way down that an eight point white tailed deer ambled within 10 feet of me. He was wary, but not afraid, and just slowly walked off the trail to get around me and continue on his way.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gR6aOc1b2IA/VndPzGqeKfI/AAAAAAAAGQg/MnYB1vzb9ac/s1600/Emory%2BPeak%2Bin%2BBig%2BBend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gR6aOc1b2IA/VndPzGqeKfI/AAAAAAAAGQg/MnYB1vzb9ac/s400/Emory%2BPeak%2Bin%2BBig%2BBend.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emory Peak Summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Friday evening we drove to Terlinqua, just outside the park, to dine at The Starlight Theater. While driving, a strong weather front moved over us. We experienced an infrequent event in the desert, a powerful thunderstorm with strong wind and rain. While the view of the sunset on the Chisos Mountains from Terlinqua is legendary, the local residents were thrilled to watch the lightening and rain of this storm.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLHC7L58QjA/VndQPLw6JRI/AAAAAAAAGQo/1f_zDIhsjBU/s1600/Rainbow%2Bin%2BChisos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLHC7L58QjA/VndQPLw6JRI/AAAAAAAAGQo/1f_zDIhsjBU/s640/Rainbow%2Bin%2BChisos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed our special rainbow on the way to Terlinqua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QsFByMNcrI/VndRQzcX5jI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/XGGFahKphxQ/s1600/chisos%2Bat%2Bsunset%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QsFByMNcrI/VndRQzcX5jI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/XGGFahKphxQ/s640/chisos%2Bat%2Bsunset%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clouds were building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8p-I2lcTV0/VndRSGAYNNI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/ZDhaon4As7U/s1600/Rain%2Bcoming%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bchisos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8p-I2lcTV0/VndRSGAYNNI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/ZDhaon4As7U/s640/Rain%2Bcoming%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bchisos.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5DFpXnO_zY/VndRYtcU7nI/AAAAAAAAGRE/7sCB8eVrzI0/s1600/Sunset%2Bon%2BChisos%2BButte%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5DFpXnO_zY/VndRYtcU7nI/AAAAAAAAGRE/7sCB8eVrzI0/s640/Sunset%2Bon%2BChisos%2BButte%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Marfa, Texas was our next stop. Sarah spent a few weeks here two years ago while I went home to deal with the damage to the house caused by a frozen heating pipe. She made friends here she wanted to visit again. We stayed at the same campground, The Tumble In, just a half mile from town.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGvn3SCqSKQ/VndSJiDHuCI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/nftKMThPm3A/s1600/Tumble%2Bin%2Bsign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGvn3SCqSKQ/VndSJiDHuCI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/nftKMThPm3A/s640/Tumble%2Bin%2Bsign.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l34ysqDZfHg/VndSL6tcHnI/AAAAAAAAGRY/nOybv5SHQ7I/s1600/Sarah%2Bat%2Bentrance%2Bto%2Btumble%2Bin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l34ysqDZfHg/VndSL6tcHnI/AAAAAAAAGRY/nOybv5SHQ7I/s640/Sarah%2Bat%2Bentrance%2Bto%2Btumble%2Bin.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Tumble In</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After Marfa, we continued west on US90 to Texas 54 north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park's Pine Springs Campground on the Texas side of the park. During our last visit to this park, we entered through Dog Canyon on the New Mexico side. This park is a hiker's and backpacker's destination. The terrain is rough and challenging. About the only way to see the wondrous sites in this park is to do it on foot, which is exactly what we wanted. Guadalupe National Park is the home of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the State of Texas. The "campground" for RVs is a parking lot with no utilities except for flush toilets. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0A3TsLAHJE/VndVzESDZfI/AAAAAAAAGSA/we0UsJOYr3c/s1600/Guadalupe%2BMtn%2BNatl%2BPark%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0A3TsLAHJE/VndVzESDZfI/AAAAAAAAGSA/we0UsJOYr3c/s640/Guadalupe%2BMtn%2BNatl%2BPark%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east from Guadalupe Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The park is on the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfield_Overland_Mail" target="_blank"> Butterfield Overland Mail Route</a> and the remains of one of the stops on the route is a short walk from the park visitor's center. Preceding the advent of the Pony Express, The Butterfield Overland Mail Route delivered mail and passengers from St. Louis, Missouri to San Francisco, California. I was surprised to find at the summit a stainless steel pyramid erected by American Airlines in 1958 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Butterfield Route. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkeyPmJSdp0/VndVtqxJ7AI/AAAAAAAAGRw/x-unITdl-_0/s1600/December%2B2015-633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkeyPmJSdp0/VndVtqxJ7AI/AAAAAAAAGRw/x-unITdl-_0/s640/December%2B2015-633.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPrcXTnjWUE/VndVulET0EI/AAAAAAAAGR4/CGLsuVadL7c/s1600/American%2BAirlines%2Bon%2BGuadalupe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPrcXTnjWUE/VndVulET0EI/AAAAAAAAGR4/CGLsuVadL7c/s640/American%2BAirlines%2Bon%2BGuadalupe.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Guadalupe Peak</div>
<br />
We'll post when possible, stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-21368821688539406222015-12-09T18:59:00.001-08:002015-12-09T18:59:41.793-08:00Back In The Southwest<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4k6ZUdewIM/VmjGtgglWsI/AAAAAAAAGOY/BTlhd-Fo5TA/s1600/DSC_8445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4k6ZUdewIM/VmjGtgglWsI/AAAAAAAAGOY/BTlhd-Fo5TA/s640/DSC_8445.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Businesses all over town have frog themed murals<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is enjoying the culinary traditions of so many areas of the country. And, Louisiana certainly does not disappoint when it comes to food. In the spring of 2013 Sarah and I stopped at Rayne, Louisiana to eat at Chef Roy's. (see the post <a href="http://tinwheel.blogspot.com/2013/03/ggreturn-to-louisiana.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) and I made a return to this wonderful restaurant an absolute must. I arrived in Rayne late in the morning and secured a site at the Frog City RV park. As soon as the Mary Joan was settled in I headed to Chef Roy's for lunch. A cup of seafood gumbo followed by Catfish Acadiana was a taste sensation. That evening I further indulged by returning to Randal's in Lafayette for crawfish and music where Sarah and I had also enjoyed a fine evening two years ago.<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22hFeRRjoq0/VmjFGeoJkzI/AAAAAAAAGOM/x6UOb9OKwvw/s1600/DSC_8443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22hFeRRjoq0/VmjFGeoJkzI/AAAAAAAAGOM/x6UOb9OKwvw/s640/DSC_8443.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">In Rayne, Louisiana it just might rain frogs<br />Frog sculptures are everywhere<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
The next day I drove to Double Lake Recreation area in Coldspring, Texas just north of Houston. This put me just 45 minutes from an RV storage facility near the Bush International airport where I left the Mary Joan safe from snow, sleet and salt for our return in early December. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sarah and I returned to Houston on December 5th. The owner of the RV storage facility, Ralph, was kind enough to pick us up at the airport and deliver us to the Mary Joan. When we checked our trailer electrical connections I noticed that, while the brake lights and turn signals on the trailer were working properly, the running lights and trailer brakes weren't working. It has happened before that slight oxidation on the connections could cause this and usually just unplugging and reconnecting the plug would fix the problem. Not this time. With a couple hours of daylight remaining I decided it was safe to drive to this day's destination, Stephen Austin State Park which I calculated we could make just before dark. I just needed to be very cautious about stopping without trailer brakes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before leaving the Houston area we needed to secure provisions for our trip at a large grocery store. We found HEB to be a well stocked and reasonably priced grocery store. When we returned to the Mary Joan with our food and wine water was pouring from the belly pan of the trailer. It was the fresh water from our water tank. I had treated the tank with chlorine prior to storing it because we had gotten bad water somewhere on our last trip. My first thought was that I had overdone the bleach and a gasket had failed. Being late on a Saturday afternoon I knew there were no RV service centers open until Monday. Not wanting to be delayed by two or more days we decided to press on with bottled water for drinking and depend on our next park to have a hydrant from which to get more water. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9AmDdJ6DGU/Vmjd6xwOddI/AAAAAAAAGPY/8LeEtjcBrq4/s1600/20151206_140743%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9AmDdJ6DGU/Vmjd6xwOddI/AAAAAAAAGPY/8LeEtjcBrq4/s640/20151206_140743%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deformed tubing. We don't need the drain until next year. A simple plug from Home Depot solved the problem.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
We almost made it to the park before dark, but we had to drive for about 15 miles in the dark without running lights on the trailer. Even with a perfectly functioning rig, I don't like to pull the trailer at night. Too many things can go wrong. This knowledge was reinforced when the driver of a car entering the freeway decided not to yield but to cut dangerously close in front of me. I was leaving about 150 feet between me and the vehicle in front to avoid the danger of needing to stop suddenly. Just as the car pulled in front of me, the car in front of that swerved suddenly into and out of the breakdown lane. At first I thought it was someone driving while distracted by their cell phone. Then, from beneath the car in front of me came a large piece of truck tire that the first car avoided. There was no time to react and the tire hit the front left part of the truck. Fortunately, it didn't go under the truck but was deflected to the side and it missed the Mary Joan. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We arrived at the state park in the dark after the office had closed only to discover that the road into the park itself was closed. Recent flooding had damaged a bridge into the campground. A sign was posted on the office door stating the park was open and to ask for directions around the road block. I guess it didn't occur to the sign maker to include those directions for late arrivals like us. Without lights and brakes, water for the trailer and not knowing whether we had sustained any damage by the flying tire, we elected to boon dock in the parking lot next to the park office. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We got up early the next morning and found that the damage from the tire was minimal, a broken license plate holder and the lower air dam below the bumper was cracked and partially dislodged. Using a small fingernail file I cleaned the contacts on the trailer connection and decided to push on. We knew we could wait to diagnose and fix the water problem at our next stop, McKinney Falls State Park which is just outside of Austin, only about 150 miles to the west. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At McKinney Falls State Park I removed the access panels to the water tank and water pump. I discovered that during the manufacturing of the Mary Joan the drain pitcock had been installed about 3/8" to high and the installer had severely kinked the short vinyl hose that connected the valve to the tank. The hose had cracked open at the flexure, allowing the water to drain from the tank. Since the only purpose for the valve is to drain the tank for winterizing or flushing and I didn't have the tools to reposition the valve I decided to put a plug in place of the fitting on the tank to which the hose connected. A twenty minute drive to Home Depot and back plus $0.85 later solved the problem.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With the happy feeling that we had weathered a rough beginning to our trip, we eagerly pointed the truck west to enjoy the scenery and the bright warm Texas climate. If you have read much of our blog, you know that Sarah and I like to avoid the Interstate Highway system whenever possible. Google Maps makes this so much easier because of the ability to literally "see" all the roads. Most road maps cannot display the details as well as the computer. In addition to the details, street and satellite views give us more confidence to use lesser known routes. Taking US290 from Austin we turned north in the beautiful town of Fredericksburg onto Texas 965 which took us to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-OF-5On5a0/VmjJIpe7P5I/AAAAAAAAGOk/6idJ80eX7_A/s1600/DSC_8454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-OF-5On5a0/VmjJIpe7P5I/AAAAAAAAGOk/6idJ80eX7_A/s640/DSC_8454.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enchanted Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oL8YuD2dpR0/VmjWO0F8gFI/AAAAAAAAGO0/zBb4_-oq5pU/s1600/DSC_8479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oL8YuD2dpR0/VmjWO0F8gFI/AAAAAAAAGO0/zBb4_-oq5pU/s640/DSC_8479.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vernal pool on the summit of Enchanted Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enchanted Rock is a portion of a 100 square mile piece of granite that has been uplifted to expose a nearly 500' high monolith. Sarah and I spent a couple hours here to climb the rock and enjoy the views. Rather than retracing our path back down Texas 965, we continued north to Rt16 to the town of Llano then west on Rt 29 through the towns of Art and Mason. At the town of Grit we turned south onto Rt377 to Junction and the South Llano State Park. On these roads we saw hundreds of deer, prong horn sheep, herons, turkeys and even some roadrunners. At the park Sarah was delighted by the antics of the armadillos that are abundant there.</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0jpqH78gDY/Vmjcse4uZqI/AAAAAAAAGPM/xVzWPWRKroo/s1600/20151207_172836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0jpqH78gDY/Vmjcse4uZqI/AAAAAAAAGPM/xVzWPWRKroo/s640/20151207_172836.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to go home to the armadillo. Actually, it tried to jump into Sarah's lap<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2dofbUumEo/VmjqAIMyAAI/AAAAAAAAGPo/XVMUp9I2F24/s1600/20151207_172823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2dofbUumEo/VmjqAIMyAAI/AAAAAAAAGPo/XVMUp9I2F24/s640/20151207_172823.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly armadillo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
To reach our next destination, Seminole Canyon State Park, we traveled Rt377 through the towns of Telegraph and Rocksprings to the city of Del Rio. At Del Rio we stopped to purchase a few more provisions and avail ourselves of cell phone service which we had been without for the previous two days. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJDT8EuyC6I/VmjZwb8fj2I/AAAAAAAAGPA/dTV-z8AeV1I/s1600/DSC_8518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJDT8EuyC6I/VmjZwb8fj2I/AAAAAAAAGPA/dTV-z8AeV1I/s640/DSC_8518.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seminole Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
From Del Rio we took US90 to Seminole Canyon and easily cleared the Border Patrol checkpoint at Comstock arriving at one of our favorite parks in Texas. We checked in early enough to get our bikes out and ride the Rio Grande Trail to where the canyon empties into the Rio Grande river. It felt good to be warm and in the sun for the six mile roundtrip ride in the desert. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning we took the tour down into the canyon with the guide to revisit the ancient pictographs we enjoyed so much on our last stay in Seminole Canyon State Park. The site is restricted, which is why we had to have a guide. But, hearing a different perspective about the origins of these paintings and the people who created them made the second visit more meaningful. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We don't know where we will go tomorrow, so stay tuned.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-40948064686407602302015-11-03T18:48:00.001-08:002015-11-03T18:48:20.198-08:00Highway 61 Re-re-visited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PRZL0mhNQk/Vjlnq6xVVTI/AAAAAAAAGLo/PMPvB38pksk/s1600/November%2B2015-361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PRZL0mhNQk/Vjlnq6xVVTI/AAAAAAAAGLo/PMPvB38pksk/s640/November%2B2015-361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I updated this blog. Our travels were seriously curtailed while we focused on repairing and restoring our home after the water damage caused by a frozen pipe nearly two years ago. While there are some minor jobs to do, that work is mostly finished and we are content to leave any unfinished details so that we may return again to the southwest and avoid the darkest days of the upcoming winter.<br />
<br />
Since our son and daughter in law no longer live near Louisville, where we previously brought the Mary Joan to avoid exposure to the harshness of the salt and snow of New England's winter and from where we would launch our southern travels, I decided that taking her further south would be a good idea. I chose Houston as our jumping off place. Flights are frequent and inexpensive and there are secure places to store the camper as well as the usual hotel chains close to the airport where I can stay after storing the camper and truck.<br />
<br />
I gave myself ten days to complete the nearly 1,900 miles. My plan was to put in two long days to get well below the Mason Dixon line leaving another week to take slowly cover the rest of the way and enjoy the fall weather and scenery as I went. On the first evening I got a little way south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania a distance of 413 miles. While the state parks were still open, I decided to park alongside the big tractor trailers at a rest stop saving the time to get to and from a park.<br />
The next day, following Sarah's suggestion, I headed for Skyline Drive in Virginia. This road would then connect me with the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had returned north along the Parkway in the spring two years ago and the idea of seeing it in the fall was appealing. I had a good night's sleep despite the noise from the road and awakened at 4:30 AM and was on the road by 5:30 AM.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7Th--ppoZ8/VjlrcMIa3zI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/nLrFViPw59A/s1600/Rearview_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7Th--ppoZ8/VjlrcMIa3zI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/nLrFViPw59A/s640/Rearview_1.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the views were great</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I reached Skyline drive just before dawn and was rewarded with a most beautiful sunrise. Choosing this route, however meant that slowed down more than I expected. The steeply curving mountain roads demanded a maximum speed of 40 mph. That, combined with stopping to take in the numerous stunning vistas allowed me to travel just better than 30 miles each hour. I reached Rocky Knob Campground south of Roanoke at 4:30 in the afternoon, another 400 miles toward my destination. Despite the fact that the driving required a lot of diligence to safely negotiate the challenging road, the frequent stops and the stimulation of the scenery made the day much shorter than a similar number of hours behind the wheel would have been on an interstate highway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPkV_ep1yzs/VjlqnMZkHVI/AAAAAAAAGMI/J7uQxX0WSZ4/s1600/skyline%2Bdrive%2Bsunrise_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPkV_ep1yzs/VjlqnMZkHVI/AAAAAAAAGMI/J7uQxX0WSZ4/s640/skyline%2Bdrive%2Bsunrise_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east toward the piedmont, sunrise on Skyline Drive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately, when I talked with Sarah after I arrived at the camp site, I learned that my mother had been admitted to the hospital that day. From what I could gather from the limited information Sarah could give me, it seemed prudent for me to get home as soon as possible. One option was to get to a large city close to my current location, make arrangements to store the trailer and fly back home. But, the next day being Sunday, it would have been impossible to find a place to store the truck and trailer. I would have to wait until Monday. I calculated that I could get to Houston by Monday and since I already had a place picked out to leave the vehicles, that pressing on made the most sense. I knew, I could make good time on the interstate system. I don't like driving 65 mph pulling a four ton camper, but it is not an impossible task. I spent twelve hours on the road, stopping every three hours for a break and made it to Roosevelt State Park just east of Jackson, Mississippi, a total of 700 miles. There I got the good news that the doctors didn't find any life threatening problem or condition requiring invasive procedures. Relieved, Sarah and I decided I could continue with my original itinerary.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtDSDkjKfmc/Vjlr9l0hsyI/AAAAAAAAGMY/KMVBgoOtaV0/s1600/Skyline%2Bdrive%2Bsunrise_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtDSDkjKfmc/Vjlr9l0hsyI/AAAAAAAAGMY/KMVBgoOtaV0/s640/Skyline%2Bdrive%2Bsunrise_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two lane parkway for hundreds of miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With Houston now less than 500 miles away, I could slow down and enjoy the remainder of the trip. Roosevelt State Park is only about 50 miles east of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a beautiful two lane road that roughly follows an ancient path between Nashville, Tennessee and Natchez, Mississippi. We had traversed most of it two years ago, but had not been on this section. With the tunes of Louisiana native, Lucinda Williams on the stereo, I enjoyed the magnificent southern scenery. The drive from Roosevelt State Park to Natchez took only three hours and I stopped at Natchez State Park, a mere 15 miles outside of the city of Natchez.<br />
<br />
For the most part, Natchez escaped serious damage during the civil war. It was occupied and held by the Union Army early on in the war. As a result, Natchez boasts the greatest amount of surviving antebellum architecture of any southern city that was contested in that horrible war.<br />
<br />
My first stop in the city was the Visitor's Center. At the visitor's center there is a compact 'museum'. There are exhibits and a mural that represents a timeline of Natchez history.It was here that I learned how one man from my dad's home town, Westborough, Massachusetts, unwittingly quadrupled the demand for slave labor in the deep south. Prior to 1795 the growing of cotton as a cash crop was not profitable. Too much labor was required to separate the fiber from the seed. But, with the invention of the cotton gin, Eli Whitney, suddenly changed that. So much land quickly became cultivated for cotton that demand for slaves to plant and harvest the crop skyrocketed. Immense profit was suddenly generated from cotton. Massive plantations were created, importation of slaves from more northern states occurred and an intense market for buying and selling human beings was set up in Natchez. Strolling the streets and seeing the magnificent edifices built here caused me to reflect on how much profit was made on the backs of these suffering people. Many of the cotton growers had large plantations in the country and built beautiful homes in the city. The enslaved workers never saw the opulence their labor afforded their keepers. Nor did they ever see any white people other than their over keepers.<br />
<br />
Yet, at the same time some enslaved people were afforded relief by those that enslaved them. It was common for slave owners to have relationships with women they owned. Some of these men appeared to have tender feelings for them and the offspring created by such relations. These men often manumitted them. In Natchez and New Orleans, there were thousands of freed black people living alongside white citizens, albeit with severely restricted liberties. William Johnson was just such a man. Along, with his mother, he had been manumitted by his owner/father. He learned the trade of barbering and became a successful free black man living in Natchez. But, the most astounding fact is that he himself became a slave owner. In the short time I had in Natchez, I couldn't delve into his story more deeply, but it is something I surely will do.<br />
<br />
I left the center with a self guided walking tour map and spent the afternoon following my paper 'guide'. At many places along the walking tours are informative signs that tell the story of Natchez, its people, economy, slavery and its importance as a shipping port on the Mississippi.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5kRhmnnK5s/VjlufxqZezI/AAAAAAAAGMs/kYJPPBVfvRI/s1600/choctaw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5kRhmnnK5s/VjlufxqZezI/AAAAAAAAGMs/kYJPPBVfvRI/s640/choctaw.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choktaw, a cotton planter's mansion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmfgGlZ5j2w/VjluercBUcI/AAAAAAAAGMk/khK8wpAP75M/s1600/Free%2Bblack%2Bhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmfgGlZ5j2w/VjluercBUcI/AAAAAAAAGMk/khK8wpAP75M/s640/Free%2Bblack%2Bhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kyle house. Home of a freed woman of color, Nancy Kyle, who bore the daughter of Christopher Kyle, a wealthy Natchez merchant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlL0LvYU9Nk/VjlugOHtdPI/AAAAAAAAGMw/DI5AXCIZiJk/s1600/blue%2Bcat%2Bclub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlL0LvYU9Nk/VjlugOHtdPI/AAAAAAAAGMw/DI5AXCIZiJk/s640/blue%2Bcat%2Bclub.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Cat Club where Jerry Lee Lewis first performed at age 13 in 1938<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqCSXKI63GE/VjlxUcHT6DI/AAAAAAAAGNA/5jIYyU0CjEU/s1600/November%2B2015-433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqCSXKI63GE/VjlxUcHT6DI/AAAAAAAAGNA/5jIYyU0CjEU/s640/November%2B2015-433.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The home of freed black man, William Johnson who was also a slave owner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another short drive, two hours, brought me to the capital city,Baton Rouge. I traveled on scenic Highway 61, made famous by Bob Dylan who dedicated an entire album to this road, Highway 61 Revisited. So, it was only appropriate to play his music as I enjoyed the drive. I checked into a seedy RV park that I chose for its location convenient to the downtown area. My plan was to explore the city's museums and catch some live music. Alas, there is not a single art museum in this state's capital and not a club I could find has live music on a Tuesday night. That is the reason that I have time to, finally, update this blog. Next, I am off for another short morning's drive to Rayne, Louisiana.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned<br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-77781058411792298532014-09-02T18:25:00.002-07:002014-09-02T18:27:07.450-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUICQ2njrnk/VAZrl7xcwQI/AAAAAAAAEIY/qkZobvznJtE/s1600/Luna%2BRosa%2BTug%2BBoat%2BInn%2BMarina%2BBoothbay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUICQ2njrnk/VAZrl7xcwQI/AAAAAAAAEIY/qkZobvznJtE/s1600/Luna%2BRosa%2BTug%2BBoat%2BInn%2BMarina%2BBoothbay.JPG" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna Rossa (Ranger Tug)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One if by land, two if by sea. Our latest travels have taken advantage of both. The loss of our sailboat, Orinoco, allowed us to rethink what we wanted from a boat. With so many opportunities to satisfy my lust for ocean sailing and Sarah's aversion to that endeavor, we bought Luna Rossa, a 27' Ranger Tug. With a beam of 8'6" the boat is the largest that can be legally towed over the roads without a special permit. The decision to switch from sail to power was a logical one for us. After a review of Orinoco's log we found that fully 30% of the time we operated the sailboat under power alone and another 15 - 20% of the time we were assisting the sails with the motor. Additionally, being able to drive the boat to our desired cruising destination means that we no longer need to spend nearly a week getting there along a course we had traveled many times before. Other considerations that tipped the scales for the tug were a very shallow draft that lets us explore places unavailable to a sailboat, Luna Rosa could be parked under the lean to of the barn saving us the cost of a mooring or slip. Finally, being out of the water and under protection when not in use reduces wear and tear and the increased effort to maintain the boat that stays in the water all season.<br />
<br />
Sarah and I provisioned Luna Rossa for a few days cruising the midcoast of Maine. After a relaxed five hour drive we arrived at the boat launch on Westport Island just a few miles south of Dave Lieser's house on the Sheepscot river. Dave and I were crewmates a few years ago on a trip from Mexico to French Polynesia. The few weeks we spent together provided many stories we enjoy retelling. This has led to more trips together which of course created more adventure stories and so it goes on.<br />
<br />
As soon as we arrived at the boat ramp, we experienced typical Maine hospitality in the persona of Bob Mungeon. He jumped in to help us launch the boat and gave us pointers about the local current and tides that proved invaluable. He then offered us the use of his mooring that is conveniently located in the charming waterfront town of Wiscasset. While I was prepared to anchor, the ability to hang on a mooring is always appreciated since it relieves that bit of anxiety attendant to questions about the security of the holding ground when lying to an anchor.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvnSPrt3NHk/VAZWLJ76ViI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/gO0MzZnT7RY/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bwaterfront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvnSPrt3NHk/VAZWLJ76ViI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/gO0MzZnT7RY/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bwaterfront.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiscasset Waterfront</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We visited with Dave and his beautiful companion, Suzie, at Dave's house then moved the boat to Bob's mooring that was just a fishing line cast from Le Garage restaurant on the Wiscasset waterfront. The menu was quite diverse, but the inclusion of Finan Haddie on the entre list made my choice easy. The cold smoked haddock was served in a beure-blanc sauce with potato and hard boiled egg then served over toast, comfort food at its best. After dinner we said goodnight to Dave and Suzie, walked to the yacht club dock where we left our dinghy and climbed in for what should have been a 60 second ride back to Luna Rosa. Immediatly on leaving the dock I realized we had made a classic mistake when we left the boat. We had failed to put on our anchor light. With no moon to help us locate our boat in the crowded mooring field we were forced to drive the dinghy in a crisscross search pattern until, nearly an hour later, we finally located our boat. <br />
<br />
The next day we explored the town of Wiscasset. Formely a major shipping port used to export logs and seafood, the Wiscasset town center is now an attractive tourist destination. It was easy to loose track of time visiting the many art galleries and antique stores that line the streets leading from the harbor. Later, we took Luna Rossa down the Back River below the boat launch on Westport Island before returning to meet Dave and Suzie at their house where we were joined at dinner by Bud and his wife Susan. Bud and I helped Dave sail his boat to the Bahamas two years ago and I looked forward to renewing our acquaintance and meeting his wife. We enjoyed great food and conversation, a lot of which involved stories about sailing. Dave arranged for us to tie Luna Rossa to his neighbor's dock for the night, eliminating the chance for a repeat performance of the previous evening's blunder.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgPQwMg7SBM/VAZWIHp2RUI/AAAAAAAAEGg/YjlVJnBLGVY/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bantique%2Bshop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgPQwMg7SBM/VAZWIHp2RUI/AAAAAAAAEGg/YjlVJnBLGVY/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bantique%2Bshop.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antique shops abound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxPQJ-Fx9Hg/VAZWKWNfjkI/AAAAAAAAEGw/qiXNLPt6T4o/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bstreet%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxPQJ-Fx9Hg/VAZWKWNfjkI/AAAAAAAAEGw/qiXNLPt6T4o/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bstreet%2B1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming 18th century houses </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEYib6CrQiw/VAZWH6YP3CI/AAAAAAAAEGc/QAUwg34CA58/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEYib6CrQiw/VAZWH6YP3CI/AAAAAAAAEGc/QAUwg34CA58/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bhouse.JPG" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxEXGkNwO00/VAZWJNZBbiI/AAAAAAAAEGo/vPxzd6Epq6M/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bbarn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxEXGkNwO00/VAZWJNZBbiI/AAAAAAAAEGo/vPxzd6Epq6M/s1600/Wiscasset%2Bbarn.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
In the morning we delighted in a leisurely cruise down the Sheepscot on the east side of Westport Island and headed for Boothbay Harbor. Nearly every Aid to Navigation had a nest inhabited by a pair of Osprey and their fledglings. Sarah and I decided to pamper ourselves by taking a slip at the Tugboat Inn and Marina. Being in a slip allowed us to come and go from the boat at our whim and browse the many attractions in this picturesque harbor. We were saddened to see that a venerable waterfront attraction, the candle pin bowling alley had closed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJY4jzZLljE/VAZchOnwduI/AAAAAAAAEHg/nAWnzgXz3C8/s1600/Osprey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJY4jzZLljE/VAZchOnwduI/AAAAAAAAEHg/nAWnzgXz3C8/s1600/Osprey.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey in their nest on an ATON</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkK8AU7XOSI/VAZWLSnRmYI/AAAAAAAAEG0/y9yuY8g-JfA/s1600/kids%2Bsailing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkK8AU7XOSI/VAZWLSnRmYI/AAAAAAAAEG0/y9yuY8g-JfA/s1600/kids%2Bsailing.JPG" height="459" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailors of the future learning to sail in Boothbay harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We took advantage of calm winds and settled seas to travel to Eastern Egg rock, a trip of about 20 miles from Boothbay. The attraction at Eastern Egg rock is the colony of Puffins that breed on the island. Eastern Egg Rock is only one of two islands of the Maine coast where these oddly colorful and mysterious birds can still be found. Nearly forced into extinction due to pilfering of their eggs, increased gull populations and hunting in the 19th century, the birds were reintroduced in the early 1970's and now are proliferating. These birds only breed where they were hatched. They spend the summer breeding and raising their young. In late summer they depart for the open North Atlantic. True palegic birds, the young do not return to land for several years, when they are mature enough to breed. The puffins were still on the island and in the surrounding water in great numbers. There were also thousands of Arctic Terns flying about. We circled the island for about an hour enjoying the spectacle of these intriquing birds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhP-fkidXY8/VAZWMQtZpiI/AAAAAAAAEHI/z_c-DAzRrc8/s1600/pemaquid%2Bpoint%2Blight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhP-fkidXY8/VAZWMQtZpiI/AAAAAAAAEHI/z_c-DAzRrc8/s1600/pemaquid%2Bpoint%2Blight.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed south of the light house on Pemaquid Point on our way to Eastern Egg Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67zEVGIp9w4/VAZWMqv7rpI/AAAAAAAAEG8/FlOZhEie2po/s1600/puffin1..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67zEVGIp9w4/VAZWMqv7rpI/AAAAAAAAEG8/FlOZhEie2po/s1600/puffin1..JPG" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was challenging capturing pictures of the puffins, they are shy birds and they<br />
don't stay still for long. This required using a telephoto lens which is quite difficult<br />
to control on a boat being tossed by the waves. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We left the puffins and returned to Boothbay. That evening we dined at Ports of Italy, a fine establishment we visit whenever we are in Boothbay.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBW54q5g3Ec/VAZlYmVwx5I/AAAAAAAAEH4/jYKoJTIIHCk/s1600/Ports%2Bof%2BItaly%2BBoothbay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBW54q5g3Ec/VAZlYmVwx5I/AAAAAAAAEH4/jYKoJTIIHCk/s1600/Ports%2Bof%2BItaly%2BBoothbay.JPG" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ports of Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGun7SrzpN0/VAZmquj-E2I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/toB8krp9ydQ/s1600/Boothbay%2BInn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGun7SrzpN0/VAZmquj-E2I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/toB8krp9ydQ/s1600/Boothbay%2BInn.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Boothbay Harbor, one of many colorful Inns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While at Dave's, Bud and Susan invited us to dinner at their home on Wesport Island where Bud had arranged for us to tie up to a friend's mooring. Bud and Susan proudly gave us a tour of the attractive home they designed and recently built. I was especially intrigued about the hydronic radiant heating system they had installed since I was strongly considering such a system for the remodeling of our house.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--b6yFz_Ya8w/VAZsv9T1PLI/AAAAAAAAEIg/WHXLCaszxdc/s1600/Sarah%2Bon%2BLuna%2BRosa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--b6yFz_Ya8w/VAZsv9T1PLI/AAAAAAAAEIg/WHXLCaszxdc/s1600/Sarah%2Bon%2BLuna%2BRosa.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing appetizer on Luna Rossa to share with Bud and Susan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the morning, Sarah attended a yoga class that Susan leads on the island. I enjoyed an extra cup of coffee and the solitude of the morning while watching the osprey and eagles that thrive here. A light fog crept in adding just the right ambiance of subdued light that is so alluring to artists all along the Maine coast.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUUOXblGCs/VAZgzLbqTGI/AAAAAAAAEHo/68U2vcIRAN4/s1600/Westport%2BIsland%2BFoggy%2BMorning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUUOXblGCs/VAZgzLbqTGI/AAAAAAAAEHo/68U2vcIRAN4/s1600/Westport%2BIsland%2BFoggy%2BMorning.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westport Island Morning Fog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When Sarah returned from yoga and the fog lifted, we crossed the broad expanse of the Sheepscot to Isle of Springs. We anchored in Clam Cove at Sawyer Island and rowed across the narrow channel to the dock on Isle of Springs. Just a mile or so in diameter and lacking automobiles, the island is crisscrossed with footpaths and trails for hand carts. Just a few paces up a gentle slope from the town dock we visited the post office/library. On this Saturday afternoon, the door was open wide and no one was to be seen. A sign on the door requests the last person out to please turn of the lights.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbqnB7jNWxg/VAZlYAv_UZI/AAAAAAAAEH0/qqEpM6RsMI0/s1600/Isle%2Bof%2BSprings%2BPO%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbqnB7jNWxg/VAZlYAv_UZI/AAAAAAAAEH0/qqEpM6RsMI0/s1600/Isle%2Bof%2BSprings%2BPO%2B1.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Isle of Springs Post Office / Library<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYjLBRbquCg/VAZlWTpIIII/AAAAAAAAEHw/qO2X2scUiQc/s1600/Isle%2Bof%2BSprings%2BPO%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYjLBRbquCg/VAZlWTpIIII/AAAAAAAAEHw/qO2X2scUiQc/s1600/Isle%2Bof%2BSprings%2BPO%2B2.JPG" height="400" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">"Last one out, please turn off the light"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked the island's trails and gleaned the few remaining red raspberries we found along the way. Near the end of a trail that turned us back toward the dock we came upon the single room museum/gallery. Like the post office, their was no one inside, but the door was open and a sign invited us to browse and enjoy the arts and crafts created by some of the island's residents. In one corner of the room we found a small history book of the island. It lists the date each cottage was built along with the names of each of the owners since. It was no surprise to see that the majority of the properties are still owned by descendants of the original builders.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wP1_naav6hA/VAZlYVcJrwI/AAAAAAAAEH8/gg7PiYIQfGc/s1600/Isle%2Bof%2BSprings%2BMuseum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wP1_naav6hA/VAZlYVcJrwI/AAAAAAAAEH8/gg7PiYIQfGc/s1600/Isle%2Bof%2BSprings%2BMuseum.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isle of Springs Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Following our visit to Isle of Springs we returned to Boothbay. During the cruise both Sarah and I smelled an odor coming into the boat for which we could find no explanation. It wasn't until we were on a mooring that I remembered we had smelled that odor on a boat we had helped deliver a year earlier. The smell was boiling sulfuric acid from an overheated battery. I opened the hatch to the battery comopartment in the cockpit and discovered one of the four marine batteries hissing and spewing hot acid. While it's difficult to know for certain the cause, I believe one of the plates inside the battery had shorted out causing it to overheat. The four batteries are divided into three 'banks', each dedicated for a certain purpose. One battery is for the engine starter, another for the bow and stern thrusters, the remaining two batteries are 'house' batteries that provided power for the lights, electronics and all other electrical needs of the boat. It was one of the house batteries that overheated. Since these two batteries are wired in parallel it is possible to disconnect one leaving the other to supply those components dependent upon the house bank, albeit with only half the reserve power. However, after taking the malfunctioning and offensive battery out of the circuit, the starter battery could not start the engine. Despite running the generator, confirming that the remaining batteries were fully charged and checking for loose connections the engine would not start. Fortunately we have towing insurance and arranged for the towing service to bring us back to the boat launch on Westport Island the next morning.<br />
<br />
The tow service arrived as schedule early the next morning. We set tow lines and headed back across the Sheepscot then turned north up the Back River. I noted the strong current of the ebb tide that was against us as we crossed the river. I could see the navigation buoys being tugged by the current creating a wake in the stream. However, I wasn't prepared for the raging torrent that was lower Hell Gate. The current was doing at least 6 - 8 knots in some places and it was only by virtue of our skilled pilot that we could have safely navigated this treacherous part of the river.<br />
<br />
The news of our disabled boat being towed on the river must have spread quickly among the inhabitants of Westport because when we arrived at the boat ramp Bud was waiting to lend a hand getting our powerless motor vessel onto her trailer. We had hoped to escape that unwanted attention, prefering to tell the story in our own time. We should have known Bud would hear about our plight since he is the Harbor Master for Westport Island. We remain ever grateful for his help and genuine concern.<br />
<br />
With Luna Rossa safely secured to the trailer we pointed the truck back to I-95 and had her safely tucked under the lean to by early evening.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned.<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-35416378481189548182014-07-17T19:40:00.003-07:002014-07-18T05:36:48.394-07:00Region One Rally - Burlington, VT<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b4RKpm9V9w/U8iAOzjw8tI/AAAAAAAAEEk/VEpyo77_gMs/s1600/rainbow+airstram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b4RKpm9V9w/U8iAOzjw8tI/AAAAAAAAEEk/VEpyo77_gMs/s1600/rainbow+airstram.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We only experienced a few sprinkles all weekend, but this rainbow found our pot of gold (silver?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How do you spell relief? WBCCI!! The Region One rally provided a reason to break away from the ordeal of managing our water damaged home. The rally was held in Essex Junction, Vermont which is just outside of Burlington on the shore of beautiful Lake Champlain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As usual, we decided to avoid highways even though doing so would add an hour to the trip. Most of the route is very familiar because it was the course we traveled when my father and I drove to Chelsea, Vermont to hunt deer. It has been many years since I traveled this route and I was happy to see all the familiar towns. Mostly, there is evidence of increased prosperity. It seems there are fewer dilapidated buildings and many more show evidence or gentrification. Sadly, the absence of cows on the hillsides was disappointing. Forty years ago it was true that there were more cows than people in the Green Mountain State. We saw a few farms that still had cattle, but they were not dairy cattle. We didn't see a single dairy cow while we were driving in Vermont.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite the lack of cows in the pastures, we enjoyed the vernal foliage. It glistened as the fog in the Connecticut River valley lifted and allowed the light to reflect and refract from each sliver of fresh greenery. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at the Champlain Valley Exposition Center early in the afternoon. Tye and Mary greeted us at the gate and ushered us on to the field where we joined dozens of other Airstreams already established on their campsites. At 4PM we gathered for happy hour where we renewed friendships with fellow Cape Cod Unit members and made new acquaintances with other Region One members.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone enjoyed a communal breakfast on Friday morning followed by a short meeting to conduct the business of the WBCCI Cape Cod Unit. After the breakfast meeting everyone dispersed to explore the attractions of this scenic area. Sarah and I chose to visit the <a href="http://shelburnemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Shelburne Museum</a>.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtOWQl6Alxc/U8iI8_9qW4I/AAAAAAAAEFc/12-qtoFG4zA/s1600/round+barn+shelburne+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtOWQl6Alxc/U8iI8_9qW4I/AAAAAAAAEFc/12-qtoFG4zA/s1600/round+barn+shelburne+museum.JPG" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaker barn at the Shelburne Museum, Burlington, VT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Like so many who live in a place to which tourists flock, we had never visited the Shelburne Museum. We were put off by the price of admission, but we realized we might not be here again so we bit the bullet. We were rewarded when we paid our admission when we learned that the price included readmission the next day. That was a good thing since after five hours on the first day we had not even seen half of the museum. Returning the next day, we spent another six hours taking in the remaining parts of the museum.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsJLMRM6cY/U8iA8N0EkwI/AAAAAAAAEEs/kFW4Uy8jMVA/s1600/Shelburne+panorama+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsJLMRM6cY/U8iA8N0EkwI/AAAAAAAAEEs/kFW4Uy8jMVA/s1600/Shelburne+panorama+1.jpg" height="244" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautifully landscaped grounds hint at what one can expect inside the buildings that house the many collections of art and memorabilia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">The museum has something for everyone. There are exhibits of fine art by Monet, Degas and Wyeth. Then there are the eclectic collections; quilts, hooked rugs, tin toys, pewter, horse drawn carriages</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and buggies to name a few. The collections are housed in 18th and 19th century buildings that were brought to the grounds and restored to near original condition. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc5LfrxNlF8/U8iBqjPMXYI/AAAAAAAAEE0/CgMBQQFj8pA/s1600/the+last+drop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc5LfrxNlF8/U8iBqjPMXYI/AAAAAAAAEE0/CgMBQQFj8pA/s1600/the+last+drop.JPG" height="246" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Last Drop" by Charles Marion Russell. One of the many exquisite bronze "Western" sculptures on display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCUCIzGMjgs/U8iEhu7mRWI/AAAAAAAAEFE/YthJygLvVYU/s1600/Coat+of+many+colors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCUCIzGMjgs/U8iEhu7mRWI/AAAAAAAAEFE/YthJygLvVYU/s1600/Coat+of+many+colors.JPG" height="365" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooked rug by Patty Yoder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the most pleasant things about touring the museum in early June was that the lilacs were in bloom. There are over 700 lilac bushes on the grounds. It seemed that each of the more than 80 varieties had its own particularly fragrant perfume. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcNaKEfV7yI/U8iGRmMtFvI/AAAAAAAAEFM/KJJZxNith_Q/s1600/Sarah+and+lilac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcNaKEfV7yI/U8iGRmMtFvI/AAAAAAAAEFM/KJJZxNith_Q/s1600/Sarah+and+lilac.JPG" height="400" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and I both enjoyed the lilac scented air that permeated the grounds of the museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">The city of Burlington was hosting a jazz festival and we eagerly made the short trip from the exposition grounds to enjoy the music. The pedestrian streets were alive with thousands of people, food vendors and multiple stages whereupon many musicians provided nonstop entertainment. In addition, many cafes presented music on their stages. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QY7tWRy_zQU/U8iHiyE2-sI/AAAAAAAAEFU/oMutK2RJhEQ/s1600/jazz+street+scene+burlington.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QY7tWRy_zQU/U8iHiyE2-sI/AAAAAAAAEFU/oMutK2RJhEQ/s1600/jazz+street+scene+burlington.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine music on the streets of Burlington, Vermont</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As usual, the camaraderie of fellow Airstreamers made for a memorable weekend. We look forward to our next WBCCI rally.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-30973656961217397612014-05-16T15:20:00.002-07:002014-05-17T09:16:01.443-07:00Safford Arizona, Southern Utah and Homeward Bound<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Llc9r7jPrw0/U3ZjhZ7IbLI/AAAAAAAAD8A/_EwxT6iiZNY/s1600/sedona+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Llc9r7jPrw0/U3ZjhZ7IbLI/AAAAAAAAD8A/_EwxT6iiZNY/s1600/sedona+2.jpg" height="195" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona Red Rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The blog has been sadly neglected due to the nearly overwhelming destruction to our house that we faced on our return. We are now back in Massachusetts. We decided to accelerate our return yet still try to enjoy the trip back to our home base. This entry covers the remaining time on our 2014 southwest adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While the northeast experienced a severe winter, the southwest was enjoying an early spring. This allowed us to travel a more northerly route than would normally be possible. With the experience and knowledge that our Airstream could cope with sub-freezing temperatures, we confidently visited places we would previously have avoided due to the risk of subfreezing temperatures. The days were unfailingly warm but the nights, especially at higher altitudes, were often in the upper teens or lower twenties. Fifteen degrees was the lowest overnight temperature we experienced and our Airstream handled it well. Not once did we experience a frozen water pipe. Wish I could say the same about our house.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Traveling west on SR260 from Show Low, Arizona kept us in the national forest all the way to Sedona, where w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e arrived with only a vague idea of where we might stay. Due to the unusually</span><span style="font-size: large;"> warm weather, the Forest Service opened one of its campgrounds early. The Pine Flat campground had opened just a couple days before. We arrived and took our pick of one of about a dozen vacant campsites. The Pine Flats campground was pleasant enough, but it is tucked tightly into the narrow Oak Creek Canyon about 20 minutes north of town. The campsites are very close to the road resulting in a lot of road noise during the day. Thankfully, there is very little traffic at night. A small stream runs along the west side of the campground and many sites back up to it. There is also a fine spring at the northern end where there is a constant coming and going of people filling water containers.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDO7bon_O2w/U3ZqmdSKkHI/AAAAAAAAD8M/aMwpWBOYwmY/s1600/Sedona+red+rocks1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDO7bon_O2w/U3ZqmdSKkHI/AAAAAAAAD8M/aMwpWBOYwmY/s1600/Sedona+red+rocks1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hiking opportunities abound in the Sedona area. For our first hike we chose the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55412&actid=50" target="_blank">Thomas Point trail </a>that is just a couple miles south of the campground. We had the trail to ourselves and enjoyed the warm spring morning. The trail ascends steeply up the east side of Oak Creek Canyon and rewarded us fine views to the south and to the north with a beautiful siting of snow capped Humphrey's Peak, the highest mountain in Arizona. After reaching the top of the canyon we hiked along the canyon rim for about a mile for even more expansive views. There was no trail, but the forest was not too dense allowing us to explore without getting lost. On the way down we remarked at how many spring wildflowers had opened to full bloom in just the few hours it had been since we passed them on the way up.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYdG8rpk5wQ/U3ZjQWQRxxI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/NTIOjoXu-7Q/s1600/Thomas+Peak+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYdG8rpk5wQ/U3ZjQWQRxxI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/NTIOjoXu-7Q/s1600/Thomas+Peak+1.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Humphrey's Peak from Thomas Point above Oak Creek Canyon<br />
Sedona Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXABJkMPk2Y/U3ZjDV1-3TI/AAAAAAAAD60/cyvU0cmh6_g/s1600/Sarah+Thomas+Peak+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXABJkMPk2Y/U3ZjDV1-3TI/AAAAAAAAD60/cyvU0cmh6_g/s1600/Sarah+Thomas+Peak+1.jpg" height="244" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah on Thomas Point<br />
Overlooking Oak Creek Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6IZ6OfkvaU/U3Zi_g7HElI/AAAAAAAAD6k/EuEjo6uAsTI/s1600/Sarah+on+Cathedral+Cliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6IZ6OfkvaU/U3Zi_g7HElI/AAAAAAAAD6k/EuEjo6uAsTI/s1600/Sarah+on+Cathedral+Cliff.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah on Cathedral Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After two nights at Pine Flat, we moved to a fine boondocking site just ten minutes south of Sedona. In addition to being free, it was conveniently located for exploring Sedona and the historic towns of Cottonwood and Jerome, only short drive south and west of Sedona. The site we found was at the parking lot of the trail head that is a couple hundred yards east of Rt89A on Angel Valley Road. We were one of six RVs at this spot. There were other campers scattered further along the road among the trees. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fX80c-xA_U/U3ZjFKueGYI/AAAAAAAAD64/50Zlwo9Gt04/s1600/Sedona+boondock+panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fX80c-xA_U/U3ZjFKueGYI/AAAAAAAAD64/50Zlwo9Gt04/s1600/Sedona+boondock+panorama.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boondocking just off 89A</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">On the way to Sedona Sarah and I decided we would take a flight in a hot air balloon. We made reservations with <a href="http://northernlightballoon.com/" target="_blank">Northern Light Balloon Expeditions</a>. However, we experienced only one of a handful of days each year that they could not fly due to uncooperative winds so that we had to postpone our flight until the next day. I was happy with that because it was a cloudy day when we cancelled but we had a glorious sunrise the next day for our flight.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyQggj04QBw/U3ZjUXd-MUI/AAAAAAAAD7k/3rKc_JOKarA/s1600/sarah+holding+ballon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyQggj04QBw/U3ZjUXd-MUI/AAAAAAAAD7k/3rKc_JOKarA/s1600/sarah+holding+ballon+1.jpg" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrc4iUTJkoI/U3ZjI5Bh36I/AAAAAAAAD7E/5dRDuQ8UlhU/s1600/fire+into+balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrc4iUTJkoI/U3ZjI5Bh36I/AAAAAAAAD7E/5dRDuQ8UlhU/s1600/fire+into+balloon.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating the air inside the balloon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ej88-oDv9Q/U3ZjY20F30I/AAAAAAAAD70/L4bChgLni08/s1600/sister+ship+balloon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ej88-oDv9Q/U3ZjY20F30I/AAAAAAAAD70/L4bChgLni08/s1600/sister+ship+balloon+1.jpg" height="540" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up and Away<br />
(sister ship still loading passengers)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC90kX3Z8z0/U3ZxPhavfkI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/MqrV5yDKRIc/s1600/balloon+sunrise1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC90kX3Z8z0/U3ZxPhavfkI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/MqrV5yDKRIc/s1600/balloon+sunrise1.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Sedona<br />
(Humphrey's Peak on horizon)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDjSOSv5TYM/U3Zz-zC2TVI/AAAAAAAAD8g/VyEb1X7eXEM/s1600/MaryJoan+from+balloon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDjSOSv5TYM/U3Zz-zC2TVI/AAAAAAAAD8g/VyEb1X7eXEM/s1600/MaryJoan+from+balloon.JPG" height="640" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We flew very close to the Mary Joan at our boondocking site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While visiting Sedona, a trip to Jerome should be part of anyone's itinerary. It is a pleasant 45 minute drive through the charming town of Cottonwood to Jerome, a formerly abandoned mining town with a very colorful history. Today there are art galleries and vintners offering tastings from local vineyards. A highlight of our day was discovering that one of our favorite singer/songwriter, David Bromberg, was performing that evening at<a href="http://oldtowncenter.org/" target="_blank"> Old Town Center For The Arts in Cottonwood</a> and we were able to secure a couple of tickets for his show in this very intimate venue. Such community arts centers are a rarity now a day.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppq0o6w1amk/U3ZjCwTbTwI/AAAAAAAAD68/0thOjv_r4r0/s1600/Jerome+flat+iron+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppq0o6w1amk/U3ZjCwTbTwI/AAAAAAAAD68/0thOjv_r4r0/s1600/Jerome+flat+iron+corner.jpg" height="168" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerome Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day, with new David Bromberg music playing in the TV, we headed north on US89A with our sites set on Page, Arizona where we hoped to explore Antelope Canyon Slot. However, we missed whatever road sign should have alerted us to the fact that US 89 to Page, was closed 50 miles ahead. At that fifty mile point we saw a small sign simply announcing that the road was closed. We had no option but to travel northwest on US 89A where we rejoined US 89 at Kanab, Utah. Our maps indicated that there were NFS campgrounds ahead, but they were all closed. At this altitude in the Kaibab National Forest spring had not yet arrived so we found a well maintained forest road and a comfortable spot to boondock for the night. While setting up camp, I discovered that one of the tires on the trailer was flat. Despite being tired from more time behind the wheel than usual, I changed the tire that evening rather than waiting until morning. That was a wise decision because that night was the coldest we have recorded with the Mary Joan. At 14 degrees the next morning, changing a tire would not have been pleasant.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdRRKiD3r1M/U3Z2VSY4WFI/AAAAAAAAD8s/fUbclRnlppc/s1600/Antique+motorhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdRRKiD3r1M/U3Z2VSY4WFI/AAAAAAAAD8s/fUbclRnlppc/s1600/Antique+motorhome.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why didn't I think of this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The campground at Bryce Canyon National Park is open year round and it was on our way so a stop here was mandatory. We visited Bryce with the kids many years ago, but couldn't explore it as we would have liked because the kids were too small to enjoy long miles of hiking. But, Sarah and I both needed a place to get out and do some hiking and Bryce was a perfect place at a perfect time. Snow was still on the ground but the days were warmer, although a bit windy. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1qptGtutGM/U3Z2T3ANU9I/AAAAAAAAD8w/Txl_9KfJgow/s1600/Bryce+campground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1qptGtutGM/U3Z2T3ANU9I/AAAAAAAAD8w/Txl_9KfJgow/s1600/Bryce+campground.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at Bryce with remnants of the hard winter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__v5uylryJg/U3Z2qOUTqyI/AAAAAAAAD9k/p5dffKiNQSs/s1600/bryce+panorama+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__v5uylryJg/U3Z2qOUTqyI/AAAAAAAAD9k/p5dffKiNQSs/s1600/bryce+panorama+1.jpg" height="228" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPmWxn_U698/U3Z2dlFKBJI/AAAAAAAAD88/qMBqXzca9LI/s1600/bryce+panorama+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPmWxn_U698/U3Z2dlFKBJI/AAAAAAAAD88/qMBqXzca9LI/s1600/bryce+panorama+12.jpg" height="640" width="620" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear skies and warm weather at Bryce Canyon National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just a short drive from Bryce is Capital Reef National Park where we spent a couple days experiencing the wonder of multi-colored layers of sedimentary rock that make up the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We did some short day hikes from the Fruita Campground. The campground is located on the grounds of a well maintained former fruit farm. We arrived while the apricot trees were in full bloom. We drove the Scenic Drive to explore Capital Gorge and South Draw. While in Capital Gorge, we hiked to the top of Cassidy Arch, a strenuous hike that granted us the opportunity to stand on a magnificent natural bridge.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNBCAFZLtD8/U3Z2qmnrqQI/AAAAAAAAD9g/bBQtILEHTww/s1600/capital+reef+NP+panorama+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNBCAFZLtD8/U3Z2qmnrqQI/AAAAAAAAD9g/bBQtILEHTww/s1600/capital+reef+NP+panorama+2.jpg" height="272" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Fruita Campground, Capital Reef National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZN0sAduC3M/U3Z2qWj4wLI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/wyb1VnKbmxk/s1600/capital+reef+NP+panorama+7+for+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZN0sAduC3M/U3Z2qWj4wLI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/wyb1VnKbmxk/s1600/capital+reef+NP+panorama+7+for+web.jpg" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassidy Arch in Capital Reef National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBrLdx53SsA/U3Z5L8jXxrI/AAAAAAAAD90/1s5V3kpQqDo/s1600/capital+reef+panorama+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBrLdx53SsA/U3Z5L8jXxrI/AAAAAAAAD90/1s5V3kpQqDo/s1600/capital+reef+panorama+12.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mary Joan III at Fruita Campground<br />
Capital Reef National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYLYwp_GMQk/U3Z7geojHyI/AAAAAAAAD98/5TCeFv7Q5FU/s1600/hay+rake+capital+reef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYLYwp_GMQk/U3Z7geojHyI/AAAAAAAAD98/5TCeFv7Q5FU/s1600/hay+rake+capital+reef.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned Ranch<br />
South Draw, Capital Reef National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpA79jSUPqE/U3Z9u2ck_nI/AAAAAAAAD-I/ieb4wZUMBcY/s1600/Utah2014--0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpA79jSUPqE/U3Z9u2ck_nI/AAAAAAAAD-I/ieb4wZUMBcY/s1600/Utah2014--0769.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petroglyphs in Capital Reef National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Another days drive found us at Arches National Park. As usual we arrived expecting to find a campsite available. However, this park is so popular that all campsites are available by reservation only, all year round. The ranger at the gate suggested we try one of the campsites outside the park along the Colorado river on SR 128. We found a campground just a couple miles outside of Moab on the river. We actually found this to be more convenient since the campground inside the park would have meant a forty-five minute drive in or out of the park. This worked out well since we had local knowledge of a fine restaurant, <a href="http://www.bucksgrillhouse.com/ordereze/default.aspx" target="_blank">Buck's Grill House</a> on the northern edge of town. We enjoyed our first dinner there so much that we returned the next night to try other dishes on the menu that struck our fancy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the park, we spent the better part of one day slowly driving the main road, stopping frequently to view the many rock formations and arches. The next day we drove west on SR279 that follows the Colorado River to reach the trail that took us to <a href="http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/recreation/hiking_trails/corona_arch_trail.html" target="_blank">Corona Arch</a>. Along this road are marvelous cliffs popular with rock climbers, well preserved petroglyphs and fossilized dinosaur footprints . Everyone knows how much Sarah loves petroglyphs, now I know how excited she is to see dinosaur fossils. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFp2Lv9WX9M/U3aA2PBZGJI/AAAAAAAAD-g/7q_FviCt3Rk/s1600/flood+temp_585DSC_7154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFp2Lv9WX9M/U3aA2PBZGJI/AAAAAAAAD-g/7q_FviCt3Rk/s1600/flood+temp_585DSC_7154.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinosaur Tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv6N2He7EcI/U3aA07AlpGI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/9N8VnI5qn7A/s1600/flood+temp_580DSC_7149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv6N2He7EcI/U3aA07AlpGI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/9N8VnI5qn7A/s1600/flood+temp_580DSC_7149.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petroglyphs near Moab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMDi9U5NitI/U3aAs7eGREI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/OBeVlt183Eg/s1600/corona+arch1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMDi9U5NitI/U3aAs7eGREI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/OBeVlt183Eg/s1600/corona+arch1.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corona Arch near Arches National park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After Arches National Park we transitioned from travel and explore mode to time to get home attitude. That's not to say we didn't enjoy the trip, but we knew it would not be possible to linger long at any one place. We were quite far north. While the weather report was good we knew an early spring storm could strand us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Friends of ours have built a summer home on the Rio Grande River near the scenic town of Creede, Colorado. Surprisingly, the river seems as large here as it is at Big Bend, Texas. Creede is less than twenty miles from the road on which we came over the continental divide so we decided that we could stop there for one night and park in their driveway. Creede is a small mining town popular with people who have built summer homes there and with visiting tourists. We enjoyed an evening drive into the mountains high above the town that afforded us fine views of the valley below and the mountains beyond.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guD2PZve-NA/U3aHBhlFeHI/AAAAAAAAD-w/ApuTnBeAI6k/s1600/Rio+Grande+near+Creede+CO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guD2PZve-NA/U3aHBhlFeHI/AAAAAAAAD-w/ApuTnBeAI6k/s1600/Rio+Grande+near+Creede+CO.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio Grande River<br />
near Creede Colorado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From Creede, we crossed the high plains of Eastern Colorado. But, before leaving the Rockies, we visited <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm" target="_blank">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a> to see the largest sand dunes in North America. We continued on and rested for the night at John Martin Reservoir State Park in eastern Colorado. This huge park on a man-made reservoir was nearly empty. But, it was a perfect place to stop for the night.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEt0dAooBL0/U3aI78xNRoI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/xgn4Tt-t1Nk/s1600/Sand+dune+national+monument.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEt0dAooBL0/U3aI78xNRoI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/xgn4Tt-t1Nk/s1600/Sand+dune+national+monument.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magnificent dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Finding public lands for camping in Kansas is difficult. It has the least amount of public lands (as a percentage of acreage) than any other state. We set our sites on the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, hoping to boondock for one night. But, for the first time in our travels, I neglected to pay attention to our fuel level. When we were 15 miles from our destination I noticed we had only about 25 miles of diesel left in our tank. Great Bend, Kansas was 18 miles to the north, the only place within fifty miles to buy fuel. We limped into town, filled our tank and chose to rest our weary bodies by making camp in the Walmart parking lot. We shared our 'campground' with four semi-trailers, a motorhome and a pick-up camper. Despite the all night commerce and blinding parking lot lights, we spent a comfortable night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day brought us to Lawrence, Kansas at Clinton Lake State Park. This convenient to town location allowed us to spend a day visiting a college classmate and his wife before moving just up the road to Paola, Kansas where we stayed the night in the driveway of another college friend. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our final night of this travel season was spent at Ramsey Lake State Park, just east of St. Louis, Missouri. Once again, we were stop at Jackson Center, Ohio to leave the Mary Joan for more minor warranty repairs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The drive to Jackson Center, Ohio could be done in one morning provided we got an early start. We arrived at the Airstream factory shortly after noon. We completed the paperwork necessary to affect the repairs required then spent a few hours preparing the trailer to be left unattended. Draining the water, dumping the holding tanks and securing the water lines with antifreeze took just a little over an hour. By 3 PM we were back on the road in order to be able to reach Massachusetts the next day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We stopped for the night just east of Akron, Ohio and reached Massachusetts late the next afternoon. We returned to Ohio a few weeks later to retrieve the Mary Joan. We are now living in the Airstream while we supervise the repairs to our house.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned</span>Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-15257008369293663872014-03-12T14:21:00.000-07:002014-03-12T14:21:57.573-07:00Lost Dutchman State Park and Rockhounding near Safford, AZ<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezmY5Xmz6XM/UyC4vrxzerI/AAAAAAAADxE/Sq4ol_9RXNQ/s1600/superstition+panorama+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezmY5Xmz6XM/UyC4vrxzerI/AAAAAAAADxE/Sq4ol_9RXNQ/s1600/superstition+panorama+1.jpg" height="192" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superstition Mountains as seen from Lost Dutchman State Park<br />
The colors change daily and are especially dramatic at sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our original plan was to stop in Superior on Saturday allowing us to arrive at Apache Junction, just east of Phoenix, on Sunday so that we would stand a good chance of getting a site in the overflow section of Lost Dutchman State Park being vacated that day. But, the campground we stayed in last year at Superior was closed forcing us to push on to Apache Junction. We drove into Lost Dutchman and were not surprised to see the sign announcing that all campsites, including the overflow were full. But, when the ranger approached he told us that the people using the group campground had left early and that we could camp there. The group campground is essentially a parking lot, but it suited our purposes for the night. The next morning I was able to succeed with the original plan of obtaining a site in the overflow campground.<br />
<br />
None of the sites in the overflow section have electricity or water, but we were prepared to dry camp. Except for the microwave/convection oven, we could operate all systems on internal power and storage tanks. With bright sunshine everyday, our two solar panels had no problem keeping the batteries charged. At one time I saw 150 watts flowing into the batteries.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gfJxCiVIlw/UyC6V3NlktI/AAAAAAAADxQ/ieiWNasSmIU/s1600/Superstitions+with+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gfJxCiVIlw/UyC6V3NlktI/AAAAAAAADxQ/ieiWNasSmIU/s1600/Superstitions+with+clouds.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had one rainy day, the Superstitions looked all that more mysterious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had an appointment for 8AM on Monday with Gene's RV Repair in Mesa (<a href="http://genesrv.com/">http://genesrv.com/</a>) to deal with our nonfunctioning refrigerator. Gene's is a family business. Gene's son, Mike, diagnosed our problem. We told him that we had read the warranty on the Dometic refrigerator that limited the warranty to the original purchaser and were prepared to pay for the repairs. When he found out that the previous owner had never used the trailer and had owned it for such a short time, Mike said he thought he could get the repair covered under warranty. Later that day, he called to say that Dometic would honor the warranty and a new cooling unit had been ordered, but that it was coming from the factory and would not arrive for a week. Our pleasure of having the repair covered by the warranty easily wiped out our disappointment of not having use of the refrigerator for that long.<br />
<br />
When Mike learned we were using coolers and bags of ice to keep our food, he suggested using dry ice instead. Having never used dry ice or seen it for sale in stores I was surprised when he told me that Fry's, a local grocery chain, sold dry ice. We immediately went to Fry's, bought fifteen pounds of dry ice, put it on the top shelf of the refrigerator and placed the food on the lower shelves. The next morning we discovered frozen vegetables and ice crystals in the orange juice. We then wrapped the dry ice in a towel and when we needed to replace it, we used only one five pound block at a time. The dry ice was so much easier to use than regular ice because we didn't get food soaking wet as the ice melted and didn't have to deal with digging through the cooler to find what we needed or having emptying the melt water.<br />
<br />
Another trailer chore was to visit an Airstream dealer, Desert Autoplex (<a href="http://www.desertautoplex.com/">http://www.desertautoplex.com/</a>), that would inspect our trailer in order to transfer the remaining warranty to us. After filling out the paperwork and submitting the VIN number, the service agent returned to tell us that Airstream had already completed the transfer when we were at the factory for repairs the previous fall. As we were turning around to leave, he told us that our trailer brake and turn signals weren't working. He checked the electrical jack on the hitch and determined there was no power there. We then found that the fuse was blown. He went into the shop but returned saying he didn't have that fuse, but he would run down the street and get one. I objected, saying I could do that. He insisted though, saying it would only take a few minutes. As he promised, he returned promptly, replaced the bad fuse and all was well. I went into the office to find out what I owed, he said not to worry, there was no charge.<br />
<br />
As usual we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lost Dutchman State Park. This park, just a short ride east of Phoenix is very popular with campers, hikers and horseback riders alike. At the foot of the Superstition Mountains and the southwestern entrance to the Tonto National Forest there are many hiking trails available, from the very easy to the extremely strenuous. The rangers and employees that tend to the park are very friendly and accommodating.<br />
<br />
One evening we were treated to a special and beautiful scene in the western sky. The clouds formed a series of regularly repeating wave shaped forms on their eastern edge. This rare cloud pattern is known as the Kelvin Helmholtz waves. What we are seeing is stable moist air being lifted, condensed then sheared off as it rises into the less stable portion of the atmosphere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZa7JpbwBIg/UyDCpUvKN2I/AAAAAAAADyw/NRntQ9JD6bg/s1600/scallop+clouds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZa7JpbwBIg/UyDCpUvKN2I/AAAAAAAADyw/NRntQ9JD6bg/s1600/scallop+clouds.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Several evenings were spent listening and dancing to live music at either Filley's Road House or The Hitching Post saloons that were only a short drive from the park. Sarah and I both enjoyed the pizza at the Hitching Post. We understand why we saw so many people ordering it.<br />
<br />
Two must do activities in Phoenix are to visit the Art Museum and the Desert Botanical Gardens. Of the several special exhibits at the art museum was a display of pins that former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, wore while she was our Secretary of State (<a href="http://www.phxart.org/exhibition/readmypins">http://www.phxart.org/exhibition/readmypins</a>). This large and varied collection would be interesting even without the connection to Secretary Albright. But, the show underscores how even the most seemingly unimportant details can have dramatic importance in the sphere of international diplomacy. I have always admired her intelligence and dedication to her country. This exhibit cemented that admiration.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXBxG1Ddics/UyDAU5ra1II/AAAAAAAADxg/e8j8XoUM6gw/s1600/albright+and+arafat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXBxG1Ddics/UyDAU5ra1II/AAAAAAAADxg/e8j8XoUM6gw/s1600/albright+and+arafat.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7T4e5xoXwno/UyDAVMLl3BI/AAAAAAAADxk/JN3tfZSy3pE/s1600/Albright+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7T4e5xoXwno/UyDAVMLl3BI/AAAAAAAADxk/JN3tfZSy3pE/s1600/Albright+pin.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her choice of pin always had an underlying meaning. Can you guess what attitude was represented by the wasp?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Having received nearly two inches of rain the week before our visit, the Desert Botanical Garden was a vastly different place than it was last year. Cacti and spring flowers were in abundance. Additionally, the Garden was hosting an installation of a number of large blown glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly (<a href="http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/chihuly">http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/chihuly</a>).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqNVPbs2N40/UyDBbTgVr_I/AAAAAAAADyU/yRb7a2irGnk/s1600/hummingbird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqNVPbs2N40/UyDBbTgVr_I/AAAAAAAADyU/yRb7a2irGnk/s1600/hummingbird.JPG" height="640" width="505" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure this hummingbird enjoyed the spring flowers as much as I did.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZBcLd1Tzq0/UyDBfyuLhYI/AAAAAAAADyk/dk8jd0GIcbQ/s1600/palo+verde+in+bloom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZBcLd1Tzq0/UyDBfyuLhYI/AAAAAAAADyk/dk8jd0GIcbQ/s1600/palo+verde+in+bloom.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowering Palo Verde tree<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Chihuly's glass installations seemed so appropriate in the Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-fxtw11OB8/UyDBSd5aX8I/AAAAAAAADyI/vZiC_h00YZw/s1600/chuhuly6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-fxtw11OB8/UyDBSd5aX8I/AAAAAAAADyI/vZiC_h00YZw/s1600/chuhuly6.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-kMwYRDCJk/UyDBNVm-lVI/AAAAAAAADx4/pfpL35Gprq4/s1600/chuhuly7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-kMwYRDCJk/UyDBNVm-lVI/AAAAAAAADx4/pfpL35Gprq4/s1600/chuhuly7.JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zrZuN1TK-I/UyDBQWUBCDI/AAAAAAAADyA/d4Qdqnd37-g/s1600/chuhuly5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zrZuN1TK-I/UyDBQWUBCDI/AAAAAAAADyA/d4Qdqnd37-g/s1600/chuhuly5.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQnUxc5t3Xs/UyDBZhYcQ1I/AAAAAAAADyQ/O7uWznspK9o/s1600/chuhuly8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQnUxc5t3Xs/UyDBZhYcQ1I/AAAAAAAADyQ/O7uWznspK9o/s1600/chuhuly8.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VImny22sev0/UyDBc8QvSmI/AAAAAAAADyg/IJpAwNFfOy8/s1600/chuhuly9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VImny22sev0/UyDBc8QvSmI/AAAAAAAADyg/IJpAwNFfOy8/s1600/chuhuly9.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
After two weeks at Lost Dutchman we had reached the limit for one stay so we retraced our steps to Safford and the Bureau of Land Management rockhound site in the Black Hills northwest of the town. On SR 191 at mile marker 141.5 is a gravel road that leads west for a mile and half to a small camping area. The sign at the cattle guard by the main road warns that the road is only occasionally maintained and could be rough. We found it to be in excellent condition. While it is narrow, we decided that if the road became too rough for the Mary Joan we could back up to a turn around spot. We turned into the camping area and found it could easily accommodate our 31' length.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6OpeL9Is8/UyDFqSPYUTI/AAAAAAAADzE/cjgjdijBvbg/s1600/Safford+farmhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6OpeL9Is8/UyDFqSPYUTI/AAAAAAAADzE/cjgjdijBvbg/s1600/Safford+farmhouse.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Black Hills and the White Mountains beyond from Safford, AZ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we had leveled the trailer, and set up camp, we drove another quarter of a mile further on the road we had come in on where we found a sign announcing that this was the center of the area where fire agate could be found. While there were small pieces littering the ground everywhere, we were unable to find any of any significant size. It was clear that the area had been mined with a mechanical sluice. Nevertheless, we did find a few pieces Sarah thought were worth keeping.<br />
<br />
While we didn't strike it rich in our search for fire agate, we were rewarded with a wonderful campsite with the bonus of a fabulous sunset. Earlier in the day there had been low clouds and light showers. Just before sunset the front passed, the wind picked up and the sky cleared. We prepared our dinner after the sun set and by the time we finished eating the wind had dropped and we set up our telescope to view the stars as well as Jupiter and Mars.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JApUS1TZIec/UyDCtg7HVAI/AAAAAAAADy4/l78EZ6WTbgE/s1600/Safford+boondocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JApUS1TZIec/UyDCtg7HVAI/AAAAAAAADy4/l78EZ6WTbgE/s1600/Safford+boondocking.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boondocking on BLM land in the Black Hills north of Safford, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The next morning we returned to SR191. In our atlas it is marked as a scenic state road. The road is designated as a state road, the type on which we have towed the Mary Joan many thousands of miles. On Google Maps it appears to be a main highway. But, just a few miles from Clifford we saw a sign prohibiting trucks over forty feet in length. I couldn't believe that this road could be any more difficult than what we experienced on SR15 between Mesa Camp in Gila National Forest and Silver City. I decided to ignore the signs and proceed, hoping I would not have to explain why I ignored the warning.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMCnnhFe-a75FkS4-WGpFMs5rLKeE8aLt7ijlQZhaVqDwGeNLKymBs4UHPqAjngylvs18wmZe69vsEpa_9jaDv_LT5ZoYuw1ud-RSJIBL20kn-rKL_OMZJWSsGofg7kLjWfwmwfmo2xg/s1600/Strip+mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMCnnhFe-a75FkS4-WGpFMs5rLKeE8aLt7ijlQZhaVqDwGeNLKymBs4UHPqAjngylvs18wmZe69vsEpa_9jaDv_LT5ZoYuw1ud-RSJIBL20kn-rKL_OMZJWSsGofg7kLjWfwmwfmo2xg/s1600/Strip+mine.jpg" height="185" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper and Gold Mine. Not a rare sight in Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The road was indeed very steep and the hairpin turns required strict diligence. Only on a few turns was I forced to cross the center line in order to keep the trailer on the road. Admittedly, a couple were on turns where I was blinded from oncoming traffic by the rock ledge on the inside turns. Fortunately, we met only two cars traveling in the opposite direction on the most challenging sections. We averaged only about 25 miles per hour for about forty five miles of this road. We were not in any hurry and we were enthralled with the views from this road.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6m4V7WntbAQ/UyDMiIodkjI/AAAAAAAADzc/4Ok9fUjbeIU/s1600/high+pasture+with+coral+above+safford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6m4V7WntbAQ/UyDMiIodkjI/AAAAAAAADzc/4Ok9fUjbeIU/s1600/high+pasture+with+coral+above+safford.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Mountain Range Land, White Mountains, Arizona off SR191</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This evenings destination was Show Low Lake Campground. When we arrived, we found the main gate open, but the gate into the campground locked. The web site we looked at a few days earlier stated the campground was open year round. We drove past the gate to the campground and found a parking area that was shielded from street view by a thick stand of juniper trees. We later learned that this campground is run by a private firm, Recreation Resource Management of America, under contract with the city of Show Low. It seems that while the city is within the national forest, it maintains control of the natural resources within its limits. The next morning, rather than return to the main road the way we came, our GPS suggested continuing on the same road was the shorter route to SR260, our desired course A half mile further along the road we came to what was obviously the primary site of the Show Low Lake Campground on the opposite side of the road. It did appear to be open. Oh well, we enjoyed better views and it didn't cost anything.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkfnzZOiqUE/UyDOCQOCGoI/AAAAAAAADzo/uoYNTqHOqJ4/s1600/IMG_20140310_075516_843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkfnzZOiqUE/UyDOCQOCGoI/AAAAAAAADzo/uoYNTqHOqJ4/s1600/IMG_20140310_075516_843.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden away in Show Low</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next stop, Sedona, Arizona. Sarah and I are both excited. Stay tuned.Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-58585601848414068362014-03-01T13:53:00.000-08:002014-03-01T13:53:05.351-08:00Gila National Forest Without a Refrigerator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STchRTnR0QI/UxJLQgAfE1I/AAAAAAAADvI/mXZGDIc2mOA/s1600/Valley+of+fire+campground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STchRTnR0QI/UxJLQgAfE1I/AAAAAAAADvI/mXZGDIc2mOA/s1600/Valley+of+fire+campground.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley of Fire Campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the Valley of Fire campground we met a man who, when we told him we were going to Mesa Campground in the Gila National Fores, advised that we not go the route we had planned. He said it is a very steep and winding road. Rather than approach from the east as we planned, he suggested going southwest of the mountains to Demming then approach from the west. I considered his advice, but the map indicated that it shouldn't make much difference.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBUiXtCi2ug/UxJL2OsYD3I/AAAAAAAADvQ/7jUN8z9-BYI/s1600/snow+plow+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBUiXtCi2ug/UxJL2OsYD3I/AAAAAAAADvQ/7jUN8z9-BYI/s1600/snow+plow+sign.JPG" height="400" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the first one of these we saw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We drove west on New Mexico SR380 to San Antonio, south on I-25 through the town of Truth or Consequences where we stopped for lunch. Given that after my generation passes, few people will remember that the town is named for a television show that aired in the 1960s. Perhaps they will change it back to Hot Springs, which I think is more appealing and accurately reflects a feature of the town. At Caballo, we turned west onto SR152 then turned north on SR35. The road is very steep and winding and takes one to the western side of the continental divide. For nearly forty miles it climbs continuously at a grade of over 8% with numerous very tight switch backs. For the effort, we were rewarded with magnificent views of the valley from which we had just ascended.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGKrAnkGyxs/UxJL7U6-dJI/AAAAAAAADvk/P7wRmIjN7m8/s1600/Route35+Gila+National+Forest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGKrAnkGyxs/UxJL7U6-dJI/AAAAAAAADvk/P7wRmIjN7m8/s1600/Route35+Gila+National+Forest.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the Continental Divide looking east</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We chose, the Mesa Campground, run by the National Forest Service, because it is close to the Gila Cliff dwellings that we wanted to explore. The campsites at this campground are well spaced and they have 30amp electrical service and water. The price is $15 per night, but because we have the senior Golden Age Pass we paid only half price. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOppINJd9c8/UxJPYBynOtI/AAAAAAAADw0/YcVuBF7iGgI/s1600/New+Mexico_269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOppINJd9c8/UxJPYBynOtI/AAAAAAAADw0/YcVuBF7iGgI/s1600/New+Mexico_269.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCj1ZyhjBjE/UxJPXbLlxGI/AAAAAAAADws/VsZKMx4hjgo/s1600/New+Mexico_270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCj1ZyhjBjE/UxJPXbLlxGI/AAAAAAAADws/VsZKMx4hjgo/s1600/New+Mexico_270.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to let us know!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Even though temperatures were in the upper 60s and lower 70s during the day, it got very cold at night. Our thermometer each morning told us the temperature was only in the upper teens. Because of this, we didn't hook up to the water. Rather, we used the water in our tank and refilled it before leaving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Late in the evening on the day we arrived, we heard an odd thumping sound coming from the refrigerator. While investigating the strange noise, we noticed that the interior temperature had risen five degrees from its normal operating temperature. Clearly, it was not a happy refrigerator.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unlike standard refrigerators used in most homes, the refrigerators in RVs do not use compressors in their operation. Those in RVs use a heat source, either propane and/or electricity, to heat ammonia in a closed system that causes the ammonia to pressurize. The ammonia then passes through a series of tubes where the pressure is released and absorbs the heat from the contents of the fridge. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We knew from seminars we have taken that it is important that the refrigerator be level when operating, otherwise the condensed ammonia can precipitate, creating crystals that can block the flow of the liquid. What we didn't know was how much out of level and for how long we could run it before that would happen. Until now, we had always left the refrigerator running on propane while we traveled (remembering to turn it off whenever we pulled into a gas station or to refill the propane tanks). It seems we now had an answer. At least we know that two hours of steep uphill climbing when the temperature inside the trailer is 75 degrees or more is enough to cause a problem.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We were now forced to revert to the coolers filled with ice in the back of the truck to maintain our perishables . This required a three hour round trip ride down into the town of Silver City, which is the road our friend told us was the better way into Mesa Campground. That road, New Mexico state road 15, is as steep as Rt 35 that we came in on. However, it was much narrower and the switchbacks were even tighter. I was not looking forward to leaving Mesa Campground with the trailer, but I was glad I had a chance to reconnoiter and make plans on how and when to travel it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After our trip into Silver City, we drove further up Rt 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The skill and hard work it took to build these structures was readily apparent. But, it was even more amazing to learn that the people only lived here for about forty years. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LA9mBuaDw1k/UxJM94050rI/AAAAAAAADwE/Zaf3fJA0fKU/s1600/gila+cliff+dwellings+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LA9mBuaDw1k/UxJM94050rI/AAAAAAAADwE/Zaf3fJA0fKU/s1600/gila+cliff+dwellings+1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High on the cliffs are the well preserved stone dwellings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mp70iVQw0ZY/UxJM8g7KPVI/AAAAAAAADwA/vb41Q4zTFuU/s1600/gila+cliff+dwelling3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mp70iVQw0ZY/UxJM8g7KPVI/AAAAAAAADwA/vb41Q4zTFuU/s1600/gila+cliff+dwelling3.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marvelous stone work<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhYYv4vzpSA/UxJM7XmJ0WI/AAAAAAAADv4/wlag5L0YP_E/s1600/gila+cliff+dwelling2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhYYv4vzpSA/UxJM7XmJ0WI/AAAAAAAADv4/wlag5L0YP_E/s1600/gila+cliff+dwelling2.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day we did a short hike into Purgatory Chasm. It is a loop trail of only about 3 miles, a pleasant morning stroll. We did the hike in a counterclockwise manner which turned out to be a nice way to do this hike. The trail led us up a long gentle slope through high meadows studded with Juniper and Pine trees. At the farthest point of the loop the trail turned and rewarded us with stunning views of the canyon by which route we would return. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ec6U_K6TZlY/UxJOJUgmnKI/AAAAAAAADwQ/IQ5X9GRmL5Y/s1600/purgatory+chasm+gila+nf1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ec6U_K6TZlY/UxJOJUgmnKI/AAAAAAAADwQ/IQ5X9GRmL5Y/s1600/purgatory+chasm+gila+nf1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purgatory Chasm, Gila National Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWdI5K7DsuU/UxJPLKjE2XI/AAAAAAAADwg/a8DhCT6vn0I/s1600/Arizona+2014-0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWdI5K7DsuU/UxJPLKjE2XI/AAAAAAAADwg/a8DhCT6vn0I/s1600/Arizona+2014-0059.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It struggles to survive as a tree, how did it hold on as a seedling?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the joys of our nomadic lifestyle, apart from perpetually being in spring weather, is meeting other interesting people who are also drawn to this way of traveling. At nearly every campground we meet such people, and the Mesa Campground was no exception. Because of our affinity for the Airstream brand, we are especially drawn to others who have also chosen Airstream for their home on the road. Here in the Gila National Forest we met fellow Airstreamers, Matthew Mayo and Jennifer Smith-Mayo. Matthew is a writer/editor and Jennifer is an accomplished photographer </span><span style="font-size: large;"> (see their website </span><a href="http://grittypress.com/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: large;">).</span><span style="font-size: large;"> They are full timers who left Maine to travel and do their work on the road. The ever increasing availability of the internet allows many people to continue to work while travelling. Jennifer and Matthew expressed mild dismay that they couldn't stay longer at Mesa Campground because it was one of the few places that had no cell phone availability and they needed to get some work done.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggA-xaoCQTI/UxJOwkz5YjI/AAAAAAAADwc/W4N0huCkEKY/s1600/Arizona+2014-0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggA-xaoCQTI/UxJOwkz5YjI/AAAAAAAADwc/W4N0huCkEKY/s1600/Arizona+2014-0046.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mathew, Jennifer and Sarah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We planned a very early morning departure from the Gila National Forest in order to avoid traffic on the road to Silver City. I knew that we would need every bit of road space on many of the very sharp switch backs along the way. It took us 65 minutes to travel the 25 miles of steep mountain road to reach state route 70 that would take us into Arizona. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A few miles south of Safford, Arizona we stayed at Roper Lake State Park. As we pulled into the park, there was a sign informing us that the campground was full. I was amazed that this could be since it was mid week and the main draw here was boating and fishing which was no where near high season. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Experience has taught us never to believe such signs. Many times there are overflow areas where we can dry camp for a night or even a few days. Once again, our experience was reinforced. The volunteer working at the check in office told us that there actually was one campsite still available. She then told us that they were only renting out half of the campsites. She explained it had something to do with "budget cuts" for the park. I could not quite understand how that made sense. Leaving campsites empty that people are willing to pay for certainly couldn't help the park's finances, especially since much of the work in the state park's campgrounds is frequently done by volunteers. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Before leaving in the morning I saw two young men outside their trailer letting their cat enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. Since we travel with Dot, our 15 year old cat, I approached them and asked how their cat liked traveling. This ice breaker led to us talking with them for well over an hour. It turned out that they collected minerals and gems to make jewelry. Sarah sat and talked with Ben and Scott and was thrilled to see their collection. Moreover, they reminded us why Sarah had circled the town of Safford on the map last year when we came to Arizona. About 20 miles northeast of the town is BLM land where people are allowed to search for and collect gems and minerals. Since we had plans to be in Apache Junction by Saturday we couldn't justify going back, but I promised Sarah we would try to pass through there on our way home. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With that promise made, we started for the town of Superior where we stayed the previous year. Our plan was to spend just one night then have a short ride to Lost Dutchman State park the next day. Besides the convenience, we wanted to dine once again at Jade Grill, an excellent restaurant in this small mining town. Unfortunately, the nearby campground we intended to stay at is now closed. We quickly searched for and found an RV resort just twenty minutes further toward Apache Junction. We decided to try to stay there. After All, a twenty minute drive to go to dinner was not unreasonable. However, that resort was full. All that was left to do was to push on to Lost Dutchman. We arrived late in the afternoon because we had dallied at Roper Lake believing there was no rush to get to Superior. At Lost Dutchman, all campsites including those in the overflow area were full. But, the ranger told us we could stay in the group camping parking lot for the night and try for one of the overflow spots that could become available the next day. We were happy to do that, and were lucky to get into the overflow campground in the morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now that we are settled in Lost Dutchman State Park, we will stay awhile so that we can have the refrigerator repaired, scheduled maintenance on the trailer performed and to visit relatives in the area.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned.</span>Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-84575766365414170112014-02-25T20:30:00.000-08:002014-02-26T06:54:39.584-08:00Roswell, Smokey The Bear, Petroglyphs and Lava, Oh Boy!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-otvtI_FJo/Uw0yme2jaRI/AAAAAAAADsg/JqmL3x-QgeU/s1600/New+Mexico_123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-otvtI_FJo/Uw0yme2jaRI/AAAAAAAADsg/JqmL3x-QgeU/s1600/New+Mexico_123.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful New Mexico</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From Guadalupe Mountains National Park we headed north on U.S.Route 285 bound for Roswell, New Mexico. The meteorologists continued to forecast warm dry weather. We stopped in Artesia at a car wash that was large enough to accommodate the Mary Joan. It was mid-day and we thought that we could get away without drying her with towels since the car wash had a wax mode and we thought that as soon as we got back on the highway the drops would blow off. Since she was sorely in need of a wash due to the accumulated dust that made he dull and shabby looking it made sense to us. That was a bad decision. The water was hard with lots of calcium which dried and left her covered in flaky white spots. We weren't sure which was worse the dust or the spots. We won't make that mistake again.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNL7-OUlzJ0/Uw1mOnKUWLI/AAAAAAAADuY/qoEFRKUubZ4/s1600/IMG_20140214_112133_552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNL7-OUlzJ0/Uw1mOnKUWLI/AAAAAAAADuY/qoEFRKUubZ4/s1600/IMG_20140214_112133_552.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Mistake?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We stayed at Bottomless Lakes State Park that is just a 20 minute drive from downtown Roswell. The park encompasses a number of sink holes that are popular for swimming, fishing and scuba diving. They are formed by groundwater dissolving the porous limestone that underlies the area. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Roswell, New Mexico is famous for and likes to flaunt its status as UFO capital of the world. It was here in 1947 that an extraterrestrial space ship and its passengers are supposed to have crash landed. What actually happened here is still seriously debated and studied. Many of those who believe that such a space craft did indeed crash here, also believe that the incident was covered up by a massive government conspiracy to hide the truth from the American people and the world. I'm not convinced.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bczK9DQ_kCw/Uw0zIObOauI/AAAAAAAADsk/10_hpSbfj0Q/s1600/New+Mexico_188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bczK9DQ_kCw/Uw0zIObOauI/AAAAAAAADsk/10_hpSbfj0Q/s1600/New+Mexico_188.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Green People Everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Visiting the International UFO Museum and Research Center (http://www.roswellufomuseum.com/) clearly was an obligatory stop while in town. The museum is on the North Main Street in an area that clearly had seen brighter days. In addition to the museum there are a number of gift shops selling alien related paraphernalia and souvenirs alongside closed up storefronts. Inside, the museum is essentially a collection of enlarged, poster sized, replications of documents, newspaper clippings and photographs from the period immediately surround the July 1947 incident plus anecdotes and speculative writings that have appeared since then. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We also visited the Roswell Museum and Art Center (http://roswellmuseum.org/) that is several blocks further north on North Main Street. Sarah and I were delighted to find this gem. In several galleries this little museum presented a wonderfully eclectic assortment of fine art, thoughtfully arranged and documented. Most of the artists represented were from the southwest, especially New Mexico. In addition to the art, the museum has a dazzling collection of western art, sculpture and memorabilia such as Native American dress, cowboy clothing, saddles, and firearms from its benefactor Peter Hurd, Roswell native.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFASD-Z7X7E/Uw05B9S024I/AAAAAAAADtU/ox24UzkbLgg/s1600/trailer+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFASD-Z7X7E/Uw05B9S024I/AAAAAAAADtU/ox24UzkbLgg/s1600/trailer+pic.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only us trailer trash could appreciate this piece.<br />
(The Last Emperor by Tim Prythero, 1968)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOfji08IVg0/Uw1nrs_-B8I/AAAAAAAADuo/HhUp0TRbRyc/s1600/IMG_20140215_130229_546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOfji08IVg0/Uw1nrs_-B8I/AAAAAAAADuo/HhUp0TRbRyc/s1600/IMG_20140215_130229_546.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle Kings of the Pecos ,blazing the trail of 1867<br />
Kim Wiggins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5gSuYFNBN8/Uw1nrvVYmPI/AAAAAAAADus/cGC3-_-wkwE/s1600/IMG_20140215_125113_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5gSuYFNBN8/Uw1nrvVYmPI/AAAAAAAADus/cGC3-_-wkwE/s1600/IMG_20140215_125113_500.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurd collected wonderful pieces of native American clothing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As if the art weren't enough, there is a large section dedicated to the father of modern rocketry, Robert Goddard. I was particularly drawn to this due to the fact that Worcester, Massachusetts is where he was born, studied and eventually taught. And, it was in neighboring Auburn that he achieved his first successful launch. Unfortunately, Auburn, Massachusetts was not a good place to be experimenting with liquid fuel rockets given their predisposition to start fires when things went wrong. So it was to Roswell, New Mexico he moved to continue his research. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alyqwhWt1UI/Uw1ZOz0EVlI/AAAAAAAADtk/7aqcN-yllGA/s1600/New+Mexico_155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alyqwhWt1UI/Uw1ZOz0EVlI/AAAAAAAADtk/7aqcN-yllGA/s1600/New+Mexico_155.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Goddard's Workshop </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvpyaLsbf1I/Uw1rV-SmZgI/AAAAAAAADu4/_eZoH-_PtYU/s1600/New+Mexico_186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvpyaLsbf1I/Uw1rV-SmZgI/AAAAAAAADu4/_eZoH-_PtYU/s1600/New+Mexico_186.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Goddard monument</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After Roswell we drove west on New Mexico Rt. 70 bound for Mesa Campground in the Gila National Forest. Our route took us through the town of Capitan and the Smokey Bear Historical Park. The real life Smokey Bear was found orphaned in the aftermath of a major forest fire that happened here in the spring of 1950. This small but informative center tells the true story of Smokey Bear in a well designed museum with lots of memorabilia. Smokey lived for 26 years in the National Zoo in Washington, DC. When he died he was brought back to Capitan where we visited his grave. A pleasant path leads through a garden that, while there were no flowers blooming while were there, must be stunning in the springtime. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9t7IMi83KQ0/Uw0zuuOwnPI/AAAAAAAADsw/OTg3UTwLiII/s1600/New+Mexico_191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9t7IMi83KQ0/Uw0zuuOwnPI/AAAAAAAADsw/OTg3UTwLiII/s1600/New+Mexico_191.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We both had a good time visiting Smokey The Bear Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYK1Gp9gVpU/Uw0zvzodnUI/AAAAAAAADs4/JUcLxH3wlTI/s1600/New+Mexico_192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYK1Gp9gVpU/Uw0zvzodnUI/AAAAAAAADs4/JUcLxH3wlTI/s1600/New+Mexico_192.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokey's Final Resting Place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kEiuzbug6o/Uw002se6IZI/AAAAAAAADtI/AZR7Hrq7D70/s1600/New+Mexico_194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kEiuzbug6o/Uw002se6IZI/AAAAAAAADtI/AZR7Hrq7D70/s1600/New+Mexico_194.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Trs5tmK5K1I/Uw0z7OvCZTI/AAAAAAAADtA/x6tM9VI7LSY/s1600/New+Mexico_201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Trs5tmK5K1I/Uw0z7OvCZTI/AAAAAAAADtA/x6tM9VI7LSY/s1600/New+Mexico_201.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small gift shop next to the park doubled as a small museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving Capitan, we drove the scenic Rt 48 south through the bustling tourist town of Ruidoso then rejoined Rt 70 where we continued west then north on Rt 54 to reach Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/las_cruces/three_rivers.html). Once again, we found a little known hidden gem. Maintained and protected by the Bureau of Land Management, this little park has over 21,000 petroglyphs dating between 900 and 1400 AD. Because these petroglyphs are not as old as others we have seen, they were still relatively "fresh" and clearly distinct. The most impressive examples are easily seen by walking a one and a half mile loop trail. But, the ranger encouraged us to go off the trail, explore and discover the many others that were to be found. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAirVy7H2Ng/Uw0wjgFpyII/AAAAAAAADsI/RPG7SIXJBxE/s1600/New+Mexico_111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAirVy7H2Ng/Uw0wjgFpyII/AAAAAAAADsI/RPG7SIXJBxE/s1600/New+Mexico_111.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear well defined petroglyphs in Three Rivers Petroglyph Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLFP1QJ16-s/Uw0xWj1Fe3I/AAAAAAAADsQ/eActzExBO10/s1600/New+Mexico_087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLFP1QJ16-s/Uw0xWj1Fe3I/AAAAAAAADsQ/eActzExBO10/s1600/New+Mexico_087.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With lots of sunlight left in the day we decided to push on to the Valley of Fires Recreation Area and Campground (http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/roswell/valley_of_fires.html). The area here is the site of one of the latest lava flows (as opposed to volcanic eruption) in North America. The lava seeped from the ground some seven miles north of the campground filling the valley with molten lava and leaving small islands of limestone poking through. We camped for the night on one of these islands and enjoyed a nice stroll the next morning on the trail through the lava flow. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWFYRFEMdhc/Uw1eyxHnlPI/AAAAAAAADt8/1FhS8puaRJA/s1600/lava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWFYRFEMdhc/Uw1eyxHnlPI/AAAAAAAADt8/1FhS8puaRJA/s1600/lava.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lava flowed like cake batter for more than seven miles and 160 feet thick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmTDhgqVOdg/Uw1exVYklrI/AAAAAAAADt0/3IecRQI-Fd4/s1600/sarah+in+valley+of+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmTDhgqVOdg/Uw1exVYklrI/AAAAAAAADt0/3IecRQI-Fd4/s1600/sarah+in+valley+of+fire.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah is loves to be on the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was interesting to observe that we were adjacent to the White Sands Missile range and only about 40 miles east of Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was detonated nearly 70 years ago. We would like to have visited, but tours are available only twice a year, the first Saturday in April and October. Nonetheless, it gave us pause to think about where we were and what significance this place has in world history.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiE-vokdWbY/Uw1kY1latqI/AAAAAAAADuM/npmCb_rBlBQ/s1600/trinity+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiE-vokdWbY/Uw1kY1latqI/AAAAAAAADuM/npmCb_rBlBQ/s1600/trinity+site.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Earth view of ground zero; Trinity Site<br />
First Atomic Bomb detonated here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Next stop is the Gila National Forest and the Gila Cliff Dwellings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned.</span>Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-64784438253362995462014-02-21T21:10:00.002-08:002014-02-21T21:31:12.192-08:00Guadalupe Mountains National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcvBe_Oc9Ys/UwfnwGbt6DI/AAAAAAAADqU/TW9Eu6I4ju8/s1600/New+Mexico_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcvBe_Oc9Ys/UwfnwGbt6DI/AAAAAAAADqU/TW9Eu6I4ju8/s1600/New+Mexico_006.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We continued to enjoy fine weather in West Texas and with a favorable long term forecast, we set our sights on Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The results of my research told me that the weather could be severe in these mountains, with high winds and cold temperatures being the biggest threat at this time of year. Most of the information was pertinent to the largest and easiest approachable campground Pine Spring Campground, on the southeast side of the park. However, I found that there is a much smaller campground on the north side, Dog Canyon Campground. Dog Canyon is reached by driving north, past Carlsbad, New Mexico then driving another 60 odd miles southwest to reach the campground. While the number of hiking trails accessible from this campground were much more limited. The weather was generally milder than on the southeast side owing to better protection by the surrounding mountains.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As with Big Bend National Park, there are no Disneyesque amusements surrounding the entrance to the park. This park, even more than Big Bend National Park, requires that the visitor explore it on his or her feet, hiking into the mountains to gain the reward of spectacular scenic vistas.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy-tNYPuKFQ/UwfmoEh_thI/AAAAAAAADqE/7XEuN54UYZ0/s1600/New+Mexico_010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy-tNYPuKFQ/UwfmoEh_thI/AAAAAAAADqE/7XEuN54UYZ0/s1600/New+Mexico_010.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Guadalupe Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">To reach the park we drove about a dozen miles north of Carlsbad on highway 285 then turned south onto state road 117. Sarah and I both become apprehensive about the choice of our destination. Very soon after driving on route 117 we encountered a landscape strewn with drilling rigs, pipelines and signs warning of the potential for lethal levels of hydrogen sulfide gas in the area and to evacuate immediately should one smell the gas. The gas is found with the oil and some believe that fracking has the potential to release greater quantities that could be deadly than older drilling techniques did. We learned that several homes in, Artesia, one of the towns we passed through had to be evacuated and roadblocks erected when a fracking well blew out in the town. Despite our fear we pressed on. After about ten miles, we entered the Lincoln National Forest and the landscape once again become the beautiful rolling hills we have come to appreciate in the foothills of the other mountains we have approached here in the southwest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We could see the Guadalupe mountains in the distance and the popping of our ears told us we were constantly gaining elevation. In this part of the Lincoln National forest we continually passed from areas of private onto public lands then back again with areas of open and fenced pasture land. At one point I remarked to Sarah that we had seen a lot of open pasture land with cattle but this was the first where we saw horses. I no sooner finished expressing my thoughts than a horse stepped onto the shoulder right in front of us. Fortunately, neither of us were going so fast that we could not stop. Otherwise, there would have been a lot of damage to a horse and our tow vehicle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was late in the afternoon when we reached the campground. The small National Park Office was closed so we drove into the Dog Canyon campground, which is really nothing more than a gravel parking lot next to a small horse corral with space for four RVs and a place for tent campers to park their cars. There were no other campers when we arrived, just a small herd of deer browsing on the dry grass and juniper trees near the horse corral where they found drinking water in the stock tank. The deer didn't seem too startled, they just loped off to another grazing area about 50 yards away and continued to graze all the while keeping an eye on us.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ni0umR1bZ74/UwfqKw40_eI/AAAAAAAADqg/AeZkE-eGTrY/s1600/Deer+in+campground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ni0umR1bZ74/UwfqKw40_eI/AAAAAAAADqg/AeZkE-eGTrY/s1600/Deer+in+campground.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deer were not too upset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We hiked each of the next two days into the mountains on the southwest side of Dog Canyon. The first we hiked the Bush Mountain Trail, a moderately difficult continually rising trail that brought us high onto a ridge separating Dog Canyon from South McKittrick Canyon to the west. We were rewarded with spectacular views in every direction. As this is not a loop trail, we intended to return by the same path we had come. But, upon climbing to a knoll just to the south, I could see another trail descending into Dog Canyon. I presumed this to be the Tejas Trail that we hoped to explore the next day. So, Sarah and I followed the ridge about half a mile to Lost Peak, elevation 7,830. The peak was only about 100' above the trail we had seen and there we had our lunch while enjoying a stunning vista that overlooked the beautiful Guadalupe Mountains. It was the Tejas trail and it took us on a quick descent back to our camp.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DLI8Lg3S2Y/Uwgor8S25xI/AAAAAAAADq8/l7cQ9BnE4DI/s1600/Tree+at+top+of+dog+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DLI8Lg3S2Y/Uwgor8S25xI/AAAAAAAADq8/l7cQ9BnE4DI/s1600/Tree+at+top+of+dog+canyon.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridge at the top of Bush Mountain Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7bORFzVe0A/UwgqGC0pWSI/AAAAAAAADrI/v1aYZQPIetc/s1600/Sarah+at+ridge+of+dog+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7bORFzVe0A/UwgqGC0pWSI/AAAAAAAADrI/v1aYZQPIetc/s1600/Sarah+at+ridge+of+dog+canyon.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah at Lost Peak, Dog Canyon. Guadalupe Mountains National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To descend from the peak back to the trail we had to bushwhack a couple hundred yards through a dense stand of short spruce trees. It was slow going because of the loose rock scree. But we were delighted by the presence of a large number of mule deer that we surprised, including a magnificent large buck with great rack of antlers.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9yd302J5To/Uwgr1Swr-8I/AAAAAAAADrU/dIJZVF7He7w/s1600/buck+in+dog+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9yd302J5To/Uwgr1Swr-8I/AAAAAAAADrU/dIJZVF7He7w/s1600/buck+in+dog+canyon.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buck took his time following the rest of the deer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We descended the Tejas trail and reached our campsite in time to meet the ranger before he closed his office for the day. The ranger, Jon, was very pleasant and seemed pleased to have company. He told us that in addition to the deer we had seen, there was a mountain lion active in the area. He shared with us photographs of the cougar taken with a wilderness camera he had set up at a watering hole some two miles distant. The photos showed three different cats, a large male, his mate and a yearling they had produced. Jon also showed us pictures of other mammals caught on camera. They included, fox, coyote, skunk and what he described as his nemesis, a Barbary Sheep that he had been trying to eliminate for at least two years. Barbary sheep were introduced to Texas after WWII onto hunting preserves. Unfortunately, they escaped and have successfully reproduced to the detriment of the native mule deer of Texas with which they compete. They are now considered a nuisance and invasive species that should be eliminated.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0ZKod5ySfQ/UwguqOTO5wI/AAAAAAAADrs/RKVpFqHLamA/s1600/dear+by+trailer+dog+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0ZKod5ySfQ/UwguqOTO5wI/AAAAAAAADrs/RKVpFqHLamA/s1600/dear+by+trailer+dog+canyon.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deer came everyday in the late afternoon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day, Sarah and I ascended the Tejas trail. The weather was perfect for hiking, clear skies, little wind and temperatures in the upper 50s. As soon as we gained a few hundred feet of elevation after leaving the campground, we could see a solitary peak with only a few trees and a prominent limestone outcrop, the highest point on McKittrick Ridge. We agreed that we should try for that peak. We passed the peak we had achieved the previous day and continued onto the McKittrick Canyon trail that took us higher and deeper into the Guadalupe Mountains. The McKittrick Canyon trail continued on the same ridge we had traversed the day before but after about a mile then it turned abruptly to the northeast and as we rounded the bend, Sarah and I both stopped in awe at the view. In front of us the land dropped away for about a thousand feet and about three miles away was a majestic cliff that formed the norther terminus of South McKittrick Canyon. Both of stood looked with wonder on this beautiful scenery. Another hour and we were a hundred feet below our destination. Because none of the trails in these mountains go the peaks due to the dangerous winds and lightening strikes, we had to bushwhack this final distance. Thankfully, it was mostly scrub oak with few thorn bearing cacti or shrubs to contend with. Once again, we jumped a magnificent mule deer buck with the finest antlers we had seen yet. We started out at 8:30 AM and made the summit of this ridge on the north side of South McKittrick Canyon just in time to enjoy another lunch while enjoying the most amazing scenery one could wish for. We finished our lunch and retraced our steps. I had underestimated how long this trip would take and had not brought enough water to be completely comfortable, for on the way down with still one third the distance to go we ran out of water. Luckily, there was still snow in the shaded places high on this north facing slope. I found a pristine area and filled my water bottle. In my black back pack it quickly melted and Sarah commented on how fine it tasted.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w92gWVA5WKE/UwgtJvutnKI/AAAAAAAADrg/kdLKBH8ur3A/s1600/gathering+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w92gWVA5WKE/UwgtJvutnKI/AAAAAAAADrg/kdLKBH8ur3A/s1600/gathering+snow.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">We had water available</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">We returned to camp at 3:45PM, tired, sore and very pleased. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next morning we hitched up and said our goodbyes to Jon and thanked him for sharing such a beautiful place. We told him where we had gone the previous day and he nodded in approval, seemingly pleased that we had put in such an effort. I told him I thought I had smelled cat urine on the trail and asked if mountain lions mark their territory just like domesticated tom cats. He smiled and assured they most certainly did. He then said, that since we were leaving he could share with us the fact that one of the cougars made a kill a few week earlier just a few hundred yards from the campground, near the trail that we had been hiking. Even though we never saw the magnificent animal, we felt lucky to have shared its mountain. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqu_nE5IvU8/Uwgw0jwvkiI/AAAAAAAADr4/P6pxxI1DHww/s1600/McKittrey+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqu_nE5IvU8/Uwgw0jwvkiI/AAAAAAAADr4/P6pxxI1DHww/s1600/McKittrey+canyon.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guradalupe Mountains National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As we continued on to our next destination, not even passing through the area despoiled by the drilling rigs could dampen our appreciation for this remarkably handsome landscape and mountains of West Texas and Southern New Mexico.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned.</span>Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-82415610109182282842014-02-15T19:26:00.000-08:002014-02-15T19:26:41.936-08:00Marfa Texas<span style="font-size: large;">The decision on what road to take to get to our next destination is usually not really made until the morning we set off. One of our goals is to not have hard and firm dates for being in any particular place in order to change plans as we discover places where we want to linger along the way. This time, however, a frozen pipe and flooded basement required one of us to return home to coordinate with the insurance company and the contractors that would be doing the initial repairs. Because we are traveling with Dot, the cat, the other would stay behind rather than subject the elderly Dot to the trauma of air travel.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JD85E2rWB8I/UwArQoLy27I/AAAAAAAADgI/F2-FA6VIaC8/s1600/marfa+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JD85E2rWB8I/UwArQoLy27I/AAAAAAAADgI/F2-FA6VIaC8/s1600/marfa+sign.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Marfa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPQjpuP7DkBBTdA4b4VO3m28I6ny_mDx-ZLssM8magGl5ZzvZ7f0n99uFrQgEwd2KdWf4VCsmHgXJ8T7mge8egr-aVcLAddTxelc2AZOuVTO5ndMPY5zEu-Ma3H3vbhHkUOxybxPjY1k/s1600/Marfa+Courthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPQjpuP7DkBBTdA4b4VO3m28I6ny_mDx-ZLssM8magGl5ZzvZ7f0n99uFrQgEwd2KdWf4VCsmHgXJ8T7mge8egr-aVcLAddTxelc2AZOuVTO5ndMPY5zEu-Ma3H3vbhHkUOxybxPjY1k/s1600/Marfa+Courthouse.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marfa Town Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BA2czuDbGS4/UwArQQux3WI/AAAAAAAADgU/EdCWKdUmtwI/s1600/lost+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BA2czuDbGS4/UwArQQux3WI/AAAAAAAADgU/EdCWKdUmtwI/s1600/lost+horse.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the beer was cold. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKIxk0KDzgQ/UwArM6vAngI/AAAAAAAADfg/KZoeRtozh4Y/s1600/Dog+in+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKIxk0KDzgQ/UwArM6vAngI/AAAAAAAADfg/KZoeRtozh4Y/s1600/Dog+in+truck.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting while his cowboy to finish his beer outside the Lost Horse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We knew that Marfa and Alpine, Texas were two towns we wanted to visit. These two small towns in far West Texas have drawn a large number of artists there to live and work. Each one has quite a few art galleries and a lively community. The decision for Sarah to stay in Marfa at the Tumble In RV park was easy. We spent two days together exploring Marfa then Sarah took me to Alpine, 25 miles to the east, to catch the Amtrak train to El Paso from where I would fly home.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_NJg1Or4u4/UwArN4o-gjI/AAAAAAAADfs/-z3_RjOi2VQ/s1600/Alpine+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_NJg1Or4u4/UwArN4o-gjI/AAAAAAAADfs/-z3_RjOi2VQ/s1600/Alpine+sign.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the colorful murals in Alpine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Marfa has been a place of interest for a very long time. It earned special attention when people began seeing odd lights in the night sky. Beginning in the nineteeth century several times a year these lights, variously described as floating orbs that would magically appear then disappear. Early observers dismissed them as distant campfires. Later they were thought to be some sort of bending of the light from automobiles just beyond the horizon. Over time all plausible explanations have been eliminated. Now, the most widely accepted, yet unproven explanation is that they are a phenomenon that results from a particular atmospheric condition found only here in Marfa. No matter what the cause, the lights draw enough curiosity seekers that a very nice viewing area has been built just east of town where people can park and safely watch and hope to catch a glimpse of the lights. Sarah did watch for them and believes she saw them one night. She described them as short streaks of light that hovered then moved off to one side or the other than vanished only to repeat again shortly thereafter.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwgAZLthjL8/UwArPAThm2I/AAAAAAAADgM/_mLNiU1rIBA/s1600/Prada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwgAZLthjL8/UwArPAThm2I/AAAAAAAADgM/_mLNiU1rIBA/s1600/Prada.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An art installation just west of the Town of Marfa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To occupy her time while I was away, Sarah volunteered for the local public radio station, KRTS. The Tumble In RV Park was just a short walk from town and was convenient for Sarah to get to without having to drive. She worked as a receptionist, answering the phones, greeting visitors and taking music requests from listeners. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdBBI5DDb1s/UwArPEpuhYI/AAAAAAAADf4/clcI9GJWjZc/s1600/Sarah+at+radio+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdBBI5DDb1s/UwArPEpuhYI/AAAAAAAADf4/clcI9GJWjZc/s1600/Sarah+at+radio+station.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah at work for Marfa Public Radio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When not at the radio station she visited the nearby town of Alpine to stroll the art galleries and talk to other artists. She also visited the studio of Tom Curry, and artist whose work we both admire and who has been featured in Yankee, Newsweek and Atlantic Magazines. We saw his work at the CatchLight Art Gallery (http://www.catchlightartgallery.com/tomcurry.htm) in Alpine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While we knew his work as painter, Sarah discovered that he is also an accomplished sculpture. She was able to visit with him at his studio/gallery.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S0R6sAYAls/UwArNiy0ejI/AAAAAAAADfo/4F8NZ4H-Et0/s1600/Curry+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S0R6sAYAls/UwArNiy0ejI/AAAAAAAADfo/4F8NZ4H-Et0/s1600/Curry+gate.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gates by Tom Curry at his studio. He uses a technique called papercrete.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMBa28aoyNE/UwArPV0NZWI/AAAAAAAADgE/L-Oh25nzoJA/s1600/from+the+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMBa28aoyNE/UwArPV0NZWI/AAAAAAAADgE/L-Oh25nzoJA/s1600/from+the+train.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mary Joan as seen from the Amtrak train on my way to El Paso from Alpine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hrc9ZvJARQ/UwAvOapj6JI/AAAAAAAADgk/Qg1Ia2oUavA/s1600/border+patrol+blimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hrc9ZvJARQ/UwAvOapj6JI/AAAAAAAADgk/Qg1Ia2oUavA/s1600/border+patrol+blimp.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the second Border Patrol Blimp we have seen in our travels near the<br />Mexican border. This one was between Marfa and El Paso</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sarah met me in El Paso and we are now continuing our journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-15155820649729337482014-02-14T20:40:00.004-08:002014-02-15T17:08:05.902-08:00Far West Texas - who could have known?<span style="font-size: large;">I apologize for the long lapse since my last post. But, a frozen water pipe and a monumental basement flood forced my return to the farm to coordinate the repairs. During the time I was back, I couldn't bring myself to add to the blog. Dealing with the insurance adjusters and mold remediation people was all consuming and frankly, very depressing. While nothing irreplaceable was lost and it was all just stuff, the tedium of cataloging each item left me with no desire to write. However, I am back with Sarah and the Mary Joan.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ic6RTUbNbo/Uv7bO0fNxqI/AAAAAAAADdQ/hUqDPj2D9JU/s1600/Wayne's+Cell+Flood-0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ic6RTUbNbo/Uv7bO0fNxqI/AAAAAAAADdQ/hUqDPj2D9JU/s1600/Wayne's+Cell+Flood-0281.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This actually is beginning to look pretty good. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After leaving Big Bend National Park, Sarah and I visited the town of Terlingua just west of the park. </span><span style="font-size: large;">A dusty, former ghost town, it is now an eclectic amalgamation of free-spirited individuals. There are a couple river rafting guides and desert ATV tour guides along with a few bars, a gas station and two grocery stores only one of which was open the few days we were there. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ixIXFvBGzA/Uv7rLS8ZXFI/AAAAAAAADeE/28QgOAAEbrU/s1600/terlinqua+ghost+town.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ixIXFvBGzA/Uv7rLS8ZXFI/AAAAAAAADeE/28QgOAAEbrU/s1600/terlinqua+ghost+town.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terlinqua "Ghost Town"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X5MeMpXa5g/Uv7rd0d98SI/AAAAAAAADeg/kX9MCKtbJJY/s1600/abandoned+aluminum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X5MeMpXa5g/Uv7rd0d98SI/AAAAAAAADeg/kX9MCKtbJJY/s1600/abandoned+aluminum.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We see many old aluminum trailers left to decay, so sad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We were told by someone we met in the hot springs at the park that it would be possible to just boondock anywhere in the old ghost town. However, the sign welcoming us asked that we not park our RV overnight. As we were leaving 'town' Sarah saw an old Airstream motor-home and another trailer in a small dusty parking area. There appeared to be an empty RV utility post next to the trailer and a small box trailer a short distance away. We approached the man next to the box trailer (which we found out later he was living in) and asked if we could park there for a couple nights. He said we should talk to the owner, Jack, who was just down the hill. Jack told us the spot was available and didn't we see the sign advertising his RV park. Somehow we had missed that. It was hand-painted</span><span style="font-size: large;"> on a small sign that also advertised his veterinary practice and his wife's gift/antique shop. But, we were happy to have a spot within walking distance of the Starlight Theater Restaurant where we planned Sarah's birthday dinner. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aupB9baJSBg/Uv7rLt3sxkI/AAAAAAAADeI/89jhZ_GGK9U/s1600/terlinqua+rv+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aupB9baJSBg/Uv7rLt3sxkI/AAAAAAAADeI/89jhZ_GGK9U/s1600/terlinqua+rv+park.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The RV park in downtown Terlingua Ghost Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While hiking in Big Bend National Park the previous day, we met a couple from Terlingua, who upon learning we would be there to celebrate Sarah's birthday, invited us to their home for margaritas and to watch the sunset. Dan and Tana gave us excellent directions to their home, which when we had settled into our camping spot we could easily see about a quarter mile away just across the highway. Dan and his wife Tana made us feel welcome and at ease in their beautiful home looking out over the desert landscape with a perfect view of the Chicos mountains to the east. Here we learned that in Terlingua, one looks to the east to watch the sunset. The glow of the setting sun reflected from the mountains is different everyday, but it is always beautiful.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbLujYdWL94/Uv7scEJ1MsI/AAAAAAAADes/7lYEfAaeKLk/s1600/terlinqua+sunset+over+chicos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbLujYdWL94/Uv7scEJ1MsI/AAAAAAAADes/7lYEfAaeKLk/s1600/terlinqua+sunset+over+chicos.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east at sunset from Terlinqua toward the Chicos mountains in Big Bend National Park<br />
The view from Dan and Tana's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Before leaving, we inquired as to where would be the best place to watch the football playoff game the next evening. They told us that we would not be happy at any of the bars, since there would be a lot of smoke (smoking is still allowed in bars in Texas). They said we should return for dinner and watch the game with them. We agreed only on the condition that we cook and bring dinner. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we arrived at the Starlight, I observed a small group at the bar that were engaged in friendly and animated conversation. What struck me was not only how different their appearances were from each other, a cowboy, new-age hippie type, business suited straight, cocktail waitress wannabe pin-up and resurrected goth-girl, but also how they defied the stereotype of their appearance with their choice of beverages. The cowboy was drinking a white wine, the business suite some brightly colored concoction reminiscent of a tequila sunrise and the hippie was drinking a martini. The women had just arrived, so I didn't want to stare to see what they were drinking. Assuming their worldviews</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and political opinions were as disparate as their stereotypes, i</span><span style="font-size: large;">t was hard to believe I was in Texas, much less West Texas. It made me wonder if the euphemism, gone to Texas, still meant hiding out from the law or other entrapment. This is a place where you don't ask questions about people's past or appearances. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOJ5llFvLg8/Uv7rdz74xJI/AAAAAAAADec/UTlWWvHDmQw/s1600/Starlight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOJ5llFvLg8/Uv7rdz74xJI/AAAAAAAADec/UTlWWvHDmQw/s1600/Starlight.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Starlight Theatre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day we rejoined Dan and Tana for another wonderful evening. We learned that Dan had been an successful National Park Service Ranger for many years and his wife Tana had taught in a private school. Because of his connections, Dan had the opportunity to meet celebrities and dignitaries in the park at which he served. His stories about his experiences were entertaining and revealing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On our last day in Terlingua we joined Far Flung river expeditions for a day floating the Rio Grande. Despite the river being quite low, it was still possible to float though Colorado Canyon. We had a wonderful guide, Erika, whose energetic lectures on geology, anthropology and history were very informative and entertaining. Far Flung allowed us to boondock in their parking lot the night before and after our river float. This made it very convenient for us.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxwVJjFrzKo/Uv7rIUWudrI/AAAAAAAADds/geqYV3oCD_w/s1600/erika+of+far+flung.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxwVJjFrzKo/Uv7rIUWudrI/AAAAAAAADds/geqYV3oCD_w/s1600/erika+of+far+flung.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erika, our guide, was very enthusiastic and informative.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBTi6apjzKM/UwAM9sZBbjI/AAAAAAAADe8/vR5sX3_P6Vo/s1600/rio+grande+colorado+canyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBTi6apjzKM/UwAM9sZBbjI/AAAAAAAADe8/vR5sX3_P6Vo/s1600/rio+grande+colorado+canyon.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado Canyon, Rio Grande River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just west of Terlinqua is Big Bend Ranch State Park. The roads are gravel and though well kept have a lot of wash board in some places making the 20 mile trip into the park quite slow while towing the Mary Joan. The camping areas we found were primitive and the road into first one we came to didn't look too friendly for the trailer. However, the next one turned out to be a diamond in the rough. The quarter mile lane from the main road to the campsite was narrow and we had to stop to trim the branches of the shrubs that threatened to scratch the skin of the Mary Joan. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3WSwcCt2cQ/UwAPKnya5LI/AAAAAAAADfI/kOr30pmTKBM/s1600/trimming+at+cattle+guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3WSwcCt2cQ/UwAPKnya5LI/AAAAAAAADfI/kOr30pmTKBM/s1600/trimming+at+cattle+guard.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimming branches and prickly pear cactus at the cattle guard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The campsite itself was at the base of a windmill that was still supplying water to the tank adjacent to the parking area. The campsites we found were designed for single occupancy. Due to the miles separating one from another, this produced a wonderful sense of privacy and isolation. A hiking trailhead was at our campsite and we enjoyed a two hour trek into the hills behind us. We saw deer and lots of birds.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Abm2WIiQ1I4/Uv7rI7dj6-I/AAAAAAAADdw/njc6YXPF3zI/s1600/big+bend+ranch+sp+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Abm2WIiQ1I4/Uv7rI7dj6-I/AAAAAAAADdw/njc6YXPF3zI/s1600/big+bend+ranch+sp+2.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite in Big Bend Ranch State Park (the Mary Joan is in the lower right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJmQQ8nsxIQ/Uv7rKOeFqNI/AAAAAAAADd8/WS7A6jtCvZE/s1600/reaching+for+the+moon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJmQQ8nsxIQ/Uv7rKOeFqNI/AAAAAAAADd8/WS7A6jtCvZE/s1600/reaching+for+the+moon.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah has never lost her love of climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgIxeA7P7ck/Uv7rIvzPj-I/AAAAAAAADd0/zPxmxWNT9aA/s1600/big+bend+ranch+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgIxeA7P7ck/Uv7rIvzPj-I/AAAAAAAADd0/zPxmxWNT9aA/s1600/big+bend+ranch+sunset.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at our camp site in Big Bend Ranch State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have both been surprised by the beauty of West Texas. Neither of us had ever imagined the diversity of shapes and colors to be found here. The people we have met are open and welcoming. They are proud to show us their home and share it with us. We cannot wait to continue exploring this area.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was while leaving the park and driving to the town of Marfa, that I got the call that our basement was ruined. Once in Marfa, Sarah and I settled in at the Tumble In campground. We decided that Sarah should stay with Dot, the cat, while I went home. Sarah could not have been 'stranded' in a better place. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned to find out why.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-74180431985007530172014-01-10T22:26:00.000-08:002014-01-10T22:29:23.017-08:00Big Bend National Park and West Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_e4eT90IO1w/UtDGgBKUfZI/AAAAAAAACiw/p12mjc3qkRs/s1600/windmill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_e4eT90IO1w/UtDGgBKUfZI/AAAAAAAACiw/p12mjc3qkRs/s1600/windmill.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Although the distance from Seminole Canyon to Great Bend National Park is only 200 miles, we drove slowly to enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way. Towns and fuel stations are few and far between in West Texas. When we traveled to Alaska, we carried extra fuel in two five gallon containers. But, by sticking to our rule of always filling up whenever we had 1/4 of a tank or less left, we never had to use our reserve cans. So, we felt safe going without the spare canisters. That rule almost let us run out of fuel in West Texas. With a steady altitude gain and a head wind, a quarter of a tank is not enough to reach the next fuel stop. We didn't run out, but it was close. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZRJnVftTqw/UtDJtMzU3uI/AAAAAAAACi8/v0I4DtbmLHI/s1600/pecos+and+rio+grande.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZRJnVftTqw/UtDJtMzU3uI/AAAAAAAACi8/v0I4DtbmLHI/s1600/pecos+and+rio+grande.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confluence of the Pecos and Rio Grande (deer on the river's edge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We drove west on US 90 until we reached US 385 where, at Marathon, a small town just north of Big Bend National Park, we turn south to enter the park. Unlike most national parks we have visited, this one has very little tourist development surrounding it. There are no McDonalds or Subways to be found here, let alone a water slide or miniature golf. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As we drove south on US 385 the Chisos Mountains rose before us in magical purple splendor. Sarah and I each commented that we had no idea Texas had such majestic mountains. Planning to spend about a week in the park, I wanted to divide our stay between the three campgrounds, Chisos Basin in the center of the park, Rio Grande Village in the southeast and Cottonwood in the southwest. But, the ranger at the check-in station told us our rig was too big for Chisos Basin so we drove south to Rio Grande Village. At Rio Grande Village we had the choice of either a dry camping or full hookup campground. Sarah opted for full hookup. While the dry camping area was more scenic, we enjoyed the convenience of having electricity because we could use our electric heater rather than propane. The severe cold that had gripped the rest of the country also made itself felt way down in Texas. The locals were definitely complaining. We just enjoyed the 45 degree weather knowing what it was like at home.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_zzn_-kJCU/UtDMLvraVXI/AAAAAAAACjI/jyTM2Y-POGc/s1600/first+view+of+rio+grande.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_zzn_-kJCU/UtDMLvraVXI/AAAAAAAACjI/jyTM2Y-POGc/s1600/first+view+of+rio+grande.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first Rio Grande overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Big Bend National Park encompasses 801,163 acres, some of the highest peaks in Texas and a wonderful hot spring right on the Rio Grande River. It is the 15th largest National Park. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Arriving late in the afternoon, we took a short hike into Boquillas Canyon and got our first close up look at the Rio Grande. It was much more beautiful than I had imagined. I thought it would be a dark brown and slow moving creek. Instead, I found an aquamarine vibrant appearing river. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Co2BrupecXo/UtDP9QYjtUI/AAAAAAAACjU/EBcEtHKpzO8/s1600/rio+grande+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Co2BrupecXo/UtDP9QYjtUI/AAAAAAAACjU/EBcEtHKpzO8/s1600/rio+grande+1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio Grande at Big Bend National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Knowing that there are black bear and mountain lions here, Sarah and I were on the road before dawn to drive the Old Ore Road in hopes of catching a glimpse of one or the other. The road is about 26 miles long and only suitable for high clearance four wheel drive vehicles. We didn't see any large mammals, but we saw lots of birds and had the opportunity to hike into deep canyons and explore the abandoned ranches and homesteads along the way. The next day we drove the 45 mile River Road that traverses the southern edge of the park parallel to the Rio Grande River. This road also demands the use of a high clearance 4WD vehicle. These park roads are one lane with nasty thorn bearing vegetation encroaching on them. Our poor tow vehicle suffered a lot of scratches from these vicious plants. When I mentioned this to one of the rangers, she said they call these scratches "desert pinstripes". With any luck they can be buffed out.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FpHZLOCo1zA/UtDP9QmNfeI/AAAAAAAACjY/QcwoCb3tTY4/s1600/canyon+hiking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FpHZLOCo1zA/UtDP9QmNfeI/AAAAAAAACjY/QcwoCb3tTY4/s1600/canyon+hiking.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah climbing to the tijana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mX-NI4FSuA/UtDZGGntzWI/AAAAAAAACkY/ezMzoEu0fq4/s1600/river+road1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mX-NI4FSuA/UtDZGGntzWI/AAAAAAAACkY/ezMzoEu0fq4/s1600/river+road1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chisos Mountains from River Road, Great Bend National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E-tQANLucw/UtDa5G-KijI/AAAAAAAACkk/aJ4FlCNBHDY/s1600/mine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E-tQANLucw/UtDa5G-KijI/AAAAAAAACkk/aJ4FlCNBHDY/s1600/mine.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quicksilver (mercury) mining operation. The men who worked here in the early 20th century lived to be about 30 years old due to mercury poisoning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5Lsln2S7JQ/UtDdU59WYBI/AAAAAAAACkw/WdrWlXMdn1g/s1600/rio+grande2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5Lsln2S7JQ/UtDdU59WYBI/AAAAAAAACkw/WdrWlXMdn1g/s1600/rio+grande2.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rio Grande, a wild and scenic river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On the third day in the park the weather warmed a little so we decided to hike the Lost Mine Trail. Starting just above Chisos Basin the trail climbs for two and a half miles gaining 1,100 feet of altitude to arrive at 7,650 feet to awe inspiring views of the surrounding desert. We both delighted in the beautiful flora that is part of the ecosystem of this high desert. A lush oak, juniper and sumac forest provides cover for deer, bear and the ever elusive mountain lion. After the climb we rewarded ourselves with a glass of wine at the Chisos Basin Mountain Lodge followed by a welcomed soak in the hot springs near our campground.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl9BBpekorE/UtDT8Wfk3QI/AAAAAAAACj0/CFSYN7CACso/s1600/deer+on+lost+mine+trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl9BBpekorE/UtDT8Wfk3QI/AAAAAAAACj0/CFSYN7CACso/s1600/deer+on+lost+mine+trail.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer on the Lost Mine Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NncdrMFaNkA/UtDVhuaAtsI/AAAAAAAACkA/4MVGDR7ZOaM/s1600/tarantula.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NncdrMFaNkA/UtDVhuaAtsI/AAAAAAAACkA/4MVGDR7ZOaM/s1600/tarantula.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah spotted this impressive tarantula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9FbafWfcjY/UtDWwn6UyII/AAAAAAAACkM/7VuFTsq44nU/s1600/lost+mine+summit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9FbafWfcjY/UtDWwn6UyII/AAAAAAAACkM/7VuFTsq44nU/s1600/lost+mine+summit.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of Lost Mine Trail, Chisos Mountains </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlI75NhypLA/UtDRyfGB5aI/AAAAAAAACjo/rjL9uBEGRYU/s1600/hot+spring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlI75NhypLA/UtDRyfGB5aI/AAAAAAAACjo/rjL9uBEGRYU/s1600/hot+spring.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot spring on the Rio Grande</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day we drove across the sloping desert to the southeast of the Chisos Mountains to hike the Pine Canyon trail. The trail starts in the Chihuahuan desert and ascends about 1,000 feet through a riparian forest to the base of an outwash. It was interesting to see the change in vegetation as we gained altitude.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow is Sarah's birthday. Our plan is to move the Mary Joan to Terlingua, a resurrected ghost town just west of Big Bend National Park. We have been invited to join Dan and Tanna at their home for margaritas at sunset. We met this wonderful couple while hiking the Lost Mine Trail. Dan is a retired National Parks Ranger and supervisor who has built a beautiful winter home here in the desert.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S95hn3fnx5o/UtDfoMiJ9xI/AAAAAAAACk8/nYX8qGHzwMo/s1600/sunset1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S95hn3fnx5o/UtDfoMiJ9xI/AAAAAAAACk8/nYX8qGHzwMo/s1600/sunset1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Glorious sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-91614335961462174812014-01-05T20:05:00.001-08:002014-02-15T17:10:18.048-08:00Southern Texas (San Antonio and Seminole Canyon State Park)<span style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed a few hours of sunshine and a walk on the beach at South Padre Island before a massive low pressure system brought heavy rain, wind and cool temperatures for the remainder of the few days we had there. Our spirits were not dimmed, however, because Sarah and her sisters were together and enjoying each other's company.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfpq47LuRHA/UsoZfDI7ZiI/AAAAAAAACgU/csilQIKqEa0/s1600/DSC_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfpq47LuRHA/UsoZfDI7ZiI/AAAAAAAACgU/csilQIKqEa0/s1600/DSC_4472.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Padre Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The New Year was rung in with dancing and merry making. Everyone was so much enjoying the music and dancing that no one was paying attention to the time. It was only when I happened to glance at my cell phone that I saw the time was 12:00. It was nice being so involved with the party that we did not do the traditional count down to the new year. We have been in Times Square for the dropping of the ball, but this New Year's Eve was no less memorable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, the rain stopped the next day for our departure from South Padre Island (it is never enjoyable hitching up in the rain). Sarah's sisters had to begin their drive back to Minnesota. They decided to stop in San Antonio at the end of their first day on the road so we chose to follow and spend one night there before continuing our journey west.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The weather was warmer when we arrived at Traveler's World RV resort just a few miles from downtown San Antonio and the River Walk. Once settled in at Traveler's world, we drove to the city center and strolled along the River Walk, a wonderful pedestrian walkway along section of the San Antonio river that has been diverted in the central city area. Lined with hotels and restaurants and, at this time of year bedecked with holiday lighting, it is a magical place. I enjoyed the varied architectural elements, sculptures and views of the city skyline. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQLLAN9LXYk/Usobikc4CbI/AAAAAAAACgg/d8-QPznpeh4/s1600/IMG_20140101_180131_049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQLLAN9LXYk/Usobikc4CbI/AAAAAAAACgg/d8-QPznpeh4/s1600/IMG_20140101_180131_049.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsaKjoKf7A/Usobl-wdOFI/AAAAAAAACgo/ZuPdDEGtnLU/s1600/IMG_20140101_181033_045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsaKjoKf7A/Usobl-wdOFI/AAAAAAAACgo/ZuPdDEGtnLU/s1600/IMG_20140101_181033_045.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the River Walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because we had been behind the wheel for many hours, we wanted to stretch our legs even more than the River Walk offered. So, Sarah and I walked to Mi Tienaa's restaurant where we enjoyed a margarita. This venerable establishment is a tourist destination, expensive and a victim of its own success. Still, the bartenders were genuinely friendly. When Sarah asked for a margarita that was not made with sweet mix, the bartender instantly responded that he would make us skinny margaritas, made with fresh lime juice and just a little agave syrup. After he delivered our margaritas, his colleague delivered another that he wanted us to compare with the first that we had received. Not wanting to hurt either bartender's feelings, Sarah and I decided that we would divide our vote, each saying the other was the better. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For dinner, Sarah's sister, Nora chose Rosalina's on St. Mary's Street. Rosalina's was an excellent choice. The cuisine is based on Mexican tradition but infused with a modern touch. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On our walk back to the River Walk from Mi Tienna's earlier in the day we passed <a href="http://www.pennersinc.com/about" target="_blank">Penner's </a>haberdashery on West Commerce Street in which window I saw a hat that I wanted to buy. So, before hitching up to leave Traveler's World, we drove to Penner's to purchase the hat. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by Matt Penner who gave us his full attention and used his eminent skills as a salesman to make us very happy with the purchase of not just the hat but a shirt and pair of shoes for me as well as a dress and belt for Sarah. Penner's reminded me that quality clothing is still available and the art of personal service is still alive. Thanks Matt.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_zc0a6NRnk/UsodkI144nI/AAAAAAAACg8/hNTjj_cFrXE/s1600/IMG_20140102_100408_802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_zc0a6NRnk/UsodkI144nI/AAAAAAAACg8/hNTjj_cFrXE/s1600/IMG_20140102_100408_802.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">At Penner's (I guess I do need a haircut)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are now traveling at a slower pace. <a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/seminole-canyon" target="_blank">Seminole Historic Site State Park</a>, just 190 miles west of San Antonia was our next destination. We arrived late in the afternoon because of our trip to Penner's and the need to provision our food supplies. Since leaving South Padre Island we have passed through two border patrol checkpoints. The last one, just west of Del Rio, where there is a border crossing, looks like it has received considerable funding for expansion as there we saw a major construction project clearly associated with border protection being conducted. We also saw a border patrol vehicle smoothing the gravel on the road that ran along the border in an effort to detect foot traffic crossing the road. The presence of Homeland Security here is everywhere. Those who claim we need to do more to secure the border should come and see what is going on here. I'm not sure the Yankees in Maine would put up with the inconvenience of border checkpoints the way the Texans do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Seminole Canyon State Historical Park is about 30 miles west of Del Rio near the Pecos River. The landscape is drought ravaged West Texas. We noticed that the farmers nearby have resorted to sheep and goat ranching as was done here in the late 19th century. Cattle cannot thrive here with the drought. Sheep and goats are called the 'pay the mortgage' livestock. Amistad Reservoir is a huge lake created at the confluence of the Rio Grande, and the Pecos rivers. The water level was about 20' feet below the high water mark. Businesses hoping to capitalize on the recreational draw of the lake are boarded up, and expensive lakeside houses are far from the water's edge. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBzX2w6GZvo/Usoor7c6GbI/AAAAAAAACic/QK3FOFYBygA/s1600/DSC_4515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBzX2w6GZvo/Usoor7c6GbI/AAAAAAAACic/QK3FOFYBygA/s1600/DSC_4515.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original roadbed of the Southern Pacific Railroad built in the 1880's runs nearby the campground<br />
Here is a culvert from that period</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1BrUjb6LwY/UsoollHCmbI/AAAAAAAACiY/jDDg6S4yC4Q/s1600/DSC_4518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1BrUjb6LwY/UsoollHCmbI/AAAAAAAACiY/jDDg6S4yC4Q/s1600/DSC_4518.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cook oven along the railroad line for the workers who built the railroad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The major attraction, besides the wide open spaces and the ability to hike in the beautiful desert, are the pictographs left by the residents of this land more than 4,000 years ago. The canyon, carved by the abundant waters prior to the climate change shortly after. Abundant rainwater carved deep canyons on this uplifted seabed. At places the water curved a bend and made large undercuts into the limestone where the ancients took shelter. Here they left beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings of the rock shelters. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXkl5yBNFzE/UsofLgltDzI/AAAAAAAAChI/cusUjrw7g80/s1600/DSC_4514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXkl5yBNFzE/UsofLgltDzI/AAAAAAAAChI/cusUjrw7g80/s1600/DSC_4514.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seminole Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Using three pigments of naturally occurring minerals, red, yellow, white and black, they created complex and detailed images, of which no one has definitely concluded the meaning. Is it art, spiritual offering, an instructional for the succeeding generations. No one is certain. What is certain is that they are magnificent. Sadly, what is also certain is that they won't last much longer. Images that have survived since more than 1,000 years before Christ, are now deteriorating rapidly. The cause is a small rise in humidity from the reservoir. The limestone is dissolving and the pictographs are being destroyed. If I have an any grandchildren, they will never see these ancient paintings.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OZzvc5DAY4/UsogGifWRKI/AAAAAAAAChU/2DoInF-ObW0/s1600/DSC_4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OZzvc5DAY4/UsogGifWRKI/AAAAAAAAChU/2DoInF-ObW0/s1600/DSC_4512.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This painting has been here for 4,000 years. I can't keep paint on my house for more than seven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just a couple miles from the state park is the Rock Art Foundation's White Shaman site. This magnificent archaeological site near the confluence of the Pecos and Rio Grande is home to a marvelous 4,000 year old shelter that has one large wall covered in intricate and colorful pictographs. Sarah and I seek out ancient petroglyphs and pictographs wherever we travel. The pictographs here are the finest we have ever seen. The meaning or purpose is still a matter of debate, but there is no debate about the historic value of these works. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okq0ZfaeErI/Usoh1RwdiLI/AAAAAAAAChw/Oj9IZHOct-s/s1600/DSC_4542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okq0ZfaeErI/Usoh1RwdiLI/AAAAAAAAChw/Oj9IZHOct-s/s1600/DSC_4542.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A challenging hike to get to the paintings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hycYYw1h-iE/Usoh5XkzdYI/AAAAAAAACh8/ag2pNhhAHxQ/s1600/DSC_4536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hycYYw1h-iE/Usoh5XkzdYI/AAAAAAAACh8/ag2pNhhAHxQ/s1600/DSC_4536.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vibrant colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhlfyFhgA6U/UsokZqeLY0I/AAAAAAAACiE/yDzR9nfAzT0/s1600/DSC_4535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhlfyFhgA6U/UsokZqeLY0I/AAAAAAAACiE/yDzR9nfAzT0/s1600/DSC_4535.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">/White Shaman or Moon Goddess?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our last night in Seminole Canyon State Park was spent around a campfire on which we grilled chicken breasts and gazed at the stars in a place with such dark skies. Tomorrow we will move to Great Bend National Park. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zvxhFn_Z4w/UsocVMlNoCI/AAAAAAAACgw/6jGLsSMXBoc/s1600/IMG_20140105_074422_524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zvxhFn_Z4w/UsocVMlNoCI/AAAAAAAACgw/6jGLsSMXBoc/s1600/IMG_20140105_074422_524.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This deer bid us farewell at Seminole Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-64423409968482653472013-12-30T15:02:00.001-08:002013-12-30T20:17:46.391-08:00Race to Texas<span style="font-size: large;">The van that was to take us to the airport arrived right on time, 3AM the morning of the day after Christmas. Generally, this is <b>not</b> "how we roll", but we were anxious to return to Chicago where our planned trip south had been rudely interrupted. We arrived in Chicago where Sarah's aunt and uncle, with whom we left the tow vehicle, picked us up at the airport. On the way to their home, we were joined by Sarah's sister, Kate, who cared for our cat while we were gone and had decided to join us on our way to Padre Island, Texas where we would celebrate the arrival of the new year with another of Sarah's sisters, Nora.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKxG4Yuz9JE/UsH01CJOeXI/AAAAAAAACeg/UpBQrd92m0M/s1600/IMG_20131226_130826_823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKxG4Yuz9JE/UsH01CJOeXI/AAAAAAAACeg/UpBQrd92m0M/s400/IMG_20131226_130826_823.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Marge and Uncle Ed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had a pleasant lunch with Marge and Ed before leaving for Louisville, where we had left the Mary Joan III. It took a little over six hours to reach Louisville. Arriving tired and not desiring to have to cook our own dinner, we stopped on Bardstown Road in Louisville, an area with many fine restaurants. A</span><span style="font-size: large;">fter reading many excellent reviews we found on the internet, w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e chose Ramsi's Cafe on the World ( <a href="http://www.ramsiscafe.com/">http://www.ramsiscafe.com/</a> )</span><span style="font-size: large;">. The menu is extremely varied and has entrees from many different cultures. We decided to each order one of the three northern African dishes and share them (Faithful Falafel, Egyptian Chicken and The Spice Market). Each was well done and perfectly complemented the other. We were pleased with the food and the friendly service. We met the owner and learned how she and her husband had started the restaurant nineteen years earlier and that they have a farm that has supplied many of the ingredients used in the restaurant. We thought so highly of our experience, that we bought a gift certificate for our son and daughter-in-law who live in nearby Radcliff. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oXK0AYfiM8w/UsH7J8vrllI/AAAAAAAACf4/HJAl4ObL0oQ/s1600/IMG_20131226_203316_772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oXK0AYfiM8w/UsH7J8vrllI/AAAAAAAACf4/HJAl4ObL0oQ/s400/IMG_20131226_203316_772.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhona, owner of Ramsi's Cafe on the World<br />
Thanks for a wonderful meal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stopping for dinner before going to the trailer turned out to be fortunate because on arrival at Grand Ma's RV park, we found the trailer's batteries were dead. There are two deep cycle batteries that should have been able to supply the small amount of electricity needed to operate the controls for the propane refrigerator. </span><span style="font-size: large;">While the power needed to keep the food cool comes from propane, the refrigerator still needs a small amount of electricity to control the propane. </span><span style="font-size: large;">With the trailer in storage and not plugged into external 110 volt power, we depended on the solar power panels to keep the batteries charged. We believe, judging by the minimal odor, that the refrigerator had not shut down too long prior to our arrival since it seemed the previously frozen foods were just beginning to spoil. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite being tired and realizing that two pounds of lobster meat was lost, the three of us worked quickly and in as good spirits as can be expected to get things cleaned up, organized and the trailer moved to a campsite in less than an hour. We were determined to be on the road by 8 AM in order to reach Corpus Christi, Texas, a distance of nearly 1,200 miles, with only two days on the road. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our plan was to reach Atlanta State Park that is just south west of Texarkana where we would spend our first night. But, we were now in the mode of "the way we roll", which is that we are flexible and open to changes in our plans as the situation changes or new information or thoughts occur. On this day, while Sarah was relieving me at the wheel, I saw there was a National Park along our route that was a better option than the state park. I can forgive myself for missing the park when we first planned the route as it is very small. Hot Springs National Park is just a half hour off of I-30, our selected route through Arkansas. We arrived in time to explore the town a little before having dinner at Via Roma Italian Restaurant, where once again, we had a fine meal. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXuSaICMKGA/UsH1c6ccbPI/AAAAAAAACe0/4Wq744lAsf4/s1600/IMG_20131227_171919_084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXuSaICMKGA/UsH1c6ccbPI/AAAAAAAACe0/4Wq744lAsf4/s400/IMG_20131227_171919_084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv-dVB_0H-g/UsH1enE4YRI/AAAAAAAACe4/fBeNXTJhk4E/s1600/IMG_20131227_172142_022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv-dVB_0H-g/UsH1enE4YRI/AAAAAAAACe4/fBeNXTJhk4E/s400/IMG_20131227_172142_022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckstaff Baths, Hot Springs, Arkansas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next morning found us on the road at 8 AM. On the way out of town we stopped and filled all of our available water receptacles with as much of the fine mineral water we could. The flavor is fresh and clean. And, it makes wonderful coffee. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ePByhONKeE/UsH31WveA_I/AAAAAAAACfM/pH-XXuAWfcQ/s1600/IMG_20131228_081731_767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ePByhONKeE/UsH31WveA_I/AAAAAAAACfM/pH-XXuAWfcQ/s400/IMG_20131228_081731_767.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every available container was used to collect the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sshBNV4ezO4/UsH6I5SeZFI/AAAAAAAACfg/b5pX5XpEdWg/s1600/IMG_20131228_082421_946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sshBNV4ezO4/UsH6I5SeZFI/AAAAAAAACfg/b5pX5XpEdWg/s400/IMG_20131228_082421_946.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Springs Fountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a big surprise awaiting us today. Our schedule was predicated on our need to travel about 550 miles a day to reach Padre Island near Corpus Christi, Texas where we were to join Sarah and Kate's sister, Nora. However, just before leaving, Kate pointed out to me that Nora was in <u style="font-style: italic;">South</u> Padre Island near Brownsville, Texas, about 150 miles further than Corpus Christi. Now our required milage was 700 miles. This set a record we hope never to break. But, we wanted to be in our campsite on Saturday night so that we could have a relaxed Sunday to celebrate Kate's birthday by watching football games. Nora had scouted out sports bars and selected Louie's Backyard (<a href="http://lbyspi.com/">http://lbyspi.com/</a>). Louie's was packed and we found many tables were reserved. We wanted to be able to see both the Chicago Bears and the Patriots who were playing at the same time, but of the screens we could see, none had the Patriots. After assuring the bartender that I had poled the other fans around us if they would mind a switch of one screen to the Patriots, he quickly obliged. With special prices for draft beers and surprisingly good bar food, we enjoyed the festive atmosphere. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tJXhe_0SZ8/UsH6mtr9ScI/AAAAAAAACfs/eQ5riXg9mpc/s1600/IMG_20131227_203453_864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tJXhe_0SZ8/UsH6mtr9ScI/AAAAAAAACfs/eQ5riXg9mpc/s400/IMG_20131227_203453_864.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thirty cents a gallon less than Massachusetts<br />
Makes up for the decreased mileage we get at 75 MPH to cover the distance we needed to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We finished the evening by stopping at Padre Rita's to listen to some live music and share a final margarita in celebration of Kate's birthday. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43oCqQ7NzJA/UsH5XXXe45I/AAAAAAAACfY/DT183r8cHMk/s1600/IMG_20131229_194759_130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43oCqQ7NzJA/UsH5XXXe45I/AAAAAAAACfY/DT183r8cHMk/s400/IMG_20131229_194759_130.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our home here in South Padre Island is Andy Bowie County Park. Although not more than an RV parking lot, it is just what we would want for the time we will be here. It is situated just behind the dunes on the beach on the main road and next door to Nora's hotel. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNg34i9XsSo/UsH-FaPMlQI/AAAAAAAACgE/_pu4jcAH9-c/s1600/DSC_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNg34i9XsSo/UsH-FaPMlQI/AAAAAAAACgE/_pu4jcAH9-c/s400/DSC_4473.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Bowie County Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now we need to plan our New Year's Eve celebration. Stay tuned.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-40795368306835794802013-12-21T17:13:00.002-08:002013-12-21T17:13:28.818-08:00Merry Christmas<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reading the first line of my last blog entry could, with minor editing and major change of sentiment, be the same for this blog post. It requires changing just one word to perfectly express the chaos that enveloped Sarah and I after our trip to Kentucky to settle the Mary Joan into her place of short hibernation. "Sometimes </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 27.77777862548828px;"><span style="font-size: large;">circumstances, events and desires perfectly align in time and place to " </span><i><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">impede </span></u></i><span style="font-size: large;">" our travels."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 27.77777862548828px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;">This is what happened to the plans we thought we had crafted so neatly. In late October we traveled with the Mary Joan to Louisville where we knew we could leave her safe from the snow and salt until our return after Thanksgiving to start the retreat from wintry New England weather. It all seemed perfect. We would travel again to Louisville and bring our daughter-in-law along with us to Chicago where nearly all of Sarah's relatives were gathering for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday then return to Louisville and head to the Texas coast where we would join Sarah's sisters for Christmas . However, the small mare's tail wisps of an impending storm that Sarah had detected in her throat in September and had set aside, now demanded attention. An ultrasound of her neck was done on the day before we were scheduled to leave for Louisville. Being optimistic, we stuck to our plans believing that the report would be positive and we could continue on our way.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;">However, the report we received in Chicago was not positive and our doctor wanted more tests. Our daughter-in-law returned to Kentucky by bus while Sarah and I left the cat and TV in Chicago and flew back to Massachusetts. Two more ultrasounds, an evaluation by the endocrinologist and a fine needle aspirate of the thyroid mass revealed a benign mass that could be monitored over time. We were given the blessing to proceed on our way.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;">If circumstances and events allow, our desire to travel to Chicago, reclaim our feline companion and TV, and return to Louisville to resume our retreat from the New England winter will happen the day after Christmas.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;">Hopefully, we learned that circumstances, events and desires may or may not always perfectly align as we would wish. But, align in some fashion they always will. How we accept and deal with that is up to us. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;">Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward All</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.765625px;">Merry Christmas</span></span>Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765981701010436162.post-59134373914962812902013-11-09T18:40:00.000-08:002013-11-12T20:12:06.141-08:00Louisville Redux<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes circumstances, events and desires perfectly align in time and place to facilitate our travels. Those circumstances have for three years in a row brought us back to Louisville, KY. Sarah and I use the Mary Joan III to travel to warmer winter climes. This city is just far enough south to mostly avoid snow and salt encrusted highways so that we avoid the aforementioned hazards. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Our son and daughter-in-law live in Radclif, KY. John is in the Army, assigned to the First Infantry and he is currently deployed in Afghanistan. His wife, Becca, works as a case manager for a non-profit organization that provides services to disabled persons. So, securing the Mary Joan at Louisville allows to visit with our loved ones. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Knowing we had just a couple days to visit with Becca, we all made the most of it. The evening we arrived, we dined on Market Street then made our way Iroquois Park for the Jackolantern Spectacular. A meandering walkway through the park was lined with thematically arranged carved and sculptured jackolanterns. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9KhX3dz_kM/Un7sVud58iI/AAAAAAAACcE/gT6mh8SNDDI/s1600/IMG_20131101_225943_194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9KhX3dz_kM/Un7sVud58iI/AAAAAAAACcE/gT6mh8SNDDI/s400/IMG_20131101_225943_194.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful pumpkin art</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NH7jmHWc-U/Un7rfochniI/AAAAAAAACcA/Bj1DZoIwH1g/s1600/IMG_20131101_230611_305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NH7jmHWc-U/Un7rfochniI/AAAAAAAACcA/Bj1DZoIwH1g/s400/IMG_20131101_230611_305.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of jack o lanterns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The next day Becca introduced us to Tonka, her recently adopted German Shepherd. We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at Saunders Springs in Radciff. That evening we dined and enjoyed the theater at The Bard's Town Theater (<a href="http://www.thebardstowntheatre.org/">http://www.thebardstowntheatre.org/</a>). We all enjoyed our dinner and could not have expected a more hilarious performance by the community actor's and actresses. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljBrNQ90E24/Un7t5HyJEVI/AAAAAAAACcQ/cOC1KNNZfds/s1600/misc_189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljBrNQ90E24/Un7t5HyJEVI/AAAAAAAACcQ/cOC1KNNZfds/s400/misc_189.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca and Sarah with Tonka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IiRj4CkF6c/Un7qPGjo4EI/AAAAAAAACbw/Ft1N5Vlzagc/s1600/IMG_20131102_192205_840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IiRj4CkF6c/Un7qPGjo4EI/AAAAAAAACbw/Ft1N5Vlzagc/s400/IMG_20131102_192205_840.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the theater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For our last day, we decided to make an excursion to Mammoth Caves National Park (<a href="http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/winter-schedule.htm">http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/winter-schedule.htm</a>)</span><span style="font-size: large;">. Although we had not made reservations for the cavern tours, we got lucky and were able to join the Historic Tour and the Black Onyx Lantern Tour. This visit was my third to Mammoth Caves and it was clear that I could return many times and not see all there is to see. This was evident when our tour guide pointed out a couple from England who had spent a week at the caves and had taken two different tours each day. The extent of the caves is amazingly vast.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQNgokDI7Aw/Un7wEl-984I/AAAAAAAACc0/QFnIYVgaOfA/s1600/misc_229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQNgokDI7Aw/Un7wEl-984I/AAAAAAAACc0/QFnIYVgaOfA/s400/misc_229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful day and beautiful women</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3XX0oeDzpY/Un7uVh2mtpI/AAAAAAAACcY/G9W9K_cZdU4/s1600/misc_195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3XX0oeDzpY/Un7uVh2mtpI/AAAAAAAACcY/G9W9K_cZdU4/s400/misc_195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The natural entrance at the beginning of the Historic Tour at Mammoth Caves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Historic Tour retraces the steps through the natural entrance to the caverns that tourists took more than 150 years ago. We got to see remnants of the mining that was conducted there and experienced some of the largest "rooms" in the caves as well as some narrow and short passages that challenged some of the tourists.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96ATnvvx7hc/Un7vKaAVriI/AAAAAAAACck/-Jr8TX_F_4U/s1600/misc_215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96ATnvvx7hc/Un7vKaAVriI/AAAAAAAACck/-Jr8TX_F_4U/s400/misc_215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low "ceiling"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsKL1KEPyz8/Un7vwMZ4NWI/AAAAAAAACcs/VxRnjweT6AE/s1600/misc_227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsKL1KEPyz8/Un7vwMZ4NWI/AAAAAAAACcs/VxRnjweT6AE/s400/misc_227.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic Cavern, an ancient underground river bed </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Black Onyx Tour took us into a cave with an amazing variety of mineral structures. It passed from a "wet" cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites to drier caves with exquisitely formed gypsum crystals in the "dry" areas. This tour was illuminated only by the ten Coleman lanterns carried by our fellow tourists. This tour is only offered during the months of September and October, we happened to be on the last tour of this season. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFCs1T-icHk/Un7wiuo8edI/AAAAAAAACc8/sQnHzxEZ5zY/s1600/misc_230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFCs1T-icHk/Un7wiuo8edI/AAAAAAAACc8/sQnHzxEZ5zY/s400/misc_230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We carried lanterns to find our way<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was continually at awe to realize that I was walking on a riverbed, the river which had long ago carved its way through solid limestone hundreds of feet below the ground level and was at some places less than one hundred feet below my feet creating more passageways on its relentless journey to the not so distant river in the nearby valley. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OT0BX21fjQ/Un7xFwzTjiI/AAAAAAAACdE/Fl2H1goyrqk/s1600/misc_233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OT0BX21fjQ/Un7xFwzTjiI/AAAAAAAACdE/Fl2H1goyrqk/s400/misc_233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down we go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeJkwhJzrmI/Un7xz3tE-ZI/AAAAAAAACdM/ujD7slwhSuo/s1600/misc_246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeJkwhJzrmI/Un7xz3tE-ZI/AAAAAAAACdM/ujD7slwhSuo/s400/misc_246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible column</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated our day with a delightful dinner at Rye restaurant on Market Street in Louisville (<a href="http://ryeonmarket.com/">http://ryeonmarket.com/</a>). Each of us enjoyed the food and the service. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next day we winterized the Mary Joan III just in case there was a hard freeze in Louisville before we could return to resume our trip south for the winter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed our visit with Becca and look forward to returning to continue our journey. Stay tuned.</span></div>
Tinwheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956048090028032273noreply@blogger.com0Louisville, KY, USA38.2526647 -85.75845570000001337.851138199999994 -86.406649200000018 38.6541912 -85.110262200000008