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Coconino National Forest – Flagstaff, Arizona
Finally – relief from the scorching temperatures. We are boondocking among the Ponderosa trees and fields of yellow wild flowers. The high altitude is providing a more bearable climate. Like Florida, the west has had unusually high temperatures and finding the 70’s has proved difficult. We enjoyed our time here and a visit to the town of Flagstaff was fifteen miles away. When traveling, it sometimes is difficult to get items you need sent to you in the mail. Mostly, bigger cities have Amazon pick up in lockers or designated stores. We went into town to pick up some ordered products and decided to explore the town. Flagstaff is a college and tourist town. Their down town is filled with eateries, unique stores and it is off Route 66. We were able to find eateries offering gluten free meals. (Good for me!) We had a leisurely lunch at the Pita Jungle and the next day we found a little hole in the wall establishment offering gluten free pizza. The remaining time was spent enjoying the campground and getting for our next stop in Peoria, Arizona.
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Willow Wind RV Park – Hurricane, Utah Zion National Park – Springdale, Utah
It’s been a while since we camped in an RV park. Thankfully, the sites had concrete pads, full hookups, and best of all, there were trees. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but when you are in temperatures in the 100’s, the shade of the trees is a godsend.
After settling, we checked out Zion and chatted with the rangers at the visitor’s center. The park was jam-packed. We never realized our stay was over the Labor Day weekend. Our desire to explore the Narrows and Angel’s Landing hikes faded quickly as the queue lines for the park shuttle were like those in Disney. We asked the ranger for suggestions for less crowded areas of Zion where we could hike.
The following day we left before the sun rose as the temperatures for the day were in the 100s. The Northgate Peaks Trail hike was four and 1/2miles through a pine forest with a scenic view of the red rock canyon at the end. We spotted one deer and saw only three other couples along the hike. It was a hike providing solitude and away from the crowds of people at Zion’s central area. Up before dawn the next morning, we headed to Kolob Canyons to hike the Taylor Creek Trail. This hike was incredible. The trail was through the pine-filled forest and had multiple creeks to cross over. The enormous red rock walls glistened as the sun rose above them. Along the way, you pass two quaint log cabins. At the hike’s end, one is standing in front of an epic rock formation that reminded me of an amphitheater. We both felt a reverence for being there. This massive rock sculpture that took thousands of years to evolve was mind-blowing. We didn’t want to leave, but the sun’s rays were starting to warm up the canyon, and the thought of still hiking in 105-degree weather wasn’t welcoming. We were amazed at the influx of people just beginning the hike as we had just finished. Hopefully, they brought plenty of water with them.
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Ward Mountain – Ely, NV
The road to get to this campground was a long, lonely experience. We could count the number of vehicles we passed, which were not many. As we passed the Lake Tahoe area, we could see and smell the smoke from the fires burning our beautiful forests. Our sympathies go out to those who have to live in a smoky environment daily. Haze covered the mountain views we would have seen, and eye irritation occurred even though the windows were closed.
Our campsite is in a remote area on top of a mountain far from the fires of California. There aren’t many people, and occasionally we welcome the opportunity to enjoy the week with no expressed agenda. We are fully self-sustained as there is no water, electricity, or sewer. We decided to do a four-mile hike on one of the trails. A little way into it, I realized this would be a mundane hike, only to allow us to surpass our 10,000 steps for the day. The terrain is dry (1% humidity), and unlike our other hikes. There were no flowers, running brooks, waterfalls, or even wildlife. I stand corrected. We spotted one chipmunk. There were no photo moments to capture on this trek. However, halfway through the hike, my creative, crafty persona was now in overdrive. Suddenly, the dried-out wood, stones, and pinecones were a treasure cove to me. How many crafts could I make out of nature’s bounty? Thankfully, Mitch indulged me as he agreed to carry a portion of a dead tree branch perfect for a votive centerpiece. Pictured above.
One advantage of staying in a remote environment is the lack of city lights providing an abundance of nighttime stars. The black night sky highlighted the stars so clearly the milky way was easy to see. On nights like this, we wait to see shooting stars, but none made an appearance. Perhaps when we visit the desert in Arizona, we will be able to catch the elusive shooting star.
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Napa, California
Imagine driving down the road, and acres of vineyards provide a 360 view. Over 700 wineries are ranging from palatial buildings to small, quaint family dwellings. The best part of the trip was having my daughter join us as we spent four days enjoying several wineries. The knowledge gained from each tasting was enlightening. Lucky for us, our arrival was during the picking season. The grapes on the vines were plentiful and plump, beginning their journey from grape to wine. Each morning, the fog was thick with temperatures in the 50’s. As the day progressed, the fog dissipated, and most days were in the 70s. It seems this variance of temperatures makes the grapes thrive.
We enjoyed most of the wines tasted, but the most enjoyed ones were where the wineries were in picturesque venues, and no one knew the word rush. One, in particular, was on the side of the mountain. Nestled among the trees, one could wander the property to visit the gardens, pond and enjoy nature’s bounty. It was so relaxing, and the hosts were fabulous that three hours passed in a blink of an eye.
It came apparent after our first visit, Judd Hill, I was a lightweight and needed to pace myself at the tastings. Mitch and Britney banned me from the next wine tasting as they were not up to carrying me out. I am told the giggles come on big time when I had one too many.
We visited wineries in Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, and Oakville counties. Each area is known for growing a particular type of grape. Each had a downtown where bakeries, restaurants, and shops lined each side of the street. We hated to say goodbye to Britney, but we knew we would see her in two months when we visit her in Texas.
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Eureka, Fortuna and Ukiah, CA Bear River Casino & Nelson Family Vineyard
At times, driving can be stressful. Uphill, downhill, windy curves, heavy traffic takes their toll, and there is no preparation for it. Early on, we decided we would not go more than 300 miles or 3 ½ hours on those travel days. It is those times when we have to stop someplace overnight. Harvest Hosts are our go-to. On our way to Napa Valley, we needed to have two overnight stays. The first was Bear River Casino. Mitch doesn’t gamble, but I love the slots. It is mindless entertainment, and I go in knowing I will lose. The game for me is to see how long I can play on the money I allocated. Sometimes I play for a while but not this time.
We ventured to nearby Eureka, CA. seeking a breakfast place. The Green Lily has a four-star rating and offered gluten-free options. What a treat for me. Mitch had their “peaches and cream” french toast, which he finished every last bite. Feeling renewed, we walked their Old Town, which had elaborate Victorian buildings from the 19th century. Each one was unique and, to be sure, had its history.
The next stopover was Nelson Family Vineyards. Yes, a wine tasting was in our future. Sixty-five years ago, this 2,000-acre farm originally was a plum orchard and grazing land for grass-fed sheep. It then morphed into a winery but also had pear and olive trees. What I found interesting was the matriarch, Clara, loved redwood trees. So much, her husband, Herman, obliged her by planting a small redwood grove. Today, one can sit in an area, enjoy wine, and gaze up at the redwoods grown to their massive glory.