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.

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.

We cannot be more excited about this park.  The beach is across the street, and the view is unreal.  Individual sites are spacious and nestled among beautiful­­­­­ Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir trees. Unable to stop at the viewpoints coming here, we decided to backtrack along the twelve-mile stretch of the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor with our destination at Gold Beach.   A visit to Arch Rock  which is known for its sea stacks which looks like a rock bridge was well worth the stop.  An unfamiliar adventurous thought came out of my mouth as I said to Mitch, “Let’s hike it down there.”  My comment came as a surprise, and he quickly agreed.  After hiking a quarter of the steep trail, I began to question my enthusiasm.  With Mitch’s encouragement, we continued, and the views were spectacular.  No regrets. 

Continuing down the scenic corridor, the overlooks were plenty and each had views of the offshore rock formations and beaches littered with driftwood.  At one point, we were in an area where the trees were narrow but tall.  Occassionally, a knocking noise was heard and the realization was strong winds made the trees sway. Their tree trunks connected like the sound of a powerful axe as it connects with the log to be splintered when chopping wood. The knocking noise was odd in an otherwise quiet, serene forest. 

There was one sign in various places on highway 101 which we found interesting, and it said either entering or leaving a Tsunami area.  Research said the last tsunami to hit was in 2011.  The Redwood Nature Trail was our last stop for the day, and it was a prelude to tomorrow’s trip to the Redwood National Park.

The following day, Mitch came back from his morning run and excitedly told me to get dressed. His explorations on the beach yielded a sight I had been waiting to see.  In our probing of many tidal pools, starfish seem to elude us.  However, this morning -jackpot! There were so many starfish clinging to the rocks.  Their size was much biger than those in Florida.  The child in me couldn’t wait to find them all until I slipped on an algae covered rock, and down I went, face to face with the seaweed. 

After a change of clothes, we drove to the Redwood National Park.  We were in awe the entire time.  These trees were massive, and pictures don’t do them justice.  Not only is their circumference impressive, but to view their height was neck straining.  It felt like we were in our own – Honey, I shrunk the kid’s movie.  Strolling through this park was like visiting a nature’s art museum. Fallen tree roots created unusual sculptures, one more beautiful than the other.  It was a natural amusement park for kids as numerous nooks and crannies were present in tree basins.  Once again, this visit emphasized the innate beauty this country possesses.

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This campground was a one-night stay to get closer to our next destination.  The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is close to the beach, hiking trails, and open dunes.  Not far is Old Town Florence, which emanates a seaside charm with its coastal restaurants and a great view of the Siuslaw River Bridge.  This bridge looks like the sister of Tower Bridge in London.  Who could resist browsing the Kitchen Klutter or the Chicken Coop, to name a few of the quaint stores housed in historic buildings?

It was a beautiful day to wander along the boardwalk.  The marina couldn’t have been more picturesque with the mountains in the background, the water shimmering in the sunlight, and the mooring of the various sea vessels.  How can one visit the coast and not enjoy a plate of fish and chips?  Don’t forget the malt vinegar.

The next day, Mitch went for his morning run on Oregon Dunes Beach.  Upon his return, he wanted to share his experience.  Mitch explained the beach was 200 yards wide and flat as a pancake.  On his left, he could hear and see the waves of the water hitting the shore.  The sea fog accompanied him throughout his run, and it was so thick Mitch could only see forty feet in front of him. On his right, periodically, he could see 50 to 60 ft. dunes looming.  He found it so peaceful he wound up running seven miles.

Another great campground hosted by the Corp of Engineers.  Not on the water this time, but close enough to view it from our site.  One of the aspects I love about these sites is the surroundings.  They are usually by some body of water and surrounded by forestry.  Who doesn’t love nature’s wake-up call – the birds singing to the dawn of a new day.  It beats most private campgrounds where sounds range from train whistles, highway noise, or loud conversations from the camper next door.

Knowing we didn’t have many sun-filled days, we tried to take advantage of them.  The first day we went to the edge of the Harry S. Truman Reservoir (it looks like a lake to me), propped our chairs, and listened to the lapping of the water hitting the rocks as the boats sped by. We enjoyed a packed lunch – pasta salad compliments of Chef Durene and soaked up the rays of the sun. The following day, we rose early to take a hike through the Shawnee Bend Bluff trail. Hikes are interesting as you never know what will cross your path.  I am intrigued by the variety of flowers and foliage I have never seen before.  The highlight of this hike was a dilapidated old stone cottage.  Besides its stone beauty, I found the story behind it more fascinating.  Questions such as who lived there, when they lived there, and how they thrived will forever be unknown.  

We went to the town of Warsaw and walked the Main Street. It was a quaint little town and we enjoyed the looking at the shops. They had a few stores from long ago like the Rexall drugstore and the Texaco station which had the old fashioned pumps. Since the station was closed, we didn’t know if it was just for show or they actually pumped gas. We also strolled across the suspension bridge which was erected in 1904 spans the Osage River. We came across various locks attached to the bridge. We saw the same thing when we went to Italy, and I am not embarrassed to say, I put our own lock of love on one of the bridges. I would like to someday go back and see if the lock is still there.

The rain waved goodbye at Prairie Creek and gave us a wet welcome at Indian Pointe Campground. Usually, I don’t mind an occasional shower but outdoor activities aren’t much fun.  The roads getting to this destination reminded me of being on a roller coaster, climbing up a hill only to reach its apex, and before you know, its descent begins.  The winding portions were not ones we wish to navigate in the dark.  At times, I would look over to Mitch only to see him actively focusing on the road ahead, and I could tell this drive was stressful for him.

On the few days, it didn’t rain, we kayaked the Table Top Lake and rode our bikes around the town.  Branson is very much a tourist town with a multitude of different restaurants, shops, and activities.  My favorites were the Amish shop and Dave’s 5 & 10 cent store.  Dave’s was like going back to our childhood as they had toys and candy most stores don’t even sell anymore.  We squeezed in a 3-mile hike in Table Rock State Park and took a chance the grounds would be semi-dry.  Throughout the three miles, we had the trail to ourselves.  It was a leisurely hike through the woods on a well-marked trail.  We finished our trek with mud-caked boots, and the mosquitoes had feasted on my exposed flesh.  Note to self – add mosquito repellent to the hiking pack.

There are some drawbacks to traveling in your RV. Coming into the park, the RV went off the road and damaged a part of our independent suspension.  When we sent the picture to the company, they overnighted us a new spring and shock.  We were supposed to depart the park on Friday, and we could not extend our stay since there was no availability. Campers took advantage of the three-day holiday, and not one site was available in the area.  We couldn’t move on to our new location as it wouldn’t be safe to drive any long distance.  Fast forward, after multiple calls to RV techs and searching for another place until this could get fixed, we were able to secure a space at the hotel across the street. Thanks to Mitch’s canvassing local property owners to find a space to fit our RV.  Martin, the hotel owner, was kind enough to let us stay overnight.  He wouldn’t even accept any compensation. Somewhere down the road, we need to repay his kindness forward.  We hit the jackpot when we could get an RV tech to come out on a Saturday.  This event has taught us adaptability.  It’s not always going to be perfect, so view the ill weather and hiccups along the way as all part of the grand journey.

The forecast for our stay was dismal at best.  The rain seems to follow us this year.  Mitch’s brother and wife live about 25 minutes from the campsite, so a family visit was on the top of our list.  They had just purchased a boat and were eager to take it for its maiden voyage.  Sunday morning appeared to be the best time for a ride since it wasn’t supposed to rain until the afternoon.  The boat ride was excellent as it glided along Beaver Lake.  After docking the boat, we went into the town of Roger, known for the first Sam Walton store.  It was great to spend time with family and enjoy lunch.

The following morning the rain made its appearance. However, we didn’t let it get in the way of us touring the War Eagle Cavern.  The temperature is always 58,’ and it is home to 75,000 bats.  Thankfully, we only spotted two as most were out for the day, knowing Durene was touring the cave.  Our tour guide was pleasant and highly knowledgeable. Exiting the cave, we saw the sun beginning to peek through the trees.  We hoped it would continue as we had two more stops before dusk.  The next stop was the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  This museum is on 120 acres in the Ozark woods.  There is no admission to enter as it was the vision of Alice Walton to bring art to the community.  The architecture of this museum is unique and worth a visit.  Even if you don’t enjoy museums, wandering the 120 acres would be a treat since art structures adorn the various trails.  Alice Walton had a Frank Llyod Wright home moved onto the property, but due to COVID, we were not allowed inside. Our last stop for the day was a visit to downtown Bentonville.  The town square was busy with people enjoying the sun’s rays and waiting for their turn to enter the Walmart museum.  We passed on the museum and savored our ice cream as we people watched from a bench in the town square.

During a sporadic break from the rain, we visited Lake Atlanta to get in some exercise.  Mitch went for a run around the lake (I walked). Unfortunately, the rain continued until the day we left.  It’s not much fun breaking down as the rain pelts your face as you put away wet items.  Rainy travel days make us more cautious as we head to our next destination, but it’s all part of the journey.

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