So, here we go, again! We plan to RV starting April 13th, when we camp locally to do our final “pack” before going.

After being “grounded” since October 2022 for RV repairs, we bought a small home in Colorado Springs. \240But we still missed our “life on the road” of new adventures and surprises.

So now we will pick up where we had left off - going into Arizona, Utah, and parts of Southern Colorado we had not seen before. \240 A much smaller “loop” than last time, and we plan to stay longer in most places to immerse ourself in other communities. Originally, we planned Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma but have cut those due to heat this time of year and also their proximity to the border. We do not wish to “meet” any migrants!

This time, our goals are different. \240 We are no longer looking for our “perfect retirement small town” - though that dream dies hard, as we love small-town living. \240 But we realized how much we want to be near our kids and grandkids. \240And here they are! \240 So we may “snowbird” each year while we are young enough to enjoy it.

This time, we also have a house to rent in our absence. \240 Fortunately, Sierra manages AirBnB professionally and will handle that for us. \240So we have been busy preparing. \240The items to take back to the RV, making our home more rentable…Lots to buy, lots to clean, and mostly lots to organize! \240 We are busy with that now! \240 So many loose ends to tie up! Our biggest concern is theft or damage but hopefully we will get good renters.

Almost ready! \240 We are down to a few boxes of last minute stuff to take to the RV as we spent about 5 hours at the RV last Saturday, just removing stuff from our last trip, cleaning, and restocking.

Jim’s truck is in to have the AC fixed. \240 Should get it back Thursday. Cutting it a little close! \240 We begin to “camp” locally Saturday. Jim will need to flush out the antifreeze, then we will test our rig, bring groceries from home, etc. we leave the following Saturday to “hit the road”.

Just saw the solar eclipse! \240 Colorado darkened by 65%, but I also watched Dallas Texas as they experienced totality. The cameras went completely dark for a short time. \240 Fascinating!

And, we’re moved!

We spent two exhausting days schlepping boxes TO the RV from home, putting those items away (many areas needed reorganized to fit better) \240and then taking some items (duplicates, things that wouldn’t quite fit, etc) back to the house and put those things where they go!

After a very pleasant day, the weather turns. \240 A cold front moved in last night, with a low of 28 degrees.

We keep warm in our RV, with warm bedding and propane heat. \240 But the wind kept us awake much of the night! \240

We had sustained winds of about 40 mph. \240 We could feel the whole trailer shake. \240I can sleep through that, but you hear all the squeaks and pops and bumps, and wonder with each one if that is a “normal” sound, or the first notice of something tearing loose…. We did lose a cap from our sewer line, and will walk near our RV to look for it. \240 But the window toppers are intact! \240 Those are little curtains over the slider, and they pop and flex in the winds. \240 If those rip they are expensive - and we had just paid to replace one. \240 But all is well.

Winds expected tonight (Thursday) and Friday. \240 Hoping we sleep better! \240

This morning began with a nice walk, though cold, with the camp manager and her two Westies. \240 It was nice to get to know her, and hear their plans for the campground. \240 It is new, and so far has few activities. I wanted to kidnap Oscar or Buster. \240 I really miss having a dog.

And, we wait.

Today we are supposed to move to Canon City, CO - near the Royal Gorge.

But the weather is iffy. \240 It is very foggy, with ice on the ground from the mist and cold. \240 At least we got no snow, but it was 29 last night and the RV interior is chilly. \240 We had to use space heaters to supplement the heat, \240

Still cloudy and cool so we did a short walk in the campground. \240 Then we went to a dinosaur museum here. \240(a lot of fossils come from this area). \240 Most impressive was a massive sea turtle - I bet it was a good 20 feet, head to tail!

Today we went to the Holy Cross Abbey for a wine tasting. \240This is a favorite Colorado brand.

Campground was getting boring. \240 There are only three campers here- ours, the manager, and one other. \240 It is warmer but the winds are keeping everyone in.

So far - not too impressed with Canon City. I have known several who moved here to escape the “big city” but I think it seems depressed here. \240 A lot of poverty, the over-looming prison here, bare cliffs, people who seem very “private”… in our week here we are out of things to do. \240 How many times would locals go see the Royal Gorge? \240

Sierra had the photographer to our house, and posted those to our AirBnb listing. \240So it is now ready! \240 I wonder how long it will take to get our first renter, our first review? \240 It seems that our house starts at about $160ish per night and goes closer to $300 per night closer to holidays. \240 Those are weekly rates. \240I imagine shorter stays cost more nightly than longer stays. \240 Pray with us for good responsible renters.

Today we saw the prison museum, near the Supermax that houses some of the worst offenders in the nation. \240The Unibomber, the underwear bomber, the Boston marathon bomber, Timothy McVeigh’s accomplice, El Chapo, the Chuck E Cheese murderer…

Today was our best here! \240 A beautiful day, we went to Royal Gorge. \240It had largely burned down since we last saw it, so much of it was new. \240They had a real good movie on the history and building of the bridge.

We walked across the bridge and saw the Skycoaster and Ziplines. \240 Jim had pre-purchased that last November but seeing both, I said “no way!”. \240Just too high a thrill ride for me! \240I usually don’t mind heights, but I have my limits! \240 The park employees were nice enough to refund those attractions.

So we rode the tram instead, and walked the area enjoying the viewpoints.

Then, we took our refund and went to a place we’d seen very near our campground - helicopter rides! \240 We did that instead! \240It was short but fun! \240 We saw the bridge from above, and also our campground. \240The pilot was a woman. \240 She was FBI until she moved to Colorado Springs and was a detective working child abuse cases. \240 Apparently she quit when she could no longer handle that and took a “happier” job, flying.

The landing was a little rough, as the wind had picked up and we skittered to a stop. \240 A fun memory! We’d wanted to ride a helicopter since our Alaska cruise. \240 We were supposed to fly one then but they cancelled on us. \240 Chris was so disappointed! \240 I wish he were with us now.

Here we are! \240 Raton, New Mexico -

Arrived with no problems. \240 We were a little concerned about high winds near Walsenburg, but it seems there are always high winds there!

Yesterday was a rest day in Canon City. \240 I did laundry and cleaned. \240 We ate at a nice outdoor restaurant by the river.

Raton will be only two days as there is nothing to do here. \240 Just a good stopping point heading to Albuquerque. At least our campground has some deer to watch!

Here we are near Albuquerque! \240Raton, NM was about 32 degrees this morning, now we are in Bernalillo and it is mid-sixties, very pleasant.

The drive was easy - mostly flat, little traffic. \240 One slight scare was due to a baby mattress covering most of our lane. \240 We managed to move over in time - bet it wouldn’t feel nice to run over a mattress with truck and RV. \240Would you lose control, have a really bumpy ride, or have it wrap around your axles and damage something? \240 I’d rather not find out!

Once here, we went to a hole-in-the-wall pizza place that had amazingly an good live band. It was Nextdoor to our RV park. \240We ate outside, and a local was telling us that the men playing were not a group, but just locals who step forward and jam together. \240 You would never know they hadn’t practiced together! \240 They were tight! \240 The waiter was saying that sometimes famous musicians join in, too. \240 Yet this was a shack of a building, a wooden stage, and chairs out in the sand with awnings overhead. \240As to food, we had a pumpkin pizza - yes, really; with pumpkin seeds, goat cheese, chilies, etc. \240 Really tasty! \240 It’s fun to try local foods that are completely different than what is available in Colorado!

Already we notice how many retirees are in the area; and they seem to be having a lot of fun!

The day started out worrisome. \240 Sierra said our first AirBnB family gave a bad review, but what they complained about seemed more like people looking for a heavy discount than any real problem… There was supposed to be a family of 5, but I saw several others (possibly local friends or relatives?) and a pit Bull dog. \240 When they left I saw them going in and out, in and out - with very large bags and suitcases…I just hope they weren’t “shopping” our things. \240I think I saw one of our drinking glasses go out the door, with a plant in it…. One plastic trash bag (full) looked like those I had my hung clothes in…

Hoping I am just being paranoid.

I was telling Jim - I have felt convicted that I must learn to “trust” again after some situations we faced. \240 For me, this whole trip forces me to trust -

Jim with driving,and our new financial picture with retirement; \240Sierra with watching over our house while we travel; Amy with managing our mail; David/Sierra \240with driving our car periodically.

(Thanks, kiddos!)

I have always been very “hands on” with caring for our goods and responsibilities. \240 This is my first time to “let go”.

Yet we joy in The journey and trust God to watch over us. \240 Days are coming, we believe, that memories and friends might be more valuable than our “stuff”.

Had a great day!

Driving, we love seeing all the adobe architecture here. \240 Some beautiful homes, so different from what we see in Colorado!

This morning we went to the Sandia Peak tramway. \240 Appartently this is the longest tramway in the US. \240 It took about 15 minutes to reach the summit (about 10,000 feet).

From there, you can see all of Albuquerque. \240 The other side of the ridge is the Sandia ski resort, which had great views of Santa Fe. \240 You could even see Colorado’s Spanish Peaks in the distance.

We were going to hike up there but the trails were too icy from a storm last week.

Went to the zoo today. \240 It reminded me of how the Denver Zoo used to be. \240 It was an inexpensive (senior discount) entertainment, and our goal has been to walk a lot to gear us up for hikes we have planned.

Alas, my knee disagreed with that plan. \240It was unhappy at the start of our visit and by the end (I made it through all the exhibits!) it is very swollen and sore. \240I wonder if I had a chunk of the ‘old kneecap break off. \240I kept having to stop and try to realign it - kind of a weird kick maneuver that sometimes works for me. \240 Anyway, it’s weird. \240 Some days it is pretty normal, and then for no known reason it can flare up, really painful.

Additionally, today I noticed the diamond in my wedding ring had fallen out. \240 Doubt it will be found as it could be anywhere. \240I love my ring - though it was inexpensive as we married young and broke, while Jim finished college. \240 But it is 43 years old, and had a small stone. I suppose it is inevitable that it needs TLC.

Whoohoo! \240 I prayed last night, and this morning, found my diamond while I was making my bed!! \240I’m convinced this was a direct answer to prayer.

It could’ve fallen out anytime in the last week or so, in several places we visited, so the odds were incredible! \240Yet, there it was!

I still need to get my ring off so it can be repaired. \240Besides, the remaining prong mountings “catch” on things and poke my other fingers. \240 Hope it can still get over my now-chubbier knuckle. \240 I’ll try later, with some oil. \240I’ve also seen an online trick that involves wrapping your finger tightly with thread first.

today we are going to a nuclear museum in Albuquerque, \240then to Buca Di Beppo, an Italian restaurant we used to enjoy in Colorado Springs before they shut down. Jim has worked with nuclear technologies at many of his jobs. \240

Wow. \240You don’t know what you’re missing…Here we are in Grants, New Mexico. \240 Talk about desolate! \240 And poor! \240 We drove through town, and it is largely closed and disintegrating hotels. \240 There is a Walmart, Taco Bell, and KFC. \240 Also, our campground serves dinners and pancakes. At least we won’t go hungry.

We had a nice day, starting with a beautiful sunrise. \240 Our campground offers free pancakes and coffee, so we did that today. \240 The pancakes were made by a machine - press a button, and the dough is measured onto a short conveyer belt \240where it is lightly pressed and cooked on both sides. \240 Perhaps 1 minute, \240and then 2 pancakes drop onto a plate. \240 And they were good!

Here we are - still in Grants. \240 One more day. \240 We were supposed to stay until Saturday, but this is such a barren place.

The winds have been fierce, so sleeping has been hard. \240They are supposed to let up Wednesday, so we can move then. \240 You do not want to be moving our big tall beast of an RV in high winds!

Gallup - our next stop- \240is, at least, a bigger boring town. \240 The shopping sounds fun - lots of Native American arts.

Today we hiked more. \240We went up a volcano (Bandera) and peered into its cone. \240There are 30+ volcanos within sight here.

Then down to an ice cave that is 20’ thick and 30 degrees year round. \240 It was, naturally, cold and windy. \240 Except Albuquerque, that describes much of our trip so far! \240

Anyway, a unique experience. \240Both definitely more interesting than the pictures show. \240And the hiking is good training to get us back in shape.

I am missing our kids, grandkids, and church more this time….

I forgot to write yesterday. \240 It was another windy day in Grants NM. \240 We went to a mining museum. \240 Pretty cool for a little town. \240 Apparently they were one of the biggest uranium mines in the USA.

We also went to a Mexican restaurant.

Then, back in the bucking RV, riding out 50mph gusts. \240 We heard, near Cheyenne Mountain in Co, they had 80mph gusts!

Today is finally calmer, so we left Grants (YAY!) and drove to Gallup. \240 So far this is our only non-scheduled stop. \240But it is a change of scenery, is a bigger town, with a lot of Indian Arts to shop.

We ate at El Rancho, a very old hotel and diner that has drawn many famous movie stars - John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, H.W. Bush, Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Shirley Temple, Betty Gable, and many more. It dates to 1881! \240

Not much to say about Gallup but here goes -

We spent yesterday shopping the Indian Art in the area. \240 It seems to be mostly silver and turquois jewelry, some baskets and rug weaving. \240Most is too Indian-motif for my tastes but it is still beautiful work. \240 Most impressive was a beaded work on deer hide that showed Custer’s last stand - all the scenes done in beads! \240 At $60,000 that was not the most expensive item we saw. \240 This area caters to collectors, not the tourist doodads.

Today we were going to a museum about the WWII Navajo Codetalkers, but it was closed. \240 Jim learned about them in the course of his work.

Finally, we are out of New Mexico and into Arizona! \240 We are in Show Low, a small mountain town named after a famous card match.

This town reminds me of an earlier era of Monument or Black Forest. \240 Some friends of ours from Monument moved here, and raved about it. \240 Unfortunately, they are now on a family medical emergency trip so we can’t see them this time.

After arrival, we went to a local Farmers Market near by. \240The usual types of crafts, salsas, etc for sale but it helped us see the kind of people here.

Next we found a CVS to refill our prescriptions.

Then we went to a cool restaurant, “the house” \240mostly seating was outdoors, with a lawn area full of people playing various games, and lights strung overhead.

While there, the restaurant hosted a wedding! \240 It was fun to watch their ceremony as we ate. \240 After their ceremony, a live band began playing! \240They were very good, but we left early as we were too tired from our moving day, and the evening was getting chilly.

Yesterday was Mothers Day. \240 We went to a nice steak restaurant.

We also drove the town, and went to Juniper Ridge to see our friends’ home. Nothing like it in Colorado; \240it is a “neighborhood” resort of RV lots you buy, to park your rig semi-permanently - and small casitas - houses generally under 1000 square feet, some a mere 400 square feet. \240A few people keep both an RV and casita on their lot.

The resort they are on is elegantly landscaped, and has a pool, golf course, gym, crafts, games and lots of activities that come with your residency. \240(We stayed as a guest in a place like that while in Florida and loved it - we had so much fun!)

Today we drove Mogollon Ridge, a scenic/camping area nearby. \240 Beautiful overlooks, very pristine and lightly used. Much like Colorado used to be.

One odd thing - at those gorgeous overlooks, we saw two small memorials in different areas. \240 Each had flowers, a marker, and an urn! \240 Not sure if they held pets or people, but they weren’t buried at all - just set on a rocky ledge so the “resident” could enjoy the view, I guess!

I also found a small horned toad. \240Hadn’t seen one in years. \240Had to catch him to see if I still could. \240 He was fast!

Rough unpaved roads, lots of truck traffic and road construction delays (they were adding lanes) \240made it a very long and tiring drive.

We finally wound up in the town of Payson, a mountain town of about 16,000 people at 5,000 feet elevation. \240 Really nice town! \240Much more mountainous than I expect of Arizona. \240Reminded me of Estes Park, CO but not quite as classy.

At that point, had we continued down the road, we’d have been in Phoenix in an hour!

Instead, we’ll be mostly staying in this central, more mountainous area most of our time. \240 Many small, senior-centric Townes dot this valley and it should not be as beastly hot. \240 So far we are only hitting 70s. \240 We’d best enjoy that!

Another reason to avoid Phoenix is the “Julie” curse. \240 Julie was a childhood friend of mine. \240 I knew her when I hit my clutzy preteen phase. \240Seemed every time I went to visit her house I got injured. \240 Cuts and Scrapes, a football gave me a black eye, her dog jumped off a lounge chair and it flipped up and knocked out a front tooth, and finally, I ran through their newly cleaned sliding glass door and wound up with 300 stitches on my right knee!

Then her family moved to Phoenix. \240 Since, I have been there twice. \240 The first time, my family totalled their car. \240 (Not their fault). \240 My Mom was badly concussed. \240 I was in the back seat and hit my knees hard on the front seat. \240My orthopedic surgeon thinks that is why my left knee is so messed up now. I had instinctively taken the hit on my stronger knee.

The second time, \240Driving through Phoenix after Jim and I married, our car died in the 120 degree heat. \240 We spent a miserable afternoon trying to start the car. \240 Finally we walked to a nearby hotel, slept, and in the cool of the night decided to try to start the car! \240 It started, and we left at about 2 am and went straight home to Denver.

Anyway - now I avoid Julie! \240Her sister Brenda, good friend to my sister, now lives in Colorado Springs. \240 But apparently the curse is only in Julie’s presence.

Plus - I hate that kind of heat!

Today we went to the Petrified Forrest, and the Painted Dessert. \240 Both were really interesting. \240 It was a fair drive (again) from our campground, and once there, a long drive through the park where we would stop at each area of interest and do a short hike. Trying not to reinjure my knee, we did about 3.5 miles - so we didn’t do the longer hikes. \240But it was well worth it for the scenery, the petrified logs (many polished naturally by the weather) and the petroglyphs.

We also saw new towns, Pinetop and Lakeside. \240 We liked them, but I hear the Mormon presence here is strong. That was an issue when we lived in Idaho. \240Nice people, generally, but so driven…

Snowflake, a town nearby, \240was started by Mormons named Mr. Snow, and Mr. Flake. \240 Yep, really. Here I thought they were laughing at a stray snowstorm…

There is also the big town of Bellybutton near there. \240 I really don’t want to know how that name came to be.

After two long days in the car, we are exhausted.

“Standing on a corner in Windslow, Arizona - such a fine site to see! \240 It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flat bed Ford slowing down to take a look at me…”

Yep. \240 Here we are and I can prove it -

Rock and Roll. \240 Most of today was very windy. \240 About 40+ mph sustained wind, with gusts about 65mph. \240 Since 70 mph can tip a rig our size, it was very uncomfortable. \240 Really makes you tense, hour after hour. \240 The whole RV shudders and shakes. \240The TV screen is bouncing no up and down, and you hear every pop and creak and squeak wondering if something is breaking.

Finally about dinner time it settled down.

We had reservations at LaPosada, known as the best restaurant in Arizona. \240Yes, in little Winslow! \240 It doubles as their train depot, and in its heyday housed most of the big politicians and TV stars of its era- Presidents Truman, Johnson, Eisenhauer. \240 Cary Grant, Jimmy Stuart, Dr. Einstein, James Cagney, and many more.

Very Spanish/Mexican decor and a wonderful chef. \240We thoroughly enjoyed our meal!

Hi again, \240 We are a short hop down the road from Winslow to have a change of scenery and to see the meteor crater. \240It was on our way anyway and will make the next hop to Grand Canyon shorter.

Unfortunately, we had a mishap while parking and dinged our Ford. \240 Cosmetic damage only but annoying. \240 Watching for one hazard we bumped something else. \240Some of these campgrounds are pretty tight.

We saw a wild horse, outside our campground. He was a silhouette on the horizon, running in the light of the sunset. \240 Memorable! \240

Tonight we hope to get outside a while and see the stars. This is quite remote so we hope for the “dark skies”.

Tomorrow we go to see the crater. \240 There is a museum, a hike to the rim, and a movie.

My knee has continued to be a problem.

Even short walks flare it up. \240I hope I didn’t rip a tendon…. Everywhere we go will involve walking. \240 Prayers please. \240 Wouldn’t want to finally get where the fun is and miss too much.

The campground is great but there is no food here - restaurants or groceries- for many miles. \240 So we actually COOKED today! \240 It was fun!

We enjoyed the Meteor Crater. \240 They had a movie about it, a museum, even a Disney-esque ride with moving seats, sounds, air, flashes to accompany its movie. They had a nice coffee shop we lingered at, and of course we walked a trail along the rim of the crater, with several observation decks.

It really was fascinating. \240 There was a historical “gravity” to the site I hadn’t felt since the Roman Colosseum. Astronauts trained there, and scientists learned a lot about meteriorites that was applied all around the globe. \240 This is the biggest impact crater in the US. \240 About 150 feet, but it hit hard and the hole would house 20 football fields and millions of fans.

Tomorrow we leave for the Grand Canyon (Williams Arizona is as close as you get) and our campground boasts a train to get to the canyon! \240

Well, here we are in Williams. \240 Our campground is interesting. \240 Very nicely done, but essentially a parking lot in the middle of town. \240 I can see - from our RV- the community fire pit, a Dairy Queen, a la Quinta hotel, a restaurant, and the train station that will transport us to the Grand Canyon, about an hour from here.

We had a short, easy drive today. \240 Yet somehow we are both really exhausted. \240 Perhaps the constant changes in weather and elevation? \240 So far we have had perhaps two hot days, 80+ degrees. \240Most of our time in New Mexico and Arizona has been more like the 70s, but consistent wind. \240Fairly cool. \240Night temps still require the heater in our RV. \240 Yet we are so near Phoenix at 100 degrees. \240 Arizona has many habitats. \240 There is snow still, on a nearby peak!

Being a railroad town, there are several old locomotive engines displayed in town. \240 Surprise - one was from the Manitou and Pikes Peak cog railway. \240I remember reading, a year or two ago, that they had sold that! \240A touch of home here!

We are near enough downtown Williams that we can walk there to shop - though my knee was acting up again. \240 At the crater I learned one of my anti-inflammatory meds helped a lot. \240 But it is strong and I hate to take it often. \240 I’ll have to decide each day whether to tough it out or not. \240 I just hate to spoil the fun for Jim.

Had a nice day today, starting with church. \240 There is a Calvary Chapel here, and we enjoyed being among fellow believers. \240 Their main pastor wasn’t preaching, but we enjoyed the associate Pastor. \240 He mentioned at one point that he works at the Deer Farm, which we had already decided to visit. The people seemed nice and we enjoyed the music and communion.

First we had lunch in town. \240 The rest was OK but I ordered the worst onion rings I have ever had. \240 They were not crispy, but fried to a mush inside and out. \240 Little grease bombs that I couldn’t eat but left an aftertaste that just wouldn’t quit! \240 We stopped in a nearby candy store just to find something to chase that demon onion away!

Then on to the Deer Farm. \240 Kind of a petting zoo for adults, with other animals too but you could only feed the deer. \240 Really had fun, though our hands were quite slimed by the time we ran out of food. \240 Those gentle little Bambis could be quite pushy!

Today we went to “Bearizona”, a drive through and walk through zoo that let you get up close and personal with most Rocky Mountain type animals. \240 Deer, Elk, Bear, Bobcat, Mountain goat, Big Horn sheep, Bison, Wolf, porcupine - and my personal favorite, otters! \240 The enclosures were well designed to keep the animals near the parade of cars, but in very comfortable habitats. \240 We were early, so they were very active, not off slumbering in a corner.

We also did a VIP, Behind the Scenes tour that took us even closer to some shyer residents like the wolves and a sloth. \240 The driver also put out food, drawing animals even closer. \240I was in heaven! \240 Such a treat to be so close among them!

We walked a portion of the zoo, ate in a really nice restaurant, bought some small gifts for the grandkids - then as the icing on the cake, we watched otter feeding time and I got to feed them a little, too!

Anticipating their feeding, they were being real feisty. \240 They would swim in close, then float on their backs and make a clicking sound as they watched for their treats! \240 What magic!

Happy times with God’s creations!

Yesterday we went to Canyon Coaster and took a ride, then went to another hill there where they had inner tubing and did one run on that too. \240 Fun, but not near so fast as on snow!

Next we caught up on some chores in the RV. \240We are having some internet issues so some of our image downloads are taking FOREVER.

Today Jim talked to our Medicare expert, then applied for Medicare by phone this morning (fun, fun!) - in a few months he gets to do it again for me!

After, we drove a short way to Seligman, AZ. \240 Their “claim to fame” is they were the inspiration for “Cars” \240- a nearly deserted Route 66 town. \240 They had the old 50’s businesses and many old cars, some made to look like Mater, Lightening McQueen, and other characters in the movie. Naturally, lots of souvenir shops.

We got back late tonight, from an amazing two day adventure in the Grand Canyon.

Sunday morning we boarded a train for a two hour ride. \240 It began within a short walk of our RV park.

(We left our cat, Jasper, in the RV with lots of extra food, water, and the heat/AC set just so to keep him comfortable while we were gone.)

We had a luxury panoramic dome car, that featured some food, drink, and entertainment (singers, jokes, and info about the canyon) along the way. \240A very relaxing way to travel!

We arrived in Grand Canyon and walked 3/4 of the Rim trail, marveling at the views. This was Jim’s first time at the canyon. \240 I went once as a young girl, but I believe it was a pretty fast peek, not a proper visit.

We ate at a nice steakhouse there, too. \240By afternoon we were tired (logged 5 miles on my sore knees! Pretty good! ) so we checked into our hotel, the El Tovar, which sits next to a prominent view point.

We rested a little, and I took an actual BATH to sooth my knees, my first bath since our trip began! \240 Our RV has a nice shower, so no, I haven’t gone hobo. \240I just prefer baths!

Then, we shuttled to begin the Sunset tour, where a bus took us to some prominent points to watch the (drum roll) SUN SET. \240That was amazing, as the colors were heightened in a continual changing display. \240The moments it took to adjust your camera could easily take you from a dazzling, brightly lit rock face, to a dull, shadowed wall of more pastel colors!

We returned to the hotel about bedtime, but before sleeping, we went out just behind the hotel to stargaze in the now dark skies, so far from any lights. \240 Magical!

This morning, went out behind the hotel about 5:30am to watch the sunrise. \240The sunset was more impressive but we still enjoyed the show. \240Then we breakfasted at our hotel, then finished walking the rim trail. We saw a movie about the Canyon at the Visitors center. \240

We tried to see an IMAX movie that required a long shuttle ride, only to learn that the film had broken (“that never happens…”) so We had to wait 45 minutes for the shuttle to return, then a long ride back! \240Waste of time but I admit we enjoyed sitting and the air conditioning!

We had to be back to the return train by 3:00, so with our short remaining time, we decided to, at least, see the trailhead for the Bright Angel Trail that goes to the floor of the canyon - several hours of hard walking, we’re we to descend. \240I had read books about that trail. \240 No way we could walk it, but it was fun to see where the path snaked down the canyon walls. \240 That’s where the mule trains go down too - but I would not be so brave! \240 That trail is very narrow, with loose gravel, no rails, \240and not altogether level! \240 My wobbly knees would make me a real danger! \240(After another 5 miles today, they were pretty sore!). It IS a real danger. \240I think they said Grand Canyon has about 50 fatal fallls per year!

The train ride back also included food, drink, and entertainment. \240 The passengers were all very tired and subdued! Actors rode horses alongside the coach as we approached the town of Williams, and “robbed” the train! \240(Yet another way to get cash, at this point!) \240All good clean fun!

Back at the RV, we are more than ready to rest, and to upload our zillion photos we took.

Jasper was happy to see us.

(will add more pictures later)

Goodnight!

Misc shots from Williams -

Finally getting to the small, touristy towns that are the heart of our trip. \240 The heat has found us, we are now well into the 90’s, though nearby Phoenix measured 115 so I can’t complain. \240 So far our AC keeps us quite comfortable. \240We have trees in this park, and a nice breeze.

Dewey/Humboldt, Prescott and Prescott Valley are all within an easy drive. \240 We hear this is a big retiree area.

Our RV park is 55+ and, besides Traveling RV’s such as ours, they also have areas for RV’s as permanent (or seasonal) housing, manufactured homes, and park models. \240 All in all they create its own community, with a pool, exercise room, community gardens, woodworking shops etc. \240 then they have activities like bingo, bunco, meals, etc that you can sign up for. \240 The residents seem really friendly - everyone waves.

We are going to lunch in Dewey, and exploring the town. \240 I believe it is about 10k population, where each Prescott is about 50k. \240 Downright civilized!

Today we went to church in Prescott Arizona. \240 One of the best Pastors we have heard in a while. \240 He was a little ADD, but he spoke of Israel, the upcoming election difficulties, and how to keep ourselves in the HOPE of Christ. \240 He also threw in tips, as he spoke, as to proper rules of Biblical Study, and how to analyze scripture. \240It was a congregation of perhaps 300 in that first service.

Watson Lake - after a quiet laundry morning, we went to Watson Lake to kayak. \240 We could only do about an hour as our skin was already burning, but it was really a great place for it. \240 Lots of rock Islands, birds, the water was still and about ideal pool temperature.

Today Jim went to Discount Tire to have his low tire filled. \240 On a dually that means they must put it on a lift. \240So he waited. \240They were supposed to rotate the tires and put on new windshield wipers. \240 After a couple hours, they said he was done so he came home. \240 But, on the way home he saw the same tire still registered as low on our monitoring system. \240So he went back - and found they had some miscommunication and it wasn’t done! \240 So he waited about another hour there….

Later we went to the Shallot Hall Museum, which was really well done. \240 Kind of a standard Western Museum - Indians, miners, soldiers, etc but a “step above” most I have seen.

Still enjoying the Dewey/Prescott area. \240 The restaurants here have been very good; always a pleasure! \240Yesterday I went to a very good woman’s Bible Study then we had lunch, all at our RV park. \240 The food was OK, but our table mate was unfriendly - a sharp contrast to most we have met.

Today, after a nice swim and learning how to play Bocce Ball, \240we went to Mortimer Farms- which reminded me of the Pumpkin Patch back home. \240 Lots of kids rides and slides, and fields and greenhouses of pick-your-own farm foods. \240 Boy, was it hot though! Wiped us out, about high 90s.

We returned this evening for a line dance. \240 Lots of Texas line dancing, and the younger people were Really into it! A pleasure to watch. \240 Jim tried a few dances. (I have video to prove it!) \240I wanted to, but my knees have been too sore and wobbly to handle all the turning…. I wish Colorado had a similar venue. \240 Nice to sit under the stars and trees, with the open-sided barn to dance in.

Had a nice but quiet day. \240 Went to dinner with a couple we met our first night here while playing card bingo.

Steve and Deborah McCrumb have a nice modular here in the park. \240 After dinner we played another round of card Bingo. \240Though none of us won anything it was fun to chat and laugh.

Well, here we are at our central focus of this trip - Camp Verde, AZ. \240 This is a nice, central base camp for many small tourist towns such as Sedona, Jerome, Cottonwood, etc. \240 there is so much to do here! \240We are scheduled for a full month in this campground, and I bet we use every bit!

This will be the hottest point in our trip, near Phoenix but about 3000 foot altitude. \240We expect 100+ most days. \240So for the first time, we got a site shaded by a canopy. \240 Well worth the extra! \240We also are on a hilltop, so the views are amazing. This part of Arizona is hilly and green - comparitively!

So far our AC is holding up nicely indoors. \240But outdoors is really draining. \240 Just zaps our energy! \240Jim even burned his soles just taking garbage across the street this morning!

It is Fathers’ Day, so Jim picked a really nice place to eat out. \240 We spent time on the phone with two of the kids.

A great start!

Yesterday was a quiet day in the campground, mostly catching up on housekeeping and computer chores. We did, however, rent a golf cart for a day to more thoroughly explore our campground. \240 We found a riverside trail and walked it just long enough to be tired and sweaty. \240Then we went to the pool and hot tub. \240We scoped out the laundry facilities - this is one that requires an app to pay, just like some parking lots do. \240 I don’t like that many apps having connections to our money, but what to do? \240 I much prefer the coin-ops. Anyway, I do love the golf carts.

Today, we saw Sedona for the first time. \240 What a truly beautiful city, and the rock spires are so colorful and majestic! \240 We took a bus tour to scenic overlooks, the chapel of the holy cross, uptown Sedona, a museum, and a Buddhist Stupa. \240We ate out at Elòtes, and shopped, and saw an amazing art gallery. \240If I were rich I’d have gone home with some exquisite animal sculptures there. \240 But alas, thousands are beyond my souvenir budget!

Like Manitou back home, the “spiritual” vibes here are pretty weird. \240 Very “New Age” - the Vortexes, crystals, chakras, etc are taken pretty seriously. \240 Oh, I forgot alien abductions and chucacabres! \240All I cared about was the “vortex” of the air conditioners. \240 At 90 degrees, we hit a mild day for here - but for us Coloradoans it seemed sweltering! So the cool air was the true blessing!

Definitely overdid today. \240 My knees are complaining and we are exhausted. \240 But, great day!

Today we went shopping in Sedona at Tlaquepaque. \240 What a wonderful experience! \240 The grounds were landscaped beautifully, with Disney-esque touches in every corner. Flowers, wind sculptures, architecture similar to Encanto (Disney animation)

They had many high quality art galleries - as in, most items were in the thousands of dollars. \240 Sculptures, paintings, jewelry… Lovely just to view!

Then were the shops more on our level - high but not ridiculous prices, but very unique items and very high quality. \240 Found some nice things for the girls, the grandkids…I scored a small purse (an obsession of mine!) and Jim got a nice meal out, on a outdoor patio with a view of the rock formations here.

A fun day, overall!

Today we went to Montezumas castle - a large Pueblo built into a hillside, like a smaller Mesa Verde. \240It was 95 degrees, so not great hiking weather.

Then we saw Montezumas’ well - a sinkhole, rumored to be bottomless. It also had an ancestral cliff Pueblo. \240 We’d have liked to walk down to the water but it was closed off due to the bat “nursery” - the season for pregnant bats in the area.

Finally, we stopped at a roadside stand that is well known for their fry bread. \240 We shared an Indian taco and a honeyed desert type.

Today we toured the ghost/mining/tourist town of Jerome, and also saw parts of Cottonwood.

We did a tour bus, and are so glad we did, as our wide truck would have been a real issue on the narrow, winding roads to and through Jerome.

Jerome was once a copper mining Mecca, set high in the hills. \240 Now it is mostly rustic buildings, gift shops, and restaurants. \240Lovely views! \240We ate at Haunted Hamburger, their best known.

Yes, there are a lot of ghost stories - \240today was the “witches market” and yes, crystals still abound here, as in Sedona. We could never live in this area for that reason. \240 Prescott, on the other hand, was very independent, evangelical Christian - with a few Catholic Churches.

It was about 105 so we arrived “home” exhausted. \240 Unfortunately, we have run into our first experience with rude neighbors. \240They have a very small RV, so this group of young people sit outside most of the day (yesterday and today) in a group of 6-8 people. \240 Some must be local friends, as their camper can’t fit more than 2 sleepers. That’s ok, but they have somewhat loud music/TV all day and they talk and laugh really loud. \240So it gets annoying, hour after hour, and past our bedtime. \240 If this doesn’t change we will have to talk to park management. \240 But for now we remain patient. \240 Our other grievance is they parked a car behind our truck, in our space - so to get out would require finding the driver. \240Very bad if an emergency came up, and we paid for our spot! \240Grrrrr….

Today we went to the small town of Cottonwood, to shop their downtown.

No purchases, but we had a nice meal there.

Today we went to “Out of Africa”, another drive-through zoo that happens to be very near our RV park. \240 Really enjoyed the up-close encounters as our bus would stop and lure them in with treats. We got to “kiss a giraffe” by holding a favorite herb in our mouth for the giraffe to take.

The guide also lured the predators to the fence near the bus and had them show off. \240 She had lots of facts to share.

It was a pleasant day - except for the overwhelming heat and humidity. \240 It had rained on our RV hard most of the night. \240There were no air conditioned busses, just open sided. \240 And very little shade in the park. \240 I was getting a little heat woozy, and now “home”, we are exhausted. But happy!

Another perk - there was a “tiger splash show” - featuring 2 tigers swimming, and attacking certain toys. \240 They could really leap!

Then we got to feed the tigers. \240 They had, basically, a metal chute through the fence and you could push the meat down to them. They chuffed and purred!

Had a great horseback twilight ride tonight! \240 Hadn’t been on a horse in a long while and wasn’t sure my knee would permit it, but all went well. \240 It had been over 100 degrees today, but at sunset it cooled nicely and we rode in a heavily treed area by the river. \240Up and down steep hills, over the river and through a working vineyard - we briefly tried to gallop, but it wasn’t working for my cranky knee. \240 Still, what a pleasure in the sunset, with the gurgling river, and the scent, and later the stars! We rode Humphrey and Honey.

Today we had a massage in Sedona - and I think I melted on the table, I felt so relaxed!

Seems like a “must do” in Sedona!

Another wonderful Sedona day!

Jim treated me to a facial, wonderful in itself, but it proved to be a “divine appointment”. \240

The woman doing the facial was talkative. \240As she talked, she mentioned things that indicated she was conservative and perhaps a Christian.

She had been a college professor in sociology/psychology fields, but decided to leave as she saw the darkness (and, in her words, evil) of the DEI and communist leaning ideologies enter her campus. \240Additionally, the stories that came from her field showed the darkness of mankind and it impacted her.

I was telling her of my problems with psychology/sociology from my background and experiences. \240I found validation from some of what she said. And, it was nice to talk to someone familiar with those challenges. \240She listened - a rare gift. \240 (Pardon me for being cryptic here, but it is too personal for this) Anyway, it felt healing to my sore spots!

At this point, I simply asked her if she was a Christian since she seemed to be.

She indicated she was, for the first time, leaning that direction. \240 Then she proceeded to ask me a bunch of questions to the effect of, how do I know I was saved and what difference has it made in my life? \240

(I had been praying recently about my need to be more bold in sharing my faith, a weakness of mine, as the world around us has such need of hope)

Talk about God tossing an opportunity in my lap! \240 \240Time to learn! \240

So we had a most interesting remaining time during my facial (also pleasant!) I pray my words helped her. I encouraged her to look into the Bible and read it literally…. And to find a solid church. \240And she helped me, too, in laying some things to rest.

Then, Jim picked me up and we went to a restaurant with great food and a view (from our outdoor patio) to die for. \240 Wow!

It just doesn’t get better than this!

Had a few quiet days after Sedona.

I swam in the pool here, and we ate at some local restaurants. \240 One was a nice breakfast place called “Thanks a latte”. \240 It was very busy, and they knew the names of all the locals. Nice.

Last night, we went to the “Blazing M”, which was like the “Flying W” in Colorado Springs. \240 Not as big, not as professional. \240 A little more family oriented, with songs more Western than strictly cowboy songs. \240 But it was a fun show and good food. \240 They were singing “Ghost Rider in the Sky when this dude came tiding by the windows:

Last night, late, we were back in Sedona. \240 We wanted to enjoy the sunset there, and the “dark sky” community stars.

So we went back to Mariposa, the restaurant with incredible views, and enjoyed a drink and dessert on their patio. I saw an add stating it is one of the top ten romantic restaurants in the nation! \240It had been too hot to be out during the day, so it was nice to get out. \240After the sunset it felt like a pleasant tropical evening. \240 It seemed exotic to be out late, enjoying a very different locale, and good food - \240when we are normally “early to bed” people.

Then today, we got up early and drove to Clarkdale, a copper mining town between Sedona and Cottonwood. \240 There we took a train for a 3.5 hour pleasure ride, just admiring the scenery and historic narration about the area.

I was hoping to see animals but they too are hiding from the heat. \240 I have not seen a single snake, scorpion, tarantula, javelina, or deer - all of which I hear are common. \240 I have only seen a lot of a small brown skinny lizard.

Afterward, we saw a copper art museum there.

It was 111 degrees today, so these were nice air-conditioned activities!

But, with the heat and several late night activities we are exhausted.

Time to scale back and relax.

Well, it’s me again! \240 We had a quiet week, our last in this area. \240Tomorrow we move to Flagstaff where the adventure continues, and the temperatures will be lower!

This marks the half way point of this trip. \240 Prescott/camp Verde we’re the furthest we go from Colorado. \240 We now begin our homeward travel. \240Our circle will next take us through Utah instead of New Mexico, as we came.

We have a lot planned in Flagstaff but I will try to keep up with the Journo.

On our quiet days, we caught up with downloading photos, getting supplies, watching some TV, cleaning, laundry, pool. \240 Not worth journaling each day, right?

Yesterday we went to Cornville, which is Arizona’s wine country. \240 It is near Sedona and Cottonwood. \240 We went to a couple wineries, and a nice Riverside restaurant where we watched the hummingbirds at feeders just outside our window. \240 We also tried to visit the fish hatchery in town, but they had just closed.

Today, we had our Kayaking day down the Verde river. \240 We had about an hour and a half to ride, in 108 degree temps. \240 (We had nearly cancelled due to the heat! \240 I’m so happy we didn’t! )

This was the same river and area of our horseback ride.

It was a slow current, and a winding river, about 10-20 feet wide. \240There were frequent still pools where we could swim or have a squirt gun fight with fellow rafters. \240Then there were small rapids where the stream narrowed and picked up speed. \240Once I was nearly upended by a rock, but for the most part, it was pretty tame.

Toward the end it was very shallow - and we got stuck on a few sandbars and constantly bounced off rocks or got tangled in the thick bulrushes and tree roots near the shores. That’s when our shoulders got a real workout, paddling to avoid collisions and sandbars, and pushing out of the bulrushes!

The pleasure was floating along, listening to the birds, watching dragonflies and butterflies, and seeing the ever-changing scenery. \240 There were tall red and white cliffs, water the color of Sienna, green bushes and large trees lining the river. \240There were eagle nests, and Indian cliff dwellings, and evidence of flooding from last season.

I saw a heron wading, and paddled to within two feet of him before he flew off, beating those giant wings. \240 He flew up to the cliff, preened for a while, then flew back into the river after I’d passed.

I’m pretty sure I saw a river otter too. \240The guide said they were on the river. \240 I saw movement about 10 feet away. \240 It was partly submerged but it had hair and eyes and was about the right size and color. \240 \240Then in slipped into the brown opacity of the water and was gone…

The guide also said (later) that he had been climbing the cliffs near the Indian ruins. \240 He put a hand up to grasp a ledge and heard the rattle of a rattlesnake!

He moved away a bit, and when he could see - it was a whole den of rattlers! \240 I’m glad that story came after we were finished! \240I’d have imagined snakes with every floating branch in the river ! \240(Yes, rattlers can swim!)

But, we lived, had fun. \240A little sore in the shoulders, a little sunburnt. \240 Lunch was at another winery (part of the tour) and we enjoyed a charcuterie.

No pics of our rafting, unfortunately. \240We were told not to take any electronics. \240The small kayaks often tip and the water is too opaque to find anything…

Arrived in Flagstaff. \240 Very tiring to tear down, set up in the extreme heat! At least Flagstaff is about 10 degrees cooler. Our park is small, a 55+ RV community. \240 Pleasant but basic. \240

We drove into Flagstaff for a quick look around the town, and a late lunch.

Then we got ready for the next day, as it is an early and all day tour. \240 We are driving into the Indian lands near the Grand Canyon to see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. \240 The only way you can visit is to have an Indian lead the tour. \240

Partially for safety - Antelope Canyon is prone to flash flooding.

What a crazy ride of a day!

We woke early, and drove to the pickup point for our tour into the Indian lands to see Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and the Glen Canyon Dam. It was our first view of Page, AZ where we will move our camper next week.

Our driver, Mel, was very informative about the area and about the Indian culture and funny stories about his large family. \240 Respect.

After a long drive, we first saw Horseshoe Bend. \240 You’ve seen photos of it before. \240 \240Breathtaking!

And literally! \240It was about 1.5 miles walk from the parking lot, uphill, in 106 degrees. \240 It was surprisingly crowded, and oppressively hot. \240 Germans, Japanese, and many others. \240 One lady was seated with paramedics, and later, left by ambulance due to heat stroke. \240 I was OK walking there, but on the return trip got dizzy from the heat and red as a tomato. \240 I was glad to get back to our van and some water.

Next we went to the Glen Canyon Dam and had a picnic lunch in the shade. \240 It too was very impressive. \240Mel’s father had worked there, and again, he had great stories to tell.

Then Antelope Canyon. \240Again, you have seen pictures of this even if you didn’t know where it was. \240 The swirling colors and wavy layers are unforgettable.

It was also about a 1.5 mile walk to enter the canyon, uphill - and being in the canyon was not cooler, as I’d hoped. \240 Additionally, there were long straight ladders and thick fine sand to walk-in, and very narrow chambers to walk through - all challenging for my knees.

So about 1/2 way through the canyon walking tour, I began to have problems. \240 Not dizzy now but extremely weak, red-faced, sweat pouring off me (Jim was doing fine). \240So the guides kept asking if I was OK, I’d go a bit further… I guess they decided I was not OK as they offered electrolytes, began fanning me (as they followed -my own personal air-conditioning team) and gave me two ice packs to put in my armpits! \240Yowza! \240 I was barely feeling better when we had to climb big ladders, and begin the return walk. \240 I was digging deep into my determination but I made it back on my own legs! \240I thought my knees would be the big issue, but they did fine…Go figure.

Embarrassing and Challenging but oh, so worth it!

Then we began our long ride home to Flagstaff. \240And learned, on the radio, of the Assasination attemp on (former) President Trump.

So pleased to learn he was not badly hurt, but wow! \240Praying the country does not “boil over”. \240 Praying he can safely continue his campaign. \240 I believe the shooter have made Trump a hero in the eyes of many.

What a day. \240I am rather exhausted! \240But blessed beyond all measure.

Shopping in downtown Flagstaff today

Today we went to Slide Rocks State Park. \240 It is actually close to Sedona again, but down Oak Creek from Flagstaff which is a really pretty drive anyway.

As the name implies, it is a natural water park of about 1/2 mile of river, with well - worn sandstone flumes, or chutes, to ride in the river, punctuated by swimming holes. \240 A few are deep enough to allow cliff diving, but most are shallow - 3-4 feet deep. \240 We had great fun people -watching, plus it was really pretty.

The water was surprisingly cold, given the recent heat, but it still felt good once we were brave enough to “take the plunge”.

Jim and I mostly swam. \240 I tried a flume, but the were some big rocks in it \240too and I banged my good knee pretty hard. \240 Also, in some places the rocks were really slick. \240I saw at least 10 people fall, one looked like he may have broke his wrist. \240I slipped a few times, and decided not to take more chances. \240 I need my knees to finish this trip!

Still, it was a fun morning!

For lunch we went to Cress on Oak Creek. \240 It reminded me of The Wines of Colorado in Cascade, CO. \240 The tables were in nice landscaping along the same creek we had just swum in. Beautiful Setting, and good food.

Then we drove home. \240 Tomorrow will be quiet, to do my laundry, and in the evening we may go to an observatory here.

Brief update as we are tired…

Yesterday we had crepes for lunch then went to the Lowell Observatory. \240They had several large telescopes, including the one that “discovered” Pluto.

Today was quiet. \240 Jim and I both have a bit of a stomach bug of some sort. \240Bad food, or perhaps bacteria in the rivers we have been in? \240 Anyway, we are feverish and tired and nauseous. \240 Getting better but slowly.

And tomorrow is a big-ish move to Lake Powell. \240We can either do a long steep grade (hard on the truck) or we can cross an isolated stretch of reservation land. \240Not really feeling up to it. \240But, thanks to campground reservations, it is unlikely we could extend our stay in Flagstaff anyway. \240 So really hoping we wake up feeling better.

Well, here we are on the shore of Lake Powell. \240Technically we are in AZ so therefore, Daylight savings time. \240(They do not switch seasonally).

However, within a stones’ throw from us is Utah. \240They are not on Daylight time. \240 So as we shop in town, eat out, or go on a tour we will be switching time zones. \240 It makes reservations here…interesting!

Also - in the camper - all our phones, computers, clocks say different time. \240So I have no idea which is correct. \240All I know is a two-hour window. \240

Our campground is near the shore of Lake Powell. \240 I can see it from my bedroom window.

Driving here, we crossed Navajo lands and had several steep grades. \240I worry about these very remote areas as we drive. \240 If we had any kind of mechanical issues it can take hours to get help for a big RV. \240 And it is already over 100 degrees with no shade anywhere. \240I can’t imagine getting stuck roadside.

When towed in hot weather it always takes the RV a couple hours for the AC to catch up. \240 So here I sit, sweating buckets! \240TMI, right? \240Go, Air Conditioner!

Anyway, time to get “the lay of the land” once again…

Too stinking hot.

Without the canopy we had in Camp Verde, and with humidity coming off the lake, it feels much warmer here. \240 Our AC is having a hard time keeping us below mid 80s. \240 After dealing with this for weeks, and being more cautious after my near heatstroke, I admit we are a bit discouraged here. Our hearts yearn for home about now.

We had a lot of plans but many have cancelled due to low water levels. We are here two weeks and it may be too long. \240 We’ll see.

At least it is still beautiful and the weather has otherwise been good. \240 No big winds, fire, or hail.

We hiked early today to the Hanging Gardens. \240Not too impressed but still nice to hike a bit. \240We also went to the dam again. \240 Impressive views, but why the fully armed guard in the museum?

At night, we enjoyed a nice dinner out and were visited by a roadrunner! \240 The first I’ve seen. \240

Saw my otter and wild horses and the roadrunner. All on my bucket list. \240 Only ones we didn’t see were javelina, scorpions or snakes. \240 I can live with that.

Antelope canyon, part two - the Upper Canyon.

Despite being terribly hot again, this went much better than my heat exhaustion day. \240 We left very early, beginnng our trek by 8am. \240This cavern was wider and deeper, making the footing easier and the temps less than the outside air.

Our guide was very helpful, as she talked about proper settings on our iPhones to maximize our pictures in the cavern. \240This place is magical!

Tonight we are going to a restaurant that supposedly has a wonderful sunset view. \240It will be so good to get out of the camper - despite our AC it has been about 85 degrees inside - about 104 outside. \240 Getting SO tired of the unrelenting heat! \240

Today we rafted the Colorado river, to Horseshoe Bend. \240 So we saw, from 200 feet below, the overlook we had gone to last week.

We were on a big raft with a motor, about 20 people. \240The trip on the water was about 2 1/2 hours. \240 As we left early in the morning, and it was cloudy, the first half of the trip was really pleasant. \240 Coming back, it was really hot and we began to sunburn.

We saw wild horses and bighorn sheep, climbing the sheer walls. \240 The rock walls were sheer and colorful. \240 We saw petroglyphs, too.

All in all a very pleasant day. \240But we came home to a very hot RV and now we are really tired…

Today was spent on Lake Powell, boating. \240 We rented a 19’ speedboat, and Jim drove. \240We spent about 8 \240hours on the Lake exploring nooks and crannies (Navajo Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Wahweap Bay, Dam) yet merely scratched the surface of the massive lake. \240 One “branch” alone goes nearly to Moab, crossing nearly the length of Utah!

This is the most epic tan I have had in my life!

Please pray for my kids.

We got some bad news…. Too private for details…

Also, I have been sick since our boating day. \240 Headaches, nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness -perhaps heat exhaustion or sun poisoning.

It has been 85-88 most afternoons in our RV, with the AC on and all the blinds drawn. \240This is from early morning until late at night. \240 The air feels stale and suffocating about 4pm each day.

We have decided to leave here 3 days early and go into Utah. \240That should be 10-15 degrees cooler.

Can’t have fun here in these temps. \240I am afraid to add to my sunburn, too.

Hi from Utah

So, we left early to escape the shouldering furnace…We kept thinking that an afternoon rain or wind would cool things off, but no…

We are a little sad to not do a few Lake Powell things we had planned - but nothing would be fun while being heat-sick anyway.

So we are in Glendale, a very small town not far from Zion national park. \240 We had intended to “backtrack” from Panguitch, Utah - our next stop - so this was on the way.

Went to Zion national park today.

Our campground was nice and COOL last night. \240I began feeling better, but Jim took a turn for the worse. \240He feels flu-ish.

But, we went. \240It was, of course, pretty. But, I have seen prettier vistas on this trip, \240 We have seen every imaginable type of scenic rocks in Colorado, Arizona, and Utah! \240 Not to mention all the tourist “rock shops”. \240So I am hard to impress.

But for the first time, I would not recommend this trek unless you are a serious hiker or cyclist.

The park is really overgrown. \240 It is a fairly small area, about 7 miles and the roads are narrow and twisting. \240A challenge in our huge truck! \240 We even had to pay extra as they had to shut down the tunnels to one way traffic so we could drive center of the tunnel. \240There were also three work zones, where we had to que up for the one available lane.

You drive quite a way to the entrance, then drive more to try to find parking to take their shuttles. \240 Took us a long while with our big vehicle, even then, we had to walk about 1/2 mile to the shuttle, and yes, it was hot.

Then you take the shuttle, which they said would show the whole park. \240But the bus is so packed that people stand in the middle. \240So sure, you can see the top of the rocks over someone’s hairy armpit! \240 Or, looking behind, the windows have a shaded film that is so reflective that instead of a picture of the formations, you get a reflection of you taking the picture. \240You are going past these phenomenal scenes and cannot see them or take pictures - unless you hop off the hot bus, walk about in the heat, come back to a fuller bus and let people take pics of your armpits while you now stand and sway. \240Fun times, great views. \240 What a grump I am today..

Just wait’ll I post the armpit pics…

A quiet day in Glendale. \240 Jim has slept much of the day, as I did a few days ago. I thought mine was heat exhaustion but perhaps it was a flu? At any rate, it is hard to tiptoe around Jim all day in an RV. \240 Even going outdoors, the door will wake him. \240 Very lonely. \240

I feel better physically now. \240 But following some activity packed weeks at high temp, then myself out of commission for a few days while ill, I am very busy catching up. \240 An RV holds fewer dishes, groceries, clothes - so doing dishes, laundry, and shopping cannot be ignored long and we neglected all three.

Even personal hygiene was somewhat behind. \240 My hair, for instance. \240 It is really hard to get haircuts on the road as most require appointments. \240 Now I am in dire need and we have all teeny towns until Moab in about a month. \240 So if I look frowsy in photos, be kind! \240 Yikes. \240 It is so shapeless and uneven!

We also need to catch up with friends and family. \240 That too has been neglected, except for some unenjoyable ones related to our family emergency. \240Thanks to those who prayed. \240We are hopeful all will be well. \240 Sorry to be cryptic but it is too personal to be broadcast.

Arrived at our next scheduled spot - Panguitch Utah.

Pretty area. \240 Near so many canyons - Bryce, Grand Escalante, Kodachrome, several others. \240 \240Tomorrow we see Bryce and beyond that, depends on our energy.

Jim is past the worst of our little illness but continues to be weak, feverish, sleepy, sweaty. \240 As do I. \240 Each day a bit better. \240

When Jim was at his worst, I wondered what on earth I would do if he needed a hospital? \240 I believe it would be several hours to a big enough city, like Salt Lake or Moab from here. \240With me driving our Big Bertha truck! \240 There are many small (nearly all Morman) towns here, but I have yet to see even an Urgent Care or Doctors office. \240

Our campground is small, very rural. \240 Perhaps 40 campers. \240But they have a POOL! \240 There have been very few of those on this long hot journey. \240 I think this is our third, after Prescott and Sedona. \240 Any spare time for me will be there!

Today we went to Bryce Canyon. We took a tour bus. \240Our driver, named Jim, was 79 but full of spunk. \240 He was very knowledgeable and fun to listen to. \240 We rode with a family from Las Vegas.

Much more impressive than Zion. \240 Very uncrowded, and a nice breeze and sunny sky made it a perfect day. \240 Had we not been in a group, I’d have loved to try the Navajo loop trail, that goes down into the canyon.

It took about 5 hours, and now we are depleted again from our illness.

Still battling this virus or whatever it is, and all we want to do is sleep. I’ve eaten very little these last two weeks.

Still, in the morning we did some sightseeing before the afternoon rains.

We saw Mossy Cave, and the Kodachrome Natural Monument. (Part of Grand Escalante Staircase)

Yesterday, we saw Cedar Breaks National Mounment.

Obviously, a lot of parks in this area!

It was also Amy and Josiah’s Birthday, so we got to talk with Amy.

Panguitch has little to offer. \240 The town is small, and thoroughly Mormon. \240 There are few restaurants, and of those, most serve soups, pies, and sandwiches…

Decided to leave Panguitch a day early. \240 We are finally feeling better, though we still tire easily.

Panguitch is just not a fun place to be. \240 There is little to do, and the way our campsite is arranged, it is uncomfortable.

This is all done as “buddy sites” - where you face the neighboring camper and share your common areas. \240 Great when you know them, but awkward when you do not. \240 And ours, though they seem like nice-enough people, are crowding us. \240

We do not yet feel sociable, but we would like to get our of the trailer. We would like to get some sunshine and cook outdoors - but they are outside, far more on our half of the shared space than theirs, all day long. \240 It feels awkward. \240They were sleeping just by our door for hours, so even normal coming and going we had to try to be quiet and not wake them.

Anyway, we are not enjoying our time here - so moving on.

Here we are, further down the road! \240 We finally left highway 89, which we have followed a long time. \240 Now we follow I-70 so it begins to feel like Colorado.

Richfield seems a much nicer community than Panguitch. \240 Bigger, more businesses, a lesser % strict Mormons, I bet. \240 Just seems more welcoming.

We expect to be busy here. \240Sites we can see, haircuts scheduled, truck oil change, perhaps an ATV adventure day (trails all over this area), a pool, laundry. Yet we only have a few days, and our energy still lags from being ill.

Went to Mystic Spring, about 15 minutes away, for a soak. \240Talk about a “unique” experience. \240 It felt like we had landed in a Hippie Camp in Utah!

The area had a lot of old buildings, old busses, junk cars. \240 The office wasn’t open, and we couldn’t see the Spring, so we called. \240 We walked in the direction indicated, and found it - there were two pools and, up the hill, three soaking bathtubs.

It was obviously a heavily mineralized spring - a rock archway sprouted from one pool, with hot water trickling down it. \240 The rocks, the pool walls, even plants were crusted in the minerals, smoothed over time to what looked like amber.

When we got in, it was very hot but pleasant. \240 There was a couple there from Sedona. \240 She was singing much of the time we were there. \240A little strange but OK.

Within minutes, I was feeling dizzy, kind of like high blood pressure. \240 I think whatever minerals were present were affecting me strongly - so I couldn’t stay in long.

We walked to see the soaking tubs but the hill was pretty dangerous to climb due to the steep rocks - no handrails, no steps. \240I’m amazed they hadn’t been sued for injuries.

Anyway, we stayed about an hour.

Then, we ate at Black Bear diner and went back to camp. \240 We had another rainy evening - the storms here last and last, swirling overhead for hours!

Well, here we are - oh, so close to Colorado! \240 Next stop, Moab.

We had a impressive drive today - mountains and canyons, all of it very remote, very “virgin”. \240 No businesses, 1-2 ranch homes in two hours of driving. \240 We had 3, 6% grades today - up, down, up, down. \240 It also rained on us lightly while threatening a deluge. \240 But all is well as we arrived safely.

Why Green River? \240 Just a good stopping spot…

Well, we tried!

Green River is short on entertainment. \240 Our campground has a pool but is otherwise pretty empty and barren.

Yesterday we drove to “Swayzees Beach” - their local swimming on the green River, below some cliffs. \240 While interesting, the water was muddy and the bottom very slick. \240 So we waded a little, instead.

Today we attempted a scenic drive (not really) and tried to see \240Crystal Geyser - but, every GPS we used gave different directions and there was no signage. \240 \240After two attempts we gave up. \240 The roads were very rough and the area, remote.

There are other scenic areas but all are about an hour’s drive, and also on barren roads. \240 I would be afraid of a flat, or medical emergency because there is NO ONE on those roads.

So - here we sit. \240 *One more day. \240 Moab should be much more interesting….

*Our last day, we went to the River Museum, mostly about John Powell and his explorations by boat of the Utah and Arizona canyons. \240 They had a lot about him in Grand Canyon too. \240

We are in Moab, our last out of state stop. \240It was a pretty drive, as we passed so near Arches National Monument. \240

The town is bigger than any we’ve seen in Utah so far, and it seems there will be a lot to do in our two week stop here. \240 We’re glad to settle a bit, as the frequent moves can get tiresome and we are (both) not up to our usual energy levels, though feeling much better.

I have pretty views out my RV windows, including what I believe are the Rockies. \240 We are very near Colorado. \240

We also have a pool AND (joy of joys!) a hot tub. \240 Better enjoy those, as after Labor Day I don’t expect any pools will be open.

Had a great time today taking a speed boat up the Colorado River.

Pretty scenery, and fun spins that got us all wet! \240Our guide, Jesse, was very interesting too as he pointed out landmarks and told us about the river. \240

Busy day! \240

We took a tour today by van to three National Parks here - Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse point. \240 We took a lot of short hikes to see the sites, and now we are dead exhausted but happy. \240

We have had a quiet few days…

The 21st was a hard day. \240 We first talked with one of our kids and the Mom in me was just crushed because I want to help but don’t know how, with a personal problem going on. \240 We were on the phone a long time and I felt accused for not knowing the “right” words to be helpful…

Then I learned of another extended family member diagnosed with cancer.

And, my Mom was in the hospital due to fluid on her heart…

It was just overwhelming and I retreated into my shell the next day…. \240Didn’t want to do much.

Today we were supposed to have a laser show and music on the river but we were supposed to get storms so we rescheduled.

The day seemed really quiet; lots of storms around us but we hadn’t gotten anything.

That changed very suddenly about 4pm. \240 Suddenly, the clouds were racing and we could see a billowing dust cloud approaching. \240 Then, minutes later, it hit! \240 We had 60 mph gusts - dangerous in an RV - with hail, and rain coming down so hard we could see nothing outside.

Our cat freaked out at the loud storm and began running around the RV trying to get out. \240 He knocked over my drink and I’m just glad he didn’t hurt himself, he was so frantic.

It only lasted about 15 minutes but WOW. Our campground had streams running all over, 2 trees were uprooted, and the pool was full of chairs blown in.

Now it is 9:30 pm, and guess what? \240 It’s back! \240 More lightening, more rain, more hail. \240 So far the winds are less….

We are supposed to go paddle boarding tomorrow on the Colorado River. \240 We’ll see.

No damages so far…

Today we went to the Colorado River, and tried Stand Up Paddleboarding.

Jim and I both went on a “half tank” as the wind and lightening kept circling back and waking us every few hours.

When we drove downtown to the Paddleboarding office there was mud all over the town streets and sidewalks from Flash Flooding. \240 (Our campground, when we left, was still very windy and stormy looking. \240We thought the tour would cancel, but they did not).

So we drove to the river, and indeed, the canyon was not windy and pleasant. \240 The water was cooler due to rain, but still pleasant. It was, however, full of branches and debris from the storm, and the water much darker than when we boated there. \240 It was now the color of cinnamon.

So we learned how to Paddleboard, Jim and I. \240 The other couple, from Ogden, opted to kayak. \240Our guide was a young woman named Teal.

Jim opted to begin stnding up. \240 He did well and never fell. I opted to first try sitting to get the feel and balance of the board. I would try to stand later - a challenge as I have a hard time going from sit to stand gracefully with my bad knee, and I didn’t want to flip my board.

We had about 45 minutes going downstream and getting the feel of our equipment. \240Really enjoyed that.

Then, the wind came up. \240 It was blowing upstream of us. \240We tried riding the Eddies of moving water to make progress, but it was work to paddle in place. \240 The guide said that is not a good time to stand as your body becomes a sail. \240 Even sitting, we began to lose ground and were blown upriver despite paddling down!

Finally, all five of us were tiring. \240 The guide suggested we beach ourselves and rest a while, hoping the wind would die down. \240 But it didn’t, and we finally agreed to call it a day.

I never did get to Stand Up Paddleboard, so I guess I at least became a proficient Butt Boarder.

Maybe next time.

For now - our shoulders are SO sore!

Today we rode e-bikes for our first time ever. They are fun - what a pleasure to zip uphill with no effort!

However, they do take some getting used to. \240 Especially just starting and waiting for the “assist” to kick in. \240 They also seem heavier than a standard bike, so the balance is a bit different.

About 10 minutes in, I slid on a patch of sand washed onto the trails by a recent flash flood (from the storms I mentioned a few days back). I fell, onto my bad knee. \240 No injury but scrapes, but my knee began to swell and get stiff. \240The guide we had regaled us with stories of a customer she had that fell - and impaled his groin on the handlebars! \240 Not a confidence builder!

I was back up soon, but was shaky, rattled from the hard fall, and sore. Even a bit dizzy. \240 So my riding at that point was less pleasurable and more about not falling again! \240 There was still a lot of debris and even some quicksand left on the trail! (Apparently that is common in Moab after storms).

At the halfway mark, I was exhausted. \240Fortunately, we stopped for pictures, and to see some dinosaur tracks in the rock. \240I had a small break, and calmed down; caught my breath. \240Then, as we rode, I enjoyed it more. \240Except that the one knee was stiff and wasn’t bending well so peddling at all was difficult. \240

Jim, as usual, did great. \240 He picks up new skills faster than I.

Last, \240we rode to a food truck park and had some lunch. \240That was fun too. \240 Really good food, a pretty day, and misters to keep us cool!

So much of what we have done on this trip is really fun, but after we are so sore and tired. \240 We are pushing our limits. \240 I admit we are getting too old for much of this. \240 I’m glad we got to do it, now and on our last trip. \240Might well be our “last hurrah” before age, finances, or societal changes say we must stay home.

Tonight we went to Sunset Grill, housed high in Moab, formerly the home of the Moab millionaire who discovered a large deposit of uranium.

We had a wonderful prime rib meal there, and enjoyed the sunset.

There is so little parking available there that they pick you up in a shuttle then drive up a really steep dirt road to get there!

A nice relaxing evening….