tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89760669978101045622024-03-13T17:30:32.308-06:00Sock Monkey TrekkersJoin us as we find and map great boondocking spots, go on hikes, off-road with our Toyota Tacoma and camp in our Fleet Four Wheel Camper. Let's explore and have awesome adventures!Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-77512407340900932872023-01-27T18:27:00.002-07:002023-01-27T18:27:27.390-07:00Follow us on YoutubeWe are doing more on Youtube now. If you want to follow us there search for "Sock Monkey Trekkers" on Youtube and you will find our videos.
Here is out latest video: https://youtu.be/tXmZ7QW-qX0Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-56955859786222870152022-01-08T21:44:00.000-07:002022-01-08T21:44:50.735-07:00Owl Creek Pass, Orvis Hot Springs & Downsizing to Hit the Road<p>Well, it's been awhile. . . </p><p>I am not going to try and catch up on everything that has happened since I last posted, just a few highlights. There have been a couple of significant changes in our life. First, I retired. Second, Greg turned 62 and was eligible to get his America the Beautiful Senior Lifetime Pass! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikXcDcvf9kJaM66VSl00jRHXhk2G9ZByxM02x5NwUhtxRxAnrhEJLVfv08trbzAJaiWIzwluQkvaCTjnfyYvgW3AqXZ3UK7eamLgQoJAxD_WEtyQjEVWgZ-4HwkjPoIpHOVFGYLMTLvFGYShIAtJomu3GBDRJtBhJWzRlfjdbpjwP2K8MNDFnMbovE=s2688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikXcDcvf9kJaM66VSl00jRHXhk2G9ZByxM02x5NwUhtxRxAnrhEJLVfv08trbzAJaiWIzwluQkvaCTjnfyYvgW3AqXZ3UK7eamLgQoJAxD_WEtyQjEVWgZ-4HwkjPoIpHOVFGYLMTLvFGYShIAtJomu3GBDRJtBhJWzRlfjdbpjwP2K8MNDFnMbovE=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p>The day before his birthday, we took the camper and trailer to Juniper Campground at Bandelier National Monument. We got up early the next day and hiked down the Frey Trail to the Visitor Center to purchase his card. I planned to video the whole thing, but due to Covid only one person at a time was allowed into the Visitor Center to make purchases. But, the ranger got into the spirit of the day, when I took a quick picture of Greg to commemorate this big event! </p><p>I just posted a video to Youtube about our adventures in June including downsizing and moving our remaining possessions into a storage unit. Here is a link: </p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/lsePwapOe2w" target="_blank">Link to SockMonkeyTrekkers Video</a><br /></p><p>Sorting through all our 40+ years accumulation of STUFF was a bigger task than we first expected. But, we did it! I retired in late June and we have spent about 50% camping and visiting family & friends. The rest of the time, we have been staying with Greg's Mom in Los Alamos. </p><p>It has not been difficult to adjust to not working. Working from home for over a year made the transition much easier. Since, retiring, we have been enjoying getting out every day on a hike or walk whether we are in Los Alamos or out on the road. Luckily, Los Alamos has miles and miles of hiking trails providing different terrains and views. I have been enjoying having time to read and finally learning the program to create videos for posting to Youtube. I have 12 more videos to complete and we will be caught up. </p><p>A huge joy in retirement has been having time to hang out with Greg's Mom in Los Alamos and to visit family and friends in California. It has been way too long (Feb 2020) since we last visited California. We took a trip in September/October to visit with my Dad & Barbara (step-Mom), my Concord family and our good friends in Tahoe and Sacramento. We are both enjoying being out on the road and not having to rush to the next place because our ten days of vacation are almost up. We have been able to slow down and spend more time enjoying exploring and relaxing. </p><p>I enjoy writing and want to remember this special time in our life, so I plan to write more blog posts in 2022. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq4gvmbej7qHHXQHMUMOSuMxY-7HelhoOo5eN0memRvbqUCbTB2VJyE9VqfEe_d58rPQ04oIXWB-XBOSn3pYaNk_kMWo9WDv-OixotQXH-eeTtZwqSbsYlLdSfL3WTtNAo0peu7zk8N7XnYM3Ol5nCbP0gtPRmkiRTCoXa2J36YsmAO_-uwplnuJlO=s3840" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq4gvmbej7qHHXQHMUMOSuMxY-7HelhoOo5eN0memRvbqUCbTB2VJyE9VqfEe_d58rPQ04oIXWB-XBOSn3pYaNk_kMWo9WDv-OixotQXH-eeTtZwqSbsYlLdSfL3WTtNAo0peu7zk8N7XnYM3Ol5nCbP0gtPRmkiRTCoXa2J36YsmAO_-uwplnuJlO=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-68438800097631004082021-04-03T21:47:00.004-06:002021-04-03T21:47:39.195-06:00The Last Time<p> </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG972FLh3jmZPn77B4web-_ppt5ApHjQldcbq0ptd0PPtajVQJa3CYNSE1KMf8d1AW85j-umqTwWyO2N9HbV_7_sMN6iRiI4PWGWUjMkKYmOuq0G8OZMCYLx3-ROxXnzWgZ2MumkX71Q/s960/FB_IMG_1604238626092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG972FLh3jmZPn77B4web-_ppt5ApHjQldcbq0ptd0PPtajVQJa3CYNSE1KMf8d1AW85j-umqTwWyO2N9HbV_7_sMN6iRiI4PWGWUjMkKYmOuq0G8OZMCYLx3-ROxXnzWgZ2MumkX71Q/w400-h225/FB_IMG_1604238626092.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">"Nothing happens unless first we dream" - Carl Sandburg</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Ten years ago when we built out our Nissan NV Van into a camper, we started dreaming about the day when we could retire and hit the road. We watch a number of Youtube channels and read a whole lot of blogs and have met many full timers in our many years of camping and exploration. They entertain us and inspire us to go for it. In 2014, Greg built a countdown clock to my planned retirement date. It seemed like it was such a long way off, but now it is just barely around the corner. I only have 76 days until my retirement day. Amazing and so, so exciting! We have a lot of work to accomplish in those 76 days in addition to finishing up work. My job has a lot of once a year assignments. As I complete each annual task, I think - this is the last time I will do this. It probably should feel bittersweet, but it isn't - it is just very exciting. I will miss my Finance Family at work, but I won't miss the actual work. </p><p>So much has happened in the past ten years. Too many friends and family have passed on, especially in this past year, which really does instill a sense of urgency to pursue our dream. We have spent every vacation and many weekends out exploring, camping and hiking. We sold the Nissan several years ago and bought our Toyota Tacoma and Four Wheel Camper (Taco Belle and her Taco Shell). We are starting off with a one year plan and then we will see how we feel. But, it is a total jello plan. We have spent our entire adult lives rushing back from vacations to go to work. We don't want to have any schedule to follow or place to be on a specific date. </p><p>Greg's Mom (Frances) will travel with us some of the time in her A-Liner, we call the Whole Enchilada. She calls it Annie. So, we aren't saying goodbye to Los Alamos, just see you later. We will make cloverleaf trips to pickup, drop off and hang out with Frances. We also plan to visit friends and family that we haven't seen in what feels like years. </p><p>Greg has been developing a map for us to use with thousands of campsites marked, many of which are boondocking sites. We have so many trails to hike, hot springs to soak in and dirt roads to explore. We will be removing the maps that are here on our blog because Google dumped their fusion tables which Greg used to create these maps. We have an alternate solution, but it isn't easily shared. </p><p>We plan to make some Youtube videos and want to write regular blog posts. The blog is primarily for us to look back on later and for our friends and family to see what the heck Greg and Karen are up to and where they are camping. In the meantime, we have 43 years of accumulated stuff to thin out, get our lives into a small storage unit and the truck camper. We are also finding a tenant for our house. We have lived here for 17 years which is the longest either Greg or I lived anywhere in both our entire lives. This is our comfort place, our home and we love this community. But, we have had this dream of full time traveling for ten years, so time to turn the dream into reality. See you down the road. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IqFgCDKLsQeLysO6J6nAQ3Tl2m55DEI_ondj1BbCHD8kaVveWWlzKZZFrPeHXzUYjQu14BPviVTQzCh2HeL1M0jfVkXaPCyHqX9_fA7Hs8wJtPY3M4QYxZp5oMKQdj69HW7ykCAqr8Y/s3840/PXL_20210319_135856693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IqFgCDKLsQeLysO6J6nAQ3Tl2m55DEI_ondj1BbCHD8kaVveWWlzKZZFrPeHXzUYjQu14BPviVTQzCh2HeL1M0jfVkXaPCyHqX9_fA7Hs8wJtPY3M4QYxZp5oMKQdj69HW7ykCAqr8Y/w400-h225/PXL_20210319_135856693.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothes Helping Kids, an excellent Albuquerque organization<br />picks up donations two times a month in Los Alamos</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5BfVebHG1MdSjW-VmGeSYbwRUfy4wYJ6yvNf2EAzlKQACMPMNo74wBMAtU8S9mkoLOY_FznA-gUIxvdD9AbDrUbWdGWjPAsiodIyX-4yYWuDYGZYRKiY3yppwWqCUotD19ZnLEZOxe8/s3840/PXL_20210213_213240160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5BfVebHG1MdSjW-VmGeSYbwRUfy4wYJ6yvNf2EAzlKQACMPMNo74wBMAtU8S9mkoLOY_FznA-gUIxvdD9AbDrUbWdGWjPAsiodIyX-4yYWuDYGZYRKiY3yppwWqCUotD19ZnLEZOxe8/w400-h225/PXL_20210213_213240160.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole lot of hikes are in our future</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oY5IZk0N5eaA_YEc9ENThYmjNcJhgcBMZer3Kp9cPhs2-Z-86SbTO769yMEnulmCtnK-suwI05l_zx0I161Ea367d8SlUjgO8P_JL85bOjYDX2ObtkVRbRGgWWqusAe2n8gip71hs_4/s2138/IMG_20200925_174952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2138" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oY5IZk0N5eaA_YEc9ENThYmjNcJhgcBMZer3Kp9cPhs2-Z-86SbTO769yMEnulmCtnK-suwI05l_zx0I161Ea367d8SlUjgO8P_JL85bOjYDX2ObtkVRbRGgWWqusAe2n8gip71hs_4/w400-h283/IMG_20200925_174952.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a relaxing evening near Gunnison, Colorado</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaVwNFJwj8WoGi1bPodOb6RPpTqNed3Ut9Uq5bTus9uOyZ5OLQggGje2z82trW16gNkWHKLKc45U4704t2ZTbK4Nof2bmR-lqOLPsUXeo74NHe6snr9ADX-ywRHknHB0-k9vDZeAdQYk/s3840/PXL_20210307_192716099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaVwNFJwj8WoGi1bPodOb6RPpTqNed3Ut9Uq5bTus9uOyZ5OLQggGje2z82trW16gNkWHKLKc45U4704t2ZTbK4Nof2bmR-lqOLPsUXeo74NHe6snr9ADX-ywRHknHB0-k9vDZeAdQYk/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_192716099.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg, Frances and Buddy driving in Belle</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-36280875066187864942020-10-13T19:07:00.000-06:002020-10-13T19:07:07.638-06:00Tour of our Four Wheel Camper Fleet Model (pop-up)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_UMziLX_1btvJNkLK5uSTrBVJixPuYr6jhIcvdNhdlEKTeyQ3vS30fpqc-75DoVxGDxsC-n0bEL8Is41wZRemqoYJ5qzxy3DulCB2ak0OKobuE2mvzUKXVgADy70zntaG4RzVNo3lvg/w400-h225/IMG_20200923_161505.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In September, we took a two week trip up to southern Colorado for camping, off roading and exploring. The first week we were joined by Greg's Mom - Frances. The second week it was just me and Greg. This post will be in two parts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part 1 - Check out our recently uploaded YouTube video tour of our Four Wheel Camper - Fleet Model and see the beauty of Owl Creek Pass </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlSyRfF0aSI" width="320" youtube-src-id="rlSyRfF0aSI"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part 2 - Full post on our two-week southern Colorado trip. Below are a couple of highlight pics. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMeb_xrQJQqyONiIiX0FCnjkjGBUzVLOCLSv-BqGbA4Y4f6KLLO_2A5LvR1lUn7_CpCcWkq3aNgBTkuxx0aCSu7zjquusK5-LC5HLsOKFTW5RTVS_Bf8Vdqsm_Mhqq29gW-cSYP-ef5Q/s3840/IMG_20200924_152614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMeb_xrQJQqyONiIiX0FCnjkjGBUzVLOCLSv-BqGbA4Y4f6KLLO_2A5LvR1lUn7_CpCcWkq3aNgBTkuxx0aCSu7zjquusK5-LC5HLsOKFTW5RTVS_Bf8Vdqsm_Mhqq29gW-cSYP-ef5Q/w400-h225/IMG_20200924_152614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN8g4YYZn08bXDHvWrU_MTcguc-2ba4vLGHQ8Y95jCyejNohucQuhsjE8BSjVbHaqRq31F8xLrqHLxAn976spwC4HTHGLc5shKhBB9-Tj7Vu4AGVx210O93aGNqSAiHGlDbUMvrlQocg/s3766/IMG_20200921_193518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2141" data-original-width="3766" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN8g4YYZn08bXDHvWrU_MTcguc-2ba4vLGHQ8Y95jCyejNohucQuhsjE8BSjVbHaqRq31F8xLrqHLxAn976spwC4HTHGLc5shKhBB9-Tj7Vu4AGVx210O93aGNqSAiHGlDbUMvrlQocg/w400-h228/IMG_20200921_193518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTIFyv1a56lBDmzohKRji2C80b6g4nZw2iE9dsuDWvV2wzURqrvo6tDUt-TLKxD_fr1C80zf44vDxO9AcVvC1-4h2b1NpbipkteZgw9NOQBLz0cUqxjsWOd1OpZPo81s0vMVcPpmlOts/s2688/IMG_20200921_100354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTIFyv1a56lBDmzohKRji2C80b6g4nZw2iE9dsuDWvV2wzURqrvo6tDUt-TLKxD_fr1C80zf44vDxO9AcVvC1-4h2b1NpbipkteZgw9NOQBLz0cUqxjsWOd1OpZPo81s0vMVcPpmlOts/w400-h225/IMG_20200921_100354.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts_Z5xCNudSHWtwROXM-7QulXj2yAIBz_2jVl9YwQeV8EX4mfgqzzYgBCNJCictS62P5VoEPxa8Bus3stEle191gFMIi0edMwMHiMXkhHHJCrJh3Kmii5oXBJLCRMaQCwOsNnvw97JPE/s3840/IMG_20200915_155510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts_Z5xCNudSHWtwROXM-7QulXj2yAIBz_2jVl9YwQeV8EX4mfgqzzYgBCNJCictS62P5VoEPxa8Bus3stEle191gFMIi0edMwMHiMXkhHHJCrJh3Kmii5oXBJLCRMaQCwOsNnvw97JPE/w400-h225/IMG_20200915_155510.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-71713394264220914562020-08-30T19:27:00.003-06:002020-08-30T21:11:13.411-06:002020 Adventures & Staying Home<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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Our updated purpose: join us as we find and map great boondocking spots, go on hikes, off-road with our Toyota Tacoma and camp in our Fleet Four Wheel Camper. Let's explore and have awesome adventures! </span></div>
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I read a joke that was perfect: <span style="color: red;"><b>13</b></span> says "I am the worst number;" <span style="color: red;"><b>666</b></span> says "No, I am the worst number." <span style="color: red;"><b>2020</b></span> says, "bitches, please."<br /><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year for our family has been both horrific and wonderful. Greg and I started off the year hopeful and excited about many planned adventures. This post is the highlights of our year from January through August 2020.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
In early January, we went for a 10 day trip. We left at night and spent the night in the parking lot of Sandia Casino in Albuquerque. The next night we drove to Faywood Hot Springs near the City of Rocks State Park in New Mexico. We soaked and slept in the next day.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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Our first destination was a new place for both of us - Chiricahua National Monument. Our hope was to be in warmer weather. We were surprised to find there was still snow and cooler temps. We made reservations ahead of our visit. We normally like to just go with the flow - but this park is only open part of the year and the campground fills up quickly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Bx2vTL8-Jg7S8jdoN21FPzQHlt01zZqDggXce1aOnZPDW8ofXbE4zpixFgOrvN5TozAWW0MWVS1ZnD4UOHkMA24NZfKbrVMqMgDGja7rjHEgJiLWV9r-3qzRHBL_UXSeQThKXoeti3s/s2048/IMG_20200104_172000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Bx2vTL8-Jg7S8jdoN21FPzQHlt01zZqDggXce1aOnZPDW8ofXbE4zpixFgOrvN5TozAWW0MWVS1ZnD4UOHkMA24NZfKbrVMqMgDGja7rjHEgJiLWV9r-3qzRHBL_UXSeQThKXoeti3s/w400-h300/IMG_20200104_172000.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our campsite</span></td></tr>
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Our original plan was to do a number of hikes, but the snow made some of the hikes more difficult. We try to follow the jello plans philosophy. We try to go with the flow so as not to get upset when life throws obstacles into our journeys. Chiricahua has amazing trails and hikes and is known for the rhyolite rock pinnacles. We drove up to Inspiration Point with the hope to hike the Heart of the Rocks Loop. Instead, we walked around the Inspiration Point Loop trail and then took an awesome hike up Sugarloaf Mountain. I love rocks and interesting geology. I was in HEAVEN.<br />
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I've written before about my Aunt Julie who raised me for almost half of my first 18 years. We are very, very close. She has been battling cancer and was stuck at home unable to travel in January. Whenever I have cell service and am on a great hike, I like to What'sApp Aunt Julie so she can come along with us on the hike. She also loved Inspiration Point and the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The hike up Sugarloaf is not long and under normal conditions would be pretty easy. The hard part was the snow on the shady portion of the trail. </span></div>
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The next morning, we planned to do a 5 mile hike along the Natural Bridge Trail. The campground is just before a gate that is normally open up to the hiking areas. Our plan was to drive to the trail head. Unfortunately, the snow melted and froze overnight so the gate was closed and access to the trails blocked. But, we weren't going to let a little gate and closed road stop us. What's a few more miles among friends? Bonus: we had the trail all to ourselves. We didn't see another person until we hiked back out and saw the snowplow driver finishing up his cleanup.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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I will warn others who do this hike. It is beautiful, the terrain changes and is varied and there are views and pinnacles in all directions. However, we were not able to get close to the natural bridge. It didn't look like the photos we had seen. I didn't see how to get close enough for the awesome pictures I have seen online. But, I still loved this hike and would do it again. Having the trail all to ourselves was amazing.<br />
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Our next stop was Tucson where we spent the first night at Snyder Hill. Most of our meals were cooked in the camper. But, we really enjoy eating at Sweet Tomatoes and Tucson has one. Little did we know - this was the last time we will ever eat there since Sweet Tomatoes was one of the victims of the 2020 economic downturn caused by COVID-19. We found the warmer weather we were looking for in Tucson. The second and third nights we stayed at Pima County's Gilbert Ray Campground. We picked it for the proximity to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park. We explored both the East and West portions of the Saguaro National Park. We spent an afternoon at the Sonora Desert Museum and Botanical Garden especially enjoying the Raptor Free Flight "show."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />One night on the trip when we were super tired after spending the day hiking and exploring in the heat, we wanted to just hang out in our camper. We had internet, so we set up our chromebook and watched The Bachelor on YouTube TV.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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Snyder Hill Boondocking</span></div>
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Raptor Free Flight Show</span></div>
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Bachelor Night</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fJfZOjcRf91uiGTqcpR0GtFeB1SGjqgjUm3Q9tdx3M8sUdDdYv5BO6NAvkE02PUdfMALNyqh6RrfZVlJPAP9K_PPLIZ2Z2RSaHWifl-mkr2Xs8WMRYkzQRGqpDFqZSSfIgX80_Ju_jk/s2048/IMG_20200109_174306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fJfZOjcRf91uiGTqcpR0GtFeB1SGjqgjUm3Q9tdx3M8sUdDdYv5BO6NAvkE02PUdfMALNyqh6RrfZVlJPAP9K_PPLIZ2Z2RSaHWifl-mkr2Xs8WMRYkzQRGqpDFqZSSfIgX80_Ju_jk/w400-h300/IMG_20200109_174306.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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It's not Tucson without a beautiful sunset</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBTHhkOz9WmyDDjMomfmlxXpKgZTmqjx2M22m39BeG4U4BoqVHRybS-xHPghKrCKzjrTfezWCYrkTcvd87_eqelXDGrobwZ6LcpWflDnVs68UFQjAOfL-z_XvgGmHoIvN18tOBc-h6lg/s2048/IMG_20200110_103107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBTHhkOz9WmyDDjMomfmlxXpKgZTmqjx2M22m39BeG4U4BoqVHRybS-xHPghKrCKzjrTfezWCYrkTcvd87_eqelXDGrobwZ6LcpWflDnVs68UFQjAOfL-z_XvgGmHoIvN18tOBc-h6lg/w400-h300/IMG_20200110_103107.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Because I am still working, we tend to do whirlwind trips out of necessity. In August 2021, I will finally be retired and we can be more flexible, spontaneous and stay out for MUCH longer periods.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
In late February, we got two shocking bits of news. My Aunt Julie's cancer treatments was not keeping up with the cancer which was spreading. She was hoping to start a new round of chemo. We also began hearing news about a virus in China that might be making its way to the US. After the death of my brother-in-law to H1-N1 in 2009 when he was only 51, we are super cautious when it comes to the flu and viruses. I don't like flying during flu season and with the stories we were hearing - I was not about to get on a plane. So instead, I took a week off during my busy budget season so we could drive and visit my Aunt and Uncle in the Bay Area.<br />
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I worked a half-day and we drove straight through to Twin Arrows Casino outside of Flagstaff and stayed in the parking lot. We were trying to beat a storm predicted for the next day. The following day we drove through a huge storm, heavy rain and areal flooding. The second night we arrived late at Brite Valley Regional Aquatic Recreation Area regional campground. We had a wonderful sleep in spite of the torrential downpour. Some people aren't comfortable in Four Wheel Pop-up Campers in wind storms, but we enjoyed our sleep and the sound of the rain and wind. I was able to test our new thermal pack which kept us warm and toasty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEylo1gM90AQ0ffWK2YNp4h3XHmBl1u1m4_kzyue4wGNAI0sJ3u0RUIzRLf8vw5ie0OmkQqpBBxD1pRc6hcGUI7DOLI3ZHkBca4f4lC2jRmAaIPSm6x_OMcVqYsQpLx0K9z6P8rcQHoO8/s2048/IMG_20200222_115614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEylo1gM90AQ0ffWK2YNp4h3XHmBl1u1m4_kzyue4wGNAI0sJ3u0RUIzRLf8vw5ie0OmkQqpBBxD1pRc6hcGUI7DOLI3ZHkBca4f4lC2jRmAaIPSm6x_OMcVqYsQpLx0K9z6P8rcQHoO8/w400-h300/IMG_20200222_115614.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Conditions were less than ideal for driving.</span></div>
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View out our windshield</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL8rNptJRKYUKbkSmCQ4AX9vyEbPk2I0wlcjzk_CPR2HjB-AWUzlF3nr4PtC1Jqx00atDe_HR_aXLT-TSzj18AB3p4J3b7PzsWzx-LTWO0GbV_8Yn8uJY1M0GPif3XuBGGcTQIT5o6hA/s816/cal+trip.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="816" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL8rNptJRKYUKbkSmCQ4AX9vyEbPk2I0wlcjzk_CPR2HjB-AWUzlF3nr4PtC1Jqx00atDe_HR_aXLT-TSzj18AB3p4J3b7PzsWzx-LTWO0GbV_8Yn8uJY1M0GPif3XuBGGcTQIT5o6hA/w400-h292/cal+trip.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Staying at Kern County campground Brite Valley</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLh6zA3PT5njLLnHokDcr0VKxACg1pkOFya2qtS9TknppLwPvcT_eWEC944q5C-r9i3NqtE40xoALmYaF5q2hgHiURRCUNxz0l13gZKJ_ui5m1Xs8oPxWHH85EUm0t9nXWinmNF_rP4k/s2048/IMG_20200222_110846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLh6zA3PT5njLLnHokDcr0VKxACg1pkOFya2qtS9TknppLwPvcT_eWEC944q5C-r9i3NqtE40xoALmYaF5q2hgHiURRCUNxz0l13gZKJ_ui5m1Xs8oPxWHH85EUm0t9nXWinmNF_rP4k/w300-h400/IMG_20200222_110846.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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Thanks to my phone's hot spot, </span></div>
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I was able to get some work done on the road</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWnxxbCqkQ0n0XTldLYOf8YKXj9I_09JX22Ms8_AuNAmKk8hQWgxmuTZr91aN0ZG2qXbiIVBlkUi6kuLecW_rLGKwmxS3sBbb-m4lLr14RvHMWck1c7TrCzTFa4ex6vdqecImQO4TDtQ/s2048/IMG_20200225_124928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWnxxbCqkQ0n0XTldLYOf8YKXj9I_09JX22Ms8_AuNAmKk8hQWgxmuTZr91aN0ZG2qXbiIVBlkUi6kuLecW_rLGKwmxS3sBbb-m4lLr14RvHMWck1c7TrCzTFa4ex6vdqecImQO4TDtQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200225_124928.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Greg and my Uncle Charlie</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHvkgH3XBWSVCFNXSfGzIlRjxWWgboGn6RdsFSY977vOFfw-ugkDhsC7_kVfmp5RC9BPAXJft9aQLy-D0Hwh7xVyv0RbWYYoRI2CQ6KRmmAaS9Btm3ip6QibadgpbH07oPJLn1xTiYrA/s2048/IMG_20200225_124849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHvkgH3XBWSVCFNXSfGzIlRjxWWgboGn6RdsFSY977vOFfw-ugkDhsC7_kVfmp5RC9BPAXJft9aQLy-D0Hwh7xVyv0RbWYYoRI2CQ6KRmmAaS9Btm3ip6QibadgpbH07oPJLn1xTiYrA/w400-h300/IMG_20200225_124849.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Enjoying a meal with my much loved Aunt Julie </span></div>
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I was very torn when our time with my aunt and uncle came to an end and it was time to head home. I love my life in New Mexico, but leaving my Aunt while she was facing yet another round of chemo was heartbreaking even though we talk every day. Early in our marriage, Greg and I left the Bay Area where we both grew up, and went where our hearts and jobs led us. Over the next 40 years, we lived in the Sacramento area, South Lake Tahoe, Park City Utah, Twin Cities Minnesota and now Northern New Mexico. My aunt, uncle and cousins all stayed in Concord. Like us, Greg's family is now far flung - Alaska, San Francisco, Austin, Portland, Twin Cities and Florida. My Dad is in Southern California, but my sister and brother both live back East. I am very glad we went where the road led us, but times like this I get sad about not being closer to family. </span></div>
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The day we left, we had a wonderful breakfast out with my aunt and uncle. Our first night on the drive home, we stopped at Lake Isabella. We arrived after dark and drove down to the beach to camp barely able to make out the lake. I always find it interesting arriving somewhere you have never been at night and waking up the next morning to an unexpected landscape and view. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-RxOthYehvbfl5ctm6tYoBU_vqmnMje9z0wvJSpk9WWG76jKtXYlMNqM8YiOfer3EUtrGgG1YbDZk6oOMYnRy8-59vDf7gLkHmv_kJBdCCrijALqqJidcXf7pQ0gQ__cHOhSxTTnibI/s2048/IMG_20200228_064928.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-RxOthYehvbfl5ctm6tYoBU_vqmnMje9z0wvJSpk9WWG76jKtXYlMNqM8YiOfer3EUtrGgG1YbDZk6oOMYnRy8-59vDf7gLkHmv_kJBdCCrijALqqJidcXf7pQ0gQ__cHOhSxTTnibI/w400-h300/IMG_20200228_064928.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lake Isabella</span></td></tr>
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We had the weekend to get home, so we stopped at Death Valley for a hike and another camping night. We just barely scratched the surface of the abundance of hiking opportunities in Death Valley in winter. I really want to go spend weeks there in a future year. The only camping spot available was basically a parking lot. We were fine with it because we were there to hike and see the highlights. Next to us was a guy in a tent. In the middle of the night someone pulled in next to us on the other side. I don't know what they hell that person's problem was - but his alarm kept going off at like 2 in the morning. In our sleep stupor - we thought it might be our truck. So, we got out of our camper and sat in our chairs listening waiting to see if our truck was the culprit. No, it was the idiot sleeping in the driver's seat of his LA fancy sports car. His alarm went off AGAIN and the guy on the other side of us yelled out. The offensive dude with the crazy alarm, revved his engine and drove off. We went back to sleep and the rest of the night was quiet. </span></div>
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Our second night, we stayed in Tecopa at Delight's Hot Springs. We had an enjoyable soak, but then a gigantic wind storm appeared in the middle of the night. By 4 a.m., we were wide awake and decided we might as well hit the road and drive all the way back to New Mexico. Whirlwind #2. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vFHab4SUfg4jlyOM1x7HtZ7uY6h8jB-fTatOalhi6hyphenhyphen9jdr9ke9vCXBib2sbGcdKYl-4fgOczw-BsmlwMPtCc9rwsVcf7V2oK3NXhYAOV5ui-9wY6_voxQOWc4_XYbCNgisg4Isv3EU/s2048/IMG_20200228_121151.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vFHab4SUfg4jlyOM1x7HtZ7uY6h8jB-fTatOalhi6hyphenhyphen9jdr9ke9vCXBib2sbGcdKYl-4fgOczw-BsmlwMPtCc9rwsVcf7V2oK3NXhYAOV5ui-9wY6_voxQOWc4_XYbCNgisg4Isv3EU/w400-h225/IMG_20200228_121151.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rainbow Canyon<br />We didn't see any jets, but did see one large military transport plane</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPR9pfiPI9XlgFpWBOss9niSci42m5qL7E6XfEK3V73dln4tuNDv245FB4yE3dQvar5BoJy0-2nDMPA_IlkEp9RukuAzxK3FZbA2PXTHp5UE7EC2HXkuTv4NHj8X2pHrqzUP4LRW8C2w/w400-h225/IMG_20200228_122912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Father Crowley Vista<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPR9pfiPI9XlgFpWBOss9niSci42m5qL7E6XfEK3V73dln4tuNDv245FB4yE3dQvar5BoJy0-2nDMPA_IlkEp9RukuAzxK3FZbA2PXTHp5UE7EC2HXkuTv4NHj8X2pHrqzUP4LRW8C2w/s2048/IMG_20200228_122912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9IWscA4yMTzsjvCaZYqTOR1-SqRfeb_OM5MDUxWfthsgymu5JZtmuGsEHE_owPBI6e98fVPnce3ElEbQ_JIiJuzLXwdE-STk-cTKT9kcRQE0DXQ0Sth9g5T-i_EWsNRTbj6tuFHRSFE/s2048/IMG_20200228_135730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9IWscA4yMTzsjvCaZYqTOR1-SqRfeb_OM5MDUxWfthsgymu5JZtmuGsEHE_owPBI6e98fVPnce3ElEbQ_JIiJuzLXwdE-STk-cTKT9kcRQE0DXQ0Sth9g5T-i_EWsNRTbj6tuFHRSFE/w400-h225/IMG_20200228_135730.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Darwin Falls near Panamint Springs, California<br />The hike is less than 2 miles round trip<br />The drive to the start of the hike is a bit rough<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofCEoSXc6y262AQhsgwvFr3Pzah8W0JzMJOE8A5varqLP34S7iUlRIQHpHCkAd9tRznoHedUpkkKJfUi8Zaj3XgumaYS64BYacNPhQ7dVaSCnxE9rjuMZqS6RYLQG2SRj2grLaZPcOc0/w400-h225/IMG_20200229_070107.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Camping at Furnace Creek in Death Valley<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofCEoSXc6y262AQhsgwvFr3Pzah8W0JzMJOE8A5varqLP34S7iUlRIQHpHCkAd9tRznoHedUpkkKJfUi8Zaj3XgumaYS64BYacNPhQ7dVaSCnxE9rjuMZqS6RYLQG2SRj2grLaZPcOc0/s2048/IMG_20200229_070107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9rC2bspA47N_Dw4LGGR5p_U0PYnQSsfCHI3GDwG1RdYjmpB4zo6bze3UuZVR1taF0QIVjEWTd2b9WJQ2nHNR0nJqlko0MsJXFvpzYWDOttmSssIeOf9FN6KgoQIsFadg5RDTZQnXYc0/w400-h225/IMG_20200229_103833.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Zabriskie Point in Death Valley</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9rC2bspA47N_Dw4LGGR5p_U0PYnQSsfCHI3GDwG1RdYjmpB4zo6bze3UuZVR1taF0QIVjEWTd2b9WJQ2nHNR0nJqlko0MsJXFvpzYWDOttmSssIeOf9FN6KgoQIsFadg5RDTZQnXYc0/s2048/IMG_20200229_103833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaebjuCgH9uj1crYZLm7sp3i-xY3PV7WIx3ZMYaJA9u2cukYD4Hu4VbcozlWJaKcCi1O5inqurnfLSiCOyq5o-_2QpdV1td7EL4Xtc2k7JzElf6t1T-Evvnp-OVifPsNwhWnSEC23fk9I/s2048/IMG_20200301_063115.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaebjuCgH9uj1crYZLm7sp3i-xY3PV7WIx3ZMYaJA9u2cukYD4Hu4VbcozlWJaKcCi1O5inqurnfLSiCOyq5o-_2QpdV1td7EL4Xtc2k7JzElf6t1T-Evvnp-OVifPsNwhWnSEC23fk9I/w400-h225/IMG_20200301_063115.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tecopa, California <br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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We got back to New Mexico the beginning of March. We are so lucky to live in a small, somewhat isolated town, to have a job that continues through the pandemic and to have the ability to work from home. Greg's folks live here in Los Alamos also, less than a mile from our townhouse. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our new routine since mid March and the COVID-9 explosion has been to hunker down at home, wash our hands almost obsessively, wear masks in public when around other people, only use curbside pickup to buy groceries and to purchase meals from local restaurants that we take home an microwave. We are fortunate that Los Alamos County has 58 miles of trails and is surrounded by Santa Fe National Forest as well as both Bandelier National Monument and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Although campgrounds are closed, we have been able to boondock in the woods both above Los Alamos and in other parts of Northern New Mexico away from other people. This has made our isolation much easier and we feel very fortunate to live where w live. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCU1idGWfsxlHO4CMb6Nlb394fESiUrI_2pKvmuug0bG48v7RxEKqtLpF-GIM4LNyHqVccAVM35R1i8VOqBPsETeeCf7_3gBiWz4nIXW1mftjpNtkC8rq-uIvUOquvvaaB4qyfMwBhR4/s950/map.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="950" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCU1idGWfsxlHO4CMb6Nlb394fESiUrI_2pKvmuug0bG48v7RxEKqtLpF-GIM4LNyHqVccAVM35R1i8VOqBPsETeeCf7_3gBiWz4nIXW1mftjpNtkC8rq-uIvUOquvvaaB4qyfMwBhR4/w400-h220/map.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Los Alamos County Trail Map</div><br /></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-57d7f5ca-7fff-ef17-d02f-19fb1de54d7a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Like the rest of America, a number of our family members across the Country contracted corona. We have been very, very lucky and blessed that they did not have to be hospitalized and had milder to no symptoms. Our expanded family has suffered a number of deaths during the pandemic. I am, by nature, an </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">optimistic</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> person. I try to stay positive even when life piles crap on. It doesn't change the crap you encounter, but it makes dealing with it a bit easier. </span></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAyn25zaCrbW5N84PgdfLswx8H3hyphenhyphenUUgkxr4ameZFMWDGryIYO1T-KTO0zg-p9CS9yZbKUDDBuxW_tgYEgJU2BZ9w3Zys4CZ6pxVXPoHJ3PwCUaWKxkpRNQDxyC1Q7jds5wOXHj393gk/s2048/IMG_20200501_134201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAyn25zaCrbW5N84PgdfLswx8H3hyphenhyphenUUgkxr4ameZFMWDGryIYO1T-KTO0zg-p9CS9yZbKUDDBuxW_tgYEgJU2BZ9w3Zys4CZ6pxVXPoHJ3PwCUaWKxkpRNQDxyC1Q7jds5wOXHj393gk/w320-h180/IMG_20200501_134201.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greg, Don, Frances and me</span></div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></p>I've written before about </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Greg's Dad (Don) having both Alzheimer's and terminal cancer. He has been on hospice throughout 2020. We have not been able to fully stay away from Greg's folks. We help them out by buying groceries, emptying their trash, picking up their mail and helping around their place. Greg's father was declining </span></span><span>rapidly throughout January through now. In April he began leaving the apartment more and more and getting lost. Don didn't understand that he needed a mask or why we wore masks when we dropped off food and could no longer stay and hang out with them. By the end of April, he was no longer able to be at home. Because he was on hospice, we were able to move him to a memory care facility in town following a negative Covid test. He really doesn't know who anyone in the family is anymore. God bless the people who run this facility. They have been wonderful to Don. Sadly, like many others, we can only visit him through a window. But, he is safe and with a group of amazing caretakers and his familiar hospice nurse can visit him. Don continues to diminish, but is happy at his new "school." </span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since May, we have taken Greg's Mom (Frances) on weekend drives or camping trips to isolated boondocking spots where we can be away from people but out in the healing elements of nature. We are obsessive about hand washing, wearing our masks, cleaning surfaces and staying away from people and crowds. Luckily, we enjoy cooking at home. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My Aunt Julie and I talk and text every day. It has been difficult for her with family not being able to visit. I am forever thankful that Greg and I took that trip to see her in February while travel was still safely possible. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My Aunt's situation also got worse. Her liver function was deteriorating and the chemo treatment was no longer an option. We thought she had maybe a month. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I took a few days off of work so we could have a three night campout. On Wednesday night I had a long, wonderful talk with my Aunt. I told her we were going camping and wouldn't have cell phone service so I wouldn't be able to "show" her the scenery via What's App. The next morning, she sent me a heart text. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA418nw_grSjYSUVAgTEN_9oPKrW3HPGQ-LSejGAS8WsIYoV1SuWamXrw9_Oj2DvW97Aim9zNMNGlyzHJAlpjKHwkSULwh6c6C8_PHzCLl6wrRTd_mCLoAexp_NpQu4NIyYr-Hk2EV7o/s948/FB_IMG_1598814780824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="948" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA418nw_grSjYSUVAgTEN_9oPKrW3HPGQ-LSejGAS8WsIYoV1SuWamXrw9_Oj2DvW97Aim9zNMNGlyzHJAlpjKHwkSULwh6c6C8_PHzCLl6wrRTd_mCLoAexp_NpQu4NIyYr-Hk2EV7o/w320-h320/FB_IMG_1598814780824.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Greg, me, Aunt Julie and Uncle Charlie at the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valles Caldera back in the early 2000's</div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After hearing an owl hooting in the tree above our camper throughout the night on Friday, I felt the need to contact my family. We have a Garmin Inreach for emergencies. Greg offered to drive me back home or suggested I could also use the text feature to keep in touch by phone. My Uncle gave me the news that her passing was coming much faster than she or anyone else thought. He and my cousin Danny gave me hourly updates by text throughout Saturday. Thank you Garmin Inreach! We drove home Sunday morning. That night, Sunday, July 12th, my Aunt Julie passed over. I knew this would be the end result, but it still feels unreal to me. We could not gather as a family due to COVID, but we asked people to plant a tree in her memory instead and received an outpouring of loving tributes to her on social media. She touched a lot of lives and will never be forgotten. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AUSjb0aZvueE8m6kVPmEHK1B8wzZt70n__vhhVweiN37PNe4A2gtSegcE1fXAzm_D-U2uUeUX4Au2UKCI1L1IWKVQUvzSthV26qgXbl56Bib2ogUpru8noigNcXSIqhJU2q3lY2yK7w/s960/family.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AUSjb0aZvueE8m6kVPmEHK1B8wzZt70n__vhhVweiN37PNe4A2gtSegcE1fXAzm_D-U2uUeUX4Au2UKCI1L1IWKVQUvzSthV26qgXbl56Bib2ogUpru8noigNcXSIqhJU2q3lY2yK7w/w320-h320/family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It has now been almost 50 days since my aunt crossed over. It still seems unreal that our daily phone calls will not happen again. My Uncle and I continue to talk almost everyday which has been wonderful. Keep in touch with friends and family, let them know how you feel or just talk about the weather, television shows or books. Let them know you are thinking of them. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You don't get back those lost opportunities when it is too late. Way too many of our friends and extended family have lost loved ones during 2020. Just saying - Eff Cancer, EFF Covid-19, EFF Alzheimers! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This situation has also made Greg and I wonder if we want to have a home base while we also travel. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During the pandemic, we have continued watching YouTube, reading blogs, Instagram and Facebook as RV, Sailing and Overland folks we follow were faced with how to full-time during an international crisis. I hear a lot of debate about the full-time, part-time, home base issue. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't get me wrong - on August 1st of next year no matter what, we will hit the road and hit it hard. Life is too short to not climb that mountain, hike that trail, SUP that lake and explore. We will be out there seeking adventures. Greg's Mom will go with us, but she will also want to spend time at home in Los Alamos. It will be interesting to see what the next few years </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some photos from some of our hikes, camping trips and a boat rental during May through August. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EuKdmP4fA_DRaQZFI2kN8R05xX5WXAIEw-PggFnjN4lTSiWCpNo4iIN6YNuu6vvatm8mAgJWNIGP8Arvohr4gvg7AQih9-pP8gDuUBjCuR2GiMi8gfYh_GfXceZaO5jbh3sTOg20Fy8/s960/90425290_10157420013222029_5812584480984006656_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="960" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EuKdmP4fA_DRaQZFI2kN8R05xX5WXAIEw-PggFnjN4lTSiWCpNo4iIN6YNuu6vvatm8mAgJWNIGP8Arvohr4gvg7AQih9-pP8gDuUBjCuR2GiMi8gfYh_GfXceZaO5jbh3sTOg20Fy8/w400-h348/90425290_10157420013222029_5812584480984006656_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtQEL_j9h_R5f6a4xcXqDcVs_ObXtxdFEj2aZt53CoAtUaWx106Jg9FePHHMK9ugwL4-orBwdIwLTaUAjmBk5fWU8r3j6s_pmTMEC2Dzs8czOeG5Gx1GdwLAs1k6rgohlc9NxHgNG9QY/s960/93796417_10157511609937029_52007157691842560_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtQEL_j9h_R5f6a4xcXqDcVs_ObXtxdFEj2aZt53CoAtUaWx106Jg9FePHHMK9ugwL4-orBwdIwLTaUAjmBk5fWU8r3j6s_pmTMEC2Dzs8czOeG5Gx1GdwLAs1k6rgohlc9NxHgNG9QY/w400-h225/93796417_10157511609937029_52007157691842560_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6POEFAW2fRo0Ly8thABQ0s2mZWhP4VP-n_B5fCccx26uMf3dr7H2G-YkGvyJuT9Xdv1l3zhwElYjG-ADkdZmmrVAz6_pPiGUgKxkUKVUt5N_JTg1uBi8fBGAqQ2MArLEEHo35QYsSSNs/s751/hammock.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="751" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6POEFAW2fRo0Ly8thABQ0s2mZWhP4VP-n_B5fCccx26uMf3dr7H2G-YkGvyJuT9Xdv1l3zhwElYjG-ADkdZmmrVAz6_pPiGUgKxkUKVUt5N_JTg1uBi8fBGAqQ2MArLEEHo35QYsSSNs/w400-h370/hammock.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ7ZW0Fa4ssEXPGhyXhYTV6pqdpEhy-74b7BDhNAJxxLlqcoC9NzFp3Bj8_viVJ90pg1oH2TojQ4YNuEXLcfRrDaRgkH5YXWiLzoC0Wh8XnrdkmHZJvaS4c-zQZuWV6f0pWsrOOT4tK8/s2048/IMG_20200315_173025.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ7ZW0Fa4ssEXPGhyXhYTV6pqdpEhy-74b7BDhNAJxxLlqcoC9NzFp3Bj8_viVJ90pg1oH2TojQ4YNuEXLcfRrDaRgkH5YXWiLzoC0Wh8XnrdkmHZJvaS4c-zQZuWV6f0pWsrOOT4tK8/w400-h225/IMG_20200315_173025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEgTceniT6e0rh0A7RXTo4ySd0y2bKlCrDNQuO9yPI36FHgVHhDqzWy7iPvFo0xf3HjRWDeGPPPMO5V31nGhvHP2frl2fIo-uD0qrUTnzLWWUnZty2gTQOEAVBc_5F6BtzDAqyUyUtYk/w400-h225/IMG_20200523_184241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3O6M9GGaorjP3ip57aciYEGgMbST3VG4cQ_yltBJDGaEZqc4gTBb8mSxFwyTaLaJqYc9Fb14SeR9SFjl0ocSs425Qt5iUYqZcuYJkjURRcQ0oBNtFFTuAsT807LZDvdJqJ6BGCtzFfQ/s2048/IMG_20200612_174052.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3O6M9GGaorjP3ip57aciYEGgMbST3VG4cQ_yltBJDGaEZqc4gTBb8mSxFwyTaLaJqYc9Fb14SeR9SFjl0ocSs425Qt5iUYqZcuYJkjURRcQ0oBNtFFTuAsT807LZDvdJqJ6BGCtzFfQ/w400-h225/IMG_20200612_174052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvoZLedJc9uMr1EQrJIqMBXnLn16tJPZ0z3Q4_9tvSnmORg659ZLdshJHM1rzAa9oDJjmYzvz43SZSbetqY-8g62nN6460ng6SeYoh9zRoYPE9Rh72GUHJPphNWjC-YD86pZ18HYWBms/w400-h225/IMG_20200711_210545.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJg8tRD8lP0zAigKgWH6D6ZTUbMzAfWhtis_-pUvX5GB2BUMLqANtJkWomE3m8lLAURcR720kRo7cpCM9Rhr0M-w2OVGG7n0PgzdKnqF3Vw1M2xR5SjTi4i1weZUBEZ-ybPcVf8yaAdw/s2048/IMG_20200802_115948.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJg8tRD8lP0zAigKgWH6D6ZTUbMzAfWhtis_-pUvX5GB2BUMLqANtJkWomE3m8lLAURcR720kRo7cpCM9Rhr0M-w2OVGG7n0PgzdKnqF3Vw1M2xR5SjTi4i1weZUBEZ-ybPcVf8yaAdw/w400-h225/IMG_20200802_115948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyniLQ7hKGJBZAi4GckcqBsGv6s3uC6KqpzAIRkIEjsa1B3DMhkuj7f4sJc6C7JURBarfCJnJyaN_3zUKKrphKee3hbO8hMpWcEjNExyUIRT1TRbOi2AmcxIBhtVVzBeaZYYP72TtG8GY/s2048/IMG_20200813_190955.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyniLQ7hKGJBZAi4GckcqBsGv6s3uC6KqpzAIRkIEjsa1B3DMhkuj7f4sJc6C7JURBarfCJnJyaN_3zUKKrphKee3hbO8hMpWcEjNExyUIRT1TRbOi2AmcxIBhtVVzBeaZYYP72TtG8GY/w400-h225/IMG_20200813_190955.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFW4_bYyKf0VGl070eJIYwhfCb4IOtJRDSj9lT7_0ioeQ5Vpdd7WJA2HvfKT8dtEize5hcOGlc9humjkFXtJvats1-zeDBj96Sxl9pmMiFPtonBRxBLa8u_-xU4JFaB3VEyFhgBOoNhA/s2048/IMG_20200823_095527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFW4_bYyKf0VGl070eJIYwhfCb4IOtJRDSj9lT7_0ioeQ5Vpdd7WJA2HvfKT8dtEize5hcOGlc9humjkFXtJvats1-zeDBj96Sxl9pmMiFPtonBRxBLa8u_-xU4JFaB3VEyFhgBOoNhA/w400-h225/IMG_20200823_095527.jpg" width="400" />\</a></div><div><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>Boating on Eagle's Nest Lake near Angel Fire, New Mexico</span></span></div><div><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4E_PeoDn4xGOdySNs974tkuj_4FPkIw4NYaTzR3_xVgcscoUHShFfH7nF2NeuKNbb7nlPOrSmpztejOOXp9Uvd8VVjAHwIf3grfU2tx7SDYoiwHiDGdLfeH3G7rWPCMbDAjd1nV0LE8/s2048/IMG_20200823_105814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4E_PeoDn4xGOdySNs974tkuj_4FPkIw4NYaTzR3_xVgcscoUHShFfH7nF2NeuKNbb7nlPOrSmpztejOOXp9Uvd8VVjAHwIf3grfU2tx7SDYoiwHiDGdLfeH3G7rWPCMbDAjd1nV0LE8/w400-h225/IMG_20200823_105814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greg and I have been cutting each other's hair for several years now. I may have forgotten to mention, I colored my hair purple at home using a product called Overtone. I have always wanted to do it, but wanted a less harsh and chemical product. I finally found it and it is a lot of fun. I will be turning 60 in December and with less than a year to go until I retire - it seemed like a great time to take the plunge because, why the hell not! Stay safe out there and happy adventures! </span><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v-KF3XYAqbUy5mClb_FeamdMCcEAKe1UR7KAys3qh4prYp2N2g1kmBgLhBW8_r28JHmS5F8L7ECwnDgVW-lkPod4ckKTOourxuNkvOmKCj-BNlZ7jW7VFX5hkfYDIURypmqKvQdBBcE/s2048/IMG_20200809_165125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v-KF3XYAqbUy5mClb_FeamdMCcEAKe1UR7KAys3qh4prYp2N2g1kmBgLhBW8_r28JHmS5F8L7ECwnDgVW-lkPod4ckKTOourxuNkvOmKCj-BNlZ7jW7VFX5hkfYDIURypmqKvQdBBcE/w225-h400/IMG_20200809_165125.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>
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</div>Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-36187261818879455402020-02-08T19:59:00.000-07:002020-02-08T20:34:08.504-07:00Homemade Thermal Pack for our Four Wheel Camper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfsMuq2v7RyPRCTXb46m2nYFCUGnZ-RQN94QWO4pyCB-7YOnUz5XJw4wyYojECBIDNmsggOD12Z_SigAVCTxUTTSJbxtFgfBiPc-bMdSBa2XHvglIAJetYJAI1b2P8f28isxRDPY2MRE/s1600/IMG_20200117_063446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfsMuq2v7RyPRCTXb46m2nYFCUGnZ-RQN94QWO4pyCB-7YOnUz5XJw4wyYojECBIDNmsggOD12Z_SigAVCTxUTTSJbxtFgfBiPc-bMdSBa2XHvglIAJetYJAI1b2P8f28isxRDPY2MRE/s400/IMG_20200117_063446.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taco Belle with her Taco Shell in our driveway in Northern New Mexico</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our last camper, Humphrey, was a homemade Nissan NV van. We had a blast designing the layout, building the bed/couch and even sewed the pads. When we upgraded to our Four Wheel Camper - Fleet model, we opted to have FWC build out the pop-up camper for us. One option we didn't pick was the cold weather thermal pack. The material of our pop-up camper is a marine style vinyl side liner. We didn't use any insulation in our van, so we thought this would be okay. We did select the forced air heater that runs off our propane. LOVE IT!!<br />
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Our last camping to eastern Arizona was colder than we expected in the low 20's. During a walk at Chiricahua National Monument campground, we ran into a fellow Four Wheel Camper. He had created a wrap for the outside of his camper from reflectix. That began our search for alternatives for a thermal pack. We found it on Wander the West.com from an old post by ski3pin in Nov 2011.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/5269-building-an-arctic-cold-weather-pack/" target="_blank">http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/5269-building-an-arctic-cold-weather-pack/</a><br />
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We spent $129 to buy the material from Seattle Fabrics online. We ordered FEV 54" Evolutin IV/Block it 400 @ $12.50 per linear yards. I have been wanting to buy a sewing machine for awhile. I had to borrow one from my good friend Cathy to make the cushions for our van back in 2012. So, with the cost of the sewing machine, we are still spending less than 1/2 the price of buying the custom liner from FWC.<br />
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We are happy so far and notice a big difference in the temperature inside the camper. We still need to hem the liner and attach the velcro to the liner. For now, we are just using the liner with large binder clips which also works.<br />
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I will do a follow-up blog once we have hemmed, attached the velcro and tested it in the wild. I also need to create openings in the lining so we can open the windows even with the thermal pack on.<br />
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I've been wanting a sewing machine for awhile now because I also want to mend clothes. We like to wear things until they are not usable anymore. The sewing machine will make this much easier.<br />
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Up Next: Eastern Arizona Winter Camping Trip<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xCwfV0UXfYbkdg7rNsMT-oPuLA-zVcNdfB4Dqn9mSKUCg4tF2fmfYzQMEG8RFZornnTW3DWQ3Zdw6gXxy3hDcwUq3O2OIHismeFf12lZFip25EmYab1FG_EliCjk0GzQO9wVzWHSf2k/s1600/IMG_20200208_172630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xCwfV0UXfYbkdg7rNsMT-oPuLA-zVcNdfB4Dqn9mSKUCg4tF2fmfYzQMEG8RFZornnTW3DWQ3Zdw6gXxy3hDcwUq3O2OIHismeFf12lZFip25EmYab1FG_EliCjk0GzQO9wVzWHSf2k/s400/IMG_20200208_172630.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the uncut liner material.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxIsBKmXvqpYYz1xUaNG44Gwsk034ZIy_cZq5ApHldZhZefrGVIiz71dvv-dX7ZTJtP3V5gcp2tnnJXTdYgPZTfhDQRFMWvL3awfujhnh1pEwl5W2AWXpXXYQl47NvzoZL_pQLncTln4/s1600/IMG_20200208_202527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxIsBKmXvqpYYz1xUaNG44Gwsk034ZIy_cZq5ApHldZhZefrGVIiz71dvv-dX7ZTJtP3V5gcp2tnnJXTdYgPZTfhDQRFMWvL3awfujhnh1pEwl5W2AWXpXXYQl47NvzoZL_pQLncTln4/s400/IMG_20200208_202527.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both sides of the fabric we selected from Seattle Fabrics</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcBPmq2AKQVGmF4XoBaAKz7fwp31ocJLHQGBss-aVT8wJpRK5jIjHEXeiyzJIAt5KKC1ISAAfgumi4oSqlAuhsTtJwbm2iqUJkGzUDAN98zZ8Z6uk5UxBr3y8aLzcd8kGrIWJCh4y7dc/s1600/IMG_20200208_170731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcBPmq2AKQVGmF4XoBaAKz7fwp31ocJLHQGBss-aVT8wJpRK5jIjHEXeiyzJIAt5KKC1ISAAfgumi4oSqlAuhsTtJwbm2iqUJkGzUDAN98zZ8Z6uk5UxBr3y8aLzcd8kGrIWJCh4y7dc/s400/IMG_20200208_170731.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We measured carefully and used a board to<br />
protect our dining room table. We cut the fabric<br />
using the OFLA rotary cutter. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4REh9rgJ-xjH8PdXKi04rFBGUOU9bHIvozIb_Rwjp5UxzM-wVqHb8NmGXqO7Em8sd97NJC6HZchjrZbickitl-Xgwa4WzZVC3FgVDci4oUyl7v41Lq7-vgRI7LIj5jldlq5z9k8tQZfk/s1600/IMG_20200208_171103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4REh9rgJ-xjH8PdXKi04rFBGUOU9bHIvozIb_Rwjp5UxzM-wVqHb8NmGXqO7Em8sd97NJC6HZchjrZbickitl-Xgwa4WzZVC3FgVDci4oUyl7v41Lq7-vgRI7LIj5jldlq5z9k8tQZfk/s400/IMG_20200208_171103.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We measured twice and cut once leaving extra room<br />
for the hem</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmzyUT_-6E0XQ_RMBaz7YFsR5tpDIEIHhLuROEsRqTol8w5M4ohBv_BJZiCDQIOWYanqSVe8O5-L5nDGWu483ffhONvvETh302ToEsO8sjRSl5PlUCSp_68ZOnooQOyfIvrI-2u2xUss/s1600/IMG_20200208_172116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmzyUT_-6E0XQ_RMBaz7YFsR5tpDIEIHhLuROEsRqTol8w5M4ohBv_BJZiCDQIOWYanqSVe8O5-L5nDGWu483ffhONvvETh302ToEsO8sjRSl5PlUCSp_68ZOnooQOyfIvrI-2u2xUss/s400/IMG_20200208_172116.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the new liner</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtOn2XKnRUN4MaRcRmXTwrd4AX6KgtzY2FqzzuIg0zHUcZqcCNnWz_EEkbmQ6DyhnynZK1D1JAaYJlcYuft4e6nAKF8vWIexWLU27HCtwcw7kEtUHcp5MToSxru-qLwUuXTYiU3n10ig/s1600/IMG_20200208_172211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtOn2XKnRUN4MaRcRmXTwrd4AX6KgtzY2FqzzuIg0zHUcZqcCNnWz_EEkbmQ6DyhnynZK1D1JAaYJlcYuft4e6nAKF8vWIexWLU27HCtwcw7kEtUHcp5MToSxru-qLwUuXTYiU3n10ig/s400/IMG_20200208_172211.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sock monkeys approve!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATrCnvxPXW4esYxFk80obwX_JBZTGDvB-6t3IsglZqojdH_nsEFMIs0WlbfP-XDjbx_YXMlHm4pXsq6pad6lGDXgxXDCYxKeRmD6712alTD4i8GQ-I2yM0mL7VMuOVBqnzjx9gOIV6Pc/s1600/IMG_20200208_182326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATrCnvxPXW4esYxFk80obwX_JBZTGDvB-6t3IsglZqojdH_nsEFMIs0WlbfP-XDjbx_YXMlHm4pXsq6pad6lGDXgxXDCYxKeRmD6712alTD4i8GQ-I2yM0mL7VMuOVBqnzjx9gOIV6Pc/s400/IMG_20200208_182326.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OLFA 60 mm rotary cutter made the job super easy!</td></tr>
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<br />Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-58378176289212857012019-08-17T09:17:00.001-06:002020-10-13T20:46:38.384-06:00Rocky Mountain Overland Rally and Solar-Battery Upgrade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rally included a Four Wheel Camper area.<br />
The white arrow is pointing to our rig. </td></tr>
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Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Camper (RMFWC) and Juniper Overland invited us to attend the inaugural Rocky Mountain Overland Rally in Gunnison, Colorado at the I Bar Ranch. We had never been to a rally before and were curious. The rally offered nightly campfire raffles, happy hours, an on-site technical course, instruction, classes and vendor demos. They delivered! If you ever get a chance to go to a concert at the I Bar Ranch or to attend an Overland Rally - jump at the opportunity. You will not be disappointed. Huge thanks to Chris and Josh for the invite!<br />
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When we bought our Four Wheel Camper, we didn't have a solar system installed because we knew we wanted to get an upgraded battery and solar set up that would work for us. Greg wired our van himself and we used a portable solar panel to charge up the house battery which worked really well. But, we wanted something that would be more permanent and where we could solar up even when on a hike.<br />
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Greg and I both use cpap machines. We made sure we got the lowest energy usage cpaps, but they are still energy hogs. Additionally, our Four Wheel Camper frig is a two way, meaning it operates using battery or shore power.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt of Off-Grid Engineering's <br />
rig at Overland Rally</td></tr>
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One goal we had for attending the Rocky Mountain Overland Rally was to see other folks solar/battery setup and to possibly meet vendors who could help us plan the right battery/solar build. On the last day of the rally, we walked around to all the vendors booths. We met Matt of Off-Grid Engineering and we could tell he was the one. Greg and Matt hit it off right ways. I tried to keep up with the battery geek talk between the two of them, but didn't succeed. Matt got what we were looking for and had great suggestions. I also appreciate that he was able to come down to my level to explain the build in plain terms for a novice like me. Greg has been researching components for awhile. We had already purchased some parts including the flexible solar panels. Matt supplied the missing pieces, the labor and the expertise! Greg dropped off the camper on Thursday morning and by Friday at 11 a.m. our dream setup was done. We are very, very pleased so far! More on this later in this post.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Ride coming and going</td></tr>
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We love going to Gunnison and nearby Crested Butte. The first day of the rally, we signed up for a trail ride from the rally site to Crested Butte past Gothic to Emerald Lake. We were a little nervous as this was our first time on a rough 4x4 road with the camper on the Taco or travelling with a group. It was fun although we all had to turn around before we made it to the lake because of a landslide. We were both really happy with how the Taco Shell performed and how comfortable we felt. We drove back on our own and stopped for a hike and to enjoy the beautiful wildflowers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flowers were amazing even<br />
though we missed the peak</td></tr>
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Even though it was in the 80's the hike to the waterfall overlook was spectacular. We never get tired of the awesome views from the Gothic area.<br />
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Back at the rally, we watched folks navigate the technical course and marveled at their skills. We hope to feel confident enough to do the course at a future rally. We spent quite a bit of time watching a really big rig get stuck on the course and an even bigger rig come and pull it out. Excellent "demo" of recovery gear.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the rescue </td></tr>
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The nightly campfires and prize drawings was a lot of fun. We also enjoyed just sitting by our camper and chatting with other Four Wheel Camper owners. A great group of folks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very impressive campfire at the I Bar Ranch</td></tr>
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Back to our build. I am going to quote Matt from Off-Grid Engineering with the technical specs of what he did for us. His description is below in blue and the following five photos are by Off-Grid Engineering of our rig's solar setup. We are VERY happy with Matt's customer service, vision and execution! Check out his website at <a href="https://www.offgrid4x4.com/">https://www.offgrid4x4.com/</a><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b>@sockmonkeytrekkers are planning to get some serious use out of their new Tacoma/FWC combo... but first they needed a bit of an electrical upgrade. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b>We started by removing the factory dual purpose 79 amp hour battery and isolator. Then we upgraded the size of the charging wire from 10 AWG wire to 4 AWG welding cable front to back, added a @redarc electronics 40 amp DC to DC charger, 200 watts of solar, a Victron Energy solar charge controller (with Bluetooth), and two 6 volt AGM batteries for a total of 250 amp hours! </b></span></div><div><span style="color: cyan;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>The batteries are Centennial CB6-250 6 volts (sealed VRLA AGM deep cycle). </b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The before set up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt installed our two flexible solar panels on the roof</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New batteries fit perfectly<br />
although a tight squeeze</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQBZvHXfdhN5HUf0ChmUpN5JRwkYs5h-44GiMPHvW60g60boo5H-Io4TmRFYfqfFCu901iMjxZgpN20BBEUTduIkaoNRcQ-prW0uJEu0pZpiFjw7uKZSF1c16ucYwzTvQkuNH3znWDUA/s1600/69322052_2282952738636971_1165848694742843392_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQBZvHXfdhN5HUf0ChmUpN5JRwkYs5h-44GiMPHvW60g60boo5H-Io4TmRFYfqfFCu901iMjxZgpN20BBEUTduIkaoNRcQ-prW0uJEu0pZpiFjw7uKZSF1c16ucYwzTvQkuNH3znWDUA/s400/69322052_2282952738636971_1165848694742843392_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg previously bought this Victron Energy controller.<br />
It has a bluetooth function so we<br />
can monitor from our phone! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAOQTXA7LTX5OsfRdxus-ZsOC5MzA8vZ5NpXjUgIaBn8CLjXBrX-SWOceaOYNSlK2JT9NTJesLooqHsPaApdDmKG7hq7_YJMv-L2ucQcbpLAj1J63BtTlGoYRGLiqYD2omtWyYZq0orE/s1600/68713632_2282952695303642_4173176467460456448_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAOQTXA7LTX5OsfRdxus-ZsOC5MzA8vZ5NpXjUgIaBn8CLjXBrX-SWOceaOYNSlK2JT9NTJesLooqHsPaApdDmKG7hq7_YJMv-L2ucQcbpLAj1J63BtTlGoYRGLiqYD2omtWyYZq0orE/s400/68713632_2282952695303642_4173176467460456448_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">REDARC DC to DC Charger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Greg will do a blog down the road with his full review of our new solar-battery system when we have been able to test it out more. But, he reports that the first night was great and he enjoyed being able to check the battery levels from his phone and the fact that the roof panels are constantly recharging the system. We are very happy campers! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjompum6RjVKH-4uOathFqLhUBDDUksyX_90VjyKyeC1bIOYhulX-zRCXkE0TsAo4jyhZaWbqsu38MMZXvTWqTAStWlZ_AROoGfSkawdsPP41lQwtkFpS7U48r3wvAuWNxY5WeMLHvPKmo/s1600/IMG_20190804_104641.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjompum6RjVKH-4uOathFqLhUBDDUksyX_90VjyKyeC1bIOYhulX-zRCXkE0TsAo4jyhZaWbqsu38MMZXvTWqTAStWlZ_AROoGfSkawdsPP41lQwtkFpS7U48r3wvAuWNxY5WeMLHvPKmo/s640/IMG_20190804_104641.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped for lunch at Little Molas Lake on the way home<br />
from the Rocky Mountain Overland Rally</td></tr>
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Check out Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Camper at <a href="http://rockymountainfourwheelcampers.com/">http://rockymountainfourwheelcampers.com/</a></div>
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Check out Juniper Overland at <a href="https://juniperoverland.com/">https://juniperoverland.com/</a></div>
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For more info on the Rocky Mountain Overland Rally visit <a href="https://rockymountainoverlandrally.com/">https://rockymountainoverlandrally.com/</a><br />
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Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-83688790908731560982019-08-16T21:53:00.004-06:002019-08-16T22:40:11.621-06:00Update: Taco Shell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Humphrey - you served us well! </td></tr>
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We are still active on Instagram and on a personal level on Facebook, but we have neglected our blog over the past year. Life doesn't always align with adventure. I lived a large part of my childhood with my Aunt and Uncle. Four out of our six parents have had serious health problems involving multiple surgeries, ongoing chemo, home treatments and in one instance hospice. The philosophy of do your adventures now while you are still healthy enough smacks into the reality of what life throws at people you love. So, we have been focusing on what is most important to us - which is spending time with our family. My parents live in Southern California, my aunt and uncle in Northern California and Greg's folks are here in Los Alamos, New Mexico.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, we have still squeezed in plenty of quick adventures, but not as many as we normally would. But, being home bound has also allowed us to focus on a VERY exciting project. I will retire in twenty-four months! As with many full-timers, we have gone back and forth and back again deciding what type of rv/truck camper/van to live in post-retirement.<br />
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Since 2011, we've loved adventuring in our Nissan NV van. Greg built out the van and it was perfect with one exception. The Nissan isn't four wheel drive. Since we primarily boondock down rough roads, four wheel drive would be very nice. We also considered a 4x4 conversion for the van. The price tag is decent, but the size of our van would still be an issue. What to do????<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DdBWl3SKWt2Hi3pjl0zZ88cRjaIs6sTOIiT0smHWlrqT-0YnO8k9S7t9i1DL27KOOYDUB4WkUypWcv-eEtvRPMz0JM2JtybrJjesnj5G6CkYGPuk-taG9JSdnGKerQi6BOzdTI9udbI/s1600/IMG_20190506_102919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DdBWl3SKWt2Hi3pjl0zZ88cRjaIs6sTOIiT0smHWlrqT-0YnO8k9S7t9i1DL27KOOYDUB4WkUypWcv-eEtvRPMz0JM2JtybrJjesnj5G6CkYGPuk-taG9JSdnGKerQi6BOzdTI9udbI/s400/IMG_20190506_102919.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77CICMPeddzSdC0mVe-Lc0Ap0054tfrRMU6chlyNcOTGjY62Fph8qDha320IXemXqsqAsAODDGxOtMaBOlHD7Eun_p2H9zQuoHGQnbt9WXdpU0zP8rjeRhf9HNJN3Pl88apjtlK1RH74/s1600/2019-08-16_20-31-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="462" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77CICMPeddzSdC0mVe-Lc0Ap0054tfrRMU6chlyNcOTGjY62Fph8qDha320IXemXqsqAsAODDGxOtMaBOlHD7Eun_p2H9zQuoHGQnbt9WXdpU0zP8rjeRhf9HNJN3Pl88apjtlK1RH74/s400/2019-08-16_20-31-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After much debate, research and many hours of youtube watching, we came to a decision. Greg's Mom was intrigued by the Aliner pop-up aframe trailer (Thanks Slim Potatohead) and wanted to buy one since they had to sell their C-Class RV due to health reasons. Our plan was for her to buy an Aliner and for us to get a Toyota Tacoma and pop a Four Wheel Camper Fleet model on it. Once we made the decision it all fell into place quickly. In March, Greg's folks got the Aliner and we purchased a new Toyota Tacoma TRD. A few weeks later we ordered a Four Wheel Camper Fleet model from Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Camper/Juniper Overland (RMFWC). Chris Janeway at RMFWC (Arvada, Colorado) was extremely patient with our multitude of questions and numerous phone calls. We had been to the Overland Expo back in 2016 and toured both Four Wheel Campers and Hallmark Campers. We were impressed by both manufacturers. But, it came down to fit and weight. Having already done a build with our van, we decided to go for the side dinette, fleet model with flush sink and stove and the 2 way frig. We passed on a water heater, but did get the furnace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvQUJWHyZYIkNfzlZlJe3Arxc-HGzkaOM7Hlj88l_TDjJAzq3iDv16ZL0Un7VkYpGbiwUIkNbIHJo5WkhfD7b6DtPqc5wpJuTZoxJTc6KPA1kwuOwbU29AChH6-aKYnZ1nClrZKR4SZc/s1600/IMG_20160520_104412069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvQUJWHyZYIkNfzlZlJe3Arxc-HGzkaOM7Hlj88l_TDjJAzq3iDv16ZL0Un7VkYpGbiwUIkNbIHJo5WkhfD7b6DtPqc5wpJuTZoxJTc6KPA1kwuOwbU29AChH6-aKYnZ1nClrZKR4SZc/s320/IMG_20160520_104412069.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new Toyota Tacoma at the<br />
Great Sand Dunes National Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKSXxkdbjEYtzOQ8Mj35FGjVqrrXtL8t6s0WODHhNcN11WLRcbeUXaz_83jHtaWEUDkoD42LO3vlm3r4s8qSPo7ECSLKaVvBLg4h1sJHWjul_v6NktulGd5iRlzDvDnk_fSIrE2pHqAY/s1600/IMG_20190405_174238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKSXxkdbjEYtzOQ8Mj35FGjVqrrXtL8t6s0WODHhNcN11WLRcbeUXaz_83jHtaWEUDkoD42LO3vlm3r4s8qSPo7ECSLKaVvBLg4h1sJHWjul_v6NktulGd5iRlzDvDnk_fSIrE2pHqAY/s400/IMG_20190405_174238.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyota Tacoma with Greg's folks' Aliner Titanium <br />
at Bandelier National Monument</td></tr>
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The Toyota is perfect for towing the Aliner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg and his Mom boondocking in the<br />
Jemez Mountains inside the Aliner</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIsaN3KOVf6kLUGi-wYLZkw1mlgAB9wBl646N5ozCqMp3Io2SfjSaOu2NAlg0Dv-pCxAcbwoOnrYhjJTfu4JfkfedrPiXhOg5WM2XYkX1q4io8fTe6JiKbQKPn7-G7izpNbgNL5Ov7xM/s1600/IMG_20190519_113508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIsaN3KOVf6kLUGi-wYLZkw1mlgAB9wBl646N5ozCqMp3Io2SfjSaOu2NAlg0Dv-pCxAcbwoOnrYhjJTfu4JfkfedrPiXhOg5WM2XYkX1q4io8fTe6JiKbQKPn7-G7izpNbgNL5Ov7xM/s400/IMG_20190519_113508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We placed our order with Chris at RMFWC in late March and took delivery in late June. But, it was so worth the wait. Also, with all the family obligations, the wait went by very quickly. We worked with Chris of Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Camper and Josh Abram of Juniper Overland to plan a small lift to help the Toyota handle the weight of the camper while towing a trailer. When they installed the camper, they installed Dobinson suspension, upper
control arms, struts, shocks and airbags since the driver side is carrying so much more weight than the passenger. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg checking out sitting in the camper with the top down. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxLBb90Uv4UmwLWw2gQBU01280lsZfkSYxcp-OQg-MRzQZqlpwT-J6zAeh_2Q73KgGc8qwzFH25aDg3Y6O-MDG-Yc3HbPEqG1O7e4wDPKRCOklk8LEZVKG5BLiP42gbP9AwBcl5k5VwA/s1600/IMG_20190628_160254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxLBb90Uv4UmwLWw2gQBU01280lsZfkSYxcp-OQg-MRzQZqlpwT-J6zAeh_2Q73KgGc8qwzFH25aDg3Y6O-MDG-Yc3HbPEqG1O7e4wDPKRCOklk8LEZVKG5BLiP42gbP9AwBcl5k5VwA/s400/IMG_20190628_160254.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE the flush sink and stove top! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78-wChyphenhyphenCahqa5_RoWlgii2PKBZR2ZjsobY0pO2ZUrH5BQlNruXCCJeJVqziWJyf8WwVZDDzoJtvHFna89TTdrSAPvsgAWQxBUgqFBrWYyoJixRiCb6rCgANpOqc0jNaRatQQHvsXMhQU/s1600/IMG_20190702_173547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78-wChyphenhyphenCahqa5_RoWlgii2PKBZR2ZjsobY0pO2ZUrH5BQlNruXCCJeJVqziWJyf8WwVZDDzoJtvHFna89TTdrSAPvsgAWQxBUgqFBrWYyoJixRiCb6rCgANpOqc0jNaRatQQHvsXMhQU/s400/IMG_20190702_173547.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bed is queen size and really comfortable.<br />
We are able to sleep without any mattress topper. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vksPIV23ybn9erXbmoDrU2yEqN5xNQay_Lt10lPAu1SvRxzbFkTllgnlludFmd48UDFcYtK7zBhMQKuh9YsXNhQmLVD6L9AjanIE3SAmjAHYsgsC4T8o1yhKObFHLnBV9efsEkNUjy0/s1600/IMG_20190703_164710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vksPIV23ybn9erXbmoDrU2yEqN5xNQay_Lt10lPAu1SvRxzbFkTllgnlludFmd48UDFcYtK7zBhMQKuh9YsXNhQmLVD6L9AjanIE3SAmjAHYsgsC4T8o1yhKObFHLnBV9efsEkNUjy0/s400/IMG_20190703_164710.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We boondocked near Gunnison, Colorado<br />
during 4th of July week. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1jb5qBBnpbGp5p0mmbQhT7VAZpgKIHqZ6AulDFm8ZBN568XY6aeW9tgXDs0BBXld9h_eRLXY4bwVoCDHt0mP3VgcaxpFYE4m1QoLo15vHy8JamwqGNGC_Bs5OM-jlSY6aLRcShtClyM/s1600/IMG_20190702_202109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1jb5qBBnpbGp5p0mmbQhT7VAZpgKIHqZ6AulDFm8ZBN568XY6aeW9tgXDs0BBXld9h_eRLXY4bwVoCDHt0mP3VgcaxpFYE4m1QoLo15vHy8JamwqGNGC_Bs5OM-jlSY6aLRcShtClyM/s400/IMG_20190702_202109.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the bed of our cozy, comfy camper. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took a few head bumps to learn the right way to climb into the camper through the smaller back door. But, once you get the hang of it - piece of cake. Once you are inside, the camper is VERY comfy and surprisingly roomy. We don't have the smallest model, but we do have a small model, but I have to say it is the perfect size for the two of us. Colorado is full of mosquitoes this summer due to all the rain and late snows. Besides 4 wheel drive, the best thing about the camper to me is the ability to cook and eat indoors and SCREENS on all the windows and doors. A big improvement over our van.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGmvGdM1G80P7kDL90dVnYr229QlDivfwiui-1BaZ4fZElo00X5psCefstnBB5lYTer5IXKGIFjlsCtBa5gsblRwzfHAm7qqCMe-HXszfspRQ0sAEYNLG1f8DOPxgogaWXbmT5rOAI8s/s1600/IMG_20190702_195557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGmvGdM1G80P7kDL90dVnYr229QlDivfwiui-1BaZ4fZElo00X5psCefstnBB5lYTer5IXKGIFjlsCtBa5gsblRwzfHAm7qqCMe-HXszfspRQ0sAEYNLG1f8DOPxgogaWXbmT5rOAI8s/s320/IMG_20190702_195557.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table is the perfect size for the<br />
two of us and our sporks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdKS74CFPUlpAezN6qYZK4J2d-K1xYA36VhfDWCrbwNTvfleYAZB6k1qifucNA1JFKx4NojmbH4ZEcR2xzRwWRUdfVAYbaVIjzWHEaLRgIsLPNbPwkCQ71RyKfeumBxUYpsGCCYRIoU0/s1600/IMG_20190703_122706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdKS74CFPUlpAezN6qYZK4J2d-K1xYA36VhfDWCrbwNTvfleYAZB6k1qifucNA1JFKx4NojmbH4ZEcR2xzRwWRUdfVAYbaVIjzWHEaLRgIsLPNbPwkCQ71RyKfeumBxUYpsGCCYRIoU0/s640/IMG_20190703_122706.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our taco shell in its happy place! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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UP NEXT - Rocky Mountain Overland Rally & Solar/Battery Upgrade<br />
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Karen @ Sock Monkey Trekkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15058215094492319695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-49766214262622371992018-04-03T09:57:00.001-06:002018-04-03T09:57:48.181-06:00Catching Up - Part 8 - December 2017 - Greg heads to AZ: Picacho Peak, El Dorado Hot Springs, Piestewa Peak, Phoenix, Sedona, Twin Arrows, Sandia Resort & Casino- New MexicoI (Greg) took a trip to Arizona to get out of the cold winter of Los Alamos for a few days.<br />
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The first stop was <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zs4TLWoBi2K2" target="_blank">Faywood Hot Springs</a> for a night soak in their hot springs pools. See earlier blogs for more about Faywood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYTKB4yp8FCM40SEw4jYXmcB1P3cOOxdY87fCBpTHOUEYYTc8SYKWGZtWwgV4MX84S0Ot6a2nOE7vsAouhBvzf0eiESg8PHgaHWmeVStLpc-twW1PKA3AssrEXl8olw1daEUIdqgtFR8/s1600/IMG_20171205_153732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYTKB4yp8FCM40SEw4jYXmcB1P3cOOxdY87fCBpTHOUEYYTc8SYKWGZtWwgV4MX84S0Ot6a2nOE7vsAouhBvzf0eiESg8PHgaHWmeVStLpc-twW1PKA3AssrEXl8olw1daEUIdqgtFR8/s640/IMG_20171205_153732.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Tuscon Sweet Tomatoes. </td></tr>
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I wanted to hike up to Picacho Peak, so staying at Picacho Peak State Park made sense. (Electric hookups for about $25 with nice shower/bathrooms). Arriving just before sunset, I found plenty of sites to choose from. Before bed, a good hike around the entire park area was called for. After dark, the walk was fun with beautiful lights in the distance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHv80dTtpI-a7KvHstl3LfA7DuKIkN4Fk6TzEQ1oMESdeiXAFGCOdvsnoMTgKg0RTfq9fN8_J_POBz2kvN9-6GUhgTe_Mzum4vK5kJ8oDboNp7Jd6jfUItzT9yppaXHgmemHNa6iUiO8/s640/IMG_20171205_173153.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My campsite at Picacho Peak State Park.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHv80dTtpI-a7KvHstl3LfA7DuKIkN4Fk6TzEQ1oMESdeiXAFGCOdvsnoMTgKg0RTfq9fN8_J_POBz2kvN9-6GUhgTe_Mzum4vK5kJ8oDboNp7Jd6jfUItzT9yppaXHgmemHNa6iUiO8/s1600/IMG_20171205_173153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHv80dTtpI-a7KvHstl3LfA7DuKIkN4Fk6TzEQ1oMESdeiXAFGCOdvsnoMTgKg0RTfq9fN8_J_POBz2kvN9-6GUhgTe_Mzum4vK5kJ8oDboNp7Jd6jfUItzT9yppaXHgmemHNa6iUiO8/s1600/IMG_20171205_173153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
The next day, I headed up the front trail (<a href="http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/picacho-peak-hike-aka-hell-hike-6553624" target="_blank">Hunter Trail) to Picacho Peak</a>. It's not an easy hike (Rated: Difficult). Bring a lot of water. When I got to the saddle, I discovered that the trail dropped quite a long ways down the other side before it rose again to head to the top. I wasn't really ready for that drop and decided I wouldn't go all the way to the top on this visit. There is a trail from the back side (Sunset Vista Trail) that doesn't do this unexpected up, down, up. Next time, I will take the back trail up to the top. 2-3 liters of water is recommended for these trails.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2Mxsl27mKZIZa3D2XjTSoqkrH81Ixm1AgTZWc3SwRgdoxyAESCFzQAsLnxV4Y8By3w_qQVP-i5FoUxbmcFb0_PRKCCZOwWFOjc54AaznLQ8jAIuBkxcQYzlTCehRX1kL0exQLTIiuYU/s1600/IMG_20171206_120621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2Mxsl27mKZIZa3D2XjTSoqkrH81Ixm1AgTZWc3SwRgdoxyAESCFzQAsLnxV4Y8By3w_qQVP-i5FoUxbmcFb0_PRKCCZOwWFOjc54AaznLQ8jAIuBkxcQYzlTCehRX1kL0exQLTIiuYU/s640/IMG_20171206_120621.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from the hike up Picacho Peak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNnAywQ20not1YbrFbdTG7n3TVPLntROB9eyh4qaPNYxRVmuoeVJMhuqPWSOdQmtsFJrx05lbfXVcZOoWxkBemigmKO7ZZqc34bS6itBuAATMlmCW0xx2tuYKxt7IoCufdITWWpm258Q/s1600/IMG_20171206_123737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNnAywQ20not1YbrFbdTG7n3TVPLntROB9eyh4qaPNYxRVmuoeVJMhuqPWSOdQmtsFJrx05lbfXVcZOoWxkBemigmKO7ZZqc34bS6itBuAATMlmCW0xx2tuYKxt7IoCufdITWWpm258Q/s640/IMG_20171206_123737.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view on the hike up Pacacho Peak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXODaae-CmfoT16LgVZ9FKc_Kj3ogkg_YnrlOsr7IoFD3rj9Wl7H9NHSwpcfn-Xm5Ic7Fo-cxBZalE-NArOV8vA_pi7xhwae_jfdrwjduK2FiFsCkrbwJJlAuvNY-benb3nKpmvQ2oJMg/s1600/IMG_20171206_124900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXODaae-CmfoT16LgVZ9FKc_Kj3ogkg_YnrlOsr7IoFD3rj9Wl7H9NHSwpcfn-Xm5Ic7Fo-cxBZalE-NArOV8vA_pi7xhwae_jfdrwjduK2FiFsCkrbwJJlAuvNY-benb3nKpmvQ2oJMg/s640/IMG_20171206_124900.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at the Saddle of Pacacho Peak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNdqbVc2Pg1-hChobxwk9KlcxryXVxeQVuV6uFZwFoKE2xbQHKXRqCX541ic0z4lZuFVhzL5wVgFvhtbGCYo-hnoqgeIdEV1ISSGwJqRkY1dDmbDV7WsWIUT5xo44ReMcOHAakpZC7lA/s1600/IMG_20171207_065637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNdqbVc2Pg1-hChobxwk9KlcxryXVxeQVuV6uFZwFoKE2xbQHKXRqCX541ic0z4lZuFVhzL5wVgFvhtbGCYo-hnoqgeIdEV1ISSGwJqRkY1dDmbDV7WsWIUT5xo44ReMcOHAakpZC7lA/s640/IMG_20171207_065637.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, back in Los Alamos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After my partial hike up Picacho Peak, I headed north to the El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonapah, AZ. El Dorado is a funky place with nice hot springs tubs. If you camp there you get 2 hours of private hot springs use. There is also a public area to soak 24hrs.<br />
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I arrived on an early December Thursday. The place was pretty much empty. I signed up to soak in the Desert View pool around sunset time. It was great. After my hour, and wanting more soaking time, I headed to the public area called "Desert Pete." I was the only one in the Desert Pete area my whole time there and enjoyed a full moon while laying on my back in the largest of the hot pools.<br />
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I have reviewed El Dorado Hot Springs in a past blog <a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2017/03/nm-to-san-diego-part-2-el-dorado-hot.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It's $30 for 1 person to camp, $50 for two. $20 more for each person. (kids $10). Add $5 for access to an electric plug.<br />
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I got the Katie's Corner camp site and paid the extra $5 for an electric connection. You have to hunt for a working 15amp connection. Bring a really long electric extension, you might need it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi4D9gNFl8EybuRh6vdA1mRijamBOiRoODi5NOfoFFPs227iZQ02gt812s-SorAkV0gYuEVEqyT6nohH45JpgBoczeawkqIAaxYhtfgYCHZnB_b8bJgRLFMoJR7zx5ywxGgUh74IQTyc/s1600/IMG_20171207_124015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi4D9gNFl8EybuRh6vdA1mRijamBOiRoODi5NOfoFFPs227iZQ02gt812s-SorAkV0gYuEVEqyT6nohH45JpgBoczeawkqIAaxYhtfgYCHZnB_b8bJgRLFMoJR7zx5ywxGgUh74IQTyc/s640/IMG_20171207_124015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Desert View" hot springs tub at El Dorado Hot Springs.</td></tr>
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After my stay at El Dorado Hot Springs, I wanted to find a nice hike in the Phoenix area. The<a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/piestewa-peak/hiking-trail-map" target="_blank"> Piestewa Peak Summit Trail</a> looked like a great hike, so I programmed Google Maps to get me there.<br />
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Piestewa Peak turned out to be a really great hike. It's a short distance hike at 1.2 miles up but you rise 1,200 feet, so it is a heart pumper! There are fantastic views at the rugged top.<br />
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It's a popular hike. Get there early. I got one of the last parking spots at 2:30 pm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwqGq1WmulOPm1tvfzY99s7KCHlV91mLjy1qHUla5IXT0TwwhICgvT26cE5_1IBBpvqzYpsCn60jxNyA_om31sUNO9DHqYLuVKxKZNl2GYShq8Bu4bheaJAOJTJ8MeN331zaHfiy0hC4/s1600/IMG_20171207_145118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwqGq1WmulOPm1tvfzY99s7KCHlV91mLjy1qHUla5IXT0TwwhICgvT26cE5_1IBBpvqzYpsCn60jxNyA_om31sUNO9DHqYLuVKxKZNl2GYShq8Bu4bheaJAOJTJ8MeN331zaHfiy0hC4/s640/IMG_20171207_145118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of folks hiking up to Piestewa Peak. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac_oJsU890eewEHdvHNZfJJ9ontF9MZrQNbiQt2PN9bsnUvABYVZ2XugSR2QKjne70vYV4ASv43NkqalBYk5aj8rFlQt9YHLAhLBHIPE0lXF2qvaMERss8yzhkFQsP8Y7Cjv8LHtd2lI/s640/IMG_20171207_154035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg at the top of Piestewa Peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac_oJsU890eewEHdvHNZfJJ9ontF9MZrQNbiQt2PN9bsnUvABYVZ2XugSR2QKjne70vYV4ASv43NkqalBYk5aj8rFlQt9YHLAhLBHIPE0lXF2qvaMERss8yzhkFQsP8Y7Cjv8LHtd2lI/s1600/IMG_20171207_154035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac_oJsU890eewEHdvHNZfJJ9ontF9MZrQNbiQt2PN9bsnUvABYVZ2XugSR2QKjne70vYV4ASv43NkqalBYk5aj8rFlQt9YHLAhLBHIPE0lXF2qvaMERss8yzhkFQsP8Y7Cjv8LHtd2lI/s1600/IMG_20171207_154035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicigeDhWPj2DPWAX47qJzoJCEYdKkdNKEaaYfJ76Aa_98BDjDCMBhcy2b555Pix51TxxPCWr19a3LVNlodDAdy_ce83vEAbTDi7RK5hdSQf127xDsv-yWc4KARd3IK_VF3qcGH8FC87PY/s1600/IMG_20171207_154121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicigeDhWPj2DPWAX47qJzoJCEYdKkdNKEaaYfJ76Aa_98BDjDCMBhcy2b555Pix51TxxPCWr19a3LVNlodDAdy_ce83vEAbTDi7RK5hdSQf127xDsv-yWc4KARd3IK_VF3qcGH8FC87PY/s640/IMG_20171207_154121.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of Piestewa Peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyCJigYanJphFXo613VBlDxM2_5vJyhDObqg_MhvWm0bG1yERHSD0XicHHFPS3UnGozNKmsh8_Y9rI8vLSmqRb5LH3SMIi-0OvLGupUgI5Csm89I5QyJfvxobSSMQxs0Gqsqk_qobZto/s1600/IMG_20171207_173245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyCJigYanJphFXo613VBlDxM2_5vJyhDObqg_MhvWm0bG1yERHSD0XicHHFPS3UnGozNKmsh8_Y9rI8vLSmqRb5LH3SMIi-0OvLGupUgI5Csm89I5QyJfvxobSSMQxs0Gqsqk_qobZto/s640/IMG_20171207_173245.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the way down Piestewa Peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the hike, being hungry, I found a store nearby to re-supply and then I found a Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. After dinner, I took a cruise through Scottsdale and ended up at a hospital employee parking lot in Phoenix. There was tons of empty space at night. It was a little dicey, as security was running around, but no one bothered me and I slept well and left early in the morning for my next stop. (My van is setup for stealth.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm-89714Bu7uvTs3xLbxreblr31vtpUEsoKJE1294E7U6wedSi01ryGbHaGmygK-9oFQyDJYzRDfeV-LELvFZPh2GuRdHMPXrtyOFxr0yemofgGhGo2i7ubKEeWqOQ9g5TYet0_kZ1EM/s1600/IMG_20171208_083354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm-89714Bu7uvTs3xLbxreblr31vtpUEsoKJE1294E7U6wedSi01ryGbHaGmygK-9oFQyDJYzRDfeV-LELvFZPh2GuRdHMPXrtyOFxr0yemofgGhGo2i7ubKEeWqOQ9g5TYet0_kZ1EM/s640/IMG_20171208_083354.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stealth overnight at the Maricopa Medical Center/Hospital employee parking lot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the morning, I headed to Papago Park in order to eat my breakfast and then to take the short stroll up to Hole in the Rock.<br />
<br />
When I was a young lad, my parents bought me a Batman Cape and mask for my birthday. I still remember clearly the moment when I was climbing up to Hole in the Rock and some older boys made fun of my batman outfit.<br />
<br />
Ah, the little traumas of life!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbY-McrQgOxASnnayPpIm6fixpbKCCwD8kwzCf9Wr-_lgXXDGQ8ZHLdondAFYlLKIoOxp-myIW3CTQaK4tUN8PsSphZgfStSDUTPUYALPHYxvwVtPzZU_FJmlIlXourvu1sn3YyfDYRc/s1600/IMG_20171208_090500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbY-McrQgOxASnnayPpIm6fixpbKCCwD8kwzCf9Wr-_lgXXDGQ8ZHLdondAFYlLKIoOxp-myIW3CTQaK4tUN8PsSphZgfStSDUTPUYALPHYxvwVtPzZU_FJmlIlXourvu1sn3YyfDYRc/s640/IMG_20171208_090500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg at Hole in the Rock at Papago Park, Phoenix, AZ, sans Batman Outfit. (I do have my "utility belt" or sling.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rXAS2bUKDFzU6jQa82Ca2bNYmrbemI8AoPCqNWx9vpwEACb4C8_41Bd_-sme9WOU_M9wC7ykfNqs_aX8sNzRuiqzqf6Jo2DyfqsMGE0A4Vt6hUWyAn6BJ7ZXihl4jmSFhQOyaQiSL3c/s1600/IMG_20171208_101807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rXAS2bUKDFzU6jQa82Ca2bNYmrbemI8AoPCqNWx9vpwEACb4C8_41Bd_-sme9WOU_M9wC7ykfNqs_aX8sNzRuiqzqf6Jo2DyfqsMGE0A4Vt6hUWyAn6BJ7ZXihl4jmSFhQOyaQiSL3c/s640/IMG_20171208_101807.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking through the Hole in the Rock with van below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After programming my Google Maps, it was off to Sedona Arizona. My research said that "Devil's Bridge" was a great hike in the Sedona area. I headed for the trail head.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_jQymUI34UgbptndeOkSwL0uBksFKqL6moEAkJkHO737VLd7rKAdnop9XFNqMbj5JV8F1CuLAjLZD6GDwdeJGfy2nQ2Sk5dAQ0kzny1dtTa6S3Wu6pZ3EQwfe3m5Px4omy6C8uLtQFk/s1600/IMG_20171208_142149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_jQymUI34UgbptndeOkSwL0uBksFKqL6moEAkJkHO737VLd7rKAdnop9XFNqMbj5JV8F1CuLAjLZD6GDwdeJGfy2nQ2Sk5dAQ0kzny1dtTa6S3Wu6pZ3EQwfe3m5Px4omy6C8uLtQFk/s640/IMG_20171208_142149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of trails northwest of Sedona, AZ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of nice young women from Georga were going at my pace and they offered to take my photo and I took theirs on Devil's bridge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvm_zP3gb2y2MmvmOryO9RDsccxQ4nSgy8jp3AEjatPGUX0gs6kPaJc8YWjzdpPtPLkQFQ2ARMjF5NToZHFL3nMZYK04TwILUSkP9-nChGwJ-FCFFDMcvvWgL25r0O9wpNUra5glBcqE/s1600/IMG_20171208_145445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvm_zP3gb2y2MmvmOryO9RDsccxQ4nSgy8jp3AEjatPGUX0gs6kPaJc8YWjzdpPtPLkQFQ2ARMjF5NToZHFL3nMZYK04TwILUSkP9-nChGwJ-FCFFDMcvvWgL25r0O9wpNUra5glBcqE/s640/IMG_20171208_145445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the trail to Devil's Bridge northwest of Sedona, AZ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2FK4DNFr52INE37JKrX-d3MLm5zJj-YbKo0q7MNrVRevVh4LaE3G32QRZmY-Wuhw8xivbE5yUJvmoP_Sq2nCxeFsXSqrQ_6BduY5MfYBQwcuToU1_x8XV47rqV7mP3rtBw00QB_rDRQ/s1600/IMG_20171208_145816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2FK4DNFr52INE37JKrX-d3MLm5zJj-YbKo0q7MNrVRevVh4LaE3G32QRZmY-Wuhw8xivbE5yUJvmoP_Sq2nCxeFsXSqrQ_6BduY5MfYBQwcuToU1_x8XV47rqV7mP3rtBw00QB_rDRQ/s640/IMG_20171208_145816.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the trail to Devil's Bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhblUH6XSxCcDnBB0VvvpL8MbKaEs0hs9XH9uBPxyA9n_wYTYIsnyO2kITX_88sIklmZ_aVwLdmAB93lsyf1WDZ9R6B0uqybln9BhOG-sjo9ZjOFY_s57Gr7f8kqgCV4BOkpjWC9zV0o/s1600/IMG_20171208_151234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhblUH6XSxCcDnBB0VvvpL8MbKaEs0hs9XH9uBPxyA9n_wYTYIsnyO2kITX_88sIklmZ_aVwLdmAB93lsyf1WDZ9R6B0uqybln9BhOG-sjo9ZjOFY_s57Gr7f8kqgCV4BOkpjWC9zV0o/s640/IMG_20171208_151234.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple getting a photo on Devil's Bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24W6WCzYxbOeocp6U3XZB3YSlHEnM5TxibIvDH7BAZpDhb11vpISF_2SDQmyViYMkrPQK2I0mX5zgU6XbJLklnDxRhdrUBoGEr1eZsnfStgIjE2wfBItR7I0P-jqYXWD0eP5eBXT5k0M/s1600/IMG_20171208_151841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24W6WCzYxbOeocp6U3XZB3YSlHEnM5TxibIvDH7BAZpDhb11vpISF_2SDQmyViYMkrPQK2I0mX5zgU6XbJLklnDxRhdrUBoGEr1eZsnfStgIjE2wfBItR7I0P-jqYXWD0eP5eBXT5k0M/s640/IMG_20171208_151841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georga ladies on Devil's Bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the Devil's bridge hike, I was ready to head for home. I would stop at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/kQ1bqdYpiuy" target="_blank">Twin Arrows Casino Resort</a> just east of Flagstaff on Highway 40. Twin Arrows has a good buffet for a nice dinner. I slept well in the casino's RV parking area.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-OB-eyXPlT0VOOekMswvK9kig7tk7MpvKlw-2KsdsN1cZysrkm-N3_q8fOUTcrCWkrZjGbiIg1B53xN80Zry7zsz8hVG_g4dkrFHUMKj41O-1ZJXJivtzMj3gxihe4-yikuOwEfloow/s1600/IMG_20171208_172915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-OB-eyXPlT0VOOekMswvK9kig7tk7MpvKlw-2KsdsN1cZysrkm-N3_q8fOUTcrCWkrZjGbiIg1B53xN80Zry7zsz8hVG_g4dkrFHUMKj41O-1ZJXJivtzMj3gxihe4-yikuOwEfloow/s640/IMG_20171208_172915.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving through Sedona, AZ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDEzHTLVNt2rIYzbUZ417ycfohlT4VMR1CcD3l1IqUdHmBevd5uB7Z4L4xo3IRsNiTku4vniBlbAp7UTDyq9Brx0GVKSRxfKEXCym8OooA524rxNDQHNHSZ05BZnDEcFtIlFkacCG8i0/s1600/IMG_20171208_185521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDEzHTLVNt2rIYzbUZ417ycfohlT4VMR1CcD3l1IqUdHmBevd5uB7Z4L4xo3IRsNiTku4vniBlbAp7UTDyq9Brx0GVKSRxfKEXCym8OooA524rxNDQHNHSZ05BZnDEcFtIlFkacCG8i0/s640/IMG_20171208_185521.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffet meal at Twin Arrows Casino Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp5nGlFeQu0-4Lg8_aBhKiHo4i2yAA3zZamOQ-Z7xU3UC07nB0N_0ZllEqnsmwYRLpjqrv-QGBAqmzzn-k3Af_io4QvQ_XHXtANK12khxJtvBg7paeDaVV2HoLK-6qCVuPbDibAvHw8U/s1600/IMG_20171208_201626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp5nGlFeQu0-4Lg8_aBhKiHo4i2yAA3zZamOQ-Z7xU3UC07nB0N_0ZllEqnsmwYRLpjqrv-QGBAqmzzn-k3Af_io4QvQ_XHXtANK12khxJtvBg7paeDaVV2HoLK-6qCVuPbDibAvHw8U/s640/IMG_20171208_201626.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Arrows Breafast Cafe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the morning, it was time to truck on home. I took a rest-stop for a hike at the Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque. The Casino was all dolled up for the Christmas season.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06p70sMM_J8pLm4aD80sesloKgJtaGbTs1i-2Sqam20XvCVPObq-tbijLj1p8B1kIy_fNF4tAc7Z9hjqz3igAMmgEC_cpuqVbEwd8y90bffBoZMnGBk6426oC1gPDx0iJwHKG3j3JFd0/s1600/IMG_20171209_144726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06p70sMM_J8pLm4aD80sesloKgJtaGbTs1i-2Sqam20XvCVPObq-tbijLj1p8B1kIy_fNF4tAc7Z9hjqz3igAMmgEC_cpuqVbEwd8y90bffBoZMnGBk6426oC1gPDx0iJwHKG3j3JFd0/s640/IMG_20171209_144726.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Tree at Sandia Resort & Casino.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7um69HUHMmR01l3n9D3fh3vBrAiee_OT5k8sbMcGKlb5DNvNz6BMeNnK8dXiX8nDr67H0PnbRXm8F2P-d3tYT0AWOjFx343E4pIsqigowxkHqXssM4pUzIpFwOCIQYE7p04TciMthfU/s1600/IMG_20171209_151606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7um69HUHMmR01l3n9D3fh3vBrAiee_OT5k8sbMcGKlb5DNvNz6BMeNnK8dXiX8nDr67H0PnbRXm8F2P-d3tYT0AWOjFx343E4pIsqigowxkHqXssM4pUzIpFwOCIQYE7p04TciMthfU/s640/IMG_20171209_151606.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice walk around Sandia Resort & Casino looking up to the Sandia Peaks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sandia Resort & Casino use to allow RV overnight parking in the northwest lot. I asked the doorman guy why there were no RVs now. He said a new manager had banded RVs after the Balloon Fiesta RV parking got out of control. He also said that a new manager was coming in and it sounds like this new manager will allow some RV parking in the future. I hope they do. It's a nice place to stop for the night and they have a good buffet. The casino is nice. Seems like a waste to have all these empty parking lots when instead you could have customers dropping dollars in your tills.<br />
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The trip was a nice break from the frigid December weather of Los Alamos.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-42303821601478213272018-03-28T18:05:00.000-06:002018-03-28T18:27:26.134-06:00A friend is running for New Mexico State RepresentativeA good friend of mine is running for New Mexico State Representative so I thought I would link to her website.
Christine For State House
<a href="https://www.christine4statehouse.com/">https://www.christine4statehouse.com/</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-30926058320155789572017-10-11T20:50:00.000-06:002018-04-03T09:50:58.568-06:00Catching Up - Part 7 - October 2017 - Weekend Trip to Southern New Mexico<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Oct 14, 2017, 8:42:36 AM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPMoXaPIpdH_8Usxh1eIEOHiSlAdMVxOV0nWmFLRKFtABqNOMkC6RKoai6OWVhkrg/photo/AF1QipNcYSEdun2brQiNHihdLsLx4Joks8MmFXlaihHl?key=X09YalFxRDYxaWstNDRPR3l6MUtRSnNzV2tzTzd3" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a>For an October, cold weather break, we took a long weekend trip to Elephant Butte, Gila Hot Springs, Silver City, and Faywood Hot Springs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGgewG2ohNzUFLua7NLMh6PmUcQoq-lSeJmli3NzmsT5g7GlWrMEcCsNfvNCYW6h6vSHSuWPUHdEghwmYEq0gtLJ6ygwz8_dzQlzwnd5ODikfPhG1kFfwqbOkQEyQpUWHgQR7BEeIAY0/s1600/IMG_20171013_191245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGgewG2ohNzUFLua7NLMh6PmUcQoq-lSeJmli3NzmsT5g7GlWrMEcCsNfvNCYW6h6vSHSuWPUHdEghwmYEq0gtLJ6ygwz8_dzQlzwnd5ODikfPhG1kFfwqbOkQEyQpUWHgQR7BEeIAY0/s640/IMG_20171013_191245.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge traffic jam in Pojoaque. </td></tr>
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We left on Friday night at about 4pm. There was a terrible, fatality crash near Pojoaque on our way out of town. It took two and a half hours to get 5 miles. Traffic was snarled for miles in both directions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevafBe68nE2cTDenna0FUTDFqnDN6fkRCSTn2ugyT83YDqDsY5-WarpJfBmqkgyrrOvsZajO6iHiYgsGJauHqxja91wcPJEwvXF37q9xrvdERRZZfMNKVu4-_hnCPIuN-ALdQEFzKU4w/s1600/IMG_20171013_201913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevafBe68nE2cTDenna0FUTDFqnDN6fkRCSTn2ugyT83YDqDsY5-WarpJfBmqkgyrrOvsZajO6iHiYgsGJauHqxja91wcPJEwvXF37q9xrvdERRZZfMNKVu4-_hnCPIuN-ALdQEFzKU4w/s640/IMG_20171013_201913.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the traffic ordeal, we were hungry and decided to go to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/5BxHU7h4QDw" target="_blank">Bumble Bees</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Bumble Bees is a medium-fast food Mexican restaurant in Santa Fe. We chose it because it was close by and after the traffic mess we were hungry. Bumble Bees use to be a great place for a quick meal in Santa Fa but has gone downhill IMHO. It's too expensive for what you get and I never have a good feeling eating there. It's crowded with tables. You use to get free chips and salsa. It's mediocre for the price. The food is good, but I just feel like the place isn't designed right. Food takes too long to be served. Lately, one plate is ready and another plate you have to wait for. Service isn't as friendly as it used to be. I dislike going there and would choose other places, like </span><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/HdDp4kSpn642" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">The Pantry</a><span style="text-align: center;"> in Santa Fe when possible.</span><br />
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After our dinner, we drove late into the night to Elephant Butte State Park.<br />
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We have YouTube TV on our phones and Karen watched recorded TV shows while we trucked across New Mexico. We really like the DVR functions of YouTube TV. It worked well on this trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu2OYEVSM6XOBcpd43VeV5KoDpcvECnnLk2ap69w_0zY6QAlSj88DqWT3mebjCdL5RpNRwbMxQ8lPSDQnUk2YmSYjaY_Jre2XTVWZPPmUzIvSR-6I7UAjlM5F1JlOEeX4M7B83-QtQIw/s1600/IMG_20171014_084236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu2OYEVSM6XOBcpd43VeV5KoDpcvECnnLk2ap69w_0zY6QAlSj88DqWT3mebjCdL5RpNRwbMxQ8lPSDQnUk2YmSYjaY_Jre2XTVWZPPmUzIvSR-6I7UAjlM5F1JlOEeX4M7B83-QtQIw/s640/IMG_20171014_084236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking up at Elephant Butte State Park.</td></tr>
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Elephant Butte has a nice, very peaceful campground called <a href="https://www.campendium.com/lions-beach-campground" target="_blank">Lion's Beach</a> that has hookups and weak WiFi for a good price ($14). There is also a dump and showers. It's also a good place for nice walks with good views. You can primitive boondock on the beach for a lower cost ($9?). We have blogged about staying here a few times before: <a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2014/04/weekend-at-elephant-butte-state-park-in.html" target="_blank">Previous Blog Post</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBsoKmOD7V5ij8v1jBsCqDzJZYBlhtt1bQonG2eyefPF-XnDEH_M8sUB8wqWLfnFGJjwq4n399qKM9vmH-IKbZbVsihAulBeebNeYEve_XeOjOX0BewAcMsOjdpaodjRrJlKgmiOUTgY/s1600/IMG_20171014_084303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBsoKmOD7V5ij8v1jBsCqDzJZYBlhtt1bQonG2eyefPF-XnDEH_M8sUB8wqWLfnFGJjwq4n399qKM9vmH-IKbZbVsihAulBeebNeYEve_XeOjOX0BewAcMsOjdpaodjRrJlKgmiOUTgY/s640/IMG_20171014_084303.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot at Elephant Butte - Lion's Beach.</td></tr>
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Next, we drove through the Gila Mountains to the Gila Hot Springs Ranch. The ranch has a nice 12 site campground on the edge of the Gila River with three splendid hot spring soaking ponds. We've been here a few times now. It's a fun place to soak. We go in more depth about this campground in an <a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2015/05/new-mexico-gila-hot-springs-ranch-and.html" target="_blank">earlier blog post</a>.<br />
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The older couple that own and run the place are super nice folks and the price is right ($6 per person, per night). You can soak as long as you want. Typically, there is nudity after dark, so be warned.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmU_AvZCa9GpBHBv_U6MLJqADWa5dwePJ3_NuV2rSfyKQtfbN8cKLSqAQ9iBtpHo1ngZU4NGKZ_YFtHH2sIVJxCHpIUb4Oc93XyBlqWyxJ95z_BQgW3sz2C4igvbf6BPBllVRwkHICuY/s1600/IMG_20171014_171119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmU_AvZCa9GpBHBv_U6MLJqADWa5dwePJ3_NuV2rSfyKQtfbN8cKLSqAQ9iBtpHo1ngZU4NGKZ_YFtHH2sIVJxCHpIUb4Oc93XyBlqWyxJ95z_BQgW3sz2C4igvbf6BPBllVRwkHICuY/s640/IMG_20171014_171119.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg relaxing at our campsite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3dbz2AUeRjoEGoq8KyYcRUOX9hHzxNKp99iKKU5L6GDjAvsyRg-CWgcxxsFwO6VhWC25HqIVRylk3msbZR0NAuqIR9B3jdBi3n5PcmycZFa5gehg0iSiKI-SJMCYm6cqOzY81j1S1Mw/s1600/IMG_20171014_182042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3dbz2AUeRjoEGoq8KyYcRUOX9hHzxNKp99iKKU5L6GDjAvsyRg-CWgcxxsFwO6VhWC25HqIVRylk3msbZR0NAuqIR9B3jdBi3n5PcmycZFa5gehg0iSiKI-SJMCYm6cqOzY81j1S1Mw/s640/IMG_20171014_182042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gila River from our site #11.</td></tr>
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Just down a dirt road a ways is the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rkSWWkuCAZx" target="_blank">Wildwood Retreat & Hot Springs</a>. There was a flood on the Gila a few years ago and both hot springs places were wiped out. Wildwood has taken a lot longer to get back to full operation. We took a walk over to check it out.<br />
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Wildwood has natural hot spring water, cement pools, cabins, campsites. We liked what we saw there and will stay/soak there on a future trip. It's more expensive than Gila Hot Springs Ranch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocpL2xt_dEnZZCIAg0eJdaafr59XsDmvrov3VtN0JIZduippQqDf8W_eKSwU7ywVJ9W6fSdcAjmb9y8SEIFqtdmo51PsWPli5CLRf8w5wwomGEf6rQiPs3CTfdywFIXMAi-X4fvVrxxI/s1600/IMG_20171015_114001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocpL2xt_dEnZZCIAg0eJdaafr59XsDmvrov3VtN0JIZduippQqDf8W_eKSwU7ywVJ9W6fSdcAjmb9y8SEIFqtdmo51PsWPli5CLRf8w5wwomGEf6rQiPs3CTfdywFIXMAi-X4fvVrxxI/s640/IMG_20171015_114001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nice looking pools of Wildwood (Clothing Optional Area).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlyFs4TX192lx0rSUpiuT_KSoARyrqROVPe9n1wF_f1e5H5y9Swr4dqURv0nk6YR4PQBqd14Rs0jGytY7gJywrESCtDvQFEcx2TVRL0xl6XspD-Hs-5vfiUs5MZ9XBSpy9sgbP1WZySw/s1600/IMG_20171015_114033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlyFs4TX192lx0rSUpiuT_KSoARyrqROVPe9n1wF_f1e5H5y9Swr4dqURv0nk6YR4PQBqd14Rs0jGytY7gJywrESCtDvQFEcx2TVRL0xl6XspD-Hs-5vfiUs5MZ9XBSpy9sgbP1WZySw/s640/IMG_20171015_114033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clothing required pool at Wildwood. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOEd-4Xm2Vsjfr4Q42t7YqvLP5NfJoTDjJm0eS1y19yEdKeRqaHLGMsD4qc1vtYAoV3XdWYdiw85V0_5fyEejZ2QMTKkDeXk4U3Xvmkn29HDoxZWV0tPU83QE56Aui7TqVwJmzuhQu0A/s1600/IMG_20171015_114639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOEd-4Xm2Vsjfr4Q42t7YqvLP5NfJoTDjJm0eS1y19yEdKeRqaHLGMsD4qc1vtYAoV3XdWYdiw85V0_5fyEejZ2QMTKkDeXk4U3Xvmkn29HDoxZWV0tPU83QE56Aui7TqVwJmzuhQu0A/s640/IMG_20171015_114639.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Wildwood's campsites.</td></tr>
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Call Wildwood before you go as they are sticklers for rules, it looks like, and sometimes they rent out the entire property to groups. You really can't just show up and expect to be accommodated all the time, it appears.<br />
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After our overnight stay at Gila Hot Springs Ranch, we took the gorgeous (but super winding) highway 15 to Silver City.<br />
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We have a favorite breakfast place in Silver City called <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NZxiKvreRk52" target="_blank">Adobe Springs Cafe</a>. It was about 2:30pm when we finally got there, but they were still serving breakfast! Fantastic!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99eJ895ZDEvCADt-jil-CuSXzuRPghK1eijxyYWPWa9u-wSAAd2SRlexbtCUQutB1epezEt59WtEBR-hUl7D0Zy0OJ0mGysWeBaeF2ki1uNMUIsbVi8VN-6SB7wL4NfK8eq9Y2xWxgLU/s1600/IMG_20171015_143058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99eJ895ZDEvCADt-jil-CuSXzuRPghK1eijxyYWPWa9u-wSAAd2SRlexbtCUQutB1epezEt59WtEBR-hUl7D0Zy0OJ0mGysWeBaeF2ki1uNMUIsbVi8VN-6SB7wL4NfK8eq9Y2xWxgLU/s640/IMG_20171015_143058.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg and his veggie omelet with hash browns at Adobe Springs Cafe in Silver City.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdw2bIgQqG3IAqdT-mh373pkEQ0vuh0xMOHMuWMmK4Iiu3mQXhWTwo45EJm3YYv-Mltj5tQ4B-rlpQA52zKVOEXK8X8HWV9nOJNsno1vDp9IK_graBNamJH59SzZOT4fn4gL18aim_ius/s1600/IMG_20171015_145428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdw2bIgQqG3IAqdT-mh373pkEQ0vuh0xMOHMuWMmK4Iiu3mQXhWTwo45EJm3YYv-Mltj5tQ4B-rlpQA52zKVOEXK8X8HWV9nOJNsno1vDp9IK_graBNamJH59SzZOT4fn4gL18aim_ius/s640/IMG_20171015_145428.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen in front of the Adobe Springs Cafe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FQqd4R0eODVkMYScrYhBTvgdcTl2Jp7RAcMfzq85gtdGBFqpEqecrFuNwVvnxVPinSfirG69QQEWShBEeqJeXzEXYYx9rZ80wIZl5hNzH5B7iuBnbV-CbuOUknBJd3wgM7WJCwaBTj0/s1600/IMG_20171015_150516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FQqd4R0eODVkMYScrYhBTvgdcTl2Jp7RAcMfzq85gtdGBFqpEqecrFuNwVvnxVPinSfirG69QQEWShBEeqJeXzEXYYx9rZ80wIZl5hNzH5B7iuBnbV-CbuOUknBJd3wgM7WJCwaBTj0/s640/IMG_20171015_150516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unusual car sticker. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN4HEwPLONvgO8Qtzar09ONAnxWY2rgM9a3M_M1ukgxUN0DCmWD-z5jekm2P_w7uUmizJVKwZU3UCNFr3FszywzTKPZ0oCmI0haPbMFPaF620vI7N_D5W6ic-CD9u9k-1GTTo22kfECQ/s1600/IMG_20171015_161135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN4HEwPLONvgO8Qtzar09ONAnxWY2rgM9a3M_M1ukgxUN0DCmWD-z5jekm2P_w7uUmizJVKwZU3UCNFr3FszywzTKPZ0oCmI0haPbMFPaF620vI7N_D5W6ic-CD9u9k-1GTTo22kfECQ/s640/IMG_20171015_161135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun mural in Silver City.</td></tr>
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After a nice walk around downtown Silver City, we headed east to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fGyLNDaXtvN2" target="_blank">Faywood Hot Springs</a> for some final soaking before heading back to chilly Los Alamos. We have written a lot about Faywood before. You can read that old blog post <a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2015/05/new-mexico-faywood-hot-springs-silver.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcj6c8eKCqSvjd5lO4rCoUz1ssDw82VZi8xMT9COo6v33EL4cGOu4rG0TL0OrhhtOUxRJcj2q_SckhYkadF42mIhNFsn2ahnZH7MBa4pg9CQFAB4AHBsV9smX7ZHB2O2uHU6tqQRmDDE/s1600/IMG_20171015_182615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcj6c8eKCqSvjd5lO4rCoUz1ssDw82VZi8xMT9COo6v33EL4cGOu4rG0TL0OrhhtOUxRJcj2q_SckhYkadF42mIhNFsn2ahnZH7MBa4pg9CQFAB4AHBsV9smX7ZHB2O2uHU6tqQRmDDE/s640/IMG_20171015_182615.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg at Faywood Hot Springs campground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKds2Gnr6bClfSYtAQdhFr_FL3bnwyam13kEy9p6ku0El2ABLMJ_qR4IeHO40g1U-zyX8iydOAdWn2to9wPq7M0NFGzIB_hTcr2bwpiTRYtcOQXxajEWsvX_tnYLiswYnV0r46el0YCU/s1600/IMG_20171015_190749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKds2Gnr6bClfSYtAQdhFr_FL3bnwyam13kEy9p6ku0El2ABLMJ_qR4IeHO40g1U-zyX8iydOAdWn2to9wPq7M0NFGzIB_hTcr2bwpiTRYtcOQXxajEWsvX_tnYLiswYnV0r46el0YCU/s640/IMG_20171015_190749.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An amazing New Mexico sunset!</td></tr>
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One the way home, we stopped at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/pdTYmMXBddm" target="_blank">Sweet Tomatoes</a> salad buffet in Albuquerque. We love that place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZARGHjukurvrgSHGmxVLjFjFZ5EYALRngCTO1NyF_khwyCAQT5iNCEy1az4NUmOcufgEYbEmpKoT_bZUA6iZlY8WNM7xI_7_2le1vHtSw62Gu7naDuoLNMOzyouQCpyZVxnMaqQZ1Y2M/s1600/IMG_20171016_155803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZARGHjukurvrgSHGmxVLjFjFZ5EYALRngCTO1NyF_khwyCAQT5iNCEy1az4NUmOcufgEYbEmpKoT_bZUA6iZlY8WNM7xI_7_2le1vHtSw62Gu7naDuoLNMOzyouQCpyZVxnMaqQZ1Y2M/s640/IMG_20171016_155803.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg enjoying his salad at Sweet Tomatoes with gluten free muffins.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-43652145288768227412017-09-13T20:38:00.000-06:002018-03-13T14:54:11.850-06:00 Catching Up - Part 6 - September 2017 - Trip to Yosemite via California Highway 395In September 2017 we took a trip with the goal of meeting up with college friends in Yosemite. Our good friend, Nancy, had never been to Yosemite, so we took her with us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWawfOj5KGxAwkUu7gTL_r6V2lAFlNpZMZGLKeb6RZQBzNS9xrrohbAqjIgCKVKz5MlG_PsY4o_IM_BWmnnujBeNlqNa90d2hDeUvnO_QcgkGYMVW7_2Vnb77EUoVLLdnfgZmAVGocm9Y/s1600/IMG_20170909_143634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWawfOj5KGxAwkUu7gTL_r6V2lAFlNpZMZGLKeb6RZQBzNS9xrrohbAqjIgCKVKz5MlG_PsY4o_IM_BWmnnujBeNlqNa90d2hDeUvnO_QcgkGYMVW7_2Vnb77EUoVLLdnfgZmAVGocm9Y/s640/IMG_20170909_143634.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg and Nancy at our first pit stop, the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hW1tnvzz3fs" target="_blank">Twin Arrows</a> Casino just east of Flagstaff, Arizona.</td></tr>
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Twin Arrows is a great stop. You can dry camp for free in their designated RV parking area. They have a really nice buffet that won't break the bank. They also have a really nice breakfast cafe. We have been there a few times now and it has always been a good stop. The bathrooms are clean and the employees are always friendly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBoCD9ldEdfJCNmC707CxU6cZ7522TKfLCPsJMxSnm1ZSxCb_UkIBKOCqroK7nRJig__G81v3ZL97WgZ04WgPlPF0lWfcRjAfieQRPeHTZXjopLd0bncltgq1XmeR_fUwfTw6u8k9K-g/s1600/IMG_20170910_083008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBoCD9ldEdfJCNmC707CxU6cZ7522TKfLCPsJMxSnm1ZSxCb_UkIBKOCqroK7nRJig__G81v3ZL97WgZ04WgPlPF0lWfcRjAfieQRPeHTZXjopLd0bncltgq1XmeR_fUwfTw6u8k9K-g/s640/IMG_20170910_083008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of us in the glass window at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rqz9PZeTK8S2" target="_blank">Aquarius Casino Resort</a> in Laughlin, Nevada.</td></tr>
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We love to take photos of ourselves reflected in glass windows.<br />
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We decided that, after a long first-day's drive, we would treat ourselves to a hotel stay. The Aquarius is a good choice and is not really expensive. (Our other favorite in the area is the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/xqKFbT5mDrs" target="_blank">Avi Casino resort</a>.) The casino hotel is run pretty well. They have a nice buffet and a new pool area. We like to walk the river walk that is in the back of the hotel.<br />
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We slept well and in the morning had a nice breakfast at the Aquarius cafe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Jg-RwptuovT6fGhkTuRWBXoeWpyTewebAXts9d1CVM7-H7bYbjxSggSJrjqteAbpr-DRGht-bZvE58rTm0EZWXMMwOK62hNQoTgrSduNv_F8Zq-uzwpFi3tpg2GICt3r_3drmpgrDTs/s1600/IMG_20170910_113905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Jg-RwptuovT6fGhkTuRWBXoeWpyTewebAXts9d1CVM7-H7bYbjxSggSJrjqteAbpr-DRGht-bZvE58rTm0EZWXMMwOK62hNQoTgrSduNv_F8Zq-uzwpFi3tpg2GICt3r_3drmpgrDTs/s640/IMG_20170910_113905.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next day, we had a pit stop at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8SXzP16ay5o" target="_blank">Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino</a> just west of Boulder City, NV. It's a good stop before you hit the craziness of Las Vegas area when coming up from Kingman Arizona. Another mirror reflection shot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-L3xVCtoooxc9Yn80bTycn3G3H1SkggFBY_MZFa1OkNPiGxFP696PULZgq0cO6NG4hiLlL1qguGzUzBvB_jxsmHi8pPqpCK7DUAlXvRYneZFVb-aGToplNlt2Td0X_HKMZIzbVLMkBfg/s1600/IMG_20170910_172751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-L3xVCtoooxc9Yn80bTycn3G3H1SkggFBY_MZFa1OkNPiGxFP696PULZgq0cO6NG4hiLlL1qguGzUzBvB_jxsmHi8pPqpCK7DUAlXvRYneZFVb-aGToplNlt2Td0X_HKMZIzbVLMkBfg/s640/IMG_20170910_172751.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making dinner after another long drive, we made it to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KhiQCQqBUfN2" target="_blank">Grandview Campground</a> near the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.</td></tr>
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Grandview is a really nice campground. The cost is $5 (donation). There are vault toilets, tables, and firepits. We really enjoyed our overnight stay here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UuESWMRPA57Ahb49DBu2vfxGd4CKB2k1SvYMe6ezJCnv5X64cFTlb1bh9pIxTaIbfcwVuyHIbHWSUfwZDTbEiRKD2KTSi2DQWFFMyj27FLUJq-KFCIczCBXfUdhBik7coKOkfrB9u-4/s1600/IMG_20170910_192434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UuESWMRPA57Ahb49DBu2vfxGd4CKB2k1SvYMe6ezJCnv5X64cFTlb1bh9pIxTaIbfcwVuyHIbHWSUfwZDTbEiRKD2KTSi2DQWFFMyj27FLUJq-KFCIczCBXfUdhBik7coKOkfrB9u-4/s640/IMG_20170910_192434.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a nice dinner, we took a sunset hike up a nearby ridge. Greg is taming a vicious snake with his magic flute.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vwcp_8LFKHXTCqPZXhV7ugXnHPMChZFOnfIHhi87MZ-TMfi2gFuVNyDNrIWDHQ9-ysrzM6PAxSYSZs7J6n-AllORHF8de6D7ydnR61QlWinCq1bbt1xkVs4df1SqXo-Hw54JPpjFXtY/s1600/IMG_20170910_192815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vwcp_8LFKHXTCqPZXhV7ugXnHPMChZFOnfIHhi87MZ-TMfi2gFuVNyDNrIWDHQ9-ysrzM6PAxSYSZs7J6n-AllORHF8de6D7ydnR61QlWinCq1bbt1xkVs4df1SqXo-Hw54JPpjFXtY/s640/IMG_20170910_192815.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Grandview Campground from the ridge above. Our van is the white speck in the center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7vTj7O49ynwR27_Uwr4FJHvpt8QrNvjmFb4YGleItZPTqlBY3ul1fnFA7h15pcvDUWA-_BbupYTdyLGuVBJvGS1NfvA8EH0MgMDRVCUAcD7N_lfMeJn9mIiWSGJ_B1CtLDt9z4HOMDk/s1600/IMG_20170910_200610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7vTj7O49ynwR27_Uwr4FJHvpt8QrNvjmFb4YGleItZPTqlBY3ul1fnFA7h15pcvDUWA-_BbupYTdyLGuVBJvGS1NfvA8EH0MgMDRVCUAcD7N_lfMeJn9mIiWSGJ_B1CtLDt9z4HOMDk/s640/IMG_20170910_200610.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeys love a hot propane fire!!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJGodZZiRxJTpKhAYcXOg9aTQpQcer1TYJOnClBS3CAuhJBsGjGXCvqYyElWgsMI3W4TE0WVXKxc1c1ooWcAeTeYnvsEUt_FY1y-1l_KxqcfOLXyttBj3gSTBdSiyYiEK0TPaQmwaMeY/s1600/IMG_20170911_095237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJGodZZiRxJTpKhAYcXOg9aTQpQcer1TYJOnClBS3CAuhJBsGjGXCvqYyElWgsMI3W4TE0WVXKxc1c1ooWcAeTeYnvsEUt_FY1y-1l_KxqcfOLXyttBj3gSTBdSiyYiEK0TPaQmwaMeY/s640/IMG_20170911_095237.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Bishop California below.</td></tr>
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The next morning, we drove the short drive up to the visitor's center for the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PmLEhZnsw6D2" target="_blank">Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest</a>. We took the great hike around the Schulman Grove on the <a href="https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/california/hikes/methuselah-trail" target="_blank">Methuselah Trail</a> to view the ancient trees that may be the <a href="https://www.livescience.com/32850-worlds-oldest-living-organism.html" target="_blank">oldest living things on earth</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63RIMLyuPSBewyQRaW-EsnnK4a8x9N2tr5JEsPN7JYX7dWg2SllspD5AMVPzz9LsdPYoFX7fFk8L2IWg_z7BUl4SCOZTtreOs3kqouC2WGeL6P1gv6e-WiIpNjyk0sqPLsHbmVfkpPYU/s1600/IMG_20170911_104406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63RIMLyuPSBewyQRaW-EsnnK4a8x9N2tr5JEsPN7JYX7dWg2SllspD5AMVPzz9LsdPYoFX7fFk8L2IWg_z7BUl4SCOZTtreOs3kqouC2WGeL6P1gv6e-WiIpNjyk0sqPLsHbmVfkpPYU/s640/IMG_20170911_104406.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy and Karen on the Schulman Grove trail (Methuselah Trail). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvv_3KfbzgaFwXft2TTOJBweAbN8eykp6BYLZSBv6Ovnc1njcsJIwnDz0N0Aq_PevLACAhqCrHXW6JwOxGDnXr0BusVkUfffCzBEKd3VWLGzWvDwEdcBo1QYGLAMkAyeSpNFmXl0tADU/s640/IMG_20170911_114517.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bristlecone Tree. Maybe 4000+ years old. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9kox2y3hs1Uz5rSEUpriefXfNPN_MnRwaUa1AQT_gmQ8O0RmbCoH5-xGhd0VR_s9wVDSNNlmMs85sFb-RzmAfK7nB37qWEZhFgDC16Jj6O2im8WbDA-_57FJraWJlPkOAqhWn8YJTdQ/s1600/IMG_20170911_120149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9kox2y3hs1Uz5rSEUpriefXfNPN_MnRwaUa1AQT_gmQ8O0RmbCoH5-xGhd0VR_s9wVDSNNlmMs85sFb-RzmAfK7nB37qWEZhFgDC16Jj6O2im8WbDA-_57FJraWJlPkOAqhWn8YJTdQ/s640/IMG_20170911_120149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg tames another vicious snake with his magic flute.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ4y9-6UGvlt2Fut28pY7ygHi7DihxeKn3spJxTdXK6HcE0LUALQvmnLHDCYxKpoNElBNcOSmeSjJkkDZGm24E8vLsMIA6slsHnmxrZTaUEYCQ09q0rDNHvqfP1j_uojxdyrUwzvu0xE/s1600/IMG_20170911_122902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ4y9-6UGvlt2Fut28pY7ygHi7DihxeKn3spJxTdXK6HcE0LUALQvmnLHDCYxKpoNElBNcOSmeSjJkkDZGm24E8vLsMIA6slsHnmxrZTaUEYCQ09q0rDNHvqfP1j_uojxdyrUwzvu0xE/s640/IMG_20170911_122902.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Schulman Grove Trail (Methuselah Trail). It's a really wonderful trail. Bring water - it's a 4.5 mi trail that rises 500 feet overall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the hike, we drove down to Bishop and had a really nice, late lunch at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/DZRSE983r5z" target="_blank">Great Basin Bakery</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc2tGCSKAOafjGcNoSkRcM16A4wddSq-V4oa4_xgYqVifymJK_ee_hMCMQNycOIYwbZwg_e_e1-2G48T2k0cvrFMRg6G2ndAxdA1v9HYpljyB4ej16h2dcLZguXYi-JYErHOQj-ZuSBA/s1600/IMG_20170911_183932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc2tGCSKAOafjGcNoSkRcM16A4wddSq-V4oa4_xgYqVifymJK_ee_hMCMQNycOIYwbZwg_e_e1-2G48T2k0cvrFMRg6G2ndAxdA1v9HYpljyB4ej16h2dcLZguXYi-JYErHOQj-ZuSBA/s640/IMG_20170911_183932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lunch, we headed to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/UCGXfaUJrGn" target="_blank">Inn at Benton Hot Springs</a>. </td></tr>
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The Inn at Benton Hot Springs has 11 campsites that each include private natural hot spring water, man-made tub. The sites cost between $50-60 a night. We stayed in Hot Tub #2 that included this wood-barrel tub. (You can see photos of all the tubs on the Inn's <a href="http://bentonhotsprings.org/hot_tubs.php" target="_blank">website</a>.)<br />
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One problem we had was that the water in the tub was too damn freak'en hot. We found out later that we could have asked for help (supposedly) to cool it down a bit, but we couldn't figure out how to do it ourselves. Greg shut off the hot inflow and let the tub cool down overnight. Other than the scalding hot tub, we had a very nice overnight here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYRGzwrI6JRY_Mv3dNZtPhZCNEBvo7jUtoGrBR5Z8W60kbz2PF1AEusi9BE35ZhmWizefhdw2oFeW37lpdZpj5LXuzD35V0inMaH2P5rUiz9Oh_CjXcyWlCNF9YDdtcLAapvO4eS7A6Q/s1600/IMG_20170911_210439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYRGzwrI6JRY_Mv3dNZtPhZCNEBvo7jUtoGrBR5Z8W60kbz2PF1AEusi9BE35ZhmWizefhdw2oFeW37lpdZpj5LXuzD35V0inMaH2P5rUiz9Oh_CjXcyWlCNF9YDdtcLAapvO4eS7A6Q/s640/IMG_20170911_210439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy had planned to sleep in a tent we brought, but a really nasty rain/lightning storm blew up around us and she was forced to sleep in our front passenger seat. It couldn't have been very comfortable, but she said it was OK.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq59V1keiDoJRu_eYDuSboqUTYfXqZfpwyJBzZYDqLaeXXGyvITxC5z5cTLJ9U0M0sefpRAAOjEqVTX_h5glN8Yg8jJ5rogULO1UYK1kp-eRLegzrgj4T4DJTOADlN-FV1LHOJnvTpDyA/s1600/IMG_20170912_065554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq59V1keiDoJRu_eYDuSboqUTYfXqZfpwyJBzZYDqLaeXXGyvITxC5z5cTLJ9U0M0sefpRAAOjEqVTX_h5glN8Yg8jJ5rogULO1UYK1kp-eRLegzrgj4T4DJTOADlN-FV1LHOJnvTpDyA/s640/IMG_20170912_065554.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the morning, Greg got in the cooled down Tub. Nancy scared him. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnUPm0ufQrteaAmf0CTUbEFAsgCr1_cAZ-PQmRYYmYQNBmV5wbcbPZTN5OOrYo9cBKcOS-jJY7c7_hbakbzK6fzk2nl2Ne2b1QcI2yfgQZzgmv0tF_faiMN7XWcDVompX37ujbkD2ikk/s1600/IMG_20170912_113529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnUPm0ufQrteaAmf0CTUbEFAsgCr1_cAZ-PQmRYYmYQNBmV5wbcbPZTN5OOrYo9cBKcOS-jJY7c7_hbakbzK6fzk2nl2Ne2b1QcI2yfgQZzgmv0tF_faiMN7XWcDVompX37ujbkD2ikk/s640/IMG_20170912_113529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next, we then drove to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/bgmE8vGY4a92" target="_blank">Mono Lake (South Tufa)</a> and had a nice hike around the shore. The scenery here is outstanding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLBQKNPiW2sa_RWRhBEw8IlMxlWsW_W345QzUN8ITYfivTlqxnNVPsxkZqtakldphREU1MVTq5aF4dIzaaXO9I9NbBAJIWhOp3wV4nBG8koDEqaoYCiwpBT1_cpEo2SkcJrKW1R1kIAA/s1600/IMG_20170912_124132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLBQKNPiW2sa_RWRhBEw8IlMxlWsW_W345QzUN8ITYfivTlqxnNVPsxkZqtakldphREU1MVTq5aF4dIzaaXO9I9NbBAJIWhOp3wV4nBG8koDEqaoYCiwpBT1_cpEo2SkcJrKW1R1kIAA/s640/IMG_20170912_124132.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped for a delicious lunch at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whoa_Nellie_Deli" target="_blank">Whoa Nellie Deli</a> near Lee Vining. Greg had excellent pork chops.</td></tr>
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The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whoa_Nellie_Deli" target="_blank">Whoa Nellie Deli</a> is a great spot for a very tasty meal. The story goes that an excellent chef from a fancy lodge in Mammoth, disillusioned with the corporate restaurant industry, came here on his motorcycle and turned what was a non-descript fast food grill in a Mobil gas station, at the foot of the back road up to Yosemite, into an excellent restaurant that is held in high regard by in-the-know travelers. The Chef's concept was that "Roadhouse" food should be higher quality.<br />
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Update: I just read that the Chef who made Whoa Nellie Deli what it is, moved in 2012 back to Mammoth Lakes to open his own restaurant there, featuring the same types of delicious meals.<br />
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<a href="http://thesheetnews.com/2013/12/20/meet-the-toominator/" target="_blank">Chef Matt Toomey</a> started out as a beach volleyball bum in San Diego before he ended up at Mammoth Lakes working for others in a restaurant there. He was taking a motorcycle cruise down Highway 395 when he had a chance meet up with the owner of the Mobil station at the back entrance to Yosemite. Toomey joined the team at the Mobil station in order to run the deli there. 16 years later, the Whoa Nellie Deli was called "one of the most interesting restaurants in the world," by Gourmet Magazine.<br />
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Toomey is now the owner/Chef of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zjz8E5fNA352" target="_blank">Toomey's in Mammoth Lakes</a>. I look forward to giving Toomey's a try on a future trip up 395.<br />
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Meanwhile, the daughter of the owner of the Mobil station has taken over management duties from her father and plans to expand the operation with an official sit-down restaurant as well as adding a 120 room hotel.<br />
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I'm concerned that this expansion might ruin a great thing. I love the little backwater gas station with a surprisingly fantastic deli. Turning this all into a big fancy pants operation is bound to take away a lot of the stuff I love about this place. (I'm also concerned about a little stealthy boondocking spot nearby getting ruined by this expansion. More about this spot later.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv98L34-NEuN8QBdhp4g5N6UNPwPiN7CvjZjduqjuVj8CTya6MttF0Z-i_UWL8nHsU_nEykQUhgkmSEZ8o1IJkBMRamTwFC-XJKnz9E-D3uCZ1W2cRdVW5uhqIR-qAV4LLZzolM8hdek/s1600/IMG_20170912_143039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv98L34-NEuN8QBdhp4g5N6UNPwPiN7CvjZjduqjuVj8CTya6MttF0Z-i_UWL8nHsU_nEykQUhgkmSEZ8o1IJkBMRamTwFC-XJKnz9E-D3uCZ1W2cRdVW5uhqIR-qAV4LLZzolM8hdek/s640/IMG_20170912_143039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at our next stop: Junction Campground</td></tr>
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Our next stop was to overnight at the Inyo National Forest's Junction Campground on the way up Highway 120 close to the Yosemite's back entrance. We had a nice stay here. It's an incredibly beautiful spot for a low price. We snagged the last spot available that day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrNLXLDUEsXEFwxKchl93ALADVSTUbepFeXqNvKBSEd1oJ020xxy9s3o9ZVRnIQIeiZH7dQKWIfIzO0uDuhUmWcW_Gjm5q7lYYW74VcKmHJtAlkPPG4ccaH6vC79w5j7REoCeoDieCVc/s1600/IMG_20170912_171713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrNLXLDUEsXEFwxKchl93ALADVSTUbepFeXqNvKBSEd1oJ020xxy9s3o9ZVRnIQIeiZH7dQKWIfIzO0uDuhUmWcW_Gjm5q7lYYW74VcKmHJtAlkPPG4ccaH6vC79w5j7REoCeoDieCVc/s640/IMG_20170912_171713.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy and Greg try to stay warm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3OXK7i5AR-fIB6TYb6Dj3mTF2UtSkiMZQXDEegeIArMIaRtHH_e28R6KdmBY4nlQObjxBhcGP0QVYZLdFnNL6ipMTQLxDjmxr4GL_5i09aqngOuo4FmnRX8Ivtlgp2ispEzZh1MuVL8/s1600/IMG_20170912_180210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3OXK7i5AR-fIB6TYb6Dj3mTF2UtSkiMZQXDEegeIArMIaRtHH_e28R6KdmBY4nlQObjxBhcGP0QVYZLdFnNL6ipMTQLxDjmxr4GL_5i09aqngOuo4FmnRX8Ivtlgp2ispEzZh1MuVL8/s640/IMG_20170912_180210.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow damage at the nearby Tioga Pass Resort.</td></tr>
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We took a short walk around the campground area. The big snows of 2017 caused major roof damage at the Tioga Pass Resort, which is closed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DFrnwOT-A5E72awakIMZLP6ZwcXogtcR777ZCZWKzdwAHG8n21BosXkA2yGxTGvETOA-5Pg3Vv5m99legaXia1u_Quo1peBqmm7UogBE0dKz0yLXrKWyzJXCIVW9eGnwQQgHWijhLNk/s1600/IMG_20170913_103748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DFrnwOT-A5E72awakIMZLP6ZwcXogtcR777ZCZWKzdwAHG8n21BosXkA2yGxTGvETOA-5Pg3Vv5m99legaXia1u_Quo1peBqmm7UogBE0dKz0yLXrKWyzJXCIVW9eGnwQQgHWijhLNk/s640/IMG_20170913_103748.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeys enjoying the trip so far!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Her first visit to this magical park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DgVdgvYye95-w6TuUB_-EYylbREV4EHAn1NqaJr-IBXJg1NSn6lOrpbYEMvNUqo5WRBa2zV5WxhwZhEPegTu8fQTEZEyEVAZ6hEYoeALqYAlLp1siZV2oSxx0OwgYIaWGCvs0uNI2nY/s1600/IMG_20170913_113238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DgVdgvYye95-w6TuUB_-EYylbREV4EHAn1NqaJr-IBXJg1NSn6lOrpbYEMvNUqo5WRBa2zV5WxhwZhEPegTu8fQTEZEyEVAZ6hEYoeALqYAlLp1siZV2oSxx0OwgYIaWGCvs0uNI2nY/s640/IMG_20170913_113238.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeys love Tioga Lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeh7QEocr9tC0UPB3BQAlrwuLKCiKDptv0M-rRwaoUP3XdceXsbbmCdWvvulgFTiqeDAEYws2Zk7KX_l9aZBwK8fhkbldPUFc1Omoz3JWXRk2yWCyb3TbO4jV0kG9xV-CPBGTNvh_Ct4/s1600/IMG_20170913_144642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeh7QEocr9tC0UPB3BQAlrwuLKCiKDptv0M-rRwaoUP3XdceXsbbmCdWvvulgFTiqeDAEYws2Zk7KX_l9aZBwK8fhkbldPUFc1Omoz3JWXRk2yWCyb3TbO4jV0kG9xV-CPBGTNvh_Ct4/s640/IMG_20170913_144642.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our nice campsite at Lower Pines Campground in Yosemite. Nancy's blue tent in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJcnPzCad2GgO3WuF6Ly-5l7Il7a_vuMoBUT2Zr3nU1UlLgDbJizHBmejWyiLicvaG9ncCMEkLwhI6p3Vz-pUGWNhWrJewXehsF1dj5pI4OCECwKxzrViAvwqmBGlkWQM9Im3Mod9FFs/s1600/IMG_20170913_165535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJcnPzCad2GgO3WuF6Ly-5l7Il7a_vuMoBUT2Zr3nU1UlLgDbJizHBmejWyiLicvaG9ncCMEkLwhI6p3Vz-pUGWNhWrJewXehsF1dj5pI4OCECwKxzrViAvwqmBGlkWQM9Im3Mod9FFs/s640/IMG_20170913_165535.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our obligatory Half-Dome shot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLl4O5e63gx0rThc9psLtsB3zKgCbfDzBCRVl2UUqNOo4aFoGqvbW8XV-JMu8YcpwsIfEvAWrxBwOqVdFHcLZopqZiaxIKiUadYAxXOcGlPxqJUi067bMSZvDIBtaKnzj5fzRIVIREqY/s1600/IMG_20170913_183413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLl4O5e63gx0rThc9psLtsB3zKgCbfDzBCRVl2UUqNOo4aFoGqvbW8XV-JMu8YcpwsIfEvAWrxBwOqVdFHcLZopqZiaxIKiUadYAxXOcGlPxqJUi067bMSZvDIBtaKnzj5fzRIVIREqY/s640/IMG_20170913_183413.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahwahnee_Hotel" target="_blank">Majestic Yosemite Hotel (Ahwahnee)</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lzPzvIQNjckxmxlw1lUqVEDpO9NvgBeyxB2SkatyQlnDwJ2bhRU0frfEWg921YtkHpOEoYam6YhK_-3CU-nfKi8BKLaSxZTO_qynrY_Z3Nfzw1f44AtCYj6NjG5psQkSYNXZzxD8UdU/s1600/IMG_20170914_123337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lzPzvIQNjckxmxlw1lUqVEDpO9NvgBeyxB2SkatyQlnDwJ2bhRU0frfEWg921YtkHpOEoYam6YhK_-3CU-nfKi8BKLaSxZTO_qynrY_Z3Nfzw1f44AtCYj6NjG5psQkSYNXZzxD8UdU/s640/IMG_20170914_123337.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Merced River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6pAtJqTZC8Dji0DG_v4Kqw1V8kaYwmiblKPvuaPTQouapIZ2WuURHkosbg7zpvWYbQDnBXns5qOqzemVxxrs4RVQf1y9RkmG6VK8VmTxV4ObAZRJSThvPQqdGV78fylsoZ7T5cbwjj8/s1600/IMG_20170914_142436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6pAtJqTZC8Dji0DG_v4Kqw1V8kaYwmiblKPvuaPTQouapIZ2WuURHkosbg7zpvWYbQDnBXns5qOqzemVxxrs4RVQf1y9RkmG6VK8VmTxV4ObAZRJSThvPQqdGV78fylsoZ7T5cbwjj8/s640/IMG_20170914_142436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yosemite Falls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjFq0MI1zdKa1jFx4Edp4_tit-QUPbhqn8kKgo9xMcI2xSWo2oGS17KYZwJzj-UR6bEjX7BjfxN3fBXjivTqfoe4QNYDTM6yqMgg7l7bAJbyNskuz2bLIbPKXcI339bILwF_LPDe0RM0/s1600/IMG_20170914_151231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjFq0MI1zdKa1jFx4Edp4_tit-QUPbhqn8kKgo9xMcI2xSWo2oGS17KYZwJzj-UR6bEjX7BjfxN3fBXjivTqfoe4QNYDTM6yqMgg7l7bAJbyNskuz2bLIbPKXcI339bILwF_LPDe0RM0/s640/IMG_20170914_151231.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yosemite Falls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcPP95fe0G-kya-HPfhFDBvt0dTjW9-QjOe4gnnxsx28OHcsjBAloHvrj-_eCL93iLaonXzlbba5sLfUwIeAxt4VWgRORJ9lKIgRxYpsHEpMjBsVC9hKKzLJgKOVyW_WAXvKabJbgEMw/s1600/IMG_20170915_113012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcPP95fe0G-kya-HPfhFDBvt0dTjW9-QjOe4gnnxsx28OHcsjBAloHvrj-_eCL93iLaonXzlbba5sLfUwIeAxt4VWgRORJ9lKIgRxYpsHEpMjBsVC9hKKzLJgKOVyW_WAXvKabJbgEMw/s640/IMG_20170915_113012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up the steps of the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPBb4viwEL27JCcGPWQLRVNdz1NsaIJvmTNhyDPAu3226qKNURlgHoo4pifeeR38-UStm4NM8lNX7Q-q9hRN9pvNQFZh5g44v9WNYDGjAFo62QqY3tMDUx2jS8p5dNBswbYqkP89eWUQ/s1600/IMG_20170915_120243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPBb4viwEL27JCcGPWQLRVNdz1NsaIJvmTNhyDPAu3226qKNURlgHoo4pifeeR38-UStm4NM8lNX7Q-q9hRN9pvNQFZh5g44v9WNYDGjAFo62QqY3tMDUx2jS8p5dNBswbYqkP89eWUQ/s640/IMG_20170915_120243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the Mist Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpH5afAZsPXYlblleTWxDZYE-hfy8ruivlsRkY9xgcMsH62HDRICMtNdDrHlmoGPCHZkqcQfeIej2Srj7KVOJ46gcpb4JSqUTOtpn-FmPGrh5fA231RGa4OYmfz4qgHNuB3rDH1CWxL8/s1600/IMG_20170915_120736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpH5afAZsPXYlblleTWxDZYE-hfy8ruivlsRkY9xgcMsH62HDRICMtNdDrHlmoGPCHZkqcQfeIej2Srj7KVOJ46gcpb4JSqUTOtpn-FmPGrh5fA231RGa4OYmfz4qgHNuB3rDH1CWxL8/s640/IMG_20170915_120736.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen and Nancy at the top of Vernal Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJP7iybQUHED3ZK6jjRk4BvZUSqyyfpXNAlcZZOLXBiBHG4yVzlelNsHJ0Mvo7vwcy_o7lqIdhFF0Sjx03vG3ED5j9sdbYg-IXyFXAF7M6g21NJGCb1QKfLXXRC_JaB8v1dHjHrMi-iU/s640/IMG_20170915_131526.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at Vernal Falls. Lots of water in the falls this year. They looked great.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJP7iybQUHED3ZK6jjRk4BvZUSqyyfpXNAlcZZOLXBiBHG4yVzlelNsHJ0Mvo7vwcy_o7lqIdhFF0Sjx03vG3ED5j9sdbYg-IXyFXAF7M6g21NJGCb1QKfLXXRC_JaB8v1dHjHrMi-iU/s1600/IMG_20170915_131526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJP7iybQUHED3ZK6jjRk4BvZUSqyyfpXNAlcZZOLXBiBHG4yVzlelNsHJ0Mvo7vwcy_o7lqIdhFF0Sjx03vG3ED5j9sdbYg-IXyFXAF7M6g21NJGCb1QKfLXXRC_JaB8v1dHjHrMi-iU/s1600/IMG_20170915_131526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb4O_l8Ql_U02pFUU7KnKBebyKc7sAi_bkWMXhENCKAinTt4byOGObbUkcSjUiY9I-104DWwwyjeeUUNJm9NoMqGmAPG1ZGQ-LpfJrSzoUIQInn3vytyDnddHFUoC851mdsbO34o_Ew4/s1600/IMG_20170915_134229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb4O_l8Ql_U02pFUU7KnKBebyKc7sAi_bkWMXhENCKAinTt4byOGObbUkcSjUiY9I-104DWwwyjeeUUNJm9NoMqGmAPG1ZGQ-LpfJrSzoUIQInn3vytyDnddHFUoC851mdsbO34o_Ew4/s640/IMG_20170915_134229.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Nevada Falls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMprTjDg-1n8Hdnn6nJbWx4bgEkGe0eBOXW468KyE2_9ptztpc4ZmwrF_28skufYO94xpZDhY-gEwn-UvAEoPivQHCRdUkX5teFvjWXfzqcqY0xxb3Jfh8WkkMHgTQKUshgLaSg3LEQ8I/s1600/IMG_20170915_145616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMprTjDg-1n8Hdnn6nJbWx4bgEkGe0eBOXW468KyE2_9ptztpc4ZmwrF_28skufYO94xpZDhY-gEwn-UvAEoPivQHCRdUkX5teFvjWXfzqcqY0xxb3Jfh8WkkMHgTQKUshgLaSg3LEQ8I/s640/IMG_20170915_145616.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy enjoys the view near Nevada Falls on the John Muir Trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TryycI4wIt6jhq1pdw8297PaDD92WaHZmE59AOY9xBWNenXuBMvpadmF172S4DS3PtGdHjQiJVNXxBxixn41dU28pBJyh43eURBvYOusvVqp6Ngn8JS7B3YqVbcjWHYi5U6iXArDkUs/s1600/IMG_20170916_081703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TryycI4wIt6jhq1pdw8297PaDD92WaHZmE59AOY9xBWNenXuBMvpadmF172S4DS3PtGdHjQiJVNXxBxixn41dU28pBJyh43eURBvYOusvVqp6Ngn8JS7B3YqVbcjWHYi5U6iXArDkUs/s640/IMG_20170916_081703.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a fantastic buffet breakfast at the Majestic Hotel (Ahwahnee). Great service and delicious food.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslnCNJZ0t4nd0b3pJJItM051PxDYmQxBWqCamA1l-Tu9H1IFEiSIfFP_ftzt2iMPxKMI4ZwR7xGEhxnLpQyHBeLT8YtOGs4cuYQDPGQIdW7_BU1ZW3kPtRkFVfQDrXUEn10T0JZpBFrY/s1600/Julie+Photo+of+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslnCNJZ0t4nd0b3pJJItM051PxDYmQxBWqCamA1l-Tu9H1IFEiSIfFP_ftzt2iMPxKMI4ZwR7xGEhxnLpQyHBeLT8YtOGs4cuYQDPGQIdW7_BU1ZW3kPtRkFVfQDrXUEn10T0JZpBFrY/s640/Julie+Photo+of+us.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen and Greg in front of the Stoneman Hotel Rooms at "Curry Village."</td></tr>
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We met a bunch of our old gang of college friends in Yosemite who were staying at Half Dome Village (Curry Village) Stoneman Lodge. <br />
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After Yosemite, we headed for South Lake Tahoe for an overnight stay in a hotel there in preparation for Karen and Nancy's flight from Reno back to New Mexico. (Greg would drive the van back home.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmI_lhgvolpAHumK5sNLPP9d_KN_NYWPFPtoeNxtOnJq1p8-bMrerHw8UHXsJUbVSYY-l0MkaC-iJFcm0k1qR6vqYnXu2KOVNomRY5TNPMla7VlGctnEcYElfff-GzZ1b4vTeEOF7z8c/s1600/IMG_20170916_180350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmI_lhgvolpAHumK5sNLPP9d_KN_NYWPFPtoeNxtOnJq1p8-bMrerHw8UHXsJUbVSYY-l0MkaC-iJFcm0k1qR6vqYnXu2KOVNomRY5TNPMla7VlGctnEcYElfff-GzZ1b4vTeEOF7z8c/s640/IMG_20170916_180350.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our former home in South Lake Tahoe.</td></tr>
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In the mid to late 90's, we owned this cabin in South Lake Tahoe. We spent a few wonderful years living here. It's now become a vacation rental after we sold it. Greg maintained a beautiful green grass front lawn, but now it's just dirt filled with pine needles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv22ae0jvfqbYyrO2fbQV3OCOx85rE3PUsANcFY55FwjSN8JO4jLdAsIzUxuaLdeK-fRIYWKebqfpDMI2dWxGynYHkqUgpopn8cN43SLjKyZiJrZKRqzhcimQ6fWO5G8rTCGpC0V0A5M4/s1600/IMG_20170916_192139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv22ae0jvfqbYyrO2fbQV3OCOx85rE3PUsANcFY55FwjSN8JO4jLdAsIzUxuaLdeK-fRIYWKebqfpDMI2dWxGynYHkqUgpopn8cN43SLjKyZiJrZKRqzhcimQ6fWO5G8rTCGpC0V0A5M4/s640/IMG_20170916_192139.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty vegetarian food at Freshies Restaurant & Bar</td></tr>
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We had a really great meal at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Ghao3LpbzG72" target="_blank">Freshies Restaurant & Bar in South Lake Tahoe</a>. We stayed overnight at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/qYDz4maxz7r" target="_blank">Hotel Azure Tahoe</a>, which has a nice view of Lake Tahoe and a large outdoor jacuzzi hot tub. The only problem with our room was that we were right on the main drag that was a little noisy, but not too bad. The view made up for that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZndbsXmTDRpDBJPrKs3p8XmK6MJDyNBhL4lep1HSGn_bf3TsyqMatduyjP0uI5Ldc4okVNmtbKs-cfUkUR42FMAkrHnETB7CiX_3V0LChg5EwG6bAuNjNmRR84GeDZ_orSxWUcT6Ngc/s1600/IMG_20170917_082407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZndbsXmTDRpDBJPrKs3p8XmK6MJDyNBhL4lep1HSGn_bf3TsyqMatduyjP0uI5Ldc4okVNmtbKs-cfUkUR42FMAkrHnETB7CiX_3V0LChg5EwG6bAuNjNmRR84GeDZ_orSxWUcT6Ngc/s640/IMG_20170917_082407.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy and Karen had breakfast at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/n886VVU4Juu" target="_blank">Bear Beach Cafe</a>. They thought portions were big and tasty. This is the large ice tea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLQDk5NSUTNVe3oOafrSZ_QvHPpM162xFbWiAn5TaZASOHp9MKcCEXgjCWqQvyf6MDBGc5kANkqomYiZ5XJ8F42L16lxg_6eMjel8_rfNiA6VPrlF0jYKFWo0U2qOtjzcdxHo1MvyW3U/s640/IMG_20170917_094943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a walk over to the dock at the Timber Cove Marina nearby.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLQDk5NSUTNVe3oOafrSZ_QvHPpM162xFbWiAn5TaZASOHp9MKcCEXgjCWqQvyf6MDBGc5kANkqomYiZ5XJ8F42L16lxg_6eMjel8_rfNiA6VPrlF0jYKFWo0U2qOtjzcdxHo1MvyW3U/s1600/IMG_20170917_094943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLQDk5NSUTNVe3oOafrSZ_QvHPpM162xFbWiAn5TaZASOHp9MKcCEXgjCWqQvyf6MDBGc5kANkqomYiZ5XJ8F42L16lxg_6eMjel8_rfNiA6VPrlF0jYKFWo0U2qOtjzcdxHo1MvyW3U/s1600/IMG_20170917_094943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLGlPjkeFkfmmUC2KKZRxcyldnm0VGOgn9NhYfvdy2KYlWDV2MGiSRpj8CR_rlt2wjmzltwbi2LtFzOUy0Bq5I_pIl0bMbOgaXzVpJeGgW-Lc_4D86XAqnKwOcTK0V_eu5gP7sy2vIoI/s1600/IMG_20170917_121814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLGlPjkeFkfmmUC2KKZRxcyldnm0VGOgn9NhYfvdy2KYlWDV2MGiSRpj8CR_rlt2wjmzltwbi2LtFzOUy0Bq5I_pIl0bMbOgaXzVpJeGgW-Lc_4D86XAqnKwOcTK0V_eu5gP7sy2vIoI/s640/IMG_20170917_121814.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the Reno Airport, we took a pit stop at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino and saw this van with a large number of bikes on the back.</td></tr>
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Greg dropped Karen and Nancy off at the Reno Airport so they could fly back to Albuquerque. Greg continued with the trip to return by van to Los Alamos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxYhWYT49qg758wKGgw0nrDR0dczR9XTk_7nm3efj2J-W_IyDPFAMgGjj68DURDKkO4BNl-ssg3TcKxB0TyIP_AkmrO_38-DSF5bb1oI37XxYSbcSZGZRonJ7F2Kqu1AGNQa3LZdxApw/s1600/Sierra+Hot+Springs+Dome+looking+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxYhWYT49qg758wKGgw0nrDR0dczR9XTk_7nm3efj2J-W_IyDPFAMgGjj68DURDKkO4BNl-ssg3TcKxB0TyIP_AkmrO_38-DSF5bb1oI37XxYSbcSZGZRonJ7F2Kqu1AGNQa3LZdxApw/s640/Sierra+Hot+Springs+Dome+looking+down.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg headed up to the Sierra Hot Springs for an overnight soak. This is the Dome that contains the "Hot Pool." (photo source: Sierra Hot Springs)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/STfrRsPLAqP2" target="_blank">Sierra Hot Springs</a> has a few hot soaks with natural springs hot water. We really like this place. You can dry camp overnight near the Meditation Pool that is small, quiet and natural looking. Above is the Dome that contains the Hot Pool. This pool is very hot. You can see in the photo above that there are two cool pools at the top to help relieve you from overheating. I (Greg) had never tried them until this trip. I overheard a couple talking about how healthy it was to cool down in the cold pools and then to get back into the hot pool. I got up the courage to slide into the totally freezing waters of a cold tub. After the initial shock, I was determined to stay in long enough to go totally numb. After about a minute, I was numb. I jumped back into the hot pool. </div>
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Oh man, fantastic. <br />
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The feeling was heavenly. I was hooked. I spent a good bit of time going back and forth between a very cold tub and the very hot tub. I can't wait to return at some point to do the hot/cold circuit again! It was so amazingly good (and healthy)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAmrhyphenhyphensvbxPo-iiaZ5J_7QSt04YsFI_IBnOthC-MFWVCwh0i5T45iI90Qq1JeTAvGxFe74bt4jzhgVnDYCbrGx0CDzLsiqOEFQVcdFXDLK51-JdsHxbHvp1ghM8-sIOQ069zREnOjzuI/s1600/Sierra+Hot+Springs+large+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="851" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAmrhyphenhyphensvbxPo-iiaZ5J_7QSt04YsFI_IBnOthC-MFWVCwh0i5T45iI90Qq1JeTAvGxFe74bt4jzhgVnDYCbrGx0CDzLsiqOEFQVcdFXDLK51-JdsHxbHvp1ghM8-sIOQ069zREnOjzuI/s640/Sierra+Hot+Springs+large+pool.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the large warm pool just outside the Dome. Lots of people spend many, long hours soaking in this pool. There is a deck where you can lounge and enjoy the meadow view or stars at night. This is Karen's favorite pool.</td></tr>
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Before you head to Sierra Hot Springs, you should know that you will encounter a lot of very naked people. If this disturbs you, then I would advise heading elsewhere. You will probably not feel comfortable clothed in these pools. The fee to camp and to soak is around $35 a person. You can soak all night long if you like. The stars, they are amazing here.<br />
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After a great soak and a sound sleep, I headed back down Highway 395 to again dine at the Whoa Nellie Deli. The drive down 395 is one of my favorite all-time drives. <br />
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I arrived well after dark and drove to the Veterans' Memorial that is just up the hill from the Mobil Gas Station / Deli. There were quite a few other RVs already parked for the night when I arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHStOcriKJyoZiO4W8ZLQfKH0K0VO7m_pGE5ouS-2H7IOyodRHo56igYg_xF0-3CEXwaZqv0e3aOfBeXDOVQXmfMBdUQZzOvjXLzk0nJWFcXshPesjg4XODK_LMc-tlLt8pu6HlONbCk/s1600/IMG_20170919_071326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHStOcriKJyoZiO4W8ZLQfKH0K0VO7m_pGE5ouS-2H7IOyodRHo56igYg_xF0-3CEXwaZqv0e3aOfBeXDOVQXmfMBdUQZzOvjXLzk0nJWFcXshPesjg4XODK_LMc-tlLt8pu6HlONbCk/s640/IMG_20170919_071326.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the vehicles who overnighted at the Veterans' Memorial. There is a vast view of Mono Lake from here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RifTvn5b2211VWWWM88yojfdYxUiLKHJ9fmkjzEQMNix4HTvxFQyYKpwN9sBjy_PQxOtMVeaUQBfYzmQoggFAGo2YmIaQGRlWAu4cUzbajM7aa8bxe0_daE3A39GtRdvHkncNx7_kAw/s1600/IMG_20170919_072536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RifTvn5b2211VWWWM88yojfdYxUiLKHJ9fmkjzEQMNix4HTvxFQyYKpwN9sBjy_PQxOtMVeaUQBfYzmQoggFAGo2YmIaQGRlWAu4cUzbajM7aa8bxe0_daE3A39GtRdvHkncNx7_kAw/s640/IMG_20170919_072536.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs and Potatoes breakfast at the Whoa Nellie Deli.</td></tr>
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After a nice breakfast, I headed south to the Whitmore Hot Springs area south of Mammoth Lakes. There are a few scattered natural hot spring tubs here that are free and maintained by locals from the Mammoth Lakes area. Thank you, Locals!!!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDY8SyyE3214vhg5wcMrSn0Qgw5JrfZngT0B4758zTVv1c7wHHqoAPRlhUyASEXJZGqi5aHjb7RDZO13-Il_IgBp-ylbt7QZ_JZnTHut__3f2Nw5u-t5ZMgvKXh9pJpIXGxNdoBX9Tjak/s1600/IMG_20170919_094457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDY8SyyE3214vhg5wcMrSn0Qgw5JrfZngT0B4758zTVv1c7wHHqoAPRlhUyASEXJZGqi5aHjb7RDZO13-Il_IgBp-ylbt7QZ_JZnTHut__3f2Nw5u-t5ZMgvKXh9pJpIXGxNdoBX9Tjak/s640/IMG_20170919_094457.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folks soaking at <a href="https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/california/hot-springs/wild-willys-hot-springs" target="_blank">Wild Willy's Hot Springs</a>. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7gPM7HuqY0vTUgme32yn-UxqDTaDy-latETFvzMLfFmxOFFFsiy5wmjOIMD0iVWJKHqnsoAUBpZ7zbUGIcbON5XonzcVMlekrSCexnss5cY1dIYMwdX5IdBDsVCJ70TfQDbBlpXOOUo/s1600/IMG_20170919_102134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7gPM7HuqY0vTUgme32yn-UxqDTaDy-latETFvzMLfFmxOFFFsiy5wmjOIMD0iVWJKHqnsoAUBpZ7zbUGIcbON5XonzcVMlekrSCexnss5cY1dIYMwdX5IdBDsVCJ70TfQDbBlpXOOUo/s640/IMG_20170919_102134.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Wild Willy's Hot Springs tub. I had a great soak here with amazing views.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0O1nPxsTZnpw6Xp-UO4bZY7I3JEIyPAGS-Pd1z6ynsNpQUwGxw7YLrs2faWL_iJSyyk2O1dRe1D8ww90jqWaRMEX-rAs3m0lJTj-lATBLSdP6DFPBnQlGu3LVA44XDLJS1cu1kGvBd8/s1600/IMG_20170919_115139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0O1nPxsTZnpw6Xp-UO4bZY7I3JEIyPAGS-Pd1z6ynsNpQUwGxw7YLrs2faWL_iJSyyk2O1dRe1D8ww90jqWaRMEX-rAs3m0lJTj-lATBLSdP6DFPBnQlGu3LVA44XDLJS1cu1kGvBd8/s640/IMG_20170919_115139.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of the Hill Top tub.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please, if you visit these tubs, clean up any trash you find there. They are free and it's up to everyone to keep these wonderful tubs nice. If we don't, we will surely lose them forever. Also, don't camp right on top of any of the tubs. These tubs are to be shared and if you are camping too close to them it makes it hard for others to use them. Sharing is caring!</div>
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After a nice soak at Wild Willys and then taking a look at the nearby Hill Top Tub, I headed to Mammoth Lakes to get some supplies and then on to check out <a href="https://www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm" target="_blank">Devils Postpile National Monument</a>. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU2EOjvSDjpj56dDvpPjOlXSOUdOoJoXjOImnHLgep0UXHqA9MiS605EJkQS6chUrzTvYoWA-hcwZ2o5zfYm4yiNNu0Z_ujCbe14rkfNWvp_kjDVCiU0yyvnCtIgVed25aiPMjsm2FII/s1600/IMG_20170919_151447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU2EOjvSDjpj56dDvpPjOlXSOUdOoJoXjOImnHLgep0UXHqA9MiS605EJkQS6chUrzTvYoWA-hcwZ2o5zfYm4yiNNu0Z_ujCbe14rkfNWvp_kjDVCiU0yyvnCtIgVed25aiPMjsm2FII/s640/IMG_20170919_151447.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Postpile: "The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. It's columns tower 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry." - National Park Service</td></tr>
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Next, I headed back to Whitemore Hot Springs to soak again and spend the night. I knew that people could boondock overnight near a couple of the hot springs tubs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0L-qLLVT6RbtF-I28PRZI5QCaV2oyN3wGxafBPktPJAZSpQAuJ67xAUjhwnwFKVgZWYndW7UY5AsxRC1jS4R8Xt_evzzvVKEt84pajsFMXAU1H9gUoBBL0Gdf8nZWBYPssECEcerzH0/s1600/IMG_20170920_080104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0L-qLLVT6RbtF-I28PRZI5QCaV2oyN3wGxafBPktPJAZSpQAuJ67xAUjhwnwFKVgZWYndW7UY5AsxRC1jS4R8Xt_evzzvVKEt84pajsFMXAU1H9gUoBBL0Gdf8nZWBYPssECEcerzH0/s640/IMG_20170920_080104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My van and a few other boondockers overnight near the "<a href="https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/california/hot-springs/rock-tub-hot-springs" target="_blank">Rock Tub" Hot Springs</a>.</td></tr>
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After a soak late into the starry night with a few other hardy boondockers, I got a good night sleep and was ready to head further south in the morning. <br />
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When I went to start the van, it would not start after a very cold night. I guess my starter battery was nearing death. After a few cranks of the starter, I let the engine rest and prayed. My prayers were answered. On the next crank of the starter, the engine just barely sputtered to life. I drove straight to O'Reilly Auto Parts down in Bishop without stopping. There, I purchased a new Optima Battery and had the store guy install it.<br />
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Onward !!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLTl92mDfcGI-Yirt_6NP7SNVbRs1kkuuMnuTXRyW4Sq3yZ9JN-YFVZArzRs-ahwI2jc1xqr0BeP1Sk5H7dZsc6oqLm7CCOX_AiRiYHopgagXnKjySS_BoMvuDQndwcOc8furHhXeagc/s1600/IMG_20170920_132142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLTl92mDfcGI-Yirt_6NP7SNVbRs1kkuuMnuTXRyW4Sq3yZ9JN-YFVZArzRs-ahwI2jc1xqr0BeP1Sk5H7dZsc6oqLm7CCOX_AiRiYHopgagXnKjySS_BoMvuDQndwcOc8furHhXeagc/s640/IMG_20170920_132142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had a nice rest stop at <a href="https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/california/hot-springs/keoughs-hot-springs-ditch" target="_blank">Keough Hot Springs Ditch</a>, but did not soak. You can soak free here but LA Water & Power patrols frequently and does not allow overnight camping. There is a nice commercial soak just up the hill from here with a nice campground.</td></tr>
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Next, I headed east into Nevada and then south on Highway 95 to Las Vegas. I headed to the Orleans Hotel & Casino. The Orleans use to be very welcoming to RVers, allowing them to park in a back lot overnight. No longer. There are now signs that say something like, "no overnighting in your vehicle." (There is a trucker overnight parking area if you join the Orleans "Truck Club.")<br />
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I saw that another RV was in a back lot and looked like someone was in it. My van is pretty stealthy and so I just parked in between a couple other vehicles and had a good nights sleep with no problems.<br />
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In the morning, I went for a walk around the hotel property before the breakfast buffet opened, but the hyperactive security guys hassled me and made me feel unwelcome, even though I planned to spend cash at the buffet. I left the casino without eating there and had something from my cooler instead. Seems like security in Vegas has gotten crazy, hassling customer and ignoring the real issues.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl192vTs-EaAYeL4vZ9dm3p2SSdofJrlZdZ9rNJltJXWDiQzGA1DQRhk6Z1nPQ6l_A6-pPXsdws_BR1DCVOV6q_WSL6Ds4grJWN4gsysZ6Xnl5vzDs4vzpSV3Fwo3qOVr6GE8G52alHw/s1600/IMG_20170921_074005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl192vTs-EaAYeL4vZ9dm3p2SSdofJrlZdZ9rNJltJXWDiQzGA1DQRhk6Z1nPQ6l_A6-pPXsdws_BR1DCVOV6q_WSL6Ds4grJWN4gsysZ6Xnl5vzDs4vzpSV3Fwo3qOVr6GE8G52alHw/s640/IMG_20170921_074005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view towards the strip from the Orleans parking structure. My van is down there. You can see the truckers area.</td></tr>
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After leaving the Orleans, I trucked home, which took all day long on Highway 40.<br />
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Good Trip!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-25819323027446149022017-07-12T20:10:00.000-06:002018-03-13T14:53:54.027-06:00 Catching Up - Part 5 - July 2017 cont. - Family Trip to DurangoWe had a plan to take Greg's parents up to Grand Mesa in Colorado to meet a couple of Greg's sisters for a family camping trip. We were taking our van and Greg's parents camper van. Greg's parent's camper stalled on the way up the million dollar highway out of Durango. Greg was able to get it started again and we didn't want to take a chance continuing high up into the San Juan Mountains. We turned around and headed back to Durango. Karen was able to call United Campgrounds of Durango and reserved a couple camping spots for us all. We called Greg's sisters and told them where to find us.<br />
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We very much thank United Campgrounds of Durango for being so accommodating and flexible in getting us spots and later letting us move to the grass tent area when there were no more RV sites available. (The grass ended up being much more pleasant than the gravel RV area.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimea9pqAJw-EGHWC4YJy7Eb9ffkh16i0ebC-hXSruFkUAIfDPoAFKEHvMRBkBOTHHcv83R1lghs-j54MkUItaQzAHEAVvNgDop_Uyr74bO_YPpUpPUKdD07zYvrqjIyqtT0pIWGBA4ys0/s1600/IMG_20170713_082739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimea9pqAJw-EGHWC4YJy7Eb9ffkh16i0ebC-hXSruFkUAIfDPoAFKEHvMRBkBOTHHcv83R1lghs-j54MkUItaQzAHEAVvNgDop_Uyr74bO_YPpUpPUKdD07zYvrqjIyqtT0pIWGBA4ys0/s640/IMG_20170713_082739.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first gravel spots at United Campgrounds of Durango</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were able to move down to the grassy "tent" area at United Campgrounds, which we all liked better.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg, Liam and Sock Monkeys relaxing. Liam was Greg's parent's dog (RIP).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeiiu3rt2uW06t-eUgEKLEbHkV4dD-vBgD-TCnsDX_VV76XCMG9FIpnfaFW2zwTOtP72x3LVI2hmVh7yGtkWDXs9IFPtiUp5a990HvdHW0XqU5icr0uOJv6T6HdcrJjd9sx3yHIuiTUk/s1600/IMG_20170713_194345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeiiu3rt2uW06t-eUgEKLEbHkV4dD-vBgD-TCnsDX_VV76XCMG9FIpnfaFW2zwTOtP72x3LVI2hmVh7yGtkWDXs9IFPtiUp5a990HvdHW0XqU5icr0uOJv6T6HdcrJjd9sx3yHIuiTUk/s640/IMG_20170713_194345.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each morning and each evening two classic tour trains go through the campground. We loved seeing and hearing them.</td></tr>
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<b><i>Here is a video of the train going through the campground:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/fGAldXanJRBBY2533" target="_blank">V I D E O</a> </i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen enjoying frozen yogurt at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/H3PU8EDfSuy" target="_blank">Top That Frozen Yogurt</a> in Durango.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful flowers we saw on a hike in downtown Durango.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen with the train bridge over the Animas River in Durango (kayakers below). Durango has a fantastic bike/walking trail along the river.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_66RX8qNVevURL_q6qYtZLBbLXbJd0wBi30iHphmy2UW0uyoCqI-R6lfS5HSN1N2i9X9WbyHWtYnSGphvcFeauUmkxYCScriWMw_Kg9OHoB-D_SZqM4Z3TAZx-JNLbjPIhZuApfcm6rA/s1600/IMG_20170714_155649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1600" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_66RX8qNVevURL_q6qYtZLBbLXbJd0wBi30iHphmy2UW0uyoCqI-R6lfS5HSN1N2i9X9WbyHWtYnSGphvcFeauUmkxYCScriWMw_Kg9OHoB-D_SZqM4Z3TAZx-JNLbjPIhZuApfcm6rA/s640/IMG_20170714_155649.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A display at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/1FFTYeohj9L2" target="_blank">Durango wildlife museum</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMvX4cgu1jt5Bmu01pGHdSVwlKaRC-GJAxJPn7ytXRWqgscpgzfWT7fl_gBbvGv24MLr2U0BHpn7Agt8ct7fuJ3gqNTMJ8CbznGwgljCz9iDMBgfN1aqDl9Vj2GCw4dG3hCrI9UfcJ3U/s1600/IMG_20170714_161244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMvX4cgu1jt5Bmu01pGHdSVwlKaRC-GJAxJPn7ytXRWqgscpgzfWT7fl_gBbvGv24MLr2U0BHpn7Agt8ct7fuJ3gqNTMJ8CbznGwgljCz9iDMBgfN1aqDl9Vj2GCw4dG3hCrI9UfcJ3U/s640/IMG_20170714_161244.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg next to fish artwork along the Animas River Trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincVKmU2ZjpkhnvWeWGeOnPsJz9Ohf92BbwakMm73xOgiqI1iFcHXc8qdtZUopSEvl_jb39ciSm5ptEtKPBswPtOShpO2_vO5kVcQ4zR2_yPi6pDMfy1zMgGmyGHqWQPFQ5SVmasWuW1s/s1600/IMG_20170715_075319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincVKmU2ZjpkhnvWeWGeOnPsJz9Ohf92BbwakMm73xOgiqI1iFcHXc8qdtZUopSEvl_jb39ciSm5ptEtKPBswPtOShpO2_vO5kVcQ4zR2_yPi6pDMfy1zMgGmyGHqWQPFQ5SVmasWuW1s/s640/IMG_20170715_075319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A raccoon got into Greg's parent's cooler and ate or destroyed absolutely everything. We laughed because the raccoon ate an entire package of prunes, several Boosts, V8, orange juice and milk. We are sure he or she had quite the belly ache. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen and Greg's Dad soaking at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/32Tri5EamPQ2" target="_blank">Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs</a> in Durango Colorado.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large warm pool at Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs in Durango.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy nachos at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/85Bdommpb1Q2" target="_blank">Nini's Taqueria</a> in downtown Durango.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ckuQnPfUDMHaVVkhk2MceHBn9HuyJm-jrgS9rWagK0CQSD3fr02ddeW-UPTYSbDha0qYOqQYVEgVvKGwVyiVpHr3qpv0pNayV8XKAwgxPko5A7CWbKiyDZwZSRgfM03vCyAupjKFaUk/s1600/IMG_20170715_203919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ckuQnPfUDMHaVVkhk2MceHBn9HuyJm-jrgS9rWagK0CQSD3fr02ddeW-UPTYSbDha0qYOqQYVEgVvKGwVyiVpHr3qpv0pNayV8XKAwgxPko5A7CWbKiyDZwZSRgfM03vCyAupjKFaUk/s640/IMG_20170715_203919.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg's parents enjoying our <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-Propane-Portable-Campfire/dp/B000L4HSH8/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1519950414&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=propane+fire+pit+camp+chef" target="_blank">propane fire pit</a>. We love this fire pit which is great if there are fire restrictions and even if there aren't restrictions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5R8YC83HsJ41nFp1CZqMss1VsrXuVWhcugA-XLjjIM1zfuBNPwr0f9AH6I59KJasnkL4-LnTpB8yvqnlGXZ-I6AuRO5wDhtufHbq9Od9Tj-tG60xkmHSrZhEYwYfRfe7MtDAubGlKx0/s1600/IMG_20170716_093800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5R8YC83HsJ41nFp1CZqMss1VsrXuVWhcugA-XLjjIM1zfuBNPwr0f9AH6I59KJasnkL4-LnTpB8yvqnlGXZ-I6AuRO5wDhtufHbq9Od9Tj-tG60xkmHSrZhEYwYfRfe7MtDAubGlKx0/s640/IMG_20170716_093800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use a<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A9RNMA8/ref=s9_acsd_topr_hd_bw_b2Jz6_c_x_5_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=K8X0A9A939CBFGKEEJGA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=20d7ce67-1a3d-5cce-abc4-9a158b671054&pf_rd_i=553480" target="_blank"> telescoping ladder</a> to get up to the Thule on top of our van.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Animas River viewed near the United Campgrounds of Durango</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam taking the low-cost city trolly from the Campground to downtown Durango</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS178aKIwM_YNds4Dw1dclx_k85OhJ5kvWFtUd8LoJfClNm3a7k89Vl25C0Avhnzc5Nf7-xdcknpvkSnq962-ozHIwJN1DniGWWEOB3j2g56LKaOKhaQUVEP9-mhAyHS1Rm3quTdtwuME/s1600/IMG_20170717_172039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS178aKIwM_YNds4Dw1dclx_k85OhJ5kvWFtUd8LoJfClNm3a7k89Vl25C0Avhnzc5Nf7-xdcknpvkSnq962-ozHIwJN1DniGWWEOB3j2g56LKaOKhaQUVEP9-mhAyHS1Rm3quTdtwuME/s640/IMG_20170717_172039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg's sister, Mom, and Karen enjoying the campground's pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaCCxZowQM3S3zQBlbog_LD2VAlwRE8cdzh8ltUSLYKnqqrGd_Ij_J6KgzXCU9VZQtDQsYpUIFxXaGUuVGRONu8Lq-6RkHVfFk-hx6ahj5gAnPRVQS6_DxG55OXG8JBIIyNOZO-Npm6c/s1600/IMG_20170717_195837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaCCxZowQM3S3zQBlbog_LD2VAlwRE8cdzh8ltUSLYKnqqrGd_Ij_J6KgzXCU9VZQtDQsYpUIFxXaGUuVGRONu8Lq-6RkHVfFk-hx6ahj5gAnPRVQS6_DxG55OXG8JBIIyNOZO-Npm6c/s640/IMG_20170717_195837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the campground.</td></tr>
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Next up: Trip to Yosemite via California Highway 395<br />
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<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Jul 13, 2017, 8:27:39 AM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM2RBrsdb2bYRJB2f0czcpLnk07QzL9Pxx8fH2ER7vIZ8Gopv2BRqsYFPM1o0XXVA/photo/AF1QipPS2k2464EW-77FRXNWYg2FzxqPSHh5hyEKpgub?key=eVpJRC1CYlM3MWZmdlBLWUVBbjRoajFqNFhqVm1B" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-11868508358836995862017-06-28T12:27:00.000-06:002018-03-13T14:52:08.908-06:00Catching Up - Part 4 - June July 2017 - Valley View Hot Springs - Aspen - Independence PassIn mid-June, we took a quick weekend trip to soak our bones at <a href="http://www.olt.org/vvhs" target="_blank">Valley View Hot Springs</a> in Colorado.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SbWtUJv-b8KU9fYcCkNQffVxHVTYF3ly5MgaTSr16b8O46RUWh2vXUrbQ6rLU7xV1mbtzWV3Lay1PB-FUf5LLXwvhlMbbJX-C3XFLvs9QRO9jVTZ7RyRK6xHXeLeO1jC1yHnHEloF3k/s1600/IMG_20170618_101320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SbWtUJv-b8KU9fYcCkNQffVxHVTYF3ly5MgaTSr16b8O46RUWh2vXUrbQ6rLU7xV1mbtzWV3Lay1PB-FUf5LLXwvhlMbbJX-C3XFLvs9QRO9jVTZ7RyRK6xHXeLeO1jC1yHnHEloF3k/s640/IMG_20170618_101320.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Apple Tree Pools (The cooler temperature one).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KvUh9kbmke-wKhmcOYyzsyqye6pABJDb_CdwO7_cDYJsdUg7VXTLdGL9dfPoL5DWEvId99UjhUZJfhpAP7WFDA0f3HxTerdfaE3kENQbbfqh7qo-l5nWY9QGPR5NDwyICFTzb5NJC4Q/s1600/IMG_20170618_102533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KvUh9kbmke-wKhmcOYyzsyqye6pABJDb_CdwO7_cDYJsdUg7VXTLdGL9dfPoL5DWEvId99UjhUZJfhpAP7WFDA0f3HxTerdfaE3kENQbbfqh7qo-l5nWY9QGPR5NDwyICFTzb5NJC4Q/s640/IMG_20170618_102533.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfall pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVGRQOtujFpTPDhhUCboK16PH4Jhm5tVquFqxT4iAiMhdhqVBSjm_UeO07GqX9T3bTBABU6S2RV1ZBomzC-M864CaPcQ7YqrwDFDpFIJkOiKsc6-J5R5yt_NQcY5RZ538qnvo0g5KrdE/s1600/IMG_20170618_104631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVGRQOtujFpTPDhhUCboK16PH4Jhm5tVquFqxT4iAiMhdhqVBSjm_UeO07GqX9T3bTBABU6S2RV1ZBomzC-M864CaPcQ7YqrwDFDpFIJkOiKsc6-J5R5yt_NQcY5RZ538qnvo0g5KrdE/s640/IMG_20170618_104631.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Party" pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJQyEfPVaVQLv7Dw8bszObzeY8EKwkQoQXbtzXxqFqP2kGE77SMe74oGX-MDWkKXPT1xfMrLbtZLX5q3D-X1BtkNFk8g70sjdgDMMPRdCl6ITWLUuYJuOvEaoIgWFpDcNjsnFzmqIGkY/s1600/IMG_20170618_105058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJQyEfPVaVQLv7Dw8bszObzeY8EKwkQoQXbtzXxqFqP2kGE77SMe74oGX-MDWkKXPT1xfMrLbtZLX5q3D-X1BtkNFk8g70sjdgDMMPRdCl6ITWLUuYJuOvEaoIgWFpDcNjsnFzmqIGkY/s640/IMG_20170618_105058.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavilion and Grill area.</td></tr>
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Then in early June Greg took a road trip around Colorado.<br />
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First stop was an overnight of dry camping and soaking at <a href="http://www.orvishotsprings.com/" target="_blank">Orvis Hot Spring</a> just south of Ridgway, Colorado. Then I looped up to Aspen, Colorado and hiked around the town that was packed full of people in preparation for the Four of July holiday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwiCN-mUjHqlPIjg95DEwgDFtRBgBxWBRialIZM1nxTPVkOVOAPTUZqDq3s94vmFv8tnFegbIkBIA_9Qh8nZGCqe5iE6RY_hqGwvdoIOZLSEnjy7s-jP-UBXZRd-7_lU3eOPhlLuHnHQ/s1600/IMG_20170703_154252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwiCN-mUjHqlPIjg95DEwgDFtRBgBxWBRialIZM1nxTPVkOVOAPTUZqDq3s94vmFv8tnFegbIkBIA_9Qh8nZGCqe5iE6RY_hqGwvdoIOZLSEnjy7s-jP-UBXZRd-7_lU3eOPhlLuHnHQ/s640/IMG_20170703_154252.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Airport packed with 1 percenter private jets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jY4MTdw2cYg60Q74qN5q_LV3KphjrqYwmrbkQ78L01NlJfdT1CrKyLW6ZKj2y9pghYfbM5xDT1FxBXbKApBglWPs3QWexXsw4tEzBisPtiR9e4A4Pec7wH4TgP2fJmOfCDs_2kWmza4/s1600/IMG_20170703_171646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jY4MTdw2cYg60Q74qN5q_LV3KphjrqYwmrbkQ78L01NlJfdT1CrKyLW6ZKj2y9pghYfbM5xDT1FxBXbKApBglWPs3QWexXsw4tEzBisPtiR9e4A4Pec7wH4TgP2fJmOfCDs_2kWmza4/s640/IMG_20170703_171646.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen Water Feature</td></tr>
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<b><i>Here is a short video I call "clean out your kid's diapers" at Aspen's water feature:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/QLMekYUAe6fkJkEw2" target="_blank">V I D E O</a></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCHNDczmd5UKHZZLQ0FWItE78eSIXlW_YhOxCawu_f5in2BYpDLgqHkmpxsFqvNM51AX_Dds1ypdpJHJHM3BL2N6vSw2MnVBETFpvDEGa50iRmFQ85wzniUJTnV_DeYFmWi5pHSpFa2w/s1600/IMG_20170703_183236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCHNDczmd5UKHZZLQ0FWItE78eSIXlW_YhOxCawu_f5in2BYpDLgqHkmpxsFqvNM51AX_Dds1ypdpJHJHM3BL2N6vSw2MnVBETFpvDEGa50iRmFQ85wzniUJTnV_DeYFmWi5pHSpFa2w/s640/IMG_20170703_183236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art sculpture near the John Denver Memorial Park / Sanctuary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwj9xnxPodd4lFfkSBan1k__ffEo9X-BrVJ47aPHnrWJxTD3D3BlXL4UT3mqg_YEaZAoPw2pUaaw0fE0JxVUsDufHiJztYSZAJUrGJNi-17bGWxD2oj4QPRlvzse-gL-rmqx-ZbFTLaY/s1600/IMG_20170703_190330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwj9xnxPodd4lFfkSBan1k__ffEo9X-BrVJ47aPHnrWJxTD3D3BlXL4UT3mqg_YEaZAoPw2pUaaw0fE0JxVUsDufHiJztYSZAJUrGJNi-17bGWxD2oj4QPRlvzse-gL-rmqx-ZbFTLaY/s640/IMG_20170703_190330.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tesla has a shop in Aspen. Have a meal, buy a purse, pick up a Tesla while you're at it. </td></tr>
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After a good long hike all around Aspen, I headed east up to Independence Pass. I parked in the parking spaces at the top that serves as a scenic tourist stop and a trail head for hikers. I had no problem sleeping there overnight. In the morning, I found a couple other cars had stopped and there were folks sleeping in them. I took a hike a ways up a nearby ridge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKK2pavSXMCZ7HuO30bi-f81Mh-43EpXaAACdcBEs_2uYz7S7D296FCsGJtSVpUoe_08SjIRD-D_EW_o4tV8lBc7e8qpLx8qBOhFw0VSb1KFGhT3x-wk2hvWPcZgXPdE0hBw2LDLNc2o/s1600/IMG_20170704_064443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKK2pavSXMCZ7HuO30bi-f81Mh-43EpXaAACdcBEs_2uYz7S7D296FCsGJtSVpUoe_08SjIRD-D_EW_o4tV8lBc7e8qpLx8qBOhFw0VSb1KFGhT3x-wk2hvWPcZgXPdE0hBw2LDLNc2o/s640/IMG_20170704_064443.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead boondocking at the top of Independence Pass </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8T20h6XK4AgTTYLiLxcpSi-bgt1USNdH225aj6jZhvQLr9bxUQFTtqFX2Oj1Gq3EeX4BrQIUUmtnCtYISXb5efAaU3sH2GrYBX4brZtPhqB2Gonj64eZopLHrsDfSo_llHe36axD38w/s640/IMG_20170704_074918-EFFECTS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful hike at Independence Pass up a ridge</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8T20h6XK4AgTTYLiLxcpSi-bgt1USNdH225aj6jZhvQLr9bxUQFTtqFX2Oj1Gq3EeX4BrQIUUmtnCtYISXb5efAaU3sH2GrYBX4brZtPhqB2Gonj64eZopLHrsDfSo_llHe36axD38w/s1600/IMG_20170704_074918-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8T20h6XK4AgTTYLiLxcpSi-bgt1USNdH225aj6jZhvQLr9bxUQFTtqFX2Oj1Gq3EeX4BrQIUUmtnCtYISXb5efAaU3sH2GrYBX4brZtPhqB2Gonj64eZopLHrsDfSo_llHe36axD38w/s1600/IMG_20170704_074918-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Next, I headed to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cFZD1ja8cz52" target="_blank">Orient Land Trust / Valley View Hot Springs</a> for a soak and a camp over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuZMfox9QF6WPpBTCdjmSiwR4xM6Bs80SGHXPD74SpT3Yjy_6bmP5MN4Rp5_zjyhgXEyBKNuQWwvw2_ycMRHm9-ImO_FF4AgfGQCRrU-FXe1_0o2UZ_DC5goKji55GWHoIQP1c3w3bHw/s1600/IMG_20170704_202808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuZMfox9QF6WPpBTCdjmSiwR4xM6Bs80SGHXPD74SpT3Yjy_6bmP5MN4Rp5_zjyhgXEyBKNuQWwvw2_ycMRHm9-ImO_FF4AgfGQCRrU-FXe1_0o2UZ_DC5goKji55GWHoIQP1c3w3bHw/s640/IMG_20170704_202808.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Valley View Hot Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpNXUwrmQZB-Zk9bBchbmI7TwkU9QKzVBING6YbEk_QWSCBkWM3rpEEAka6lTtNyeZf4fkbhl_KE06EznZIjoB69ad7D3LGypYNTSQH4qTuDnC-NeuhK57N0RpDW7CTjKtgc1Y1PGs1I/s1600/IMG_20170705_111251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpNXUwrmQZB-Zk9bBchbmI7TwkU9QKzVBING6YbEk_QWSCBkWM3rpEEAka6lTtNyeZf4fkbhl_KE06EznZIjoB69ad7D3LGypYNTSQH4qTuDnC-NeuhK57N0RpDW7CTjKtgc1Y1PGs1I/s640/IMG_20170705_111251.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large swimming pool (naturally heated) being cleaned.</td></tr>
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Afer a good soaking and a sound sleep, I headed back home.<br />
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Next up: Family trip to Durango.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-58848325932511217152017-05-31T16:08:00.000-06:002018-03-13T14:53:27.278-06:00Catching Up - Part 3 - Late May 2017 continued: Taos NM, San Luis CO, Creede CO, Waterfall, Pagosa Springs COFor this trip in late May, we were traveling north to Creede, Colorado and specifically to see the North Clear Creek Falls.<br />
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Our first stop was at the top of Taos Ski Valley near the Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant. We had planned to hike up to Williams Lake, but there was more snow on the trail then we expected so we canned that plan. After a hike around the area, we thought we might try to stealth overnight, but there was a lot of snow and it was pretty mushy on the dirt at that elevation. So, we went back down towards the<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/sz3nakiaeNF2" target="_blank"> Twining Campground</a> at the base of the Taos ski area. There are lots of empty parking areas and we thought we could stay overnight, but it was still early in the day. Being early in the afternoon, we decided to continue north.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMjZqwmjURxBzrwTpIO5jbOxPFLmTMfKXskRHXCbjDB79tZHfNI-7f7VC1K7La2iDjxXEDXHlp-ug5KAyvJGdPzolUKFsxKe1J5DmyWodrHN0tr148OASy61EzwsEGtZbx_V6AGGV9DE/s1600/IMG_20170527_142925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMjZqwmjURxBzrwTpIO5jbOxPFLmTMfKXskRHXCbjDB79tZHfNI-7f7VC1K7La2iDjxXEDXHlp-ug5KAyvJGdPzolUKFsxKe1J5DmyWodrHN0tr148OASy61EzwsEGtZbx_V6AGGV9DE/s640/IMG_20170527_142925.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking under a ski lift near the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/887PL1MbWvu" target="_blank">Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant</a>.</td></tr>
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I know about a little recreation area with a pond in Northern New Mexico called the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/x52WCmpFN422" target="_blank">Sanchez Stabilizing Reservoir</a> that had a little free primitive camping area with some cement tables. It's a fishing lake. After a nice dinner, we stayed overnight. It was a very pleasant spot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7_OcNkJRViKIAVcNRqwUsmr_NaOiF0XpzjqKRGwdC-zTE0UZoLAmTVJMOkpEEVFtkCmAs2ajrdIRHkDX1xzsjaIX-n5tdX8Vfcj12_crfj9M0OUPDZx2iiEFCaH7Sg6n9ea6aAq0wmA/s1600/IMG_20170527_182508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7_OcNkJRViKIAVcNRqwUsmr_NaOiF0XpzjqKRGwdC-zTE0UZoLAmTVJMOkpEEVFtkCmAs2ajrdIRHkDX1xzsjaIX-n5tdX8Vfcj12_crfj9M0OUPDZx2iiEFCaH7Sg6n9ea6aAq0wmA/s640/IMG_20170527_182508.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg at our pleasant boondocking spot at Sanchez Stabilizing Reservoir: 37.1683083,-105.5187944.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ktT-vxtw37RfW4H51tC3vRjnX36h5ZmXYAEtVnXm-5tSnAz7P0xL9Ces83E5WTDluujKfOAuNsNejB-7TMuizAtj1qBpO1anpLhQJ7HK2yQfpXCkk0rwxglWdxqahAMKKryFnKiGg-0/s1600/IMG_20170527_190117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ktT-vxtw37RfW4H51tC3vRjnX36h5ZmXYAEtVnXm-5tSnAz7P0xL9Ces83E5WTDluujKfOAuNsNejB-7TMuizAtj1qBpO1anpLhQJ7HK2yQfpXCkk0rwxglWdxqahAMKKryFnKiGg-0/s640/IMG_20170527_190117.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner in the van on the new table. It worked out beautifully.</td></tr>
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The next morning, after breakfast by the reservoir, we headed further north on Highway 159. In San Luis Colorado, which is just over the Colorado state line, we stopped to hike up to Shrine of the Stations of the Cross, in the center of town. We've pasted this trail on many trips to Colorado and it was time to hike up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGzOSPhxrgIDhIu6k18I_BCQqHy7wv4o2DCaPPhhyphenhyphenCe75dlQk59cUv3hSirTikobrPj7TmsmnNSzV9HXeyIevICJ8WAOyMHHgDtONqWKQ0iAP8e3L1bLIbI0A8f8vQBzNh0yxFDdxY2Q/s1600/IMG_20170528_092046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGzOSPhxrgIDhIu6k18I_BCQqHy7wv4o2DCaPPhhyphenhyphenCe75dlQk59cUv3hSirTikobrPj7TmsmnNSzV9HXeyIevICJ8WAOyMHHgDtONqWKQ0iAP8e3L1bLIbI0A8f8vQBzNh0yxFDdxY2Q/s640/IMG_20170528_092046.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the stations of the cross on the trail up the hill to the Shrine in San Luis, Colorado.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBhD-gL6OV6FYBB15gJBuKwGNRqhhsGuEvC0OuQOvQq-ZxlABNv5oAY1bhyHcztHayWomMp1oKo0UW04Ip786Hl7vsf0xhW02rGizRooUGtpbd2aXpnC_xQidFAmyP7xl_XGaiJhRGQo/s1600/IMG_20170528_093004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="718" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBhD-gL6OV6FYBB15gJBuKwGNRqhhsGuEvC0OuQOvQq-ZxlABNv5oAY1bhyHcztHayWomMp1oKo0UW04Ip786Hl7vsf0xhW02rGizRooUGtpbd2aXpnC_xQidFAmyP7xl_XGaiJhRGQo/s640/IMG_20170528_093004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen near the Shrine at the top. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs9-82nsPo-7gtK4bOrUqKeO7tBt6gorQIPEbW3XKyLkXEU77O5UXtTKGlXWGhU_7O1cGDb79sNW-JeoAq0cqXy3q8lfiiY_203BD0M5HqxwVm6P586j_BzmsYryIWVUBN9uiuXd_W9s/s1600/IMG_20170528_093540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs9-82nsPo-7gtK4bOrUqKeO7tBt6gorQIPEbW3XKyLkXEU77O5UXtTKGlXWGhU_7O1cGDb79sNW-JeoAq0cqXy3q8lfiiY_203BD0M5HqxwVm6P586j_BzmsYryIWVUBN9uiuXd_W9s/s640/IMG_20170528_093540.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Stations near the Shrine.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Here is a link to a video that was taken at the Shrine in San Luis, Colorado:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/cP9BOdK6EAO3UmdG2" target="_blank"><b><i>VIDEO</i></b></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB73TEfkrl7OaUNl__orKgAawDo0f2mRdVA9InqAqvm4J2uYfzlaS8I32Zr0wlZBWGHDNmC9EjTcmQoCixsKR9E5mW9cF96llM53xIQuYktqbWweLI9a-TPhO92lFEGLdO70mu_sNY9w/s1600/IMG_20170528_094310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB73TEfkrl7OaUNl__orKgAawDo0f2mRdVA9InqAqvm4J2uYfzlaS8I32Zr0wlZBWGHDNmC9EjTcmQoCixsKR9E5mW9cF96llM53xIQuYktqbWweLI9a-TPhO92lFEGLdO70mu_sNY9w/s640/IMG_20170528_094310.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7LKtbgECDB42" target="_blank">Shrine of the Station of the Cross</a> in San Luis, Colorado. Beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EdtVAv-KT6jBDX0y7AhShX_cRqnQYIuQEu6jW_wCreTCx7oTC_Y2znv1B_JXG9rrupGMYOjt6vUY0lIjdugcBGnSLdYQeKgbDfQsaeualORfzEpCqUKjt5X_hRosiO4KuY3iXsTMDnQ/s1600/IMG_20170528_094713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EdtVAv-KT6jBDX0y7AhShX_cRqnQYIuQEu6jW_wCreTCx7oTC_Y2znv1B_JXG9rrupGMYOjt6vUY0lIjdugcBGnSLdYQeKgbDfQsaeualORfzEpCqUKjt5X_hRosiO4KuY3iXsTMDnQ/s640/IMG_20170528_094713.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Shrine.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwG1EHXOWQ1uDrxWy4vgbrA1cy7lHe44He2pVgrOLALKQU3eR_TqPL2gtsXRx7XPXi8TvhAz2gGLViN1IB-NWU6rdDUC7bJssdiQf2Vp-uCOMx8FXv6bNvNNYN9HEzOMncDmWYTnLRM0/s1600/IMG_20170528_095415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwG1EHXOWQ1uDrxWy4vgbrA1cy7lHe44He2pVgrOLALKQU3eR_TqPL2gtsXRx7XPXi8TvhAz2gGLViN1IB-NWU6rdDUC7bJssdiQf2Vp-uCOMx8FXv6bNvNNYN9HEzOMncDmWYTnLRM0/s640/IMG_20170528_095415.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a short additional hike with many Martyr Priests busts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eYyyH5hRI4U-On6INCorxvlJu-pjA4cYpxYaYjjn5fBu0oTVGH5-tAQFpIm8oWPE2muI4EmeKTUI7ocCb4iX8Bdq0HbPfaeEb5IweTdDATV1hTllCEri64cyX625AS2XCGYZC4_H6Sw/s1600/IMG_20170528_095540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eYyyH5hRI4U-On6INCorxvlJu-pjA4cYpxYaYjjn5fBu0oTVGH5-tAQFpIm8oWPE2muI4EmeKTUI7ocCb4iX8Bdq0HbPfaeEb5IweTdDATV1hTllCEri64cyX625AS2XCGYZC4_H6Sw/s640/IMG_20170528_095540.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Martyr Bust with the Shine in the background. San Luis, Colorado</td></tr>
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It's a nice hike to the Shrine, even if you're not all that religious.<br />
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After heading back down to our van, we drove the rest of the way to Creede, arriving mid-afternoon. Creede is a very scenic old mining town turned tourist town that is at the entrance to a high walled canyon. We toured the town. It reminded me a lot of Silver City, Colorado. The same sort of old mining town feel with interesting old shops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4Zhztx_NqS9CVT3SpFyCL0y3lxfVgKxOp8nvdxbdEcTFYZrk0krl3BaUdiH1gQsolWRE0IhT0NId59NalI0ikec9AE_HQ9pM0T1suSQNPIJ4m7KQZope6RpGKLApXgdLLOt2o3uvlGc/s1600/IMG_20170528_145341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4Zhztx_NqS9CVT3SpFyCL0y3lxfVgKxOp8nvdxbdEcTFYZrk0krl3BaUdiH1gQsolWRE0IhT0NId59NalI0ikec9AE_HQ9pM0T1suSQNPIJ4m7KQZope6RpGKLApXgdLLOt2o3uvlGc/s640/IMG_20170528_145341.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A creek ditch runs through Creede Colorado.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3YMlxZUnrMhQ2nVYhMFbvIsWyMJL9TRr11rFtBmGFSyQGmXRDMaP_Ou1e5_xNFhNp2U_Fw0T1mxHpGxrllE2FaByJArainOunPByyFupVQVtrpWrLLbUey-uteQ92bNTSmKI7BH_heU/s1600/IMG_20170528_151228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3YMlxZUnrMhQ2nVYhMFbvIsWyMJL9TRr11rFtBmGFSyQGmXRDMaP_Ou1e5_xNFhNp2U_Fw0T1mxHpGxrllE2FaByJArainOunPByyFupVQVtrpWrLLbUey-uteQ92bNTSmKI7BH_heU/s640/IMG_20170528_151228.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creede has a Mac and Cheese food truck spot. Karen loves Mac and Cheese!!!!</td></tr>
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After Karen's snack, we continued on Highway 149 to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PwuekfAmTVx" target="_blank">North Clear Creek Falls Observation Site</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFShi2GKgGCTy5d0AYdn38B4GYNMHpoQVa8_Mzg3oy9pEypR8XMhbZXaAWp7z7nI64PbgUzKRHe8Gp3_bCkiV869tGrFpY2FrXHWkFQ3DjGkjbP25Ich-j6n9sEjmMZyntDKCEAlMSAk/s1600/IMG_20170528_163857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFShi2GKgGCTy5d0AYdn38B4GYNMHpoQVa8_Mzg3oy9pEypR8XMhbZXaAWp7z7nI64PbgUzKRHe8Gp3_bCkiV869tGrFpY2FrXHWkFQ3DjGkjbP25Ich-j6n9sEjmMZyntDKCEAlMSAk/s640/IMG_20170528_163857.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Clear Creek Falls, Colorado</td></tr>
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<i><b>Here is a link to a short video taken at the North Clear Creek Falls Observation Site:</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ohDyhCFKHoWvnhCF2" target="_blank"><i><b>VIDEO</b></i></a></div>
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After enjoying these beautiful falls, we took a bit of a dicey dirt forest road into the backcountry find a good boondocking spot. Boy did we find a great spot!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHRTTGGajqPExMCRuBYkUYDZGZ9E4PDt9lWQf4UQalidsNv8-tF9J_XWSG8FgAvItV2ahYCjt4kjXwhaNtH5RRELguDshTFU7JBbv8KvxX6OoIjJC0iHOIdMsRxN8NDSmBKbvcdTOMuA/s1600/IMG_20170528_175352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHRTTGGajqPExMCRuBYkUYDZGZ9E4PDt9lWQf4UQalidsNv8-tF9J_XWSG8FgAvItV2ahYCjt4kjXwhaNtH5RRELguDshTFU7JBbv8KvxX6OoIjJC0iHOIdMsRxN8NDSmBKbvcdTOMuA/s640/IMG_20170528_175352.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice boondocking spot at: <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/63wSDicPvxK2" target="_blank">37.8217806,-107.1459222</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O4OC4BbklU32y67FTWjlXAiFDR_F39mSZp3HLYjXnFQ_46PFCnLFMaMeTh5XAX7OPCk4uz6E_RvXjvlf9ctdivpHUCoPuvl8OJLQBIK7FS7HAUwred-IRSYXwDjLefJ4u0IfH-mP_5w/s1600/IMG_20170528_180624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O4OC4BbklU32y67FTWjlXAiFDR_F39mSZp3HLYjXnFQ_46PFCnLFMaMeTh5XAX7OPCk4uz6E_RvXjvlf9ctdivpHUCoPuvl8OJLQBIK7FS7HAUwred-IRSYXwDjLefJ4u0IfH-mP_5w/s640/IMG_20170528_180624.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sock Monkeys liked this beautiful spot and wanted to stay.</td></tr>
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I was a bit worried about the weather and wasn't sure about how difficult it would be to get out of this spot if it got muddy, so we headed a bit further down the forest road to an official forest service campground ($16) called <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=28944" target="_blank">Bristol Head</a> which was near to the highway. Turned out that the storm never came. I wish we had stayed here! We had a nice overnight at Bristol Head campground. It was not crowded at all with maybe two other campers and the camp host.<br />
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The next day we made our way to Pagosa Springs, Colorado and had a nice hike around town. We stopped in at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6EuDTSmGPfw" target="_blank">The Springs Resort & Spa</a> for a selfie. (We didn't soak this day.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ4plwMucygEMlNFLoUCnvPSfNVVi4xybXHQQJSjiXli05x2ymf7JtJVhE7UuRAD7wEH6iwVdOMTLaw4FedE-swkRFbSGJCfI4Dfesn3l2zsSGMRr-bejC9lP_N7lzrEaBdqns4J_IuE/s1600/IMG_20170529_131215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1174" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ4plwMucygEMlNFLoUCnvPSfNVVi4xybXHQQJSjiXli05x2ymf7JtJVhE7UuRAD7wEH6iwVdOMTLaw4FedE-swkRFbSGJCfI4Dfesn3l2zsSGMRr-bejC9lP_N7lzrEaBdqns4J_IuE/s640/IMG_20170529_131215.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At The Springs Resort & Spa. It's the Disneyland of hot springs resorts.</td></tr>
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After our hike and a light dinner in the van, overlooking the mountains, we headed to the Junction Restaurant at the edge of Pagosa Springs to overnight among the truckers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbZcfWbdCx2APtQiOfjKt8P90KH3SGn516YaZV0rImTJTdExRnevYaWk2LrxesBUEmbupeYHAVkSEwDwaOwpGzen_2OlUlwnByKUJhEUaD7SD7PkqR9cn3kPf5RFUiPWkaN_DxO1g39k/s1600/IMG_20170529_132734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbZcfWbdCx2APtQiOfjKt8P90KH3SGn516YaZV0rImTJTdExRnevYaWk2LrxesBUEmbupeYHAVkSEwDwaOwpGzen_2OlUlwnByKUJhEUaD7SD7PkqR9cn3kPf5RFUiPWkaN_DxO1g39k/s640/IMG_20170529_132734.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our light dinner at Tractor Supply where there is a great view of the mountains.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiyjgc8io0iy4AGo5UrnmiTSsEPXOoZo4mb5g92pSOZgRgezX8YWWf2Trj3tGIOENg5xpw7hkbI7g4pam9FMj5zgsVDff5wIUHbApTiYi3nTQmozmxwH5rg4XACdmzIz5rhYykZqcjbo/s1600/IMG_20170529_132222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiyjgc8io0iy4AGo5UrnmiTSsEPXOoZo4mb5g92pSOZgRgezX8YWWf2Trj3tGIOENg5xpw7hkbI7g4pam9FMj5zgsVDff5wIUHbApTiYi3nTQmozmxwH5rg4XACdmzIz5rhYykZqcjbo/s640/IMG_20170529_132222.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We parked against the hillside overnight near the truckers and another RV at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/r6VGmgADBQx" target="_blank">Junction Restaurant.</a> </td></tr>
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In the morning, we planned to have breakfast at the Junction Restaurant. We like to patronize places where we park for free in order to pay them back for allowing overnight parking. We went in and waited and waited and waited. There were hardly any customers and the waitresses were not very busy, but for some reason they just completely ignored us. We finally just left and headed to our favorite breakfast cafe in Pagosa Springs, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/JwtqvZwkhMJ2" target="_blank">The Rose.</a> Oh Yum!!!!<br />
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By the way, if you are in Pagosa and want to soak, we recommend the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3PN4suFS8Nr" target="_blank">Overlook Hot Springs</a>. The overlook is much calmer and more relaxing place than nearby Springs Resort & Spa. The Overlook has some indoor tubs that are really nice, some rooftop tubs overlooking the river and some new single tubs out in a back courtyard that just opened recently (that we have not tried yet). They also have fantastic showers.<br />
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After our breakfast, we head home.<br />
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Next up: Valley View Hot Springs and Greg's trip around Colorado.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-14022292662241620302017-05-30T13:41:00.000-06:002018-03-13T14:52:53.900-06:00Catching Up - Part 2 - May 2017 continued: Up to Ridgway Colorado Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After Greg got back from his Zion - Angel's Landing Trip, we decided to head up for a soaking trip to Orvis Hot Springs in Colorado.<br />
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On the way, we stopped in Durango to check out the <a href="https://www.campendium.com/la-plata-county-fairgrounds" target="_blank">La Plata County Fairgrounds</a> RV spots that have electric connections for about $16 bucks (but you have to reservations).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4uh5JQNZeVdDtwNNhkzlKy7zJLZ1mO5MKs2gI-jQSZeCOQzkbLhpXQALMUCEBqZKyU39cujjo4s9yn-TZSzKjNQoyvzFqRQrA41tJ4UMyJ4Ues0ucKIxJFWhxwVGwPvGuTuYqG6HRbe6-2hnRHis7VQrg02q6josG7FTsSNUc2p6l-fIbXnV3ahwd4AFRTOcAY97O_WYklpFrZXBc1IzX5l7JB8kvBWu_HxxMw_mod3uLGqARiVJEKBevVQiQsCPMUAuYEZzK5qQzn34GAmeY-b2QfSJ8YdPN4X9cQBwf9tMLNQHVbWyjSffqUPna9UAQdVOOhu6G87yPmrMGo6zAuPitZk-G1p5YMOhc70ar3ql0I13ZThmc9mHZbx9W_L8KPToY2LX1fF6amg60h1Vj_RiuG5_nRNceCgmeh0C3TCxmZwSqMolqUe_G02PzIsc_z0yqe8NNsrjU32dXt_Kd8ri7Jo3Yn4Op_SdYZ4gWkA7HLaLCd-6nHmrSEIcCepFc78lx-k5FEhHz5ANDamrnQuJOdT80nWNVFYPfn6QudWskdtbsW-2rknNmf_5p7MQfgZ_yZqf7ueEW5gi8eaV5rDB6rT5flT7itndjeHqe_Ml6FGCcl8JywWwRQjXNTQgH7Vf5BP3P-UJUxb8n4TYOaQq1YS4-1h6=w1320-h743-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aria-label="Photo - Landscape - May 6, 2017, 3:34:54 PM" border="0" class="SzDcob" height="360" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4uh5JQNZeVdDtwNNhkzlKy7zJLZ1mO5MKs2gI-jQSZeCOQzkbLhpXQALMUCEBqZKyU39cujjo4s9yn-TZSzKjNQoyvzFqRQrA41tJ4UMyJ4Ues0ucKIxJFWhxwVGwPvGuTuYqG6HRbe6-2hnRHis7VQrg02q6josG7FTsSNUc2p6l-fIbXnV3ahwd4AFRTOcAY97O_WYklpFrZXBc1IzX5l7JB8kvBWu_HxxMw_mod3uLGqARiVJEKBevVQiQsCPMUAuYEZzK5qQzn34GAmeY-b2QfSJ8YdPN4X9cQBwf9tMLNQHVbWyjSffqUPna9UAQdVOOhu6G87yPmrMGo6zAuPitZk-G1p5YMOhc70ar3ql0I13ZThmc9mHZbx9W_L8KPToY2LX1fF6amg60h1Vj_RiuG5_nRNceCgmeh0C3TCxmZwSqMolqUe_G02PzIsc_z0yqe8NNsrjU32dXt_Kd8ri7Jo3Yn4Op_SdYZ4gWkA7HLaLCd-6nHmrSEIcCepFc78lx-k5FEhHz5ANDamrnQuJOdT80nWNVFYPfn6QudWskdtbsW-2rknNmf_5p7MQfgZ_yZqf7ueEW5gi8eaV5rDB6rT5flT7itndjeHqe_Ml6FGCcl8JywWwRQjXNTQgH7Vf5BP3P-UJUxb8n4TYOaQq1YS4-1h6=w1320-h743-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plata County Fairgrounds RV spots with Electric at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/x3BCDwihD1n" target="_blank">37.292174, -107.871509</a><br />
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Next, we headed up the hill to a nice boondocking spot about 27 miles north of Durango.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps4vysH4atfBbBYPYNBqpVvrshaMk8GjtPZzJqMrRSCzR6BiMkKF8IqMv3edGLobHxVPuCoUPIC6Bfk3FyHkFlzY4kQ1lGNocAOk6rQoinG6LdirhxSzhOSKUuKkzq9IytmxYHgfE0Ng/s1600/IMG_20170506_200313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps4vysH4atfBbBYPYNBqpVvrshaMk8GjtPZzJqMrRSCzR6BiMkKF8IqMv3edGLobHxVPuCoUPIC6Bfk3FyHkFlzY4kQ1lGNocAOk6rQoinG6LdirhxSzhOSKUuKkzq9IytmxYHgfE0Ng/s640/IMG_20170506_200313.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen enjoying a fire. Boondocking at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/AZjh8GGYiGw" target="_blank">37.654212, -107.802134</a></td></tr>
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<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - May 6, 2017, 4:44:09 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPUGoKceQU9ooPqXXolk_onquP69QshalU6u2CW13UzEI66jbUdW4Wce_OKzWuMDA/photo/AF1QipOFC-PSeZZLn3wBBq4HSIJijBBkNSoHNwfHI0Mi?key=cTNMMEUwS21sZnlFUlc1RlV4bXB3SDdKTmJuRUV3" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - May 6, 2017, 5:46:47 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPUGoKceQU9ooPqXXolk_onquP69QshalU6u2CW13UzEI66jbUdW4Wce_OKzWuMDA/photo/AF1QipNZB1B0R8ohRpAIVvqcqz3JQQ0Lk9NovuUVovBC?key=cTNMMEUwS21sZnlFUlc1RlV4bXB3SDdKTmJuRUV3" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a>We watched an awesome lightning storm roll in and enjoyed listening to the raindrops on the roof of the van. In the morning we drove over the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray. In Ouray, we checked out the reconstruction of the public, city hot springs [<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PWKG7jMKQyq" target="_blank">Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center</a>].<br />
<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - May 7, 2017, 10:41:35 AM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPUGoKceQU9ooPqXXolk_onquP69QshalU6u2CW13UzEI66jbUdW4Wce_OKzWuMDA/photo/AF1QipMf62x8gzkitZbO20ZKs6sA6YIBXJv2WkUx7nEi?key=cTNMMEUwS21sZnlFUlc1RlV4bXB3SDdKTmJuRUV3" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br />
<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - May 7, 2017, 10:41:35 AM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPUGoKceQU9ooPqXXolk_onquP69QshalU6u2CW13UzEI66jbUdW4Wce_OKzWuMDA/photo/AF1QipMf62x8gzkitZbO20ZKs6sA6YIBXJv2WkUx7nEi?key=cTNMMEUwS21sZnlFUlc1RlV4bXB3SDdKTmJuRUV3" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWgqrsh3g_sM3Ez6gzmTStr3NMFn4lCneOTUOO3nJNOaclYyTOilk8CrU_PyW5Vcxt8grK0z_BMeTkB_yEZcrVKfhcwHZF8-utBD92KKSYheGgDvoxFDQjYsYaT5L6KRcMJoASQvXD8c/s1600/IMG_20170507_104135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWgqrsh3g_sM3Ez6gzmTStr3NMFn4lCneOTUOO3nJNOaclYyTOilk8CrU_PyW5Vcxt8grK0z_BMeTkB_yEZcrVKfhcwHZF8-utBD92KKSYheGgDvoxFDQjYsYaT5L6KRcMJoASQvXD8c/s640/IMG_20170507_104135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ouray Hot Springs Pool under re-construction in May 2017. It is completed now, but we haven't tried it yet ... but we will soon!!!.</td></tr>
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We had a nice soak at <a href="http://www.orvishotsprings.com/" target="_blank">Orvis Hot Springs</a> and overnighted in one of their dry camping spots. They have a really beautiful large natural looking soaking pond that is a great place to view the stars from, late at night, after the yaking crowds have left. One problem we have found in the last couple of years, Orvis cranks up the heat just after dark and makes the big pool nearly unbearable. SAD, as Trump would say.<br />
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The next morning we headed just north to Ridgway for a great breakfast at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uZsc15MtXH32" target="_blank">Kate's Place restaurant</a>. I always get the Huevos Rancheros there. Fantastic!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaWtmAHU38c6EAxz2xkblQwhQvysPCUHh7pYLFnEUqHKVCrkCiIaAdKbgjb7Jfj_UjRSykTaSad5C7F_NlcQMpDQzOhkEjfEOfCo29yFMSSF36ISKfpz95vUGXA_aiI8vz9RdyAUM0JY/s1600/IMG_20170507_115349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaWtmAHU38c6EAxz2xkblQwhQvysPCUHh7pYLFnEUqHKVCrkCiIaAdKbgjb7Jfj_UjRSykTaSad5C7F_NlcQMpDQzOhkEjfEOfCo29yFMSSF36ISKfpz95vUGXA_aiI8vz9RdyAUM0JY/s640/IMG_20170507_115349.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate's Place - Fantastic Breakfast in Ridgeway, Colorado.</td></tr>
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After breakfast, we took a walk around nearby <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7AAraNACavQ2" target="_blank">Dennis Weaver Memorial Park</a>. There is a very large and majestic eagle sculpture that looks like it's flying in the park. Also, there are nice hiking trails to explore, which we did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7WCc2Nl-_yehdYK8hAdJve3MgumwCpaj3th8E68pprLzLm-5E5HLWDk2geOlISNKyK6Hjwk9jByFge7julxSGeLunapcRwIozOoJyiAHFb31EWcGjomdkvX7ZRfy1CMo3JULMvAX-x4/s1600/IMG_20170507_131024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7WCc2Nl-_yehdYK8hAdJve3MgumwCpaj3th8E68pprLzLm-5E5HLWDk2geOlISNKyK6Hjwk9jByFge7julxSGeLunapcRwIozOoJyiAHFb31EWcGjomdkvX7ZRfy1CMo3JULMvAX-x4/s640/IMG_20170507_131024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humongous flying Eagle Sculpture at Dennis Weaver Memorial Park.</td></tr>
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After our hike, we went back to Orvis Hot Springs for another soak and to stay overnight in their dry camping area.<br />
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The next morning we headed back over the Million Dollar Highway to Durango and stopped for a late breakfast/lunch at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/C5Rpvv5L7fL2" target="_blank">Kassidy's Kitchen</a>. Kassidy's specializes in wheat-free selections. Another great breakfast!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEd73M7Q_3VOQNhZ_v6RdROJ-Qtms85pEMm8Uf8zSZMcAgCy8XTfKL3BK4IIOqZj7faC9P9dxRxYRvPuIurso0fK61drz9MtwwfB4Ejw2zjYtF_Q-uAvhGQu5uJGSzBijoJ5HWnOUfdI/s1600/IMG_20170508_130334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEd73M7Q_3VOQNhZ_v6RdROJ-Qtms85pEMm8Uf8zSZMcAgCy8XTfKL3BK4IIOqZj7faC9P9dxRxYRvPuIurso0fK61drz9MtwwfB4Ejw2zjYtF_Q-uAvhGQu5uJGSzBijoJ5HWnOUfdI/s640/IMG_20170508_130334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg's half-eaten Huevos with wheat-free pancakes at Kassidy's Kitchen in Durango.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_OnIDC5MFNaKowf9ImlQn4c4rueKgyZO2ryyptzWVZNe8EcURhvD_Q6JzVIzUqPU5le1aCbcOl-3YTToAIyQhYwQVhtV8ZRLky_PQsekRe9K6T7oHJ42tZguPnT-Vfkwh_tOGLJ5VQk/s1600/IMG_20170508_130340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_OnIDC5MFNaKowf9ImlQn4c4rueKgyZO2ryyptzWVZNe8EcURhvD_Q6JzVIzUqPU5le1aCbcOl-3YTToAIyQhYwQVhtV8ZRLky_PQsekRe9K6T7oHJ42tZguPnT-Vfkwh_tOGLJ5VQk/s640/IMG_20170508_130340.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen had the Tuna Sandwich at Kassidy's Kitchen in Durango.</td></tr>
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After a very nice meal at Kassidy's, we headed for Pagosa Springs, Colorado on our way home. We like to stop in Pagosa for a nice hike around town and for some yummy frozen yogurt at a new place there.<br />
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Here is a short video from our hike in Pagosa Springs:</div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/HfSQbSaUDBOB12US2" target="_blank">VIDEO</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2FFtukKLTAHZ3rx40UKEtB5HuecONKLsZ0f6hNVbk_cIkcyDH2empbL8JAtEJ6QUjjnLCnu9XhUVV557MX128ghNdgYWhPj6SBJVjgszYD4h0MvYz1-5oNFdgMCnc6hIExGnh1x-C2A/s1600/pagosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1320" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2FFtukKLTAHZ3rx40UKEtB5HuecONKLsZ0f6hNVbk_cIkcyDH2empbL8JAtEJ6QUjjnLCnu9XhUVV557MX128ghNdgYWhPj6SBJVjgszYD4h0MvYz1-5oNFdgMCnc6hIExGnh1x-C2A/s640/pagosa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg getting frozen yogurt at Pagosa Springs <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rwvoCuEBgdE2" target="_blank">Frozen Yogurt and Tea Room. 459 Lewis St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147</a></td></tr>
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Catch up continued in next post.... Trip to Creede Colorado.<br />
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<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - May 6, 2017, 4:44:09 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPUGoKceQU9ooPqXXolk_onquP69QshalU6u2CW13UzEI66jbUdW4Wce_OKzWuMDA/photo/AF1QipOFC-PSeZZLn3wBBq4HSIJijBBkNSoHNwfHI0Mi?key=cTNMMEUwS21sZnlFUlc1RlV4bXB3SDdKTmJuRUV3" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br />
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<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - May 6, 2017, 4:44:09 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPUGoKceQU9ooPqXXolk_onquP69QshalU6u2CW13UzEI66jbUdW4Wce_OKzWuMDA/photo/AF1QipOFC-PSeZZLn3wBBq4HSIJijBBkNSoHNwfHI0Mi?key=cTNMMEUwS21sZnlFUlc1RlV4bXB3SDdKTmJuRUV3" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"> </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-15256626816373562232017-05-17T22:13:00.000-06:002018-03-13T14:51:06.537-06:00Catching Up - Part 1 - May 2017: Valley View Hot Springs / Las Vegas / Zion - Angels Landing HikeWe haven't blogged in quite a while so here is some catch-up posts on highlights of what we have been up to since last April. We still feel super connected to our RVing community since we are active on instagram and facebook and watch lots of RVer YouTubers.<br />
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In late April we took a trip up to Colorado to soak in the hot springs of <a href="http://valley%20view%20/%20Orient%20Land%20Trust" target="_blank">Valley View / Orient Land Trust</a>. During this trip we drove further North to view truck campers in Ponchas Springs. Our plan for retirement in three and a half years is to put a large truck camper with slide-outs on top of a big 4x4 Truck. We were checking out the truck campers. We had a great breakfast at Seasons Cafe in Salida, CO.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS_RqGiaslpjeoOtPxdBl_cvd3vY8hb-JU1jx1Adtru1WU-Ca-Wy_K2slTP1JJuoKQZ4zzBYasBYwfCwEYugfTPDB0n-IqvkyEeFaYypqB9OY6-uLzml6-oID4mw1bbpAv5xLnBMVHvo/s1600/IMG_20170422_110837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS_RqGiaslpjeoOtPxdBl_cvd3vY8hb-JU1jx1Adtru1WU-Ca-Wy_K2slTP1JJuoKQZ4zzBYasBYwfCwEYugfTPDB0n-IqvkyEeFaYypqB9OY6-uLzml6-oID4mw1bbpAv5xLnBMVHvo/s640/IMG_20170422_110837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Season's Cafe, Salida - Great Breakfast with gluten free options.</td></tr>
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Here is a link to a short video showing one of the soaking ponds at Valley View </div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ynr9s7U8txZJicBb2" target="_blank">The Meadow pool</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpry8ZuV6O-jMfgfwJk5YbLFcPD61fKIDFo_13WSI9oovF80xcyKs28A98LiVAWpvmGY2l7wM80Nzv60G1Hm_fUGs2rNIdx71IPUJgQ3cRycDl9wyOI7sFFjE-DApY7CIqkzWnqbuxpNw/s1600/IMG_20170422_145054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpry8ZuV6O-jMfgfwJk5YbLFcPD61fKIDFo_13WSI9oovF80xcyKs28A98LiVAWpvmGY2l7wM80Nzv60G1Hm_fUGs2rNIdx71IPUJgQ3cRycDl9wyOI7sFFjE-DApY7CIqkzWnqbuxpNw/s640/IMG_20170422_145054.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had lunch at Mo Burrito in Salida. A Chipotle ripoff basically, but very good.</td></tr>
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In May, I (Greg) took a trip to Zion National Park to hike up Angel's Landing.<br />
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I first stopped for an overnight stay at the <a href="http://www.riversideresort.com/" target="_blank">Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino</a> parking lot in Laughlin Nevada. It used to be that you could park an RV overnight in the south lot but, as usual, people took advantage of the situation and stayed for weeks and even months in that lot in their RVs. It appears that Clark County is very much enforcing their "no overnight sleeping in vehicles" rules. The RVs in the south lot were all cleared out. (I've noticed that also in Las Vegas, Clark County seems to be enforcing these no sleeping in your car rules much more vigilantly.)<br />
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I found that some RVs were in the north lot near the boat ramp, so I spent the night with them with no problems. After a reasonable breakfast at the Riverside's breakfast buffet, I headed for Las Vegas in order to have a good walk around the strip and see the sights (people and structures).<br />
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On the way, not far out Laughlin, I noticed a spot with an RV on the side of the highway. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvkeW10K5ueU-cbP39_tJO3pRUA6A2xIP_gXQwXixy7KkiJseHTcwbWDsDf8rtnT4z2gHcwD8mWyUu78weLLdeY-jST3MbGMJgKmSzRN5qHxdKViI1UQyan1wveNKPHw2_Oxf41XIb9E/s1600/IMG_20170503_110111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvkeW10K5ueU-cbP39_tJO3pRUA6A2xIP_gXQwXixy7KkiJseHTcwbWDsDf8rtnT4z2gHcwD8mWyUu78weLLdeY-jST3MbGMJgKmSzRN5qHxdKViI1UQyan1wveNKPHw2_Oxf41XIb9E/s640/IMG_20170503_110111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An RV at <span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Y7XZ9KxgVuH2" target="_blank">35.170076, -114.711308</a></span></td></tr>
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When we lived in Sacramento California years ago, I would take short trips to Reno, Nevada. Over the years, I watched as Reno got scuzzier and scuzzier to the point where I didn't feel it was safe to walk around too late at night downtown. I'm seeing the same thing happen in Las Vegas. There are a lot of sleazy characters roaming around the strip these days and it is not unusual now to have panhandlers doing their thing or sleeping on the pedestrian overpasses. It seems the glory days of Vegas are definitely over. It gets less and less pleasant to walk around in order to see the sights each time I go these days. It seems like the Vegas cops have just given up hope. Has Vegas cut back on social service? It sure looks that way.<br />
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Bally's has opened their new Grand Bazaar Shops out in front of the hotel where ponds and a moving walkways use to be. I checked out the new Wahlburgers restaurant there. I'm definitely not a fan of Mark Wahlberg's robotic acting but his burger restaurant looks pretty good. It's probably smart for him to invest his acting money in side businesses. I don't eat burgers these days, having nasty gout and all, but I would if I could!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WtRPBo2d8qpq1c3agq-Y5ljFnACS41F5hdAh6Zebgmftt8WfBAtewQ8WbhXu39wVU73wX3WVJBeYmxYFo7AiTj44cT6HR2wn69N1r6pgg4jvI1-e8Wj49anPWhF6BPfIdKY8Np5hl5s/s1600/IMG_20170503_145236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WtRPBo2d8qpq1c3agq-Y5ljFnACS41F5hdAh6Zebgmftt8WfBAtewQ8WbhXu39wVU73wX3WVJBeYmxYFo7AiTj44cT6HR2wn69N1r6pgg4jvI1-e8Wj49anPWhF6BPfIdKY8Np5hl5s/s640/IMG_20170503_145236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Walburgers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu-1IGqFfWvHz4_WvvoLPMHFKCDnN5gXjt3o2kY93tBNfyWb6higZ2mF1GaPUgsneoSTqy3iXRz7Mf79A3hkiXJ-plw2Gjlwfh_nzwEbqIgjF3UiLUPwDZ4EQn6hy7tCF5LUQQoVOT2s/s1600/IMG_20170503_145615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu-1IGqFfWvHz4_WvvoLPMHFKCDnN5gXjt3o2kY93tBNfyWb6higZ2mF1GaPUgsneoSTqy3iXRz7Mf79A3hkiXJ-plw2Gjlwfh_nzwEbqIgjF3UiLUPwDZ4EQn6hy7tCF5LUQQoVOT2s/s640/IMG_20170503_145615.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Walburgers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mMadLorrr1AX-LPFvdm07kSYxhQnbbWJFdfxBsupZk9xJg3EDoa7SAswSF1XAkzjRekp1i9mcZd936FWPyi95Ebpffxpi85NVL5eJtnAwsf11GUCr1JXYiM2wmjO_KHh1W_79yb9FoU/s1600/IMG_20170503_150246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mMadLorrr1AX-LPFvdm07kSYxhQnbbWJFdfxBsupZk9xJg3EDoa7SAswSF1XAkzjRekp1i9mcZd936FWPyi95Ebpffxpi85NVL5eJtnAwsf11GUCr1JXYiM2wmjO_KHh1W_79yb9FoU/s640/IMG_20170503_150246.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally's</td></tr>
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After getting my steps in, I headed for a hotel where I thought I could stealth overnight in their dirt parking lot. I had scoped out the parking lot on Google Maps satellite image and saw that a lot of RVs parking in the area, but things had changed since the sat image was made. Now there was a fence in the area I wanted to stay in that was keeping RVs out. Instead, I parked in the regular hotel paved parking lot, a quiet lot far from the entrance. It was a fine spot with no problems. I wouldn't stay there again, but I was too tired after my long Vegas walk to hunt for a better spot. It was at the <a href="http://www.tahitivillage.com/" target="_blank">Tahiti Village Resort </a>in Las Vegas. In the morning I took a stroll around the hotel, which has a nice garden area with two large pool areas. One of the areas is a very nice lazy river. (I love lazy rivers!) The hotel grounds are really nice. There is a Denny's next door.<br />
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Next, it was off to Zion. You have to park outside the national park and take shuttle buses to the sights within the park (unless it's low season in winter). I was there to hike Angel's Landing. This is a spectacular hike, nearly straight up to a narrow ridge with amazing views of the park's main valley. If you are nervous about heights then this is not the hike for you. You are literally on the edge of a 2000 foot drop much of the way, holding on to chains for dear life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOutidKgMBECHno3Ma_pxAAjVuzRCEtAeSmebtgDDepjaDtX47WWz1qRzJkuelD4YqUkUcbfxGk3LcVXPyKJfbn_kjZKNvbOedicnYTO1MU0hdw39j9HAI27eCw0VF0flKDs9P7KkAfNo/s1600/IMG_20170504_173414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOutidKgMBECHno3Ma_pxAAjVuzRCEtAeSmebtgDDepjaDtX47WWz1qRzJkuelD4YqUkUcbfxGk3LcVXPyKJfbn_kjZKNvbOedicnYTO1MU0hdw39j9HAI27eCw0VF0flKDs9P7KkAfNo/s640/IMG_20170504_173414.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg after coming off Angel's Landing.</td></tr>
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Here is a link to a short video of a scary part of the hike:</div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/QTcGGvdxZGkqDgxb2" target="_blank">VIDEO</a></div>
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Here is a link to a short video of the view from the top of Angels Landing.</div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/52fCkerFqgGIHPlm2" target="_blank">VIDEO</a></div>
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The hike is only about 5 miles round trip, but it has an elevation change of 1,488 feet and a lot of that is rocky steps and pulling yourself up chains, so it's a really good workout that takes 4-5 hours.<br />
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After the hike, I drove through the tunnel at Zion to Page, Arizona.<br />
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There is a well know boondocking spot just west of the Glen Canyon Dam <span style="color: #4285f4; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">36.934814, -111.504811.</span><br />
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I got there very late and most of the obvious open spots were taken. I had to drive pretty far back on the sandy dirt road. I nearly got stuck in the sand just before I backed up and parked for the night. I decided I would turn the van around in the morning when I could see the hazards better. A couple of 4x4 jeeps passed by for a late night drive but they too turned around before the sandy road got too difficult.<br />
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Another fine night of free camping!<br />
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In the morning, I took a nice hike. It's a pretty cool area with neat sandstone hills and great views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs_gjFfZIed9PZJ_-wAuQTfw6KoO9QgcZfP1kiRMpqOpAZpMSVeP-ALDV_UoEkrw4JINq0qmV0UmR3-Zbe6oHVxiEjoOe1Eu8JhtTM5mwDS1uNi9qvAcA8aNaFPjm5K2UFrbvc_qPUK4/s1600/IMG_20170504_202247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs_gjFfZIed9PZJ_-wAuQTfw6KoO9QgcZfP1kiRMpqOpAZpMSVeP-ALDV_UoEkrw4JINq0qmV0UmR3-Zbe6oHVxiEjoOe1Eu8JhtTM5mwDS1uNi9qvAcA8aNaFPjm5K2UFrbvc_qPUK4/s640/IMG_20170504_202247.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just east of Zion, The Thunderbird Restaurant, "Home of the Ho-Made Pies"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGqWY4zMI1E6TdEPuGi_mBeUpG6Hgj4N_SMQ8kSlyIQWndal2kC-PB3lxdr2nSkxT_bU_OzpzU42kGTrKJWeE1ret6xHe1vMeINjF7gqiO8mJXcS39fttX1RgH-4xl27IWmy6fQ7hZ0Q/s1600/IMG_20170505_070904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGqWY4zMI1E6TdEPuGi_mBeUpG6Hgj4N_SMQ8kSlyIQWndal2kC-PB3lxdr2nSkxT_bU_OzpzU42kGTrKJWeE1ret6xHe1vMeINjF7gqiO8mJXcS39fttX1RgH-4xl27IWmy6fQ7hZ0Q/s640/IMG_20170505_070904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boondocking near the Glen Canyon Dam</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHegbQMWpORznMjmp_gzB8AvXMiWx4xQmF12Zj4lew2-QGwOCZzedLZOzlS55QIhh6p8XqjmJa7hFEVBYgH2fQbtVQtPAqoF_AQTFG46as_8XqYVNMa8cZYRiMVNgt1UAZC6T1Zs5jZmU/s1600/IMG_20170505_074218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHegbQMWpORznMjmp_gzB8AvXMiWx4xQmF12Zj4lew2-QGwOCZzedLZOzlS55QIhh6p8XqjmJa7hFEVBYgH2fQbtVQtPAqoF_AQTFG46as_8XqYVNMa8cZYRiMVNgt1UAZC6T1Zs5jZmU/s640/IMG_20170505_074218.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boondocking</td></tr>
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Here is a short video from my hike around the area.</div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/FxZGsmXpX18jCs5Q2" target="_blank">VIDEO</a></div>
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After leaving Page, I made my way home to Los Alamos.<br />
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More catching up continued in the next post - Ridgway Colorado....<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-49677752801368821882017-04-24T15:02:00.001-06:002017-04-24T15:02:23.443-06:00Nissan NV 2500 High Top DYI / Homemade Camper Van RVWe have been wanting to make a video that shows how our DYI / Homemade Camper Van RV works. We finally got around to doing it over the weekend during a trip to Southern Colorado.<br />
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Sorry about the sound in one small section. It was windy. What I say there is that we purchased the roof rack online ( https://www.americanvan.com/ladder-racks/full-size-van/topper-hot-dip-galvanized-10-cargo-carrier-rack-for-the-nissan-nv-high-roof-van.html ) and that it was hard to install because it is pretty darn heavy. (It was also bent a little during shipping.)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BPNbeSI03eA" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-62230914299393527452017-03-23T23:22:00.001-06:002017-04-03T15:17:58.638-06:00Moab Area: Ken's Lake Campground, Faux Falls, Arches NP - Delicate Arch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is always better with monkeys!</td></tr>
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Our nephew, Joe was on spring break from college and asked if we could meet for some camping. He lives in Salt Lake City. We wanted to meet somewhere half-way. I've been wanting to see Faux Falls since seeing it on a PBS fundraising special a year ago. Faux Falls is in Spanish Valley just south of Moab, Utah. There is a nice BLM campground called Ken's Lake Campground just below Faux Falls. That is where we met our nephew, his fiance Jen and his mom Merrily, last weekend. We arrived on Thursday at about 6:45 pm.<br />
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There are 31 sites. As we drove up, the camp host was collecting the money out of the entrance box. He told us that there were four spots left. Wow! Popular place. It filled up completely a couple hours after we arrived. I guess this is prime time for Moab.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken's Lake Campground Entry Board</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken's Lake Campground Trail Map</td></tr>
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We had a nice campfire and then went to bed.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNJytMJgZn4/WNB5qeCAEWI/AAAAAAAAHnU/AT65Xx1_nuEvIPaPAk6hxQkrE3epLKbQACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170316_210351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNJytMJgZn4/WNB5qeCAEWI/AAAAAAAAHnU/AT65Xx1_nuEvIPaPAk6hxQkrE3epLKbQACPcB/s640/IMG_20170316_210351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After breakfast at our campsite, we headed out for the nearby hike to Faux Falls. Faux Falls was created where there was no falls before 1981. A tunnel was drilled from Mill Creek over nearby Brimley Ridge. A pipe delivers water where if flows out of the ground and then flows down a red rock area to Ken's Lake for storage. It is a pretty amazing sight to see this beautiful falls and creek out in the middle of these red rock area. It's impressive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AqgTE6IWS8/WNB5qUey-jI/AAAAAAAAHns/xEmMfsmcMlUapLUg-WEVQEtBXV5yQ_r2gCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170317_120649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AqgTE6IWS8/WNB5qUey-jI/AAAAAAAAHns/xEmMfsmcMlUapLUg-WEVQEtBXV5yQ_r2gCPcB/s640/IMG_20170317_120649.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The source pipes of Faux Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu59IBMAZFA/WNBKzgj5KGI/AAAAAAAAllY/zokmIotn6-4JTbKc8F5wRtDk29zFbU3hgCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170317_141750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu59IBMAZFA/WNBKzgj5KGI/AAAAAAAAllY/zokmIotn6-4JTbKc8F5wRtDk29zFbU3hgCPcB/s640/IMG_20170317_141750.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Falls with Ken's Lake Campground in the background</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxQ0k_Zq_7mXrQTx8wmNefLXIn7uN--j4Yv68y0N_C4_vk6aTIN4OUbf5OoLrXhGnDZYoCv_9mTvqN-eu0ipg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Video of Faux Falls</div>
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We continued hiking over Brimley Ridge and the short drop to see Mill Creek. Some folks on ATVs told us about a cave if we followed Mill Creek a short way north to where the creek crosses the dirt road. The cave was not deep but it was fun to walk inside. The walls of the canyon were very impressive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4E4sMnboC0E/WNBKzuuMK1I/AAAAAAAAlyg/32CutI422dU1VpgHqIHhNvKvHCyQUacdACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170317_124148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4E4sMnboC0E/WNBKzuuMK1I/AAAAAAAAlyg/32CutI422dU1VpgHqIHhNvKvHCyQUacdACPcB/s640/IMG_20170317_124148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen near the top of the ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUBhTOzqVlE/WNB5qYEkEvI/AAAAAAAAHnU/HjYZy5mh6qce7wv8ZsJIbp06JqSVVj19wCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170317_133525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="443" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUBhTOzqVlE/WNB5qYEkEvI/AAAAAAAAHnU/HjYZy5mh6qce7wv8ZsJIbp06JqSVVj19wCPcB/s640/IMG_20170317_133525.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the cave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWzkqZ48xy4/WNB5qSMkoWI/AAAAAAAAHnU/OlLsABZMDC4rr_ybdm1GSi7NalJGKJDXQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170317_133032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWzkqZ48xy4/WNB5qSMkoWI/AAAAAAAAHnU/OlLsABZMDC4rr_ybdm1GSi7NalJGKJDXQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170317_133032.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get to cross a small creek/river to get to and from the cave</td></tr>
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We returned to our campsite (#9) and had lunch. Later in the afternoon, Joe, his fiance and I took the short hike to a steep bouldery hill just north of our campsite. It was more of a climb than a hike. The view from the top was spectacular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYrBMGvZ26c/WNBKzmmWZZI/AAAAAAAAllY/dKR7bkQ3PQIZdJmoZJ_z4PNNMQ76k4WGQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170317_175107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYrBMGvZ26c/WNBKzmmWZZI/AAAAAAAAllY/dKR7bkQ3PQIZdJmoZJ_z4PNNMQ76k4WGQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170317_175107.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen at the top of the hill</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxuHifpduLvDjowuM9WEKOfB7vY9i84XCH-LyJusUZcdgcxb8RnWupZpo5HaPl3xIPsv0EW9u7wFw-lj04aOA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Video at the top of nearby boulders</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!4v1490368831906!6m8!1m7!1sF%3A-SNr26bSXWbg%2FWNU3oQl56zI%2FAAAAAAAAq3c%2FqIdPcdkEfKUuyYSSx1BjNfBTBb5NFs03wCLIB!2m2!1d38.47791856002231!2d-109.42297253992736!3f178!4f0!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A 360 degree photosphere view from a nearby boulder hill</div>
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Back at our campsite, Karen and Merrily had created a great veggie delight dish and we cooked it on our portable propane fire pit. Delish!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0dKKov_SJ0/WNB2OM3UCtI/AAAAAAAAHm4/3RwpYIfrUaEJ4IQaFFN4y5uFA-aM6g29QCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170317_190611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0dKKov_SJ0/WNB2OM3UCtI/AAAAAAAAHm4/3RwpYIfrUaEJ4IQaFFN4y5uFA-aM6g29QCPcB/s640/IMG_20170317_190611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5brNIqn1PJU/WNBKzj2aIYI/AAAAAAAAllY/HCIpAoScDxguigxK8ppmrGodv5I6ZmQ-ACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170318_090104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5brNIqn1PJU/WNBKzj2aIYI/AAAAAAAAllY/HCIpAoScDxguigxK8ppmrGodv5I6ZmQ-ACPcB/s640/IMG_20170318_090104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our campsite</td></tr>
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One problem with Ken's Campground was all the dust. Cars were driving in, constantly, desperate for a campsite and were kicking up a lot of dust. On top of that, our neighbors were five teenage guys with two ATVs. They were constantly driving in and out of the campground and raising lots of dust, as young guys tend to do. Oh well, they say that Americans don't tend to get enough dirt exposure these days. We did this weekend for sure!<br />
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We had another nice wood fire and went to bed a bit late watching the stars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mesCb_90BGU/WNB2OBtCz0I/AAAAAAAAHm4/zweK6LfmklooX2ckdIbpQ5gyhARC2PmbQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170316_192111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mesCb_90BGU/WNB2OBtCz0I/AAAAAAAAHm4/zweK6LfmklooX2ckdIbpQ5gyhARC2PmbQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170316_192111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken's Lake</td></tr>
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The next morning after breakfast at camp we headed north to Arches National Park. I had picked out the Delicate Arch Trail as a good one for all of us. We arrived at the Delicate Arch parking area just before noon. The place was packed with cars, but we got lucky and found a spot. We headed for the bathrooms only to find a fairly long line. Someone had left a cell phone in a bathroom and I volunteered to get the phone to a ranger.<br />
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The hike to Delicate Arch is beautiful. You cross a lot of slick rock on the way up. It's pretty much all uphill. It was hot and was a tiring hike. It's about a mile and a half to the Arch but it felt a lot longer. Along the way, Merrily unknowingly dropped her phone. When she discovered it was not in her pocket she decided to head back down and look for it. Karen and I went down a ways to help search and then realized that someone must have picked it up, so we continue on to the Arch while Merrily headed back to look for it.<br />
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The Arch was pretty amazing. None of us had seen it before except on Utah license plates. It's definitely worth a trip to Arches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gwq62a6lgY/WNBKziVvHXI/AAAAAAAAllY/BsREy4e4vR0sRZ5QSUV65SPWB6gdcACqwCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170318_115751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gwq62a6lgY/WNBKziVvHXI/AAAAAAAAllY/BsREy4e4vR0sRZ5QSUV65SPWB6gdcACqwCPcB/s640/IMG_20170318_115751.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny sign in the bathroom at Arches National Park </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking along the slick rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg, Merrily and Karen taking a short break on the trail up to the Delicate Arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Joe, Jen, Karen and Greg. People stood in a long line for a picture under the arch.<br />
This was a much better vantage point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIh1jaNRBTo/WNBKzl9kSgI/AAAAAAAAllY/7Rx56QfGJqkJ1r2hSYHOjVsWWMQg0FyrgCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170318_130927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIh1jaNRBTo/WNBKzl9kSgI/AAAAAAAAllY/7Rx56QfGJqkJ1r2hSYHOjVsWWMQg0FyrgCPcB/s640/IMG_20170318_130927.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate Arch</td></tr>
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Leaving delicate Arch Video</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1490373046815!6m8!1m7!1sF%3A-EINtbkKEA0c%2FWNAiR9PcsPI%2FAAAAAAAAnFU%2F4vMFHi8lpM4lrwZtqvP-5uA39NfrANtAACLIB!2m2!1d38.743683!2d-109.499187!3f118.36201147359371!4f-6.638311388966613!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
360 Photosphere of Delicate Arch</div>
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On the trail back down, we found Merrily. She was asking folks if they had seen her phone. When we got back to the trail head, someone had put up a note about the phone I found. I called them and left a message that their phone would be at the Arches Visitors Center in about an hour.<br />
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Headed back from Delicate Arch</div>
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Slick Rock on the Delicate Arch Trail</div>
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As we drove to the visitors center, Karen called Merrily's phone to see if maybe someone had found it too. The ranger at the Visitors Center answered. What a relief! Some very nice person turned in her phone with the rangers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrily's phone and her only view of Delicate Arch this trip.<br />
Karen and Merrily went to Arches when they were kiddos.</td></tr>
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We stopped in Moab at El Charro Loco Mexican Restaurant. It's a small hole-in-the-wall type restaurant with amazing food. We all loved our meals and highly recommend it if you're in the area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic Mexican food at El Charro Loco in Moab, Utah<br />
This is Karen's veggie taco salad. </td></tr>
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That afternoon, Karen, Merrily and I took a walk around the lake. It's a fishing lake and very pleasant.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking around Ken's Lake</td></tr>
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Walking the plank on the way back</div>
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That night we didn't make a wood fire as Karen was showing asthma symptoms from the previous two nights of wood fires. We lit up the propane fire pit and enjoyed smores.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluten-free smores</td></tr>
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After another great night's sleep, we all headed out for home. On the way back home, Karen and I stopped for pizza at our favorite place in Pagosa Springs (Rosie's Pizzeria) and then got our 10,000 steps in with a hike around downtown Pagosa Springs. We started the hike near The Springs hotel and headed towards Pagosa Springs High School. This is a favorite walk that we like to do anytime we are staying in Pagosa or just passing through.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking around Pagosa Springs, Colorado</td></tr>
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This was a great spring season trip. We will be back!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign we saw in Pagosa Springs</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-17239895420559145752017-03-12T20:51:00.002-06:002017-03-21T11:58:00.226-06:00NM To San Diego: Part 5 (San Diego, Quechan Casino in Yuma, Faywood,NM and back home)After our wonderful visit to the Anza-Borrego State Park area, we headed to Claremont to visit with family and help with some furniture moving. After our family visit we headed to San Diego.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen's parents and her Dad with one of his two instruments. His other is a bass fiddle</td></tr>
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We initially planned to stay at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve Campground, but it turned out that our homemade camper van was not good enough for this exclusive county campground.<br />
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After we made a reservation for a campsite at Santee, we received an email receipt that stated that our RV had to have an Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) sticker on it. This sticker indicates that it was manufactured by an RV company and was an official industry made RV.<br />
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We don't have an RVIA sticker because I (Greg) made the camper myself. I guess having an RVIA sticker is a way to discriminate against scofflaws like us!!!! It's apparently a very snooty place. I've never heard of a public campground that was so restrictive.<br />
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Anyway, we found a better spot nearby. Through <a href="https://www.campendium.com/lake-jennings-park" target="_blank">Campendium.com we discovered Lake Jennings Park Campground</a>. This is a fantastic campground on a water district reservoir. It was beautiful and quiet with great views.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The view of Lake Jennings from our site #90.<br />
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There is a story that this campground may close because it doesn't get enough business. That would be a horrible shame as it is a really fantastic campground in a great location with 30 minute access to San Diego tourist sites.<br />
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We picked out a beautiful site (#90) on top of a hill in the campground with great views of both the lake and the town of Lake City below. We loved this campground! We took a hike around the campground. We couldn't go all the way around the lake as part of the trail is closed Monday - Thursday to protect wildlife, we suspect.<br />
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This is a fishing lake and you can even fish from your boat at night at certain times. There is a stocked kids fishing area where kids were catching big fish!<br />
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There are private shower rooms as well and nice bathrooms throughout the campground.<br />
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There were many hosts in the campground, maybe too many? The hosts that we met were super nice. We had a great short stay here.<br />
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The next morning we packed up, had a great breakfast at a nearby Denny's and then headed to Balboa Park in San Diego. The drive was relatively easy even during the morning commute. We parked near a carousel and headed out to explore the park.<br />
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The buildings are beautiful. We really enjoyed a reflection pond and the adjacent Botanical Building. We had planned to tour a couple of the many park museums, but it was a beautiful day and we wanted to be outdoors. We will have to go back and tour the museums at some point.<br />
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We wanted to go into the Japanese Friendship Garden, but it was $10 each for what looks like a relatively small garden, so we skipped it. (A friend just told us that there is a day pass that includes all the museums and the Japanese Garden. That would be the way to go next time.)<br />
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After our tour of Balboa Park we walked quite a ways north to a taco restaurant I had read about. The restaurant was too "fishy" for Karen, so we went down the street to a Chipotle Mexican Restaurant and had a nice lunch.<br />
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We hiked back to our van and headed for Cabrillo National Monument where there are great views of San Diego Bay and Coronado Island.<br />
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After our Cabrillo point view, we headed out of San Diego, trying to beat the rush hour traffic. The drive over the mountains was pleasant.<br />
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We stopped for a break at the Holtville Hot Springs and LTVA area. We didn't soak. We just wanted to check them out for a future visit. An LTVA is a Long Term Visitor Area. These are popular with Canadian snowbirds. You can stay in a fully contained RV all winter for $180 bucks or 14 days for $40. It's a good deal and this one includes free soaks at the hot springs. The soak pools looked nice. We will definitely return to try them in the future.<br />
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We then passed the dunes area on Interstate 8 and made it to Yuma. There was a big sign for In-and-Out Burger and we just could not resist. I brought my gluten free bread in and ordered a protein burger that is wrapped in lettuce and put that on my bread. It worked well and I had no damage to my overly sensitive intestines!!!! After dinner, it was dark and we headed to the Quechan Casino, where they allow dry camping in their southern most dirt lot.<br />
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Quechan is a nice Casino. They have a weekend breakfast buffet that looked nice. If you stay in the hotel there is a nice pool with a lazy river. We did gamble a bit and came out slight winners. We are not big gamblers, but it's fun for a short time and with just a little bit of money to burn. Karen is fairly lucky and usually comes out far ahead. I usually lose, so it all works out for the best.<br />
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Many RVers, in their large Class A rigs, or smaller rigs, like to stay at Quechan and enjoy the facilities and then during the day head to Algodones, Mexico. Algodones is just down the road and then a walk across the border for cheap dental work, good food and low cost prescription drugs. We know a lot of boondockers that do this multiple times a year. Quechan owns a big parking lot next to the boarder and they charge a low fee to park for the day while you are in Algodones.<br />
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We had a quiet night at Quechan, got up in the morning, made our oatmeal and packed up to head back to New Mexico. We had a woman run up to our van and she seemed disappointed when she discovered it was us (strangers) and not her friend who has a similar van. We had a nice chat. It is always fun to hear more about others journeys. She was a solo van full-timer. It's amazing how many solo women are out there, typically divorced and living on a small amount of money.<br />
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We drove a long day through Arizona and ended up back at Faywood Hot Springs again and soaked our tired bones before getting a great night's sleep. During a hike around the property we ran into the <a href="http://geeksontour.com/" target="_blank">Geeks On Tour</a>. Jim and Chris Guld travel in a Class A and teach technology classes to RVers at RV oriented festivals and events. We love to meet blogging RVers on our travels. We call it "Boondocker Bingo" when we meet them.<br />
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The next day we headed home to freezing Los Alamos.<br />
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This was another really fun trip. Until next time - happy adventures!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Lake Jennings Campground provided by the Helix Water District.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can go about halfway around the lake on Monday-Thursday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving to Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchids in the Botanical Building.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A plaza at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many beautiful buildings at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful fountain at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reflection Pond and fantastic Botanical Building at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchids at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchids at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A15aLfwOV3I/WLcYH0gzGuI/AAAAAAAAIiw/8PJjRvjGG3IB_TeCurBlRAtbXlIxzZEsgCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170222_105433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A15aLfwOV3I/WLcYH0gzGuI/AAAAAAAAIiw/8PJjRvjGG3IB_TeCurBlRAtbXlIxzZEsgCPcB/s640/IMG_20170222_105433.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Globe Theater at Balboa Park. We would love to see a play here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Buildings at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The over priced Japanese Gardens at Balboa Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of San Diego Bay from Cabrillo National Monument.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Coronado Island from Cabrillo National Monument.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CupIg-czJys/WLcYH7vtGWI/AAAAAAAAIlg/Xjz_bag96Okc5FBdlhslPWbJ8FQfgLZ3ACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170222_171730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CupIg-czJys/WLcYH7vtGWI/AAAAAAAAIlg/Xjz_bag96Okc5FBdlhslPWbJ8FQfgLZ3ACPcB/s640/IMG_20170222_171730.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond and Palms at Holtville Hot Springs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0NVnDGMCUvTn2AXqgLrPLdGYcUHfWeMaS71Dt7TnRd2hyphenhyphenl-iRzR28Tv7vaggHCzW8kJK6cXOXhO9BSYzH8G6Ya6kJWaGcq6rJ-Peaj7WIulod097ff4sNbMLLbwXDb8mmvjceCi1oHc/s1600/IMG_20170222_171802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0NVnDGMCUvTn2AXqgLrPLdGYcUHfWeMaS71Dt7TnRd2hyphenhyphenl-iRzR28Tv7vaggHCzW8kJK6cXOXhO9BSYzH8G6Ya6kJWaGcq6rJ-Peaj7WIulod097ff4sNbMLLbwXDb8mmvjceCi1oHc/s640/IMG_20170222_171802.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holtville Hot Springs soak pools and shower gizmo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry Camping at the Quechan Casino south dirt lot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Thing!!!!! Never did see it. Just a zillion signs for it. One day I will force Karen to see it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at Faywood Hot Springs, checking out the night sky chair up on a nearby hilltop. <br />
The dark sky at Faywood makes for amazing stargazing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ran into Geeks on Tour at Faywood Hot Springs. BINGO!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are watching you.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-44658606915487239412017-03-11T17:13:00.002-07:002017-03-21T11:56:30.952-06:00NM To San Diego: Part 4 (Anza-Borrego)After enjoying the 28th Annual Western Winter Blast Pyrotechnics Show at Lake Havasu, we headed south and west to Anza-Borrego.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Poor Monkey!!!<br />
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This was an interesting drive. Before heading into California we filled up with gas in Parker, AZ. Gas in California is about a dollar and a half more than in Arizona. The desert is pretty cool in this area.<br />
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We scooted along the east side of Joshua Tree National Park and then the southern edge of the park. We got off interstate 10 at Box Canyon Road to head south towards the Salton Sea. Box Canyon Road is a really interesting drive though a box canyon. There were folks camping in the canyon.<br />
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We went though the town of Mecca and then along the western shore of the Salton Sea.<br />
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At Salton City we turned west again onto the Borrego Salton Seaway. On the first stretch of this road we saw a bunch of boondockers with lots of ATVs all over the place.<br />
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We had heard a lot of good things about Anza Borrego State Park and the area in general. A lot of our boondocker friends have gone to this area and reported having a wonderful time. We wanted to see the area and we weren't disappointed.<br />
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The town of Borrego Springs is surrounded by the huge Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We drove into the town and up to the State Park visitor center.<br />
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As we used the visitor center restrooms, we ran into our boondocking friends, <a href="http://evierving.blogspot.com/2017/02/you-never-know-who-you-might-run-into.html" target="_blank">Evie and her Mom</a>. They were touring the visitor's center too. It was fun to see them again. (Click <a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2015/11/blogger-fiesta.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read about our first visit with them.)<br />
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Evie's mom (Joy) is in her early 90's and is still out there on the road enjoying life to it's fullest. She is an inspiration to us and an amazing woman.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy, Evie and Greg</td></tr>
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We love to run across RV bloggers that we follow. It's a big thrill for us to meet the people we read about.<br />
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The town of Borrego Springs is really a cute town. There is a HUGE roundabout in the center of town with a park in the middle. I (Greg) am a huge fan of roundabouts, and this is a really good one. It's called Christmas Circle.<br />
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The Anza-Borrego State Park visitor's center is a good one and they have a desert garden to tour. We got some maps and a book about stars there. We got a recommendation for a good hike from the docents at the visitor's center.<br />
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Next, we toured the Galleta Meadows sculptures. Artist Ricardo Breceda has created a bunch of really cool metal sculptures that are dispersed across a large area of the meadows property in Borrego-Springs. The visitor's center gave us a chamber of commerce map to all the sculpture locations.<br />
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After viewing Galleta Meadows sculptures, we headed to the Peg Leg <a href="https://www.campendium.com/peg-leg-camp" target="_blank">dispersed camping area</a> to find a nice boondocking spot for the night.<br />
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We stayed one night in the Peg Leg area. this is a dispersed camping area and there were a lot of ATVs zipping around while we were there on Sunday night.<br />
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It's a large area so you don't have to be right next to anyone. We drove around a bit and found a great spot with an existing fire pit. The land is nice, mostly hard packed and very level in this area. There are existing fire pits to be found.<br />
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As we drove onto the dispersed camping area we noticed a big sign that said some of the land was "for sale." It may be that some of this land is private and will be sold at some point and possibly developed. Let's hope not, as this was a great boondocking spot.<br />
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The sunset and sunrise were fantastic. The area is surrounded by beautiful mountains. We will definitely return for another, longer visit. Verizon was working, but weakly at our spot. If we stood on one side of our van, we could get a fairly good Verizon signal. The other side was a whole different story. It was very, very weak. A booster would help here.<br />
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There was some noise from ATVs zooming by, but we enjoyed watching them. Luckily, the trail they were using was down-wind from us, so we didn't eat their dust.<br />
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Watch out! One star deduction for ATV noise and potential dust. Nearby is Clark Dry Lake Bed dispersed camping area that might not have as many ATVs. We did't have time to check it out on this trip.<br />
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The next morning we drove into the small town of Borrego Springs and had a great breakfast at Kendall's Cafe. We also went on an awesome hike to wonderful Palm Canyon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sign on Box Canyon Road that shows back roads.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Info on the sign.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculptures at Galleta Meadows</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Wheeling with friends!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run Monkey, Run!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very bad things happen to people who take the money from the old rusty prospector!!!!!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NisZ5-HV-So/WLcOtqCcdVI/AAAAAAAAITQ/ew2r9juMKrctyuQfqVZKbccqKhmC05zxwCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170219_162427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NisZ5-HV-So/WLcOtqCcdVI/AAAAAAAAITQ/ew2r9juMKrctyuQfqVZKbccqKhmC05zxwCPcB/s640/IMG_20170219_162427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peg Leg dispersed boondocking area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot at Peg Leg.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peg Leg dispersed area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great sunrise and sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Anza-Borrego</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great breakfast at Kendall's Cafe in Borrego-Springs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Palm Canyon hike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Canyon hike beauty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen along the Palm Canyon hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You cross a cold stream a few times on the Palm Canyon hike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small waterfall along the Palm Canyon hike.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3KEkgvtvCc/WLcYH96gGbI/AAAAAAAAIl0/YMObCTLchWETULxWD1OuNULNKcuU9qEawCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_093853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3KEkgvtvCc/WLcYH96gGbI/AAAAAAAAIl0/YMObCTLchWETULxWD1OuNULNKcuU9qEawCPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_093853.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oasis in Palm Canyon</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBLc6txDH8E/WLcYH-DekGI/AAAAAAAAIl0/4yZke_UIod8SHBy84FjHnnWf3kg_RzSlgCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_094408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBLc6txDH8E/WLcYH-DekGI/AAAAAAAAIl0/4yZke_UIod8SHBy84FjHnnWf3kg_RzSlgCPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_094408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIijqVxbCvM/WLcYH5BGleI/AAAAAAAAI0A/OixbVy7kXx4lbGGoQ8hMi2IUSdxNW8k1ACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_090109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIijqVxbCvM/WLcYH5BGleI/AAAAAAAAI0A/OixbVy7kXx4lbGGoQ8hMi2IUSdxNW8k1ACPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_090109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great Ocotillo plant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eI0bE09JNVs/WLcYH_luXHI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/MjpzdA_zOkUe-zdSoUj4oj94M0lIoiiFQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_104310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eI0bE09JNVs/WLcYH_luXHI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/MjpzdA_zOkUe-zdSoUj4oj94M0lIoiiFQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_104310.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw a lot of Desert Big Horn Sheep on the Palm Canyon Trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7q3LGqRYqTg/WLcOtkhZ0sI/AAAAAAAAITQ/oXGOYNClzRojYe4o2bcA_RtANs3VrOugQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_095613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7q3LGqRYqTg/WLcOtkhZ0sI/AAAAAAAAITQ/oXGOYNClzRojYe4o2bcA_RtANs3VrOugQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_095613.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the palm oasis of the Palm Canyon hike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg and Karen at the oasis on the Palm Canyon hike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P1kS25TjjU/WLcOtqCk-II/AAAAAAAAITQ/Z0C0qKV58LQOJiGXvuNoNRKCcPuS9phFwCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_101217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P1kS25TjjU/WLcOtqCk-II/AAAAAAAAITQ/Z0C0qKV58LQOJiGXvuNoNRKCcPuS9phFwCPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_101217.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Making of" the Monkey Shot!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPhegH6xCds/WLcYH3j1djI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/pluzlSbHuysBP49o_v6VTnCPeGgpO_awACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_101229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPhegH6xCds/WLcYH3j1djI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/pluzlSbHuysBP49o_v6VTnCPeGgpO_awACPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_101229.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Monkey Shot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB3orIMkC1g/WLcYH4kh_GI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/WAGQSCIZ7T47G7dC7sOvLKjmcak_ogX1gCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170220_101436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB3orIMkC1g/WLcYH4kh_GI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/WAGQSCIZ7T47G7dC7sOvLKjmcak_ogX1gCPcB/s640/IMG_20170220_101436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock Monkey in the weeds.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Next up: After a visit to Claremont (near Los Angeles) to spend some time with Karen's parents, listen to her Dad's concert, help them with some consolidation and furniture moving, we headed for the San Diego area. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">For more information on the Anza Borrego hike:</span></span><br />
<a href="https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/borrego-palms-canyon-trail-anza-borrego-desert/" style="font-size: 15px;" target="_blank">https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/borrego-palms-canyon-trail-anza-borrego-desert/</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OifpT24JjrQzg74r-Fj2XgVYDdfrn6zQEBAjl2K61_X4KhfjhkxuH1c-7ZWA4mvOLg5ImXZipoT-3EAfM4BTyHAC1SIWdQwy01YcjE6Cf6gPve5qwNiriqxAxAh90q3R8Sw5A06QG7w/s1600/IMG_20170219_160644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OifpT24JjrQzg74r-Fj2XgVYDdfrn6zQEBAjl2K61_X4KhfjhkxuH1c-7ZWA4mvOLg5ImXZipoT-3EAfM4BTyHAC1SIWdQwy01YcjE6Cf6gPve5qwNiriqxAxAh90q3R8Sw5A06QG7w/s640/IMG_20170219_160644.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The natives are restless. </td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-60905736325203778722017-03-08T21:54:00.000-07:002017-03-21T11:36:18.246-06:00NM To San Diego: Part 3 (Lake Havasu Boondocking and Fireworks)After leaving El Dorado Hot Springs, we headed for Vicksburg and up highway 72 and 95 to Parker, AZ. It was raining and we did worry about getting caught in a flash flood. I drove a little faster than I normally would. We enjoyed the desert terrain along the drive. Our goal was to get to the Arizona State Trust land across from the SARA park at Lake Havasu. <br />
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We were going to boondock on State trust land and watch the 28th Annual Western Winter Blast Pyrotechnics Show that occurs on President's Day weekend.<br />
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We were hungry before finding our boondocking spot and went into Lake Havasu City and found a Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurant for a nice lunch. Havasu City is a pain-in-the-ass to navigate as the downtown core roads are poorly laid out.<br />
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We also took a drive across the London Bridge to check out the island and view the little lighthouses along the shore.<br />
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The annual fireworks show is put on each year by the Western Pyrotechnic Association. The idea is that the association can show off this year's cool fireworks to potential buyers and Lake Havasu City get's an awesome show for their tourists.<br />
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During this weekend, the state land across from the Lake Havasu City SARA park is filled with boondockers there to view the great fireworks show. It's just slightly tricky to get off the highway and on to the trust land. There is a big bump to get over, but not too bad and a lot of huge fifth- wheels are able to do it without much trouble, if they entered slowly.<br />
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We found a nice spot up on a hill. We had to use leveling blocks to get level. We got out our chairs and portable fire pit, pulled out some snacks and waited for the show to start. The fireworks started late as there was a fuel spill at the SARA Park. All the firefighters there to monitor the fireworks show had to deal with the spill instead, so the show was delayed by an hour. All the boondockers were getting anxious, wondering what was going on.<br />
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We got a nice hike in all around the area before the show and dinner. Finally, the firework show began. It was a great show. There are always some new fireworks that haven't been seen before. The best one this year were a group of super high flying fireworks that exploded in the clouds (it was drizzly and cloudy that night). These explosions and colors looked so cool up among the clouds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKSYnE2qZ50/WLcYH_EklcI/AAAAAAAAI0A/KR0yZubEiWU97x61SlSvAXCfE69jnmhzACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_141038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKSYnE2qZ50/WLcYH_EklcI/AAAAAAAAI0A/KR0yZubEiWU97x61SlSvAXCfE69jnmhzACPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_141038.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A surprising part of Lake Havasu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSNIccfASoc/WLcYHwcLkaI/AAAAAAAAI0A/ZPPi6yoQdMk2KP34jg0rLSZGNjNWf1QQQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_153309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSNIccfASoc/WLcYHwcLkaI/AAAAAAAAI0A/ZPPi6yoQdMk2KP34jg0rLSZGNjNWf1QQQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_153309.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the London Bridge at Lake Havasu </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X042pEPVJFY/WLcYH_ylSRI/AAAAAAAAI0w/9X-T6AcXK2o8uxXWwWbFUAik7Z7xZWMyQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_161844.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boondockers across from the SARA Park</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X042pEPVJFY/WLcYH_ylSRI/AAAAAAAAI0w/9X-T6AcXK2o8uxXWwWbFUAik7Z7xZWMyQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_161844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X042pEPVJFY/WLcYH_ylSRI/AAAAAAAAI0w/9X-T6AcXK2o8uxXWwWbFUAik7Z7xZWMyQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_161844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpPeQ081xh0/WLcbUe7MY4I/AAAAAAAAIv4/uoxYrbT8ag8-1hGazptnZF2jB9HGymEEgCPcB/s1600/VID_20170218_201201.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpPeQ081xh0/WLcbUe7MY4I/AAAAAAAAIv4/uoxYrbT8ag8-1hGazptnZF2jB9HGymEEgCPcB/s640/VID_20170218_201201.mp4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coolest super high flying fireworks!!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lzq7WlRjK-c/WLcYH1IlZGI/AAAAAAAAI0A/t9uoVBItVxIWNRsZTjzRgiCWjfLNbm_UQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_165352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lzq7WlRjK-c/WLcYH1IlZGI/AAAAAAAAI0A/t9uoVBItVxIWNRsZTjzRgiCWjfLNbm_UQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_165352.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot on the State Trust land.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfyZhX6tyZA/WLcYHw_B22I/AAAAAAAAI0A/8cnnBDmDnWweXNoCNtc51q7c2rFcCNblACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_183919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfyZhX6tyZA/WLcYHw_B22I/AAAAAAAAI0A/8cnnBDmDnWweXNoCNtc51q7c2rFcCNblACPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_183919.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our portable propane fire pit and some snacks before the fireworks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qssk_kd7RXk/WLcYH0sl9lI/AAAAAAAAI0A/X0HjosGqum4R7uaYlSyuxfjjkNyDvOJEQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_184725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qssk_kd7RXk/WLcYH0sl9lI/AAAAAAAAI0A/X0HjosGqum4R7uaYlSyuxfjjkNyDvOJEQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_184725.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the fireworks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6c__BPfT1c/WLcYH7-O2FI/AAAAAAAAI0A/BMSuWbhEMVMndkUmsGWlUA17MFKqhMEGQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_184739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6c__BPfT1c/WLcYH7-O2FI/AAAAAAAAI0A/BMSuWbhEMVMndkUmsGWlUA17MFKqhMEGQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_184739.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few ATVs were scooting around with cools LED lights on their vehicles. It's kinda of a burningman-esk party.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq7qs7IaxRA/WLcYH92ailI/AAAAAAAAI0w/7oqnnWJbYF8epIGZet_p4hrNhO56IrlGACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_194023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq7qs7IaxRA/WLcYH92ailI/AAAAAAAAI0w/7oqnnWJbYF8epIGZet_p4hrNhO56IrlGACPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_194023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1piDaVgqco/WLcYH868zsI/AAAAAAAAI0A/oVEA3ZZBy18RwFt7-KJJ7ygIzdQM6oStQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170218_194118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1piDaVgqco/WLcYH868zsI/AAAAAAAAI0A/oVEA3ZZBy18RwFt7-KJJ7ygIzdQM6oStQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170218_194118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our favorites.</td></tr>
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To stay on the state trust land, there is a $20 permit that must be purchased and displayed in your vehicle. (On this weekend, I doubt many people had a permit. The permit is good for a year of state trust land visits, so it's a good deal if you use Arizona state trust land a lot.)<br />
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This was the second year I got to see this fireworks show. It was great both years.<br />
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Next up: Headed to Anza-Borrego.<br />
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<a href="http://www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/1584/28th-annual-western-winter-blast-pyrotechnics-show/" target="_blank">http://www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/1584/28th-annual-western-winter-blast-pyrotechnics-show/</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-61140932548885692592017-03-07T21:14:00.000-07:002017-03-21T11:55:02.687-06:00NM To San Diego: Part 2 (El Dorado Hot Springs, West of Phoenix)After leaving Faywood Springs, Google Maps suggested a short cut to Lordsburg NM that would save us about 20 minutes. I told Karen we should trust Google Maps to give us a good route. Karen was very leery. <br />
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An hour later, Karen was right to be leery. After heading a long way down a bumpy, dirt road we came upon a big, deep, dark mud puddle of water out in the middle of nowhere. There was no cell signal and no one else for miles. We decided it was best to back up for about half a mile until we could turn around and go back to Deming, NM on the regular paved route. From now on I will double check Google's suggestions better. The good news about this detour is that we were able to see a few really cool red tail hawks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bridge we crossed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0siXHUD21yo/WLcYHxljanI/AAAAAAAAI0w/mGQ6_rR24iQO1cSogE7YG2cOYmWWuP3qQCPcB/s1600/20170217110126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0siXHUD21yo/WLcYHxljanI/AAAAAAAAI0w/mGQ6_rR24iQO1cSogE7YG2cOYmWWuP3qQCPcB/s640/20170217110126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backing up till we could turn around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the hawks we saw in flight.</td></tr>
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Once we got back to Deming, we were hungry and stopped at the town's Denny's for a good breakfast. We like Denny's. It's very consistent and always good. There were a lot of panhandlers out in front of Denny's. They appeared to be older, immigrant men. On the way into the restaurant we gave a few bucks to one of the guys in the area who came up to us. On the way out, we were hit up very aggressively. We told this guy that we already gave to another guy. He was not pleased by our previous generosity.<br />
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We are always concerned that our handouts to panhandlers will be spent on drugs or alcohol. Yesterday, I read a New York Times article that has me thinking we shouldn't worry about how our charity will be spent: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/opinion/the-pope-on-panhandling-give-without-worry.html" target="_blank">The Pope on Panhandling: Give Without Worry</a>.<br />
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We jumped back on to highway 10 and headed west toward Tucson. This is a beautiful stretch of road. We are excited about exploring this area in detail once we are full-timers in a few years. There is a lot to explore in the southern corners of Arizona and New Mexico.<br />
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We continued on 10 past Tucson and then took highway 8 towards Gila Bend. Next, we headed north on highway 85 towards Tonopah. We didn't want to go near Phoenix as it was going to be close to commuter hours, so this bypass worked out great.<br />
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We got to El Dorado Hot Springs about an hour after sunset. The place was funky and rustic. As Karen signed up for a campsite in the office, the guy taking our info got up and grabbed a baseball bat and headed over to one of the pool areas. Karen and I looked at each other and asked each other if we had made a mistake picking this place to stay the night.<br />
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It turned out that two dudes had jumped into a private soak pool without paying the fee and the office manager liked to have his trusty bat when dealing with freeloaders. We calmed down after he explained the situation. He was really helpful and friendly after he put the bat away.<br />
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We drove to our spot, set up our bed and headed to the public soaking area to soak away the strain of a long drive.<br />
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We hopped into a couple of old-timey iron legged bathtubs. It felt great. Karen noticed something big moving on top of a nearby fence. We couldn't quite make out what it was. It looked like a big pigeon. It turned out to be a female peacock that was resting against the top of a fence.<br />
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After a good soak we headed to bed and slept really well.<br />
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Each campsite comes with 2 hours of private pool soaking each day. We had signed up for the Sunset Pool for first thing in the morning. It was fantastic. We took our breakfast to the pool area. There was a table with chairs and some lounge chairs. The soaking was great. You have a large private area with views of the desert and a nice hot pool.<br />
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There are about five private pool areas. Each one is pretty nice. Next time, I would pick the Desert View soak pool as it had the nicest view of the desert and some nearby mountains.<br />
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There is a downside to the place that we discovered at the end of our visit. As we were packing up to go, about thirty big house flies flew into our van.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of the many peacocks at El Dorado Hot Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the soaks in the public area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We soaked in the two bathtubs and the pool here. They were nice!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The funky office area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite with friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other occupied campsites on the property.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The corral pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toilet area is open to the sky, but private with the surrounding fences. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjic5sGZdITMcRsXwOj5wr14j1oBrUn76UqScCrvaMW2bF1v69embt7PnEK9Z4AqXSxXsnbxgupIUZVcElDXddRo8NPnMElkeiiNn4PGgqq9Z9y-g63YSjVKcRc79V-EesdEV2pxaqh8/s1600/IMG_20170218_094259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjic5sGZdITMcRsXwOj5wr14j1oBrUn76UqScCrvaMW2bF1v69embt7PnEK9Z4AqXSxXsnbxgupIUZVcElDXddRo8NPnMElkeiiNn4PGgqq9Z9y-g63YSjVKcRc79V-EesdEV2pxaqh8/s640/IMG_20170218_094259.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at the Sunset Pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the campsites.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Desert View Pool. We thought this was the one with the best view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stargate Pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking from the Sunset Pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the area.</td></tr>
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A huge industrial chicken raising and processing plant was built very near El Dorado Hot Springs in recent years. Apparently, the smells from the chicken plant can be overwhelming at times.<br />
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We were lucky in that we arrived on a windy / drizzly evening, so the flies and the smells were not noticeable. But, as we were about to leave the next morning, the winds died down, it got sunny and the smell and the flies arrived with a vengeance.<br />
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The flies all got into our van. We should have stopped a few miles away, opened up all the doors and windows and shooed them out. Instead, for three days we had flies, one by one, enter the front seat area of our van and bug us until we got them to go out a window. Many times they would fly right back into our van, even after we had already shushed them out the window. They didn't want to leave the van for some reason!!!! It is a cool van.<br />
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We would go back to El Dorado Hot Springs again as it was a really nice place to soak, but we do worry about what the flies and smells would be like on a hot and windless day. We hope to not ever find out.<br />
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Next up: Heading to Lake Havasu for some an amazing fireworks show.<br />
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El Dorado Hot Springs maintains it's funky rustic feel and prices are not high for this type of facility.<br />
<a href="http://el-dorado.com/" target="_blank">http://el-dorado.com/</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-76443512791037278872017-03-06T21:11:00.000-07:002017-03-21T11:53:10.179-06:00NM to San Diego Trip - Part 1 (Faywood Hot Springs)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was time for a trip to a warmer climate. It's cold at our home base of Los Alamos in late February. We decided we would head south for a soak at Faywood Hot Springs, drive west of Phoenix to funky El Dorado Hot Springs, drive up to Lake Havasu to watch some really great fireworks and some desert boondocking, head to Anza-Borrego for some great boondocking, then off to Claremont,CA (near Los Angeles) to visit with family and help move some furniture, drive to San Diego to stay at a great lake side campground, visit Balboa Park in San Diego, head back east to boondock in a casino parking lot near Yuma, AZ, drive back to Faywood Hot Springs for another round of soaking and finally back to the frozen north of Los Alamos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first stop was for our favorite road meal at Sweet Tomatoes in Albuquerque. Now that is a Salad!!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Faywood Hot Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Visitor's Center check in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxG0wJnKAeA/WLcOtunHWSI/AAAAAAAAITQ/3qkFBYkTXZsMA7B0dKh7CLlWFJP5JyGTACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170223_202020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxG0wJnKAeA/WLcOtunHWSI/AAAAAAAAITQ/3qkFBYkTXZsMA7B0dKh7CLlWFJP5JyGTACPcB/s640/IMG_20170223_202020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Faywood Office</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtT_zUKZm3w/WLcOtpojUEI/AAAAAAAAITQ/o3aBdnE2_fgp56HNyWATrPesXa8UOXGpQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170223_202006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtT_zUKZm3w/WLcOtpojUEI/AAAAAAAAITQ/o3aBdnE2_fgp56HNyWATrPesXa8UOXGpQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170223_202006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Faywood Store and Museum area.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khnMD4gF4Dc/WLcOtsLHRdI/AAAAAAAAI0w/5Hrd_LoFPF4Q3ZD30tj4CMTVINDBKYd0wCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_092553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khnMD4gF4Dc/WLcOtsLHRdI/AAAAAAAAI0w/5Hrd_LoFPF4Q3ZD30tj4CMTVINDBKYd0wCPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_092553.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Camping Area with electric and water hookups. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wRSlCq14Y/WLcOtuWU7RI/AAAAAAAAI1E/KS2tToopWs8lTd4jWmCBfOsuspFVzZZwwCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_084826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wRSlCq14Y/WLcOtuWU7RI/AAAAAAAAI1E/KS2tToopWs8lTd4jWmCBfOsuspFVzZZwwCPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_084826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soak Pool Area Art Work.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ctVyUKtdEg/WLcOtjtq3AI/AAAAAAAAI1E/BxejBVl3Yz4zNzpyr0-qsblmOBjqsoD8gCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_084852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ctVyUKtdEg/WLcOtjtq3AI/AAAAAAAAI1E/BxejBVl3Yz4zNzpyr0-qsblmOBjqsoD8gCPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_084852.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The campground hot soaks. Far side HOT, middle COOL, closest JUST RIGHT!!!!! There is a shower and bathrooms adjacent.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FckuWLaE-ac/WLcOttcsbpI/AAAAAAAAI1E/IsWN_ihpDNMfmZxaq8pjGueunW2hqwSugCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_090330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FckuWLaE-ac/WLcOttcsbpI/AAAAAAAAI1E/IsWN_ihpDNMfmZxaq8pjGueunW2hqwSugCPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_090330.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a ton of cute and hungry cats on the property (peacocks too, but we didn't see them this visit).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUWsoxWhiI/WLcOtlnfEvI/AAAAAAAAJAU/i4XZ5nfe4ewE6VlgNiDdh24leEN9ZpuuACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_090233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUWsoxWhiI/WLcOtlnfEvI/AAAAAAAAJAU/i4XZ5nfe4ewE6VlgNiDdh24leEN9ZpuuACPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_090233.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the clothing required pools.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfJhAiw1kaY/WLcOtpIygfI/AAAAAAAAI0w/xidolcs9ajgihMxmBBvo1e6w1mSjkSpGwCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_090615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfJhAiw1kaY/WLcOtpIygfI/AAAAAAAAI0w/xidolcs9ajgihMxmBBvo1e6w1mSjkSpGwCPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_090615.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Private "Watsu" Pools (extra fee).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yu1oDHXqDFI/WLcOttxxqGI/AAAAAAAAI1E/pRKmUyA_ze8QBh5ltseYb2lpao-y81phACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_085448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yu1oDHXqDFI/WLcOttxxqGI/AAAAAAAAI1E/pRKmUyA_ze8QBh5ltseYb2lpao-y81phACPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_085448.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the soaks near the clothing optional campsites. It was cleaning morning. The water is normally very clear.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8GMyENas-E/WLcYHyY6wSI/AAAAAAAAI1E/eq6wbzB2bMI45nOPLJgZG1Ebpr0DFBQFQCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170217_091332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8GMyENas-E/WLcYHyY6wSI/AAAAAAAAI1E/eq6wbzB2bMI45nOPLJgZG1Ebpr0DFBQFQCPcB/s640/IMG_20170217_091332.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which one is Greg?</td></tr>
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We really enjoy visiting Faywood to camp and soak. Our favorite thing is to go out late at night when everyone else has gone to bed and soak and view the stars, hoping to see meteorites streak by. We have a contest to determine who sees the most meteorites. We're learning about the constellations. We know about six or seven of them now.<br />
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We've visited Faywood quite a few times. We like to go there to warm up during winter months. Faywood maintains a rustic charm and prices that are lower then a lot of other hot springs places we have visited that have been yuppified in recent years.<br />
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The amazing City of Rocks State Park is just a few miles north and well worth a visit for a cool hike.<br />
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You can read about our previous Faywood visits:<br />
<a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2015/05/new-mexico-faywood-hot-springs-silver.html" target="_blank">http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2015/05/new-mexico-faywood-hot-springs-silver.html</a><br />
<a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2015/03/colorado-river-trip-part-1-los-alamos.html" target="_blank">http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2015/03/colorado-river-trip-part-1-los-alamos.html</a><br />
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Next up: Headed to El Dorado Hot Springs, West of Phoenix.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976066997810104562.post-91471309330240973062017-02-26T20:54:00.002-07:002017-02-26T20:54:54.882-07:00Santa Fe Attraction: Meow Wolf - House of Eternal ReturnIn January 2017, Karen and I decided to check out a new attraction in Santa Fe. It's known locally as Meow Wolf. What the hell is Meow Wolf you ask? It's freaky and fun!!!<br />
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George R. R. Martin (author of the books that the HBO mega hit series "Game of Thrones" is based on) donated $2.7 million to a Santa Fe art collective called Meow Wolf. Meow Wolf leased a vacant bowling alley in Santa Fe. Other money for the project was obtained from the city of Santa Fe and many individuals. Meow Wolf built an "art complex" inside the hollowed out bowling alley.<br />
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This "art complex" turned into the "House of Eternal Return". This new tourist attraction has become wildly popular with decent lines on weekends to get in for a tour. It costs $15 for adults to enter.<br />
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The place is kind of a mix between Burningman, a modern art museum, a concentration camp and a music venue, a spaceship.<br />
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The premise going in is a mystery for you to solve about a family that involves time / space travel and strange family issues. The first thing you encounter as you enter is a two story full sized house. You walk around the house finding out about the family that lived there by exploring: newspapers; diaries; photos; videos; bedrooms; kitchen; bathroom; living room; etc. You discover portals to other dimensions hidden in a refrigerator and in other locations. The other dimensions are freaky and cool!!!<br />
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Karen and I were not sure what we were getting into when we visited and we didn't really do much research on the house before hand. I think it would help to read up about it on the internet before you enter. We just wanted to see the cool sights inside. We looked at some of the literature scattered about the house and we watched a couple computer video about the dad and his love of electronics and about a mysterious thing that happened to the Mom. We didn't really pay that much attention to the mystery story line.<br />
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There are interesting colored lights, weird artsy stuff and small passages to rooms you can enter to see different aspects of the mystery. There are a lot of hands-on activities that kids and adults really enjoy. Often, you see people in white lab coats wandering around and eyeing you very closely. They serve not only as security for the facility but they also tie into the mystery. You can ask them questions about the story and they give you vague and mysterious answers that may help you un-peel the clues. You always feel closely watched as you tour the rooms, especially when you notice all the security cameras hidden about.<br />
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If tight crowded spaces and darkness are disturbing, this might not be your cup of tea, but we found it fascinating and cleaver.<br />
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At some point we will return and take our time try and get into the mystery built into the house. We discovered all the portals to the other dimensions and we explored every nook, cranny, stairway, and art space.<br />
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Going in we weren't sure if we would enjoy our visit, but as we left, we both agreed that it was well done and had lots of interesting things to experience. It was well worth our money, we agreed.<br />
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Meow Wolf built a stage area as part of the exhibit. They periodically hold music events. The attraction has become so popular that Meow Wolf is planning to create similar facilities in other cities such as Austin, Texas and others.<br />
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If you are passing through the Santa Fe region, take some time to check out the hottest indoor activity around. There are lots of RV parks in our region. I have a <a href="http://sockmonkeytrekkers.blogspot.com/2014/04/rv-sites-in-los-alamos-county-new-mexico.html" target="_blank">blog</a> describing many camping opportunities in Los Alamos. Los Alamos is an hours drive from Santa Fe.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0