Retreating to Flagstaff

Kelly and I left the Bay Area six weeks ago, but due to various family and work commitments, it wasn’t until last week that we really began our lives on the road.  Escaping southern Arizona, we retreated into the elevation and cooler temperatures to the north.

For years I have heard good things about the town of Flagstaff and was excited to visit, and especially happy to be joining our pals Brian & Leigh for 10 days of dispersed camping at Walnut Canyon, located in the Coconino National Forest.  Much of the forest is at high altitude (averaging  7,000 feet) and is home to the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in North America.   Even better, our campsite was only about 15 minutes from super cool downtown Flagstaff – everything about this set-up was perfect.

Last night (Wednesday) I left the cozy campground in Flagstaff to return to San Francisco for a few days of face-time in the office.  Now here I sit typing, reflecting on a great 10 days  – mainly, that despite long work days, Kelly and I managed to pack a lot into our visit …

• met a number of (new to us) fellow full-timers (Horton’s Travels, 2Wanderaway, Finding Marshall, & Jen)
• wandered through a national monument site
• got lost amongst the various forest service roads
• helped Brian & Leigh complete much need repairs to their Airstream
• explored Flagstaff while eating good food, enjoying locally brewed beers, and sipping delicious espresso

I think this life on the road will be just fine.