Posts from the ‘States’ Category

Mar 12

Getting Our Groove Back

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Ahh … back to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s been a long time coming.

Having returned her long term rental car after work, Kelly arrived to the trailer Friday night signifying that our visit to Half Moon Bay was over. Seven weeks after we arrived, we were finally free to resume what has become to us a ‘normal’ way of life. With urgency that cannot be explained, later that evening we finally got the hell out of the Bay Area, and in the process began what will be a realignment to our previously planned 2017 travel route.

We didn’t get too far that night – 90 minutes of driving was all. But symbolically we made huge strides. Once again we were mobile. All that mattered as we pulled into a Camping World parking lot for the night was that we were moving towards greener pastures – no more RV park, no more daily commutes into the office, no anchor keeping us stationary.

Our destination was the town of Lone Pine, a sleepy little community nestled into the bosom of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. As we awoke Saturday morning 400 miles lie between where we were and where we wanted to be. Covering that amount of distance in a single day has become nearly unfathomable for us, however in this case, the push seemed like a fair trade off considering the raw beauty that awaited us.

As you can see in the picture above, we’ve done just fine for ourselves. Our BLM boondocking spot provides us with all we could ask for, especially when considering the cost is free. We’ll sit here for a week, then hopefully sync up with a few friends further east. Until then, this is location will be a fantastic place to call home.

Mar 10

One Last Hurrah

Nevermind all the dirt she brings home or the 24 hours of sand in her poop, Lilly loves the ocean. For nearly two months, our daily walk passes by steps descending to the beach. Lilly know that once her paws reach the sand, only 50 yards separate her from the Pacific – the place she can chase sticks and dig. A mad dash to pure joy.

Every time we approach those steps, Lilly looks back at Kelly and me with hope that we will grant her wish – a chance to frolic on the beach. Far too often for her preference, and with no shortage of guilt on our part, we walk past the steps, continuing along an asphalt path.

As I begun preparing the trailer for travel mode earlier today, I could not help but find it disappointing on my part to deny Lilly one final visit to the beach. Today we are leaving the coast and I have no idea when we will be back, no real guess when Lilly will again taste the salt water. I do not know when I will have another opportunity to watch the sunset glitter over the water as she and I play fetch. Realistically it could a year, perhaps longer.

Of course I had to take her. It’s possible I had more fun that she did today.

Jan 12

Painting the Desert Sky

Because our rig cannot easily sustain continuous high altitude winter conditions, Kelly and I flee to the desert southwest this time of year, biding time until we can again comfortably deal with realities of weather at high altitudes.

Generally speaking, I am not a huge fan of the desert. Given the choice I will always prefer to spend time in the big mountain regions of the west.

However, anyone who has spent time in the Arizona desert – myself included – will confirm the sunrises and sunsets are crazy beautiful. Colors that words cannot adequately describe, paint the sky in a fashion one can only appreciate witnessing firsthand.

If ever in the area, I suggest taking pause to experience these moments for yourself.

Yes, as you awake to catch sunrise, the morning air will be shocking chilly as you step outside. You’d be surprised how well a warm cup of coffee – steam quietly rising from your cup complements the moment.

Later in the evening, once you’ve completed all the bullshit that consumed your day, grab a preferred cocktail of choice and once again step outside.

The weather will be pleasant – nicer than it was in the morning, but there will be no denying nightfall is quickly approaching. Cooler air will soon overtake these last moments of sun and warmth.

Sipping from that drink as you observe all that is happening above, take note how the sky shifts colors from blue, to a swirl of pink and purple, before fading to brilliant fiery orange just as the sun dips below the horizon.

Yes, good stuff.

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Jan 9

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The Elusive McDowell Mountain Campground

Following our holiday gathering in the desert, Kelly and I drove back to the Phoenix area – our destination being McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

We visited once before about 15 months ago, but due to my work travels, I was gone essentially the entire time. In the process, I was denied any opportunity to ride the highly regarded and vast trail network.

Having missed out previously, I was really excited to be going back. I love riding before work and with trails so easily accessible, doing so would be easy. But then – just like before – my work travel schedule changed and less than three hours after unhitching the trailer, I found myself leaving the campground and driving towards the airport.

Once again, I missed the entire week at the park. No riding for me. Again.

Arriving back to the campground late Friday night, I did manage to salvage half a day of hiking on Saturday before hitching-up and driving away early Sunday morning.

Someday I will be back and ride these damn trails. At least I hope so.

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