Triskel Life


May 23, 2007

Wander the West, First Leg

Category: Travel, Trekking, Uncategorized – westi – 8:03 am

I’m sunning myself over coffee and a muffin, not so stealthily grabbing bites of Hubby’s Ham and Brie Frittata, while we admire the infamous Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona. Since today is the first time we’ve stopped for free Wifi, I’ll give you a taste of what it took to get us here.

5/19: Lighten the Load

new_hair_1.jpg

In my efforts not to over pack, I decided one thing had to go–the hair. Five days later I can definitely say this was a wise choice. After the haircut we packed the truck, said “See you soon” to our beloved pooches and got ready for our 6am Sunday departure.

5/20: Get out of Dodge

With the guidance of our knowledgeable friend Linus we took the scenic route into Death Valley, our first destination. We made our way 7 miles up a steep washboard road (thank goodness for 4-wheel drive!) and saw the beehive-like Charcoal Kilns.charcoal_kilns.jpg

With a few good hours of sunlight left we drove into the Valley, where most campgrounds were already closed for the season due to the high heat (they have signs at every crossing reminding you that you will die if you don’t drink water and lots of it.) It would be an understatement to say it was hot, because it was Hades H-O-T. I thought we’d die. We didn’t, but we got up before 6am and got out ASAP. It was beautiful though. I’d love to see it in winter/spring.

5/21: Finding Cooler Grounds

We drove through the Vegas strip, to which all Hubby could say was “I’m overwhelmed,” and continued on to Boulder City, Nevada. We spent the day touring the city and the Hoover Dam, which he city was built to support. The Hoover Dam is awe-inspiring, not just for its size, but because it was finished two years early and two million dollars under budget. Where did those days go? After a day on foot we found the warm, but far more bearable, Lake Mead campgrounds, where we enjoyed pulling out all of our new cooking gear that it was too hot to use in Death Valley.

5/22: Route 66

route_66.jpgwilliams_az.jpg

After packing up camp we wanted to follow the footsteps of our American brothers and sisters for a drive down what’s left of historic Route 66. Mostly, you just see signs of what used to be. Dilapidated hotels and restaurants are most of what’s left between kitschy tourist shops full of Route 66 stickers and ice cold Cokes. But it was fun and the perfect way to reach our destination of the day, Sedona, Arizona.

5/23: Right Here, Right Now

So here we are! Refueled, ready to go for a bike ride or hike (we can’t decide) and then explore more of this beautiful city. The temperatures are perfect–a high of 77 degrees predicted–and the sun is shining. I can see why Greg Brown called this a boom town, because everyone will want to flock here if they see it.

See you not so soon. The Wanderers.

7 Comments »

  1. Woo hoo… nice telling of the tale, Westi … makes me long for the open road and endless hours to write stories myself. We’re living vicariously through you so keep the updates coming!

    Comment by Laura — May 23, 2007 @ 8:17 am

  2. Also brings memories flooding back to me. I was pregnant with Laura when
    we saw Hoover Dam. We made the Route 66 trip many times. We had no
    air conditioned cars so we drove at night and ate ice continuously when
    going through the desert. Like Laura, I say keep the stories coming. I
    am not sure I long for the open road anymore but everyone should see
    these things once. Love the photos and glad to know where you areand
    what you are doing. love you both be safe

    Comment by Gram — May 23, 2007 @ 10:50 am

  3. What Laura said, and also, I really like your new haircut!

    I’ve never been to Sedona. Isn’t that a favorite destination of aliens? Say howdy for me!

    Comment by Jessi — May 23, 2007 @ 12:29 pm

  4. It’s great to hear from you. Thanks for the tour of your adventures and pictures. Keep them coming. Brooke has been to Sedona and says it is beautiful!! Hope you are enjoying it. I’m sure you’ll take pictures of those red rocks. All is well here. I’ll see Jasmine this evening. Love ya!

    Comment by Deborah — May 23, 2007 @ 1:48 pm

  5. how do you make your own website? I like your picture, though! I learned about route 66 in school recently.

    Comment by jill — May 24, 2007 @ 4:41 pm

  6. Thanks for the comments y’all. I’m a touch homesick, so it’s nice to hear from you.

    Jessi, I think you’re thinking of Roswell, New Mexico. Haven’t seen any aliens yet, but plenty of terrestrial landscapes.

    Jill, you should ask your aunt Laura to build you a Website. She’s an expert. ;-)

    It is usually I who live vicariously through my friends and loved-ones, so I’m glad I can give back a little. =)

    Comment by westi — May 25, 2007 @ 10:02 pm

  7. I am will Jill - love the hair!!!!!

    I am thrillled you are having a good trip so far. I have to admit that I am not jealous of where you are traveling but I am jealous of the travel. I am not an Arizona fan. And the desert doesn’t sound good at all. I think I will keep trees on the mountains I love and leave the red ones to you guys.

    I hope everything continues to go great! Be safe and have fun.

    Comment by Michele — May 29, 2007 @ 4:39 pm

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