As anyone who has followed this blog knows, I suck at navigation. Whether by land or by sea, I have challenges. It’s not that I can’t follow a map, it’s more about not paying attention to where I am on that map. I tend to have a one track mind, and if I am talking or lost in thought, I can ramble for hours without paying attention to landmarks, mileage, etc. So my intentions lately have involved Continue reading
I have often thought I would like to drive the Historic Route 66 in its entirety one day. Known as “Main Street America,” this iconic road was once the main thoroughfare for travelers looking to “motor west.” One of my earliest childhood memories is driving this route through New Mexico and Arizona on our way to Hollywood. Continue reading
As soon as I get through the painfully slow process of check-in at the Supai Lodge and get to my room, I quickly dump out the contents of my backpack, change into my swimsuit and Keens, and take off for the falls. It is now after 1:00pm, and my time for sun is fleeting between these high canyon walls. I have been told the water is 72 degrees year round, but the air is cool, so I know my only hope for a swim is to get there before the afternoon shade. Continue reading
Several years ago, long before the Winnie was even a twinkle in my eye, I saw a Facebook post by my friend Joel’s wife Kathy about a hike she had done to a place I had never heard of before…Havasu Falls. To this day, I can still recall the photos of her standing beside an aquamarine pool beneath a pristine waterfall, set against a back drop of a red rock canyon. Those photos left such an impression that I started an Excel spreadsheet titled simply “Places.xlsx.” Havasu Falls was the first entry in the spreadsheet. Continue reading
Goodness knows, I love Manhattan more than most. But I will be the first to admit, March is not her “best look.” I spent eight winters in Manhattan, with each month of March a little more difficult than the last. By March, the snow is Continue reading
Weather-wise, our third day on the trip is the best yet! There is not a cloud in the sky, and we have a nice 8 to 10 mph tail wind. The remaining eight miles down the Black Canyon River Trail should be a joy ride! And with the sun finally out, I will get to see some of that emerald green water BJ and Kathy have been telling me is “So beautiful, you won’t believe!” Continue reading
I had a few concerns about my first overnight rafting trip. As a left-brained analytical, will I be able to “do it right?” Can I get my gear and myself down the river to arrive at the same time without embarrassing myself by turning over and sending the dry bags bobbing downriver without me? Or worse, the kayak? Did I remember to bring not only my Snowpeak mini-stove, but do I have the right blend of fuel canister to go with it? But not the least of my concerns is “How will I go three whole days without the internet???” Continue reading
It’s a balmy mid-January evening in Mesa, Arizona when John Schroder, his wife BJ, and I first discuss the prospect of a kayaking trip down the Colorado River through the Black Canyon. It has been in the mid 80’s for several days now, and the night is so pleasant that we choose an outside table at one of their favorite restaurants, Red White & Brew. John talks about timing for the trip, and suggests that the first week of March should be just about perfect. Continue reading
Just to the south of the spring break setting of Lake Havasu, I find a place much more to my liking. Oh sure, there is still plenty of noise nearby, with a Motocross race track and a shooting range in the area. But if one is willing to wander a bit, it is possible to enjoy the gorgeous lake views without getting caught in the mayhem of the masses. Just two miles Continue reading
I have been curious about Lake Havasu City ever since my long time friend Joel moved here sixteen years ago from New York (well, Connecticut, actually, but he will always be the consummate New Yorker to me.) I met Joel in a smoky Manhattan “dive bar” back in the early 90’s at a SCUBA diving club meeting. Continue reading