Cedar Hill State Park Campground Host
Its tough to know when the end of the RVing season arrives here in Texas. We had 27 degree lows last week, blanketed in between two 70 degree weekends. I guess I can’t complain since the cycle is not reversed by freezing temps falling during my days off!
With forcasted lows in the 20’s, it is time to start thinking about “winterizing” my still-yet-to-be-named motorhome. Continue reading
As I mentioned previously, I have been trying for well over a year to get a permit to hike The Wave in the Coyote Butte section of Utah. Having been so excited about the prospect of crossing this off my “bucket list,” I was surprised by the feeling of trepidation that was eating away at my stomach the night before as I sat in the local Mexican restaurant swigging a margarita, trying to plot way-points in the wilderness into an automobile GPS. Continue reading
Page, Arizona is a little one-horse town established back in 1955 to support the building of the Glen Canyon Dam. There is nothing much here but a lot of budget motels and fast food restaurants, with one lone Walmart for shopping. But the abundance of beauty on all sides is what caused me to choose Page over Kanab, UT, the equidistant town from the Wave hike.
“Sandfall” in Upper Antelope Canyon
One of the main attractions was my desire to explore the Antelope Slot Canyon. Continue reading
“The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders.” — Edward Abbey
Winding along the curve of Hwy 89 descending down on approach to the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, that first glimpse of the dam is breathtaking. Majestic and powerful in its wide span of man made beauty and symmetry as the calm, peaceful lake bulges up against the massive strength of the concrete, now holding back the wild, natural river from carving its way through the canyon. Continue reading
After getting my Snow Canyon “fix” (along with a big plate of turkey for Thanksgiving dinner,) I departed St. George, UT bound for Page, AZ to get closer to the location for the Wave hike, and to explore a few of the attractions near Lake Powell. I didn’t want to cut through Zion National Park, because I knew it would only frustrate me to drive right through one of my favorite parks without time to stop and explore. Having been here over Thanksgiving six years ago, I wanted to explore some different areas of Southern Utah this time. Continue reading
I have been trying to get a permit to hike the Wave at Coyote Buttes in Utah for a year and a half now. The hiking is by permit only, and there are only 20 permits issued per day; ten reserved by advanced lottery, and the remaining ten for pre-dawn walk-ups. I had some freakish accidental “beginners luck” the first time I tried a year ago last summer. I got my first choice on my first attempt. I was gleefully checking flight schedules when I got the “woops!! Not so fast!” email from Paria Canyon Continue reading
After driving home from Lake Bob Sandlin, unhooking successfully, then running the RV all around town getting weighed, inspected, and a set of new tags attached, I decided I was ready for my first “maiden solo voyage.” Continue reading
My brother, Don, drove out with me on Saturday to pick up my “new baby” so he could drive my Honda CRV back home. It seemed a waste of a perfectly good weekend to drive straight home from Arkansas, so instead, we decided to overnight in Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. Continue reading
As if a hot air balloon ride wasn’t enough of a birthday indulgence, I decided to treat myself to a spa day. After all, the balloon ride was on Sunday, which enabled me to rationalize a special treat for my “official birthday” on Tuesday. I had a tough time deciding between Ten Thousand Waves spa just 3 miles outside of Santa Fe, or Ojo Caliente, an hours drive away. Both had come highly recommended with adjectives “zen-like” used to describe Ten Thousand Waves, and “magical” waters of Ojo Calliente. How does one decide between “zen” and “magic?” Continue reading
1.) Make sure you plan your stay to include enough days to overcome any weather obstacles. I was quite shocked to see the fiesta cancelled on my first day when it was such a gorgeous, clear blue sky morning. But if the wind is higher than 8mph, the event gets called. Watch the many small flags on the field to get a sense of flight probability.
2.) You can buy your tickets online, or at the gate. If you buy them online and the event gets cancelled, you must deal with them to get a rain check or refund. If you buy your ticket at the gate and the event gets cancelled, just show your ticket stub at the next event to be admitted. Same for parking.
3.) Be sure to “friend” the Fiesta if you are on Facebook. That is how I found out the status of events. I knew the Saturday morning Mass Ascension was cancelled long
before it was announced over the loud speaker, because of their Facebook status updates.
4.) Don’t waste the extra money ($150 surcharge!) on Rainbow Ryders who advertise that they depart from the balloon field! According to what I witnessed, only about 10% of them actually leave from there. Mine didn’t, though hundreds of other private balloons were able to depart the field that day without any problems. Plus they crammed 14 of us into one basket…for a scenic ride over ABQ Industrial park! Book a ride in town during the fiesta, but just don’t pay the extra Rainbow Ryders surcharge. It’s a rip off!!
5.) If you think there is a chance that the event may cancel, consider driving rather than public transport. Or bring a book. The lines to get back on the Park and Ride buses are murderous when everyone is trying to leave at once.
6.) The green chile breakfast burritos from the “Sadie’s” stand are the best on the field!
7.) Try your very best to see the “Special Shapes Rodeo.” It is on Thursday morning. Every balloon is unique, and quite clever. It was my favorite part…the joy was palpable. I would say the same goes for the “Twilight Glow,” but the special shapes were just…well, very special!
8.) Dress in layers. It is freezing on the field at dawn when you arrive, and toasty when you leave. The grass is damp. The ground is cold. Wear comfortable water resistant shoes and warm socks.
9.) Get your souvenirs early, as they do run out. If they are out at the shop there on the field “Main Street,” they have many of the same items at their Headquarters gift shop just up the hill on Alameda Blvd, just the other side of the balloon museum. (They won’t readily tell you about this in the field shop.)
10.) During the week when events are sparse, I recommend a drive toward Santa Fe along the scenic “Turquoise Trail.” Be sure to stop at “Burger Boy” in Cedar Crest, just outside of ABQ. BEST Green Chile Cheeseburger hole-in-the-wall I have experienced! (And nice people there too!)
Have fun! It is an experience not to be missed!
I’ll be back!