Inside the Overland Expo

So what is “overlanding,” anyway? One thing I learned from spending three days immersed among seasoned circumnavigators to adventure wannabes is that it means many different things to as many different people. It might mean circumnavigating the globe in one’s own vehicle, or merely driving the dirt Mojave Road across California’s Mojave National Preserve. To me, overlanding means crossing multiple Continue reading

Finding Fun in Flagstaff

After traveling over 10,000 miles last summer as I made my way from Texas to the far reaches of Newfoundland and Labrador and back in just over four months, I vowed to slow way down this year, driving less and staying put longer.  The best area to do that seasonally in the US is the “four corners” area, seeking higher elevations while trying to stay just ahead of the rising summer temps.   Having never spent much time in Flagstaff, its spring weather forecast at over 7,000 ft and abundance of dispersed camping in the Coconino Forest make it an appealing stop to escape the desert heat Continue reading

Is Prescott the Perfect Place?

Ask any full timer who might be thinking of becoming a “some timer” what places are on their short list for settling down and establishing a home base?   Prescott, Arizona is likely to be in their Top Five.   The high elevation combined with the arid climate
makes for mild winters, survivable summers, and near-perfect weather in longer-than-
average spring and fall.   Such a change of seasons can be a rarity in the southern US. With the crazy weather patterns in the west this year, I experienced three out of four seasons in just one week! Continue reading

The Last Train to Clarksdale

For as long as I can recall, I have always been passionate about train travel, from early childhood riding the miniature train through the Fort Worth Forest Park Zoo, to my longest ride yet, the TranSiberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing.   Still, I can’t get enough.  There is just something about the rhythmic cadence of the tracks, riding through scenery unspoiled by billboards and 18 wheelers.  Not to mention the romantic Continue reading

It’s the Little Things in Tucson

This is a rather unconventional blog post for an RVer, but it’s one of my favorite memories from my multiple in and out visits as I bounced back and forth across Tucson this winter.

I first heard mention of the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures from photos on Pam Wright’s Facebook page. After viewing her photos, I knew I had to add this museum to my list of places to visit while in Tucson. In addition to over 500 houses Continue reading

The Only Blogger Who Hasn’t Been to Bisbee?

Another one of those “out west” places that feels like its approaching blogger cliché status is Bisbee, Arizona.   After following RV blogs for about six years now, making my list of places to visit from others who have been before me, Bisbee sounds like a place I would love. It’s warranted a post from just about every blogger making the rounds through southern Arizona, using words like “funky,” “hippie vibe,” and “quirky charm.” Continue reading

Inspired by Spires – The Wonderland of Rocks

I had never heard of Chiricahua National Monument prior to reading about it on my hiking buddy Mark’s blog back in 2015.  I couldn’t even spell it, let alone pronounce it or find it on a map, but one look at those gorgeous canyons full of towering columns, and I quickly added it to my wish list..   Then one by one, my favorite bloggers all posted their own account of hiking “the big loop,” causing my anticipation and determination to visit this otherworldly place to heighten. Continue reading

Driven by the View

I didn’t think I would blog again.   Once I stopped and looked at it from “the 30,000 ft view,” it seemed like just more social media servitude that seems to have taken over much more of my life than I like to admit.   I began to question was I still being honest with myself that I blogged solely for the sake of preserving memories?   Or had it become a social crutch to keep me from feeling isolated in my chosen nomadic lifestyle?    An excuse to spend time on the laptop that could be better spent outdoors or reading a book? Continue reading

If A Tree Falls in the Forest…

NOTE:  Thanks for all your wonderful comments and support on my “Dear Mr. President” post.   I’ll get back to life in Mexico soon, but first, I have a few posts to catch up on, lest I forget the last days of my southerly winter migration…

If a tree falls in the forest and I can’t remember seeing it, does it still count?  If I visited a national park but can’t remember a thing about it, does it still count?

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a national park junkie.   I have lofty aspirations to visit all 59 with the official “Park” status. Continue reading