I recently hit that major milestone all RVers look forward to, the National Parks Senior Pass. Or as I hoped it was really called, “The Golden Age Passport.” I’d much rather view life from the “golden age” than that of a “Senior.” I came to hike over 6 miles at 10,000 ft elevation, which doesn’t make me feel much like a senior, but if that’s what they want to call free admission for life and 50% off of all campsites, Continue reading
Category Archives: Nevada
Black Canyon Kayak Trip, Day Three – “Reading the River”
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
Black Canyon Kayak Trip, Day Two – “How to Cure an Internet Addiction”
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
Black Canyon Kayak Trip, Day One – “Miserable to Memorable”
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
Back to the Wash to Wash My Spirit Clean
“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” ~ John Muir
When I asked Mark and Bobbie for recommendations on Valley of Fire hikes, both stressed emphatically, “You’ve got to hike the wash!” Of course, this means an unofficial, unmarked, unmaintained trail, which makes me a bit uneasy as a solo hiker, not having done much exploring of unofficial trails. But the great thing about hiking a wash is that the trail has been marked by nature. Just follow the gully, and you can’t go wrong. Continue reading
Fire and Rain
There has been steady, constant drizzle since I arrived at Valley of Fire State Park. The dismal gray skies match my gloomy mood. After so many days of perfect cobalt blue skies of Zion, it seems only fitting that I would be greeted by gray and gloom. Continue reading
Sometimes, You Just Need to Camp in Town!
My whirlwind of a three day weekend, where I climbed from below sea level in one National Park to almost 10,000 feet in another was now over. I had crammed into three days what felt like a week of jaw-dropping sights and extreme experiences. It was time to go back to work… Continue reading
I Rolled the Dice….
Autozone had diagnosed my Check Engine Light (for free!) as a faulty exhaust temperature sensor – an emissions thing. Many said “Emissions? I would just keep driving it. Just ignore it.” But how would I know if there weren’t other codes popping up if the light never went out? Continue reading
We RVers have a saying…
“OH CRAP!”
Yes, that is surely one of them…But the one I really meant was “Plans are made in Jello.” Such was the nature of my exit from Prescott on a Friday afternoon. Continue reading