August 30, 2016 - Pawnee Lake State Park, OK Mark is closing in on his quest to visit all 50 states. Today we passed through Colorado and into Oklahoma. And boy, is it hot! Temperatures in the mid 90’s with lots of sun. It was a long driving day with farm, after farm. We passed a windmill shipping station where there were hundreds of pieces of the large white windmills that dot the landscape. On the road, we were passed by trucks hauling wide loads with some of the pieces. Then we began to see oil wells – right in the middle of the farmlands. Fields as far as the eye could see. Camping tonight at Pawnee Lake State Park. 86F at 7:00pm but a beautiful breeze coming off the lake. I’ve become quite comfortable with the accommodations of the van. A $10-$20 fee and I have my own space with a perfect bed. We’re surrounded by fishermen with no apparent way to pay for tonight. Perhaps someone will show up before we leave in the am. The crickets will put us to sleep and the birds will wake us in the morning. So beautiful. So lucky
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8/28/16 - Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado At first glance Mesa Verde National Park lacks the splendor of the canyons. It’s a desert at 8,000 feet; a ‘green table” which wasn't visible as you enter the park. The 20 mile drive through the park to the ‘attractions’ winds though burned out forrest. As a high point in the middle of this desert the area is a main attraction for lightening and the results are evident. And then, we stopped at a lookout and across the canyon where you can see tiny windows and tiny doors. There is a mystery brewing here. A little further along we stopped at the Cliffs Palace. Thank goodness the Park Service has limited access to this location. Walking down, down, down 150 feet and suddenly the tiny village is revealed. Built into the cliff, these structures housed 25 families for a period of 80 years starting in 1200AD. These ancestors of the Pueblo people build three story homes of limestone bricks nestled under a huge cliff. Originally named the Anasazi (the ancient ones) as they disappeared after 80 years, it’s now thought they they moved south to find a more hospitable land after years of drought. How lucky we were to see what they left behind. Our next tour was even more spectacular. It was led by a park geologist, Drew Reagan, whose clear love of the location was beautifully shared. The Balcony House was a much smaller site and thus gave a better glimpse into the homes that were built. A look at the craftsmanship of the bricks and the wooden floors that still remain can’t help but inspire awe. He wove stories that made me feel like I could see the people walking about, making meals and defending and ascending the cliff walls. To enter the site you must climb several ladders. To leave the site you must climb a 30 foot ladder and ascend stone steps cut into the mountainside What started as a lackluster drive morphed into a place of wonder.
To the Top
8/23/16 An early start to a nearly perfect day. Mark was up before dawn to prepare for his hike to the summit of Mt. Wheeler. He left shortly after Dawn and Bono and I left an hour later to go explore. Imagine my relief when I passed the trailhead and saw three cars – Mark was not alone. We went to explore Baker that was shut down because ‘everything closes on Tuesday and Wednesdays.’ Instead we were directed to the RV Park/Motel/Café/Casino on the Nevada/Utah Border about 15 minutes away. It was a trip. Whew. Stopped at an archeological dig on the way back that had revealed a Native American village. Back at the visitor’s center the Walkietalkie crackled. It was Mark calling from the summit. He had climbed faster than expected and was feeling great. I spent the afternoon reading as he descending the mountain with stories of people he had met and having seen a golden mantle grown squirrel. Happy Day 5000 Year Old Trees 8/22/16 Can you even conceive of a tree that is 5000 years old? I can’t even though I’ve sent them before. What stories these trees could tell This morning we took a hike up to a bristle cone pine grove. This was my first real hike since my ACL surgery years ago. The hike started at the campground at 10,300 feet. The trail covered 4 miles and a 600 feet gain of elevation. Just walking uphill at this altitude is a challenge. Slow and steady and we were rewarded with one more amazing site. These trees have adapted to harsh conditions. Dense layers filled with resin leaves them standing even when they’ve died. They hand around for centuries until wind and sand wear them away.
August 20, 2016 We slept in a bed and had showers and other indoor plumbing for a whole week while spending wonderful time with family.It was time to hit the road again this morning. With over 3000 miles to travel we want to make our trip home as memorable and fun as the rest of our adventure so we’ve marked out some more things to see on the way. First on the agenda was to check out a few more communities in California. We visited several in the foothills of the Sierras and one has become a strong contender. It’s time to start doing my homework to find out more about this enticing place. The drive continued into Yosemite and over Tuolome Pass. All the campgrounds in the park were full – it is a summer Saturday after all – but we lucked out and are spending the night in Aspen Campground in a National Forrest. Not exactly the lap of luxury for our first night out but it’s been a long and and I’m sure we’ll sleep well. 8/27/16 - Canyonlands National Park, Utah As the sun rose over the canyon I finally could see the splendor of this park. The cliffs are strong and bold towering high over the valley below. The water had it’s way with this valley too carving away the ballet and leaving cliffs of bright red and white rocks. Our campsite is nestled within those rocks with a 20 foot wall behind our van. A drive to the end of the road and short hike took us to the place where the Colorado and Green Rivers join deep, deep, deep in the canyon. Nearly devoid of visitors at this time of year, I once again wondered at what the early people though of these lands and how tough life must have been. There is no loser in this contest. Each of these parks has a special beauty that touches deep inside.
8/26/16 - Natural Bridges National Monument On our drive east we took a short detour to visit Natural Bridges National Monument. Wow! Once again the power of water to carve rock. This time a fantastic view of 200ft bridges that straddle the remaining creeks along with beautiful canyons On to Canyonlands National Park for the night. It’s cloudy and so I don’t think we’ve yet seen the splendor of this park. Hoping it will clear so we can see the stars Leftovers and peach pie for dinner! Yummy
August 25, 2016 It was late when we drove into Capitol Reef National Park yesterday. There had been flash floods, it was cloudy and the scenic road was closed. Each view of the cliffs were teasers for this morning The flash floods from yesterday closed the scenic road until late morning (and the gravel roads until next week). Still, the amazing carving of rock by water was breathtaking. Who can understand the years and centuries and millennia that was need to wear away the Rock and intricately leave behind spires and towers galore? The valley of this park was settled by a group of Moromon families who realized the location was ideal for growing fruit. What remains are orchards that have been well maintain. We picked apples and then visited the Gifford House to buy a peach pie made from peaches in an orchard, some blueberry preserves and fresh baked bread.
August 21, 2016 Back into Yosemite this morning over Tayoga Pass to check out the views and the lakes that we missed yesterday. We had a wonderful view of Halfdome. We also sasw climbers on faces of cliffs along the way. We made a stop at Tenaya Lake and Bono and I got our feet wet. It was wam near the shore but quickly got chilly. Still, there is something soothing about putting your feet into a lake and I thoroughly enjoyed Our travels took us east to Carson City to check out the area. Soooo many casinos. Some of them are nothing more than a storefront with flashing lights. No matter what the time of day, there seem to be cars outside. So sad And so, we began the drive through Nevada. Temps in the high 90’s – “but it’s a dry heat.” We decided to stop for the night at a reservoir. The water was so far down that it was almost hard to see but modern facilities and one of the most gorgeous sunsets of the trip. It was a hot stay
August 8/9, 2016 A classic rainy Oregon Day took us to the Tilamook Cheese Factory for some sampling, a tour and the biggest single scoop ever. Complete sugar overload but very interesting to see the process. Still lots of people involved in the process. The rain came down harder as we approached Cannon Beach but we did see the huge rock that sits on the beach. Something out of Planet of the Apes Nighttime took us to a huge reservoir and a cool open campground. Arriving a night, we didn’t really see how wonderful it was. The morning brought a beautiful sunrise and a drive gave us a close look at the sagebrush high desert environment. Spending the night – for free – in a National Forrest. On to Alpine Lake tomorrow to see Ange, Lewis and the kids. Hooray! Drove south to Nevada to check out Reno. Not too keen on the city itself but saw some lovely homes east of the city. Continued on to Tahoe. What’s not to like about this amazing lake? We checked out some towns but found that the thought of a home on a hillside was less appealing that we imagined. Spending the night – for free – in a National Forrest. On to Alpine Lake tomorrow to see Ange, Lewis and the kids. Hooray! |
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