RV travels – Page 3 – Paint Your Landscape

This Nomadic Life ~ The People You Meet

February 13, 2013LuAnn

I have a little secret to share. I am an introvert, and being such, I was more than a little nervous about plunging into this RVing lifestyle. Who would we meet? Would I have anything in common with them? When I was firmly ensconced in my career, few saw me as an introvert. I knew my stuff and felt totally comfortable standing up in front of a large group of people, giving presentations. Doesn’t sound much like an introvert, right? This new adventure was taking me out of my comfort zone so I wondered if I might retreat back into my little shell, much like a hermit crab when you pick him up.

Who is that with Terry? Hard to tell with my blurry photo!

I have been pleasantly surprised by the wonderful folks we’ve met in the past 1.5 years on the road. What I have discovered, and should have known had I stopped to think for five minutes, is that we all share the travel bug. We all have a passion for seeing this beautiful country, the good old USA, her exciting cities and all their variety, soaring mountains, stunning desert vistas, rugged coastline, national monuments and parks… so much to offer. A passion for nature weaves a common thread through each of us, so I no longer wonder when we pull into a new campground. I feel certain that we will meet interesting people with whom we can forge that connection, even with just a passing greeting.

When we booked our reservation into Cave Creek Regional Park, what I did not know was that a couple from Colorado, whose blog I follow, Live Laugh RV, would be parked right next door, a little serendipitous for sure. We have had the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the Buffalo Chip Saloon (cause we are in the Wild West you know) and a few hours around the campfire with Ingrid and Al, swapping stories of where we had been and where we are headed.

This RV lifestyle, once approached with trepidation, I now look upon as a grand adventure, in awe of the jaw-dropping beauty around every corner and thankful for the great folks who have provided such color and texture along the way.

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Desert Hikes and RVing Friends ~ Cave Creek, AZ

February 8, 2013February 8, 2013LuAnn

dancing saguaro

Soft breeze, deep blue sky

desert delight round the bend

Saguaros dancing!

When I rounded the corner on the Spur Cross Trail, this saguaro, with his arms extended, looked to be dancing. He didn’t seem to have a dance partner at the time and, given his prickly nature, I wasn’t about to oblige him either.

We have enjoyed a few hikes now while hangin’ out in the burbs north of Phoenix, taking advantage of these warm winter days. Spur Cross Trail is one of many in what is the newest addition to Maricopa County’s Regional Parks system, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. A moderate hike at 5.2 miles; link up Elephant Mountain Trail with this and you have a nice 7.5 mile trek. We chose to just gaze at Elephant Mountain on this day as I was looking forward to another 7.5 miler the next day with the gals, friend Nina and her most precious pooch Polly.

Saguaros against a cerulean blue sky

Harmony Hollow Ranch at the base of Elephant Mountain

Barrel cactus up-close and personal

What a day for a hike!

Surrounded by sauaros

Mother Nature’s changing hues

Hiking destination for the girls’ outing was Pass Mountain Trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park. Terry and I had done this hike last year so there was zero risk of me being found wandering aimlessly in the desert. I do have quite the reputation for having a pitiful sense of direction, which I will not even attempt to deny. This trail offers sweeping desert vistas, mountain views, and saguaros dotting the landscape, a most enjoyable way for Nina and I to catch up on the adventures we each have had over the past few months.

Polly and Nina at Pass Mtn

An old soldier

Me giving a little perspective

Four Peaks off in the distance

Golden desert sunset

Spring’s arrival in the desert

Meeting other RVers is always an enjoyable part of this lifestyle. What we didn’t know when we booked our reservation at Cave Creek Regional Park was that we would have the opportunity to meet another nomadic couple and they would be camped right next to us! Stay tuned for my next post when I introduce you to our new RV friends.

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The Sounds of Silence ~ Cave Creek Regional Park, AZ

February 3, 2013LuAnn

We have seen some fabulous country since we began this nomadic RV adventure and many times we find ourselves asking “could we live here”? The west is where we feel the greatest pull, from the sandy beaches in So Cal, to the mountains in the Eastern Sierras, to the rugged Oregon coastline, we seemed to fall in love with the land around every turn.

Driving across the deserts of Arizona, looking out over the layers of craggy peaks, spiky cacti and the vast open spaces, I felt a strange pull, oddly comforted, like I had come home. Having lived in Arizona for 20+ years I wondered, when we leave an area we have loved, does a little piece of our soul remain, to be reconnected with us upon our return? This is exactly how I felt. Looking across the great expanse of desert, I felt I could hear the whispers of our native ancestors welcoming me back. The hawks circling overhead seemed to be guiding us towards our destination, Cave Creek Regional Park.

Barrel cactus with its menacing fish-hook needles

Stately saguaro, home to the cactus wren

I could hardly wait for the next morning’s sunrise, wondering how I would feel as I walked alone in the desert. Out the door before the break of dawn, complete silence enveloped me, the air punctuated only by the trilling of songbirds and the distinctive sound of the desert quail, which will forever remind me of our home in Sedona. Bunnies merrily chased one another and the stately saguaro, barrel, teddy-bear, and ocotillo cacti seemed to quietly nod their welcome as I passed by. The scent of desert sage wafted over me as I inhaled deeply. In the early morning splendor of the desert, all manner of creature was awakening for the day. I walked back to the RV, a deep sense of contentment filling me, as the thought of sunny days hiking deep into the desert mountains filled my thoughts.

A desert awakening at Cave Creek Regional Park

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A Day Made for Ocean Kayaking

January 20, 2013LuAnn

It all started when I stepped out the door and inhaled. The early morning colors and the crisp, cool ocean air seemed to imbue my senses, wrapping me gently in blue and golden hues. The stately palm trees sensed it too, a warm sunny 75° day unfolding.

Sun's peaceful reflection — Sun’s peaceful reflection

We have been anticipating this day for the past few weeks, when we would launch our kayak out into the ocean and paddle to the kelp beds. We had to wait until the surf was fairly flat and this day the gods were smiling on us as the ocean looked to be as serene as an alpine lake. The surfers were none too thrilled I’m sure, but they have had plenty of opportunity to catch some big waves with all the high surf warnings we’ve had around here lately.

For the past few weeks, standing atop the bluffs, we have seen several whales spouting from beyond the kelp beds and we were hoping to see some up close from the water. Dolphins have teased us with their surfing skills as well, joining in right alongside the other boarders.

What is it about floating on the water that can soothe even the most restless part of me? The sight of the paddle dipping into the water as we propel ourselves forward, sun’s shimmering rays dancing on the water’s edge, pelicans soaring just above the water’s surface…simply divine.

We managed to get the kayak into the water and beyond the break without swamping the boat, a good first step. Pointing our boat west we headed out, hopeful for new discoveries. Looking down into the depths, we watched huge schools of silver fish dart to and fro, as tiny white jellyfish gently floated by. Seals lazily glided through the beds, looking for their next snack, but keeping a wary eye on us all the while.

We found friends Bill and Lisa out on the water, enjoying this sun-kissed day balanced upon their paddleboards. They shared with us some of their great finds – moon jellies, zebra fish and leopard sharks, unfortunately none of which we saw, but a couple of surprises still awaited us before day’s end.

Lisa, looking like a beautiful blonde mermaid

Bill enjoying a picture-perfect day on the water

Just when we were about to call it a day, we spotted a pod of five dolphins. Our best efforts at closing the distance between us and them were not good enough, as they toyed with us, managing to stay far enough away to avoid a photo. Suddenly we felt something glide beneath our kayak and a curious dolphin broke the water’s surface. I clicked away in the hopes of getting at least one usable photo. Sometimes luck is all one needs!

We couldn’t think of a better way to end our day, except maybe to see a whale or two, but that wasn’t happening. Time to head back in, which can be the tricky part when in a kayak, particularly for a couple of novices. If you don’t catch the wave at the right angle, you can end up getting pulled sideways and flip. We took a deep breath, prepared for the wave coming our way, and proudly rode it into shore. A most excellent way to end the day!

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Way Up Trail ~ Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, Escondido, CA

January 9, 2013LuAnn

Hiking trails are hard to come by around San Diego but if you are willing to drive a few miles you will find places off the beaten path that allow you to imagine for just a little while that you are away from the big city. The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, near Escondido, is one of those places and the Way Up Trail is the way to go, up that is.

Our friend Stan invited me to tag along with him on this adventure. He was batchin’ it, with wife Marilyn away visiting family, and I was anxious to escape the quarantine zone that has become our RV since hubby Terry picked up a nasty respiratory infection. This was to be Stan’s maiden uphill voyage since a hiking accident last July left him faced with some extensive rehab so I was honored to be along for the ride.

If you are looking for a nice little leg workout, the Way Up Trail fits the bill, 3.2 miles round trip, with switchbacks greeting hikers from the start. A lovely little reservoir awaits you at the top as well as a network of trails extending 10 miles if you are so inclined. We opted to hike another 1.5 miles, soaking up the sun, with Stan sharing stories of his Appalachian Trail hiking days. Since it has been a dream of ours to hike the AT, I was enthralled.

Once back down at the trailhead we pulled out phones and called our respective spouses to let them know we had a successful hike. Stan, being ever the southern gentleman, thanked my hubby for letting him borrow his lovely bride for a few hours. It is said that “it’s not the destination but the journey that counts” but I believe it’s also who you take along with you. Today I was fortunate to have a great friend along.

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