Cortez to Telluride

July 21, 2013

We woke, made breakfast burritos and broke down camp.  We had some mileage to get under our belts.  The plan was to camp on the Last Dollar Road near Telluride.  The route there was GORGEOUS.

We were winding our way down country roads, in and out of National Forest, past a lake and finally climbing.  A stop at an intersection made for a dog break.  And a classic face from Elly.

I just couldn't stop taking pictures.  This route to Telluride was breath taking.

Rommel squealed and we knew there was a creek.  He's an efficient water spotter.

We made our decent and made a pit stop to refill jugs of water for the dogs.  I found a very compliant butterfly and proceeded to take about 30 pictures of the little guy.

Meanwhile, Rommel begged but lost the battle to go in the creek.

A short jaunt down pavement and up the Last Dollar Road, we made camp by mid afternoon.  We camped at an old homestead.  The dogs thought it was divine.

We decided to camp two nights here, so the Camp Compound was erected.  Our trailer, with Oz Tent Foxwing plus the Beard's Oz Tent, Foxwing and walls.

I missed the sunset this night since we ate dinner late.  We bought a Camp Chef Camp Fire since Colorado had a fire ban.  It came in handy tonight.

We turned in late.  It became a habit this trip.  To bed late and up late.  I love being on vacation.

The Journey Begins

July 20, 2013

We enjoyed Colorado so much last year that we decided to go for round two.  Pete and Mandy dropped of the kids for the week, and Bear went with Steph.  We were packed and ready to go!

The drive up was uneventful - a standard drive through northern Arizona.  We stopped for a dog break near the Colorado border in the blazing AZ sun.

We soldiered on and finally hit Colorado! We stopped in Cortez for dinner, as the sun was sinking and we were in no mood for camp cooking.  The food sucked.  In retrospect we should've just cooked.

As usual we made camp in the dark.  It was a pretty nice evening.  Not too warm or too cold.  I played with my camera while the boys buttoned down camp. We were blessed with an almost full moon.

It was late so there was no major set up.  The dogs slept with Pete and Mandy.  We turned in.  After all, we had a long week of trails and scenery to enjoy.  With the heat and fuss of home behind us, we were ready for a break.

Make Good Art

In April, I found it that not only was Neil Gaiman publishing a new adult novel, but he would be embarking on his last signing tour.  I've seen him twice, once in New York City when Endless Nights came out and again in Boston when Anansi Boys was released. I contemplated, momentarily, not going.  After all, I've seen him read and sign twice.  Then I realized that if it really was his last tour, I'd kick myself in the butt for not going.  So tickets were bought.  I picked Felicity up and we had sushi.  Then we proceeded to sweat for a while.

There were easily, 1000 people there.  I knew the event was sold out, but damn! That photo only shows about 1/4 the amount of people who were patiently waiting to be let in the blessedly air conditioned auditorium. One thing I love about Neil Gaiman fans is that they are patient and passive.

Inside and in our surprisingly decent seats, we waited.  He was introduced by someone from the Changing Hands Book Store (the organizers).  This would be Neil's first signing in Arizona.  His fans were thrilled.  He came out to a standing ovation.  And proceeded to read chapter two from The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

The brief but informative Q&A proceeded.  It was wonderful to learn that while attending a convention in Tucson in 1991, he was invited to a party.  He was chastised for wearing a black leather jacket in the desert until he was the only warm person after the sun set.  He continued and said that he stepped outside for air after dark and saw a shooting star.  Not like one seen from the streets of London.  He said that he could see where it landed.  (The night sky in southern Arizona can do that to you). He told the woman he was standing next to that he bet he could walk to where it landed and hoped to find a giant diamond, or a beautifully grumpy girl with a broken leg.  The following day, Neil sought out Charles Vess and Stardust happened.

It was nice to learn that he auctioned off the artwork fans had sent to him to benefit the CBLDF.  And how he will regift or trade out other gifts given to him: a fan gave him a piece of amber in one city and he traded a fan in Dallas for a piece of quartz.  Or how some stay special, the current being a silver Liberty dollar that he fiddles with during talks, channelling Shadow.

Due to the abundance of cranky children in the audience, he also read an excerpt from Fortunately the Milk (not yet published).  An hour and a half flew by.  And then a final standing ovation.

Then the signing line began.  The organizers were smart enough to label each ticket with a letter and call people in groups to sign.  Felicity and I were in group L.  The groups went past group Z into double letter territory.

We talked and talked and talked while the hours past.  Finally our group was called and we made it on stage.  And I froze.  Like a total idiot.  I stupidly asked him how he was enjoying the heat.  Har Har Har.  I just didn't put any thought into what I would say.  I'm not sure who sounded more stupid, me or Felicity for her "It's a shame no one came out for the signing" comment. Oh well.

No, I have no idea what weird face girl is doing behind him. Sorry.  Anyway, crazy hair, dressed casually in black, cool and collected: Neil Gaiman.  He's successfully delved into most types of media and continues to surprise his fans with new things to enjoy.

At 11 PM, Felicity and I walked off the stage after having two books each signed.  I now have two copies of American Gods signed.  I couldn't help myself, I had to have the 10th anniversary, authors preferred text signed too.  Neil was barely halfway through the signing, and I knew from past experience that he would stay until the last book was signed.  I wouldn't fault the guy if this really is his last tour, its got to be grueling.

The night complete, we headed home with our bounty, ready to get reading.

Rough Waters

Choose to live life courageously with a smile on your face. 

Girls Day Out: Rock Climbing!

A few months ago, Stephanie messages me in excitement over a Groupon for outdoor rock climbing and rappelling.  Its been at least 2 years since we've climbed together.  Its been at least (if not more) 4 years since I've climbed outdoors.  It seemed a bit pricey, but we rarely get together anymore due to conflicting work schedules.  It seemed worthwhile.

And of course, we wait until the beginning of summer to schedule our outing.  Because why climb when its in the 70's or 80's when you can climb in the baking Arizona summer sun.

So it was scheduled.  In the early morning hours, we drove to Scottsdale, past insanely beautiful and expensive houses, down wide and quiet street, to McDowell Mountain.  Our host for today was from the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School. He was mellow, yet experienced.  He led the four of us (a couple sprung for the course as their "adventurous" anniversary trip from  Missouri), down the Tom Thumb trail.  We passed many a morning hiker who were excited to know that we were going climbing.

After a brief uphill hike to our destination, we sat under a small holly tree while our guide began his instruction.  To be honest, I wasn't expecting much.  I thought he would toss us a rope and tell us to climb.  I was thoroughly impressed when he began explaining...everything.  He went into the chemistry behind the ropes, the physics of climbing, weight ratio, etc.  He not only taught us the appropriate knots but told us why they were so vital.  He explained the harnesses, and other various tools.  It was pretty awesome.

He was happy to know that Steph and I had prior experience.  I belayed him as he set up the top rope system for us.  I happily went first.  I learned a new technique today - using your palms for support.  There were few finger holds in the beginning of this climb. 

Climbing outdoors is a completely different experience than a climbing gym.  In the gym, you have predetermined routes, clearly marked, fairly significant holds, air conditioning, no bugs and a soft mat to land on.  Outdoors you rely solely on yourself and whomever is belaying you.  Your foot and hand holds are found on the fly and they hardly seem significant.  I was unaware of the screaming hot sun or bothersome flies.  It was exhilarting. 

Steph went next, then the Missouri couple. 

Everyone had a different skill and comfort level.  I have no fear of heights, or really falling.  My personal insecurities about my physical ability was the only thing I needed to get over today.  Regardless of fears, everyone rocked!

I took a second go at it from a different approach.  It was much easier the second time around.  I also hung around up top to enjoy the view.

Exhausted, we took to the shade for a light snack/lunch. 

After a refuel, we moseyed further up the trail to rappel.  It was a short rappel, only 70ft or so.  I was slightly nervous about this.  But again, the guide put us at ease, explained everything from anchor points to knots, the third hand, and approach.  I volunteered to go first.  I surprised myself by not feeling remotely afraid to start my descent. 

(photo courtesy of Stephanie)

We each rapelled twice.  Once with the guide, and once with our partner.

Worn out, sweaty and dirty, we reclaimed our gear and hiked back to the parking lot, in the now desolate park.  Afternoon came swift, eight hours passed and the temperature spiked up to 97 degrees. 

It was an exhilarating day.  Exhausting in the best way possible.  I missed climbing.  Terribly.



Snapshots of Jerome

My mom and dad came to visit and decompress.  Casa Grande has been incredibly hot lately, so we ventured on up to Jerome.  It was a nice relaxing day.  The weather was good: slightly overcast and cool.  The history and charm of the town was welcoming, wine tastings ensued, The Haunted Hamburger was enjoyed, and we left with bags of balsamic, olive oil and wine.

Reynold's Creek: April 7, 2013

I woke at a more normal hour.  Still later than Mike.  I found him reading...a dog and his boy.

We had ample amounts of coffee, pancakes and bacon, packed up camp and set out to explore the road we camped along. Down the road, we found two more camp sites, both much better and more secluded than ours. Next time, because there will be a next time, we hope to get one of those two spots.

At a split, we chose to stay on the main road instead of climb the mountain.  The creek crossed the road several times before it dead ended at a trail head.

We explored around the trail head a bit.  I was determined to catch one of these little butterflies.  It was tough.

I spent so much time chasing these guys down, that Mike had to draw my attention up to this...

The red cliffs we chased down yesterday were just a few minute drive away.

Back into the Jeep we turned off and started to ascend the mountain.  Hell, why not.  We didn't have to work the following day and it was still early. What a great idea that was.  We literally drove to the top of the world.  Well, the mountain anyway.

This view was spectacular! I can only imagine the colors at dusk/dawn.  Too bad the mid day sun washed most of the reds away.

We hopped back into the Jeep and made our way back down the mountain and out towards Globe.  We stopped along 288 for a quick lunch of bison burgers and olives.  (Did I mention how awesome our meals were this trip?) All three dogs were passed out and the drive home was pretty uneventful.

Its great to unplug.  No cell phone, internet, TV, work...nothing but ourselves to worry about.  A much needed journey away from it all, and we found the perfect oasis to enjoy it in.