Blog capturing our travels and experiences across the USA during the summer of 2011.
Our travels took us from San Francisco, California on the west coast to Boston, Massachusetts on the east and many points in between.
Without a doubt, this is a once in a lifetime experience!
Leaving day! Marco was up at the crack of dawn and went to shoot pics at the Zion Human History Museum, seeking shots of the West Temple and a few other peaks.
We flagged the short hike and left Zion bound for Bryce Canyon mid-morning...the usual checklist and routine to unhook, dump waste, fill fresh water and attend to gas, petrol and air...Marco's new role for the next 8 weeks. Thankfully he has gloves!
From Watchman's camp we headed to Canyon Junction and the beginning for the tunnel - an engineering feat in this part of the world that took 3 years to build by 1930. The tunnel itself was pretty cool; large vehicles are given special passage, i.e., one vehicle travelling in one direction at a time...plus any vehicles behind. Only bummer was that in our excitement, we forgot to stop at the top and admire the canyon view back into Zion...I am sure there is a photo on a website somewhere so will have to pilfer that in due course.
From the red rock in Zion to these vast Plateaus on Bryce Canyon side
Between Glendale and Bryce Canyon - this meandering river was our constant companion
Lunch at Shingle Creek along Highway 89 from Glendale to Bryce Canyon and before we knew it we had arrived; following a meandering river into Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest and then into Bryce Canyon National Park proper. Lady luck was on our side today and we have camped at Sunset Campground...first come first served...and in walking distance to some of the great vistas.
We made it!!
New campsite at Sunset Camp - three cheers for 'Shirley'!
Marco and kids walked part of the Navajo Trail while Ness caught some overdue zzzs before all walking the Rim Trail together and with Ranger Sean Duffy and a posse of interested punters to keep us occupied, we learned a lot about the landscape, geology, local animals and people.
Stunning Views!
Found! Marco and kids making a beeline for the top of the Navajo Trail
Matteo and Nadia listening intently to Ranger Sean's stories
Back to camp we devoured a whole pot of pasta and kids noshed on coconut before bed. Bliss...they have fallen asleep before 9pm (that's 8pm PDT).
Since leaving San Mateo we have travelled just over 900 miles...not that anyone is counting miles, just days...51 left according to Matteo.
It has only taken 5 days but we finally have our RV poster thanks to the kids...and here it is!
Need we say more!
We have another full day ahead in Bryce before breaking camp for Grand Canyon North Rim...
Rise and shine, it is going to be another corker of a day!
Leisurely morning at the campsite including posting to our blog before a round trip into Springdale to get supplies and outfitted for our Narrows Canyon hike.
The Narrows is a most excellent day hike - access is from the Temple of Sinawava, the northern most shuttle stop in the Park. A mile walk along the Virgin River and you arrive at the Gateway to the Narrows...and where the real fun begins!
Gateway to the Narrows
Armed and ready with our fancy rental water shoes, neoprene socks and hardy wooden poles we wade into the river joining the masses heading in both directions. If you think Marco is crazy carrying Nadia in the hiking back pack - Ness was stunned and impressed/mortified to see a few families with really young children wading through water that was waist deep on the adults! The hero award went to the family of 5 with mom carrying a new born while dad held his own and 3 kids ranging from toddler in backpack to age 6. We even saw one newborn being carried at arms length in front of the dad...yikes!
Heading into the Narrows
Matteo's favorite part of the canyoning was evident with the little fellow being quite happy to hold his own walking along the edge of the river and throwing stones while Nadia was more than happy to follow suit whenever she was out of the backpack.
End of Narrows (and swim downstream for Marco)
We probably hiked a good 1 hour into the canyon before settling for a round of snacks while Marco hiked ahead...we fell far short of Wall Street - where the Narrow walls are extremely close and make for spectacular sights...but the kids and Ness's knee got a good workout. The hike out was pretty quick as we raced against an incoming storm cloud...which let loose about 45mins later once we were on the bus. Who knew we'd get lightening and thunder...it was good as it also cooled the air...for a short while at least.
Dinner out was a treat; a fusion Asian restaurant...and Ness sampled the local brew. Patrick: This one is for you!! The bottle is prettier than the taste. LOL.
When in Rome...sample the local ale...
Tomorrow we are contemplating one short hike; the Court of Patriachs, before breaking camp and heading to the next destination, Bryce Canyon.
Woke up in Zion National Park - and to spectacular views - and now our first real base for the next couple of days.
First view of Zion from Shirley's doorstep
Marco and kiddies went into the canyon while I attacked the state of the nation inside 'Shirley' in earnest. A few hours later I was able to join the fun in the Utah heat; a walk to Emerald Pools from Zion Lodge, we emerged at the Grotto in time to catch the bus back down. Matteo managed to sideswipe a cactus and was left with a finger full of cactus spikes and a few in his thigh. Note to the young fella: stick to the trail!
Matteo (aka Pathfinder) walking from Lower Emerald Pools towards The Grotto
Our campsite is quite the picture postcard; we are in Watchman's Camp on the valley floor near the Park entrance with towering red rock mountains (up to ~3000 feet) on either side of the Virgin River.
The park system seems to be quite efficient with shuttles running every 7-10 mins to all major stops in the Park. Nearby township of Springdale is the local service center and no doubt we will do our best to sustain the local economy with supplies before heading to Bryce Canyon in another day.
'Oh, say can you see?' Just in case we forget which country we are in:-)
Cooked up a great meal on the BBQ and toasted with bubbles from Claudia and Marc - just the ticket - thanks again!
Kai Time on the Road
Finally closed out the day by giving the shower a whirl (navy style) and I can definitely say that a 2min shower is absolute heaven compared to no shower at all. Ness will live for these!!
Arrived Lone Pine. Thank goodness for mifi and ability to surf real-time for directions, we are making our first off the beaten track excursion looking for Mobius Arch and Marco seeking his ultimate prize (photo).
Daybreak: Mount Whitney (highest peak in lower 48 States) on right with pinnacles
Sunrise at 5.35am, Marco got the pre-dawn pics and then Matteo and I went along, perfect timing as we caught the morning light on said Arch itself and got some great shots.
Vanessa's shadow at Mobius Arch
Mobius Arch
At Father Crowley Point in Death Valley, an F-18 does a fly by right over us as we drive along...twice. Not sure who was more excited...I suspect the elder M.
Onward to Las Vegas...
Stovepipe Wells towards Death Valley Junction and was surprised to see the Valley floor drop -125 below sea level and -190 feet at Furnace Creek! Turns out the lowest point is like -280...great find was Zabritskies Point which shows all the different layers in the earth that have evolved through the years.
Somewhere in Death Valley
Near Zabritskies Point
After a long and winding drive through Death Valley we got to Pahrumb where Ness took the wheel for the first time and drove us through Spring Mountain range and almost into Las Vegas...We made it to the mechanic and that is where we find ourselves late afternoon...not looking good to make it to Zion tonight...but keeping the faith!
Alas, there are no slot machines so my $20 flutter will have to keep. Bah humbug.
42c in Sin City as we hit the road at 5.30pm...our mechanic was awesome and fixed our fuses, reset the fridge etc. One last stop to fuel up and top water levels and we are off...destination Zion National Park
View Larger Map ...from Nevada across a little part of Arizona and into Utah.
Arrived just on midnight, now Mountain time +1 hour.
Leaving day! Breakfast at local Denny's with Brigid, Graeme, Sebastien, Spencer, Judi, Robin, Cooper, Tommy and us4. Claudia and Marc also stopped by with a bottle of champers to toast our trip.
Officially christened our RV...Shirley...'Slowly but Shirley', let's hope so!!
A few last minute jobs and we were underway at ~11.30am with stops at Ripon, CA and then onto Yosemite National Park where we saw Bridal Veil Falls and Yosemite Falls in all their glory along with the majestic peaks of El Capitan and Half Dome towering above the valley floor. Just awesome.
El Capitan
Half Dome
If getting into Yosemite was easy, leaving was another matter - lots of traffic and pedestrians! Eventually we made it back to Highway 120 and onto Tioga Pass...spectacular in views and feet above sea level (~9000), we saw the remnants of winter and late snow in June.
We made it to Lake Tenaya by 7.30pm, well and truly into evening. A quick stop roadside to put kids in pjs and a hasty dinner of sorts before pushing off.
Winter Remnants, Tioga Pass
Lake Tenaya, Tioga Pass
And then lots of driving to wrap up day 1. Destination still Lone Pine (Mobius Arch nestled in the Alabama hills...roadside stop after Bishop for some shut eye at midnight and then onto Independence and Lone Pine ... Yes, bright and early at 4am.
A long first day and we haven't been too impressed with the recent maintenance jobs done on Shirley. The battery doesn't appear to be holding a charge, fridge is not functioning as it should, second car lighter to charge our numerous electronics isn't working...these we identified during our practice run over Memorial weekend and which were fixed. One element of newness is the reverse warning beeping is faint...not loud and proud as it usually is. Only hope it is not the rodent eating away at our wiring!!
I guess a mechanical stop in Las Vegas is warranted and a compulsory spin on the slot machines a necessary evil. Lady luck please share the love.
Today we collected our Majestic 'home away from home' from storage in Livermore, CA and I caught a glimpse of her entering I-580 westbound.
It is OFFICIALLY T-minus 2 days and man-oh-man have we got our work cut out for us finalizing preparations and those checklists:-)
Hei aha (never mind): We still need nourishment and plan to convene at 8.30am on Sunday, June 26th at our local Denny's for a feast of pancakes to sustain us on our first leg of Our Big Fat Roadtrip; San Francisco to Lone Pine (Mount Whitney)...a short 7 hour excursion.
After breakfast we'll reveal her official name (certainly an upgrade from 'box on wheels') so roll on to Sunday 26th...And just maybe, we'll see you there:-)
Tihei mauriora! (The celebration of the life essence!)
We have decided to trade in life living in Silicon Valley, California for a box on wheels (RV or Recreation Vehicle) as we drive some 6500 miles from San Francisco to Boston and celebrate the essence of life in America.
I'm not really sure when we decided to embark on this next phase of our family life but can I say that it is exciting...no strike that...it is EXHILARATING to embark on this next chapter...and like the chapters in our lives that have gone before, we're sure to have a few surprises along the way, hit a few speed bumps (well maybe not at 55mph!) and learn something about ourselves and about those we encounter.
So to "the plan"...
- Purchase RV (check)
- Plan route; agree on 'must see' places of interest, determine rendezvous points for 'must do' events, make key reservations (check)
- And plan some more...e.g., add more budget for high petrol prices and add another hour to Google Map driving times.
But more about that practice run - Memorial Weekend 2011, May 27-31. We went on our maiden voyage to see Northern California and cross ever briefly into Oregon via Avenue of the Giants, Patrick's Point, Redwood National Park, Klamath River, Requa, Crescent City, Grants Pass, Weed, Black Butte...and home again. Our dry run was quite the adventure and we were joined by Brigid, Grae and boys who made the very wise decision to bring their tent!!
We learned in 4 short days that success to RV lifestyle is made up of a series of checklists; preparing the RV (a 1.5 day job!), departure checklist (making sure you have everything), arrival checklist (to hook everything up), departure checklist (to make sure you are still not hooked up!)...essentially we need a pilot's license to complete the drills...we also learned that RVs attract rodents and discovered on day 2 that we had an extra passenger - a four legged one that while I did not have the pleasure of meeting...I could hear it ripping into stuff that happened to be in the bottom cupboards at night - yuck! I have now added exterminator to my new job title "Mom, RV operator and rodent exterminator". We also learned that we won't need to haul our bicycles across the country - there is too much other living to be done!
Here's our new "Home Sweet Home", shortly after completing our maiden voyage on May 31st - isn't she a beauty!!
So here ends our first Great Big Fat Roadtrip blog entry; RV is cleaned and back in storage, kids love their sleeping bags and keenly await their next RV adventure...and we have still much preparation to do. It is T-minus 18 days and counting.
Stay tuned, leave a message and if you know any other places or people we should visit along the way, let us know.
