We have been anchored for awhile~~~

Family time

The time between blog posts seems to be directly related to the amount of travel we do.  So when we're in home territory, as we have been here in Petaluma at the Elk's Lodge for the last few weeks, my blogging takes a hiatus. While here we enjoy lots of time just lazing around, visiting family and local friends, soccer and softball games, birthdays and endless barbecues. We checked a few items off of our MH list of "to dos".

A very dry lake bed

There are hikes around nearby Shollenberger Lake amounting to just 3 miles round trip from our site here at the Elk's.  The temps have been in the  high 80s, with an intermittent shower or cool spell. 

We got caught up on medical stuff, doctors' visits and the like.  I have been living  with a reasonably uncomfortable case of  shingles for the last month, despite having had the vaccine a couple of years ago; a nasty blotchy rash that turned into blisters, that turned into scabs and hurt like the dickens.  Obviously, the vaccine is not 100%!

I also have a date coming up sometime in November to have cataract eye surgery.  I am actually looking forward to this as it will correct my far vision and astigmatism with corrective lenses.  Howard says this has been quite a year for me, health-wise.  Well, the year is almost over and I'm feeling blessed that we're still able to travel and that I'm doing really well in spite of past conditions!

A very tall and steep sand dune

Siltcoos Lake near Florence, OR

We had a great albeit slow trip down the Oregon Coast.  There was a lot of traffic on the twisty two-lane highway.  We stopped for two nights at Darling's Marina & RV Park near Florence, OR, one of our half priced Passport America parks, beautifully situated on the banks of the lovely Siltcoos Lake with easy access to those monumental sand dunes Oregon is famous for!

 

Exploring Moonstone Beach

 Next stop was Trinidad CA on the Humboldt  County coast, a small seaside village and one of  the oldest and smallest incorporated cities in  CA. with just 360 population.  All of Humboldt  County and especially Trinidad offers plenty of  opportunities to explore the majestic beauty of  the area from a number of easily accessible  hiking trails to nearby giant redwoods, 3 state  parks and a couple of county parks. We stayed  at Clam Beach County Park, for their 3 day max  at $13 per night, giving us time to explore  Moonstone Beach and enjoy lunch at the  Trinidad Marina - calamari for moi!  

 

And since we have nothing on our calendar until an ophthalmology appointment on October 28th, we have decided to take an impromptu road trip~~the best kind.  Our destination is St. George, UT where we are hoping to get into one of the first-come, first-serve sites in Snow Canyon State Park.  Snow Canyon is a red rock and hiking haven.  If this doesn't work out we'll try some places around Zion NP.  We plan to leave tomorrow, Tuesday September 29th.

Top 20 Travel Destinations for 2012

1. Anza Borrego Desert:  Our new year most always begins here. This is our happy place, our attitude adjustment, our return on investment. Overwhelmingly beautiful, yet fierce and unforgiving; it suits our fancy.  Boondock favorite...

2. Ajo, AZ:  We've buzzed through Ajo many times on our way to other destinations, but enough friends and bloggers convinced us it was a destination! We stayed a month, boondocking, off-roading, photographing, and enjoying the great little town.

3. Pismo Beach, CA:  The State Beach Park has large, grassy sites with no hookups.  Paths lead to huge sandy dunes with blooming ice plant, and groves of gnarly Eucalyptus trees housing seasonal migrating Monarch butterflies.

4. San Francisco:  We never tire of this beautiful City by the Bay, though there are several; New Orleans, Vancouver, and Seattle, to name a few. But this is the only one with...The Golden Gate Bridge!

5. Bridgeport, CA:  A plan had been percolating and Highway 395, in the Eastern Sierras, took shape.  Thus we discovered Bodie, a genuine ghost mining gold town near Bridgeport... 

6. Mono Lake:  Continuing on 395, Mono Lake became a fascinating photo challenge.  We would depart our June Lake home base for early morning and late afternoon shootings of tufa towers, and calcium carbonate spires and knobs.  The lake is 2 1/2 times as salty as the ocean...

7. Bishop, CA:  Bakeries and bristlecone pines awaited us about 50 miles south.  The world famous Shats Bakery would become a regular stop on our daily outings to commune with the bristlecone pine forest, ancient sentinels over 4000 years old....

8. Lone Pine, CA:  The last stop on our 395 adventure but certainly not the least!  It is the gateway to Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 49 states, sweeping upwards of 2 vertical miles from this high desert location.  Nearby, the Alabama Hills presented an enchanted, convoluted vision of keyhole canyons and steep slopes of shattered granite boulders...

9. Port Townsend, WA:  A slice of pure heaven; friends, views, even the weather cooperated though August is the premier time to visit this favorite Northwest location.  We have waterfront parking at the Point Hudson Marina.  A Victorian Seaport and Arts Community...

10. Arches National Park:  Our arrival in Moab was a bit overwhelming; the crowds, the uncertainty of our stay. And we have a schedule which precludes our usual ability to be spontaneous, in an effort to re-visit many of the National Parks in Southern Utah.  Though we did prevail....

11. Canyonlands National Park:  The northern part of Canyonlands is known as The Island in the Sky.  A scenic drive follows the rim of this sheer-walled mesa with pull-outs where you get amazing views of the surrounding country virtually 1000' straight down, including canyons that have been carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers... 

12. Bluff, UT:  Goosenecks, Gods, and Petroglyphs were all in a day's drive from our fabulous boondocking site at Sand Island BLM Campground.  We had never heard of, much less seen the phenomenon awaiting us at Goosenecks State Park or the wonders of The Valley of the Gods, a miniature version of Monument Valley... 

13. Capitol Reef National Park:  Arriving at Capitol Reef was like finding an oasis in the midst of colorful red cliffs, massive domes, soaring spires, and twisting canyons.  Named Capitol for the white domes of Navajo sandstone, and Reef, the local word referring to any barrier to travel, describing the rugged upthrust known as the Waterpocket Fold.

14. Snow Canyon State Park:  Just when I think we topped the charts of landscape beauty, we drive into Snow Canyon, and there is a jaw-dropping moment of complete sensory overload.  Scenic is an understatement for this park tucked amid lava flows and soaring sandstone cliffs, petrified sand dunes, and volcanic cones; a strikingly colorful and fragile desert environment... 

15. Zion National Park:  An easy day's drive from our St. George location for the Huntsman World Senior Games.  Zion...A sanctuary, a refuge; a sacred place considered perfect of ideal!  Zion National Park is all of that and more.  Everything takes life from the Virgin River's scarce desert waters.  Water flows and solid rock melts into cliffs and towers... 

16. Pagosa Springs, CO:  We arrived in Pagosa Springs, east of Durango, on a crisp, sunny fall day mid-October.  This was to be our birthday celebration so for 3 glorious days spent at the Healing Waters Resort and Spa we sunned and soaked and enjoyed great dinners out.  The fall colors were worth the drive alone...

17. San Juan Islands:  Anacortes, WA is homeport to the San Juan Islands and conveniently situated half way between Seattle and Vancouver, BC.  The Washington State Ferries are at our beck and call for those day trips to the San Juan Islands and Victoria on Vancouver Island...

18. Big Sur Coast:  Touted as one of the world's top driving tours according to National Geographic, though doing it in a motorhome takes on a whole new perspective!  This rugged and picturesque narrow two-lane road twists and turns, suspended precariously over deep chasms, held in place by viaducts, and threatened by landslides...

19. Petaluma, CA:  During spring and late fall our migration pattern brings us into home territory where Petaluma becomes our home base. This lovely historic town with its old Victorian architecture offers up great restaurants, cheese factories, sustainable farms, with the Napa Valley wine country just a short drive away.  And we have family....

20. Half Moon Bay:  The Coastside area is home to commercial fishing, pumpkins, flowers farms and giant waves known as Mavericks.  Just 30 miles south of San Francisco on narrow, windy Highway 1, this sleepy coastal town was "discovered" during the Silicon Valley tech explosion.  This is home territory for yours truly...  

Z is for Zion...

A day trip to nearby Zion National Park, about 40 miles away, was deemed an appropriate activity for Howard's birthday.  We had not been for years and were looking forward to re-visiting this geological wonder.  About half-way there the engine warning light came on in the jeep, so we pulled over and went through the check list: transmission fluid, coolant, oil levels, all OK.  Reluctantly we returned to St. George and found a very efficient service center.

Highly recommend!

The mechanic plugged a computer into the jeep's innards and within minutes diagnosed a faulty throttle control sensor.  Hmmm....yes, the engine had been idling at weird speeds.  So an hour later and $300 poorer, we're back on the road to Zion. 

Happy Birthday, Howard!

Z is for Zion...a sanctuary; a refuge; a sacred place considered perfect or ideal.

Zion National Park is all of that or more.  Everything in Zion takes life from the Virgin River's scarce desert waters.  Water flows, and solid rock melts into cliffs and towers.  Landscape changes as canyons deepen to create forested highlands and lowland deserts.

Driving in...

On our very first visit to Zion in April 1995, just starting our full-time RVing journey in our 1991 Dolphin, we were parked at the campground by the South entrance.  It had been an unusually warm day and we had the awning extended and lounge chairs out, barbecued our dinner and celebrated an amazing day of scenery and hiking. 

The man of the day..

In the wee hours of the morning there was loud banging on our door and a park ranger informed us there had been a landslide blocking the Virgin River and major flooding was imminent.  We must prepare to evacuate immediately and follow the ranger to higher ground!  In a darkened daze, we stowed our stuff, somehow managed to secure the awning, and followed the line of other campers up a steep backroad to continue our night at a very awkward incline.

All this is the music of waters...John Wesley Powell 1895

But now, back in the present, is a bit surreal (as if our previous experience wasn't!). The scenery is still breathtaking, though our late arrival imposed restrictions on time, and the sun was a bit beyond the yardarm.  The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is now only open to shuttle buses so one must find parking at either the visitor center, the history museum, or Canyon Junction; no cars allowed beyond the junction.  And parking is limited, especially during this high international tourist season, and the buses crowded!

The ride..

We groaned and complained but gave in to the inevitable.  We listened to a canned presentation as the scenic stops were announced, and tried to snap shots from tinted window glass.  We did get off at the Zion Lodge to have a very late lunch, which helped the mood considerably.

The Riverwalk Trail

It was decided that with limited time we would take the shuttle all the way to road's end and do the Riverside walk.  This 2 mile round-trip hike begins at the farthest end of Zion Canyon, in a natural amphitheater named the Temple of Sinawava, and ends where Navajo sandstone walls close in and water is forced into the world renowned Zion Narrows.  

Virgin River Narrows

By day's end, after what seemed like a long drive back, we were ready for a celebratory steak.  We mulled over the changes we have witnessed on this return to Utah's national parks after all these years, and then gave thanks for this lifestyle and the beauty we've experienced.

Let the games begin...

For several years we heard friends, Dalya and Paul, talk about the Huntsman World Senior Games, where they won many gold medals in Square Dancing.  Then Beth mentioned friends who went every year to play pickleball, and our (Howard’s) interest became piqued.  Howard is a jogger, has been for many years, slow and steady, consistent, running 5 miles 2 or 3 times a week.  Pace seldom varies unless a few lbs. or altitude sneak up.  We are “sea level” people!  But engineer that he is, figured the law of averages, thermodynamics, or whatever, was in his favor. There can’t be many participants in his age category; 75-79.  Ha…

Howard...my hero!

So we started doing some background checking.   The World Senior Games was founded by John H. Morgan, Jr. in 1987 as an international senior sports competition for folks 55 and older.  He and his wife, Daisy, both agreed that the Golden Years were better when good health and physical fitness became a way of life, not an occasional hobby.  In 1989 Jon M. Huntsman, President of the Huntsman Corporation, became the Games’ principal sponsor after recognizing that the Games not only fostered lifetime fitness, but also expanded Utah’s economic vitality.

Now, 26 years later, this huge event, held annually in October, attracts 10,000+ athletes from 65 countries.  Thousands of volunteers and sponsors come together to put on a spectacular series of events, starting with the Opening Ceremonies held at Dixie State College (soon to be University).  Sports categories range from bowling, to volleyball, triathlons, road races, track and field, cycling, golf, swimming, to yes, square dancing and pickleball, and held at very impressive sports complexes throughout the greater St. George area.

We had no intention of missing the Opening Ceremonies that had been rained out 2 years ago.  This beautiful night unfolded with  heartfelt pride, joy, and super entertainment, starting with the parade of athletes, then great music and dancers, even skydivers landing on the Hansen Stadium field. The guest speaker was Morgan Shepherd, NASCAR  racing legend.  Words of welcome from the mayor, the Utah state governor, and Huntsman’s son, David, were enlightening and inspirational .  By far for us, the Flag Extravaganza, representing dancing flags from all 65 countries, was the most spectacular.  The night ended with the torch bearer and lighting of the cauldron, then a major fireworks display…..WOW!

Parade of Athletes

Skydiver lands...in a blur!

Super entertainment

Flag extravaganza...65 countries!

Fireworks finale!

Howard has two events, the 10 and 5K road races.  The 10K was held in beautiful Snow Canyon.  The drill was to drive Howard out to Ivins; about 9 miles away from the Temple View RV Park where we were now staying, and drop him off for the shuttle ride up into the canyon.  Knowing that at his pace it would take him about an hour and a half to complete, and with the race starting at 8:30 a.m., I needed to be back before 10 a.m. for his finish.  Giving myself plenty of time I decided to drive up to Snow Canyon for some shots of Howard running in that colorful red rock background.  A few runners came by, but no Howard.  

It’s getting close to 10 so I drove on to Ivins only to find that the road had been closed and I had to park several blocks away.  I grabbed my camera and headed for the City Park, where runners began crossing the finish line…but no Howard.  I heard sirens and realized I had left my phone in the car, and hurried back.  OK, long story short, I panicked and was about to go looking for him, when finally he arrived.  I later found out the race had been delayed by half an hour.  We went on to enjoy the great breakfast and awards presentation.  I should add that in Howard’s age category there were a few sprinters who finished in under an hour!  We’re impressed and a bit overwhelmed by these super seniors.

Yay Barbados...love their country!

Dancing Trinidad!

And they're off...

Go #271!

Seriously?

79, Gold Medal..but who's counting!

The 5K was held a few days later at the Confluence Park along the Virgin River Trail System.  Now this was fun!  There was lots of food, music, and dancing, with that great group of folks from Barbados, where we traveled last November, and our lady friend from Trinidad whom we met two years ago.  We also met a lady from San Carlos, near our town of Half Moon Bay, in San Mateo County.  She was participating in the 5K while her husband was off playing softball.  He is 72 with pancreatic cancer which recently spread to his liver.  After so many chemo rounds, what kept him focused was returning to play his beloved game of softball.  

Sitting with a group during breakfast, exchanging stories, I was asked which event I participated in. Oh no events, just here for support; official fan, you know!  Well, how old are you?  Hmmm....just turning 69 in a few days!  She was 79 and won the Gold Medal with a time of 32:32! Yeah, there was the race and it was super, but this event was somehow more personal.  Hmmm...I'm thinking maybe swimming?

Snow Canyon State Park

Just when I think we've topped the charts of landscape beauty, we drive into Snow Canyon, and there is a jaw-dropping moment of complete sensory overload.  We discovered the Snow Canyon State Park, on the outskirts of St. George, UT, two years ago prior to Howard’s first Senior Games participation.  Fortunately for us, the state park excludes a few sites from its reservation system, as we just drove in and knew this was the place for us.  The cost is $20 per night with water and electric. 

Scenic is an understatement for this 7400 acre park tucked amid lava flows and soaring sandstone cliffs, petrified sand dunes and volcanic cones; a strikingly colorful and fragile desert environment.  The subtle play of light, shadows, and clouds dancing across the canyon walls with the passing of the sun is a marvelous thing to behold, especially if you’re holding on to a camera, as I usually am. 

We have access to miles of hiking trails right from the campground.  The paved 6 mile round-trip Whiptail Trail provides a challenging 10K workout for Howard, and is very popular with cyclists and joggers alike, including the nearby Biggest Loser Resort’s trainers and clientele. 

I venture off into Johnson Canyon, following a riverbed lined with willow and cottonwood, in search of the red rock arch that spans 200 ft.  On another walk to find the pioneer register I discovered a small arch and hole in the rock, before climbing up the slickrock slopes to get close to the pioneer names written in axle grease along a rock wall, dating back to 1881.

The canyon has a long history of human use, dating back to the Anasazi Indians from AD 200 to 1250, then the Paiutes to the mid-1800s.  Mormon pioneers discovered Snow Canyon in the 1850s while searching for lost cattle, and the park was named for prominent Utah settlers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow; not the white stuff that occasionally falls in these parts.

The town of Ivins, located at the base of the Big Red Mountain, is nearby with one of its claims to fame being the Tuacahn Amphitheater, a unique outdoor theatrical venue amidst a striking backdrop of red rock cliffs.  No, I could not talk Howard into seeing either Hairspray or Aladdin, the current productions.  Movie lovers will recognize the area of Snow Canyon as the backdrop for the films Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson.

Now we must move into St. George proper, to a proper RV park where we've made reservations months in advance, as this area fills up fast for the marathon and Senior Games.