Plotting a road trip

Last week I wrote about getting out of the rut I’ve recently found myself in and the best thing for that is plotting a road trip.  Just thinking about traveling got me excited, and that’s what I need.  Plus I really have to get away from all the uninvited critters in and around the Yarnell house, perhaps a good time to have it critter proofed.  And it’s about time Sierra learned to be a road warrioress.

She is already pretty street-wise, or should I say wildlife wise.  Last week I saw Sierra watching/stalking something and when I went out to scare whatever it was away—no new roommates needed—discovered a 5” female tarantula.  I covered and trapped it with a container then called the local Spider Pharm and they came and caught it.  She will either be used for breeding or milking to produce an anti-venom.  I would have let her go under the shed where she was headed but Sierra goes under the shed too.

The next morning again Sierra alerts me to a critter.  This time a young gopher snake working its way out from between the walls at the front door jam. I keep Sierra back with a broom, take a couple quick pics, and then the snake slips back into the wall.  Hmmm, how to fill this crack which comes into the house. I know it’s a good snake, but I don’t want it as a roommate. Tinfoil! Filled the crack. Know idea where the snake will go.  This house needs a major spray and seal which would require moving a whole lot of stuff both inside and out. I haven’t said anything to Berta’s daughter about any of this because she has enough on her plate right now.

Seems one of the big reasons not to travel right now has been the cost of fuel. I could probably still live rent free and always have to eat. Going to need two tires soon and that’s a big expense. But seriously, if I’m not going to work this summer—last two possible jobs fell through—I really don’t want to just sit here either.  I can stay at moderate elevation to escape heat, boondock for undetermined amount of time in any one place, and don’t go very far to the next place.

I believe monsoon has arrived to the Southwest.  During summer we get really excited about rain on this parched landscape.  Plan activities before 11am for the best chance to stay dry, plus of course the temperatures are cooler.  Sometimes it’s just a show of dark clouds, thunder and lightning.  Precipitation ranges from count the drops on one hand, to deluge causing flash floods.  My favorite is the gentle female rain that soaks the ground slowly.  And then sometimes, a colorful gift follows.

I need inspiration. New views to photograph, write about, and share.  Or even old views revisited.  I love to watch the storms move across Grand Canyon.

And if clouds don’t block the view, moon rise at Bryce would be nice.  I haven’t been there since filming the documentary over two years ago.  Which, BTW, I can soon share the link with you.

Traveling means moving back into the truck-camper.  And after finding a 3” scorpion in the bathroom sink Saturday morning I was motivated to move.

Within a couple of hours Sierra and I were settled into the camper with most of our basic needs: cat pan, food and water bowls, coffee, food, and computer.  And then the refreshing light rain came and cooled the air.

Pull out Tuesday destination Flagstaff.

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