I am determined to make 2023 a year of summer travel. Why not, I spent the winter traveling and I live in one of two RVs.
I know it was only last week when I wrote about coming home. And I do love my place in Skull Valley. However, because I take my home with me, I feel at home almost everywhere. Nice thing about boondocking in a place is being part of the landscape.
Last summer, travel plans didn’t happen mostly because of the price of diesel. But this year I am determined to travel, hopefully as far as the Pacific Northwest. It’s been 30 years since I’ve enjoyed extended summer travel. Of course I did travel a little over the 29 summers I worked as a Park Ranger but had to stay relatively close to my home park. This trip doesn’t necessarily include national parks, especially the crowded ones. I’m leaning more towards national forests and wildlife refuges, state, county and city parks to get my nature fix. And I’m open to suggestions. In fact, I encourage suggestions.
I’ve sent private messages to some of you located along my possibly changing route. If you’re interested in a meetup and haven’t heard from me, please let me know.
I like two-lane backroads and old US highways. Often the pavement in better shape than federal highways or interstates, though not always. Not so stressful to drive. Travel through little towns instead of big cities. Can cross public lands. I want to visit places old and new. I want to visit people. I want to visit you.
The summer travel plans are rather loose at best and may depend on people, places and weather. Nothing is written in stone. Though I hope to see some great rock along the journey.
Tentative route: Starts Tuesday May 30th, yes that’s next week.
Arizona: SR169 East to Dewey; SR179 North to Flagstaff; South Rim Grand Canyon NP; US89 & US89A North; possibly SR67 to North Rim Grand Canyon NP; to Utah
Utah: US89A North Kanab to Bryce Canyon NP; SR14 & 56 West to Nevada
Nevada: US93 North possibly to Idaho; or US50 & US95 North to Oregon; or US50 West to California
California: US395 North to Oregon
Oregon: US395 North to Washington; or US97 North to Washington
Washington: US97 North to Canadian border; US2 West & US101 to coast & South
I have no reservations at campgrounds or RV Parks and hope to boondock and friendock as much as possible. I realize summer travel is busy yet have faith in finding places to camp. My 20’ truckcamper/home is self-contained. So if you can provide parking that is somewhat level Sierra and I would like to come by.
Of course I’ll be sharing summer travel stories but you can bet I’ll be weeks or months behind real time, sort of like I am right now. And those stories are still coming.
After one and a half years retired I’ve figured out how to live on my Social Security. I don’t need much to survive and be happy, especially in natural places. I’m a minimalist Geogypsy nomad. But the fluctuating high price of fuel, especially diesel, sure makes traveling distances difficult. I’m open to donations. Please note the post above for a way to help fill the tank. Thanks in advance.
No matter what, I will make summer travel happen. Hope to see you along the way.
Photos—except for the first one—from the last week in Skull Valley during monsoon May, not normal weather. Is weather normal where you are?
Diesel in California remains expensive ~$5.49 around here, higher along the tourist routes.
The North Cascades Highway (WA SR20) never disappoints.
No matter what you decide I’ll enjoy following along.
Good reason to avoid CA. I love SR20, and it’s been decades.
I would stay on 395 longer and get up into John Day in Oregon. Visit the JD Fossil Beds, the Painted Desert and, most importantly, Kam Wah Chung. Eastern Oregon is so wild and beautiful.
Thanks for the ideas. I’ve been to John Day, it’s awesome, but also in the HOT part of Oregon.
You need a “buy me some diesel” link at the top of your page. No idea how hard that would be to set up.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve added that to the blog.
You are spending TOO much time an fuel in NV. Stay on US20 until you get to Malta, MT then back south through Upper Missouri River Breaks to Lewistown, MT. Then find secondary roads to Sheridan, WY where you can drive US14 through the Bighorn National Forest.
This would be a lot better than what you will see of NV.
Thanks for the suggestions, maybe next year. I really have a desire to return to the PNW. Lots of people and places I need to see.
Looking forward to following you around and seeing where you go. Virtual travel with you is almost as good as being there. Love these photos they are stunning.
My blogging is going very slowly, the garden is very demanding!!! Cheers and hugs from us both.
Thanks. I love taking you along. Garden is important.
What an adventure! Thank you for posting a map. I’m not up on US geography! HAVE a grand time!
No more than I am up with Canadian geography, but still love to see your area via your blog. I’m excited about a new road trip.
Boo hoo you won’t be in my neighborhood. I’ll be in Vermont. But you are going to some places I look forward to hearing about. Gorgeous photos this post.
Thanks, the early stormy skies made for nice shots. It’s unlikely I’ll get to the east coast anytime soon.
Yes I love the map. Looks like you may see some Basque country in SE Oregon. You could check out Basque ball courts and dining which is exquisite and you sit on bench/tables and meet other travelers. I don’t know about normal weather here, but sure is wonderful Spring still and cool. Oh thoroughly enjoy your paths, old and new.
If I get to SE Oregon, it gets hot there. Love Basque food and enjoyed in Bakersfield decades ago. It is a wonderful spring!
Time to hit the road, but avoiding high diesel prices!
I’m going to be in Springerville, Arizona (on the NM border) on July 3 and 4 for my 50 year reunion ( I didn’t graduate their but they reached out to me and invited me.) Very small school. Highlight is riding on a float in the homecoming parade.
I’m also going to my Albuquerque HS 50 year reunion in August. It’ll be huge. 770 in the graduating class so I may not know anybody.
So cool you are going to the reunions. Only wish I’d still be AZ then. Trust me, you’ll have many new old friends afterwards.