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Category: travel

23 May 2023

Summer travel plans in camper

yellow Palo Verde & flowers Saguaro Lake Pleasant SR74 AZI 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.

trees boulders sunset clouds Skull Valley AZI 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.

trees sunset clouds Skull Valley AZLast 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.

trees rainbow clouds Skull Valley AZI’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.

trees rainbow clouds Skull Valley AZI 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.

mt sunset clouds rays Skull Valley AZ PanoThe 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.

mt sunset clouds rays Skull Valley AZTentative route: Starts Tuesday May 30th, yes that’s next week.

Possible summer 2023 routeArizona: 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

trees boulders storm clouds cloudburst Skull Valley AZI 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.

trees cloudburst storm clouds Skull Valley AZOf 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.

trees mt sunset clouds Skull Valley AZAfter 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.

trees mt sunset clouds Skull Valley AZ panoNo 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?

 

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making plans, travel summer 19 Comments
22 September 2022

Arizona to Illinois for a groovy 50th high school reunion

water tower Downers Grove ILMy lazy summer days had to be over flying from Arizona to Chicago, Illinois for my high school reunion and all plans all seemed in place.

view W sunset clouds Skull Valley AZI wrote and scheduled two blog posts for the week and reminded my neighbors about being gone with Joann there instead.  Whenever I fly I spend at least two days all ready to go and filled with anxious excitement.  Travel by camper isn’t like that.

view W storm clouds Skull Valley AZJoann came by the day I’d leave and because of heavy rain we both left earlier than planned.

flowing driveway wash Skull Valley AZThe driveway wash was flowing but not enough to stop us from getting across.

Lynx Lake Prescott AZ

spillway Lynx Lake Prescott AZWe both headed to Prescott and met up after retrieving my new glasses for the second time at the parking lot for my shuttle to Phoenix airport that evening.  Then after lunch Joann drove us to Lynx Lake where the water was actually high from all the recent rain.

VA hospital Bradshaw Mts low clouds sunset Bucky's Casino Prescott AZWatched sunset from a hill where Bucky’s Casino offers a large view of town.  And back to my shuttle for a two hour ride to PHX.

Gaelyn & Sandeesquirrels on tree Channahon IL

This United red-eye flight was packed and even with a window seat and bunched coat for a pillow I didn’t get any sleep.  Thank goodness only three hours.  After a struggle to find my way out of the building my bleary eyes saw Sandee parked and waiting at 5:30am.  We both took a nap at her place and went to bed shortly after dinner.

view W I&M canal Channahon IL

view E I&M canal Channahon ILFelt groovy the next morning and went for a short walk along the nearby Illinois-Michigan canal.  The 96 mile I&M was dug to connect the Great Lakes to the Illinois River in the 1840s.

Blue Heron bird I&M canal Channahon ILGreat White Heron bird I&M canal Channahon IL

Although there is a sluggish current, this section is mostly wetland and I saw a Blue and Great White Heron.

Madison Elementry School Hinsdale ILLater I borrowed Sandee’s car to visit my babysitter from the 50s and other than the elementary school, nothing looked familiar.

Gals night out group shot 50th reunionThen we met at a restaurant for Gal’s Night Out.

Tivoli theater & bowl Downers Grove ILThe next night was a casual meet at an old Downers Grove hangout, Tivoli Bowl in the basement of the movie theater.  Lots of mingling and memories and catching up.  I saw people I remembered and more I did not, plus a few far out old boyfriends.

DGS Downers Grove IL

Mustangs banner DGS Downers Grove ILThen in the morning was a cool tour of our alma mater, Downers Grove South High School.

students in hallway DGS Downers Grove ILCouldn’t put a person in these new tiny lockers

It’s been added onto so many times nobody recognized a thing.

Happenings in 1972Sadly, 90 students have passed out of a class of 689.  One student will be added to the school’s display of “Distinguished Alumni” for her invention of the Marilu surgical tool.

DGS 1972 50th reunionThat evening was the official celebration with over 100 in attendance including students and spouses.  I even danced with our Homecoming King who is married to the Homecoming Queen and has been since high school.

Gaelyn & Judy

Lake MI Chicago skyline IN Dunes NPChicago skyline

The next morning I took off to meet a cousin not seen in probably 40 years.  She drove from Michigan and we met at the Indiana Dunes National Park.  We caught up like a couple old friends catching some rays on the beach, stayed the night, and went back to the dunes the following day.

IN Dunes NP Jr Ranger badge & book#37 Junior Ranger badge

In the afternoon, we had to keep on truckin’ our separate ways but continued talking about me coming to Brandywine Lake where she still lives and I used to vacation with my parents.

Elspeth Gaelyn Sandee shadows Midewin NTP IL

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie ILOn my last day Sandee and I were guided by fellow student and daughter of my Girl Scout troop Elspeth where she used to work at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.  She should have been a Park Ranger.  It was out of sight!

Gaelyn under Gemini Giant Rt 66There’s a very good chance that Foto Friday Fun won’t show up until next week.  I’m having a blast and decided to stay in Illinois for a couple more weeks and will still be very busy.  I will post more about the canal, dunes and prairie but right now, I’m getting ready to go to the lake and everything is copacetic.

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10 November 2020

On the road to November

trees hoodoos Red Canyon Dixie National Forest SR12 UtahLeft Bryce Canyon on October 25th, before it snowed, and am on the road again in the truck-camper.  The more than 150 mile circle around Bryce was headed into a cold front.  With nights everywhere predicted below freezing, or close, I could only think south.

fall trees SR89 South UtahAnd I only got 1 1/2 hours south to Fredonia, just across the border into Arizona.  A familiar drive along SR89 to Kanab where I didn’t even stop.  I felt tired, exhausted, and drained from the last week at work and closing up the 5th-wheel to move into the camper.

5th-wheel stored in Henrieville UtahShortly after arriving at the Wheel Inn RV Park I received a text that the 5er is winterized and in storage.  That’s a relief.

fall cottonwood trees field storm clouds Wheel Inn RV Park Fredonia ArizonaView from end of RV Park

Turned out a friend from the North Rim was already in this park so I pulled in next door.  Sure was good to catch up and talk to someone who understands an intense COVID summer season in a busy national park.  She usually waits tables in the Lodge but due to take-out dinning only her job ended up being the door counter, limiting ten people into the Lodge building for cabin and mule-ride check-in, and enforcing mask wearing.  Sounds like she was verbally abused way too many times.

window view Wheel Inn RV Park Fredonia Arizona

sunset clouds Wheel Inn RV Park Fredonia ArizonaKind of a noisy RV park, or maybe I’m just spoiled.  Also not used to paying $25/night even though I know that’s pretty cheap these days.  But really, basically a level gravel parking lot with utilities and a picnic table.  I initially paid for two nights and added a third to have electricity for heat as the lows dropped below freezing.

truck camper Lynda's house St George Utah

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve by Lynda's St George UtahI was ready to be on the road by Wednesday and drove another 1 1/2 hours west to St. George, Utah with a shopping stop along the way.  A friend invited me to park in her driveway.  I figured one night there but stayed two nights and we even got in a little walk at the nearby Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.  We plan to meet up in the southern desert somewhere this winter.

RVs on Snowbird Mesa Lake Road Overton NevadaFriday, I was on the road again continuing yet another 1 1/2 hours just south of Overton, Nevada to dispersed camping known as Snowbird Mesa or Poverty Flats.

RVs Snowbird Mesa Overton Nevada

RVs Snowbird Mesa Overton NevadaLots of snowbirds, more than I’m used to seeing the end of October, but by the look of the RVs and ‘toys’ mostly not suffering impoverishment.  Everybody works at keeping some distance.  Though my nearest neighbor living in a small pickup truck with a topper has rather loud conversations seemingly with himself, or maybe his dog.

canyon road mountains reverse sunset Earth Shadow Snowbird Mesa Nevada

camper van mountains moon rise Snowbird Mesa NevadaI planned to photograph the almost full moon that night and didn’t have to walk far from camp for an interesting foreground and composition.  Had I driven further off the popular path I might have eliminated other RVs.

mountains moon rise Snowbird Mesa Nevada

canyon road mountains moon rise Snowbird Mesa NevadaBut when I walked the next day realized I’d have to drive farther than I wanted to on rough gravel to really isolate and for just one more night in that location decided it wasn’t worth it.  Definitely isolated enough for no trick-or-treaters.  Good thing, as I didn’t buy any candy.

canyon mountains sunset clouds Snowbird Mesa Overton NevadaPretty sunset, but for full moon it was too late thus too dark for this too lazy photographer to drag out the tripod.

mountains sunrise clouds Snowbird Mesa NevadaI left Sunday morning relatively early for me with the intent of at least a four hour drive to Wickenburg, Arizona for my mail-in ballot.

road lake mountains clouds late light Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaInstead, in only 30 minutes, I saw a sign along the windy Lake Road drive for Stewarts Point and decided to check it out.  The two-mile drive to the lake goes past a bunch of older and many dilapidated small houses that make up the unincorporated community of Stewarts Point, inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  These remaining not quite lakeshore properties are from the 1950s when the National Park Service issued long-term leases inside the recreation area yet quit renewing with a change in philosophy and policy during the 1970s.  According to this article, only 48 cabins remained as of 2013.  Most of what I saw didn’t look very used.

lake mountains clouds late light Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI’d say less RVs than Snowbird Mesa or maybe just spread out more.  There are many options for sites with some more difficult to get to than others.  I’d recommend scouting before driving with a big rig.  My spot was mostly level and good enough for a night or two but I saw many others I’d prefer for next time.

sunset clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area Nevada

sunset clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI spent a delightful day taking short walks and reading in the shade.  Just enough clouds to put on a show for sunset.

desert lake mountains sunrise clouds reflection Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI had every intention of leaving the next morning and was greeted with a worthy sunrise with clouds.

brush lake mountains clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaAnd the clouds beckoned me to stay yet another day.  I am a nepholographer.

shore lake mountains clouds Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area Nevada

lake mountains Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaLight and shadow danced across the land.  I finished reading another book.  Took short walks.  I tried to relax and be lazy.

desert sunset clouds crepuscular rays Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaMy mind just wouldn’t stop trying to figure out what and where to be this winter.  I need to figure out how to keep my phone and laptop charged by solar so I don’t NEED to stay in RV parks.  I don’t really understand all the solar stuff so want to talk to someone who does.  I’m willing to add another battery or panel, or both if that’s what it takes.  Probably go back to Solar Bill’s in Quartzsite, eventually.

desert mountains sunset clouds crepuscular rays Stewarts Point Overton Arm Lake Mead National Recreation Area NevadaI stayed for two nights within sight of the ever shrinking Lake Mead along the Overton Arm.  But I had no choice on Tuesday to get on the road to November 3rd so I could vote in Wickenburg, Maricopa county, where I’m registered.

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Arizona, Nevada, Places I've been, road trip, RV living, travel, United States, Utah road trip, travel, truckcamper 19 Comments
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Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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