After our thrilling experience of witnessing the Total Eclipse on a crystal clear day, the forecast was for torrential rain in the afternoon, so we decided to roll out to avoid getting stuck in a muddy field at the Ross Farm. There was still much yet to see in the Ozarks so we took the long and windy road up and over Magazine Mountain (the tallest in AR) and down to Cove Lake for the night.
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After our beautiful morning hike around the lake (it was described as a Loop, but that was fake news...), we drove through Oklahoma City and spent the night at the former Red Rock Canyon State Park. Guided by another sign from the universe the following morning, we continue our journey West. We decide to pull off onto old Route 66 at McLean, TX. It was truly a trip back in time! We discovered the delightful Rowe Café which was the perfect lunch stop, with excellent service, delicious pulled pork sandwiches, very clever combos of "dirty soda" cocktails, and a gorgeous granddaughter who greets all comers from her bouncy chair. If you are passing through on I-40 / Route 66, we highly recommend that you stop in and say, "Howdy!"
Back onto I-40 heading west, into New Mexico. Suddenly, we ran into a 10-mile long traffic jam at Tucumcari so, as we often do, we got onto back roads to continue the journey. We passed the Route 66 Monument and then spent 2 hours and 100 miles on an intriguing meander through the high desert of Quay County (named for PA Senator Matthew Quay who supported NM statehood).
We ended our 500 mile drive that day at the lovely Villanueva State Park, which sits in the shift from The Rocky Mountains to The Great Plains. As usual, we took an exploratory sunset walk, and then started the morning with a brisk hike up to the top of the high red sandstone bluffs overlooking the Pecos River.
There was no set itinerary for our return home so we decided to take a detour to Sedona, a place we've always wanted to visit. We also decided that we would make this a "pamper stop" which we usually do every several days. We found a great little, adults-only hotel called Casa Sedona. We arrived a bit late so we walked over to grab dinner at the very popular Gerardo's Pizzeria.
After a restful evening in the air conditioning and a big, comfy bed, we make our way up along a forest road, into the Coconino National Forest Dispersed Camping Area. We find a nice spot at the Greasy Spoon primitive campground. We did some exploratory hikes and stumbled upon a well maintained labyrinth hidden off the beaten path.
We settle in to enjoy our dinner while watching the sun set over the stunning red rock formations before tucking in for the night in our comfy white van.
Up bright and early the next day to beat the heat, and beat the weekend crowds on the trail. We succeeded at both! It was a beautiful hike along the Fay Canyon trail and a chance to view the Fay Canyon Arch.
We continue on our homeward trek with no specific plans for our final stop. We cross the Colorado River into California, driving past the Mojave Desert and Edwards AFB. By the time we begin our ascent into the Tehachapi Mountains, dark clouds are gathering, it is getting extremely windy, and the temperature is dropping rapidly. We determine that there is camping at Tehachapi Mountain Park and make the decision to stay there for the night. At this point it is snowing pretty hard. The park sits at ~6500', at the top of a long and winding road. We decide to continue as darkness set in. The park is allegedly open all year round but here is no answer at the number we called to confirm. At this point we are very tired, and basically committed to this as our destination.
By the time we got up to the gate, we were losing all traction and decided not to risk going up the next set of switchbacks. Instead, we carefully turn around and ease our way down the road until we found a reasonably flat area to park along the side of the road. It is now completely dark and the snow is blinding when we finally find a spot. The next morning, we lingered over our coffee as we waited for the sun to clear the road for us.
Another day of driving and we were home safe and sound. It was an amazing adventure all the way around.
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