because I can.
This trip didn’t last as long as I planned, but I have a good Dr at home that will take care of my back so I can get back out as soon as possible. One more drive-thru.
Only an hour north of the Death Valley Junction.
Rhyolite is well cared for, definitely going back for a walk around.
I woke up to the fact that I am a young person in an old body. I have had an iffy back for many years due mostly to being stupid and thinking I can do things I shouldn’t. So I woke up to limited movement, but I tried for another day, because I was so close to Death Valley.
Darwin
There is a great documentary on Darwin,CA on YouTube.
Art everywhere but no other services for miles.
My drive through of Death Valley is not much, all the good stuff picture wise is a hike I could not do.
I spent the night just outside the park at the Pads on blm land. Lots of room but no signal.
Adding this for Solo Travelers. I live with my daughter, and I caused her a little anxiety by staying in a no-signal zone. The saving grace is that we use the 360 service on Google. She knew where I was, but was still worried since I hadn’t talked to her since the night before. I got in touch as soon as I got a signal, but I had caused her unnecessary worry. Most of the West has a lot of areas, especially in National Parks and Monuments, with no cell service. Be aware that your family will worry, so check in often if you fall Ill or hurt yourself as I did.
And a couple of other things along the way to Slowjamastan.
This is a really nice place to rest for $8 a night. It is BLM, and camping fees go toward upkeep. No hookups, but nice clean pit toilets. The camp hosts do a great job. Must register via Recreation.gov; they accept no cash. Per hosts, if you have T-Mobile like me, there is no signal. When you exit I8 register with site pending, when you arrive, pick a site, and when you have signal, pay and done.
Special thanks to Glenn of the Cactus Atlas for his YouTube video of this site.
The petroglyphs are believed to be from the Oldham peoples. My pictures don’t do them justice.
Why AZ, why not? Just a few miles north of the park is a big blm area where I stayed the night before. Lots of room and a great T-Mobile signal. Make sure you do what you need to because there is no service in most of the park.
I took the Ajo mountain loop, pay attention to the length restrictions and prepare to spend at least 2 hours driving time. This is a one-way loop with a potty 2/3s of the way. Next time I will plan to spend the whole day on the other loop it is a lot longer.
The song below touched my heart the first time I came to the desert Southwest.
Man walks among us.
I giggle every time I pass this heading west on I10 just past the gary exit. I confess I watched with my daughter all the time.
Joshua Tree National Park
Beautiful
Anzo Borrego sculptures.
Stretches across the road.
That’s it for this trip.
Since the last post, I made one trip to be with my sister and go to Ghost Ranch. I enjoyed it but did not take pictures or make posts, it felt surreal in this time of covid.
However, I am not getting any younger and if I am to do Quartzite and the RTR and WRTR this is going to be the year.
Heading out after the holidays and I am determined not to be intimidated by crowds. I am going to enjoy Quartzite and AZ and record it all here.
After a couple of short trips, using covid precautions, I decided to change my layout in Rosie.
I purchased a Alpincool fridge and a Jackery500 for power. I have 10 gallons of fresh water and 5 gal grey.
Heading out for a few days and see how comfy she is.