Relaxation and Exploration

A road of 58 miles out of Fairbanks ends at Chena Hot Springs. 
You want to go further south, it’s get into a Super Cub on tundra tires and take off on this strip.  
Four departed while we were there – my daughter could not believe planes would take off with clouds sitting on hilltops.  I assured her these pilots know the area and are confident of a positive outcome.  This native pilot reluctantly posed for the tourist, after warning me to be aware of the prop.  I don't think he believed my "I'm a pilot" statement.
For $10 you can soak in the sandy bottom pool as long as you want.  We stayed for hours, took a lunch break, and soaked some more.   The sprinkler provides a refreshing shower of cooler water.

   
 
This input pipe provided a free deep tissue massage.  Felt really wonderful on feet and back.
 
This delightful iron dragon has propane in his belly and on special occasions spits fire as a proper dragon should.
With 24 hour light, flowers grow and bloom in profusion.  This bunch grows in an old gold mining scoop.
 

What arguably is the wildest, most natural state in the union is populated by a lot of people who seem to have no appreciation or respect for their surroundings.   The majority of homes I’ve seen are ill-kept with yards piled with possessions (junk).   Out along the Chena River, which should be a place for the city folks to enjoy nature, are scenes like this.
Driving with my daughter in her jeep we had to navigate around glass bottles and other potentially dangerous bits.   The sad thing is that residents of Fairbanks do not have to pay anything to go to the dump!  Yet they drive out into nature to throw garbage into their world. Sad.

Frozen North

Yup.  I’m in Fairbanks, Alaska.  In the past couple weeks I drove back to AZ with Ramses and Liberty, left them there, and flew back to WA in Path.
Leaving Path behind at Shady Acres, I flew commercial to Alaska.  My thinking was that a pilot without an Instrument Rating has no business flying into this state of rapidly changing weather conditions.  The difficult part was departing SeaTac airport.  The two commercial flights I’ve taken since Nine-Eleven were from small Mesa Airport in AZ where the check in and security process is simple.   Not so at SeaTac (Seattle/Tacoma).

 I arrived with two suitcases, computer bag, purse, one excited Australian Cattle Dog puppy and the crate in which he would travel.  I’ve only got two hands, so forked over $4 to rent one of those luggage carts.  The semi-useless things are not designed to carry much so I spent a lot of time stopping to reload strewn possessions, all while Thorn helped as only he can.    I stood in one long line to check the two bags, another to do dog travel paperwork.  Nearly 2 hours remained before flight time so I delayed putting Thorn in the crate and turning him over to baggage.   Forty minutes prior to scheduled departure I abandoned my dog and rounded the corner to…a line that would make Disneyland’s worst look short.  Who knew?   That 2 hours early thing the airlines mention, is for standing in line, shoes in hand, to be inspected.   I quickly realized my chances of making it to the gate in time were slim…and I was correct.  Arriving panting and frazzled I found the boarding door closed.   Wait!   My dog is on that plane!  Panic!   A lovely young woman at the counter assured me that Thorn had not been loaded (no one mentioned he had to be checked in a full hour prior to departure).   She then got busy and rescheduled me for the next flight, departing in one hour.  Expecting to pony up a huge fee for changing flights, I was pleasantly surprised – no charge.   Please allow a short commercial – Alaska Airlines has efficient, thoughtful personnel and customer friendly policies – they earn your business, and have mine!  The baggage handler who loaded Thorn actually came into the cabin to hand me the confirmation ticket and assure me my dog was on board.

Since arriving in this state of adventure, imagination and romance, the weather has been wet and grey but certainly not frozen.  I’m in a state that has held my fascination since reading the first Jack London novel over 50 years ago.  The land of the Midnight Sun is as named – no darkness.  The sun dips down to what in the lower 48 is 5:00 pm and then starts back up again.  Sleeping is strange – with light streaming in the windows, you just don’t get tired. 

The evergreen trees here are short, narrow and remind me of something from Dr Suez. 

Roads are frequently as bumpy as flying through turbulence, due to frost heaving.
Yup.  I’m in Fairbanks, Alaska.  In the past couple weeks I drove back to AZ with Ramses and Liberty, left them there, and flew back to WA in Path.
Leaving Path behind at Shady Acres, I flew commercial to Alaska.  My thinking was that a pilot without an Instrument Rating has no business flying into this state of rapidly changing weather conditions.  The difficult part was departing SeaTac airport.  The two commercial flights I’ve taken since Nine-Eleven were from small Mesa Airport in AZ where the check in and security process is simple.   Not so at SeaTac.

 I arrived with two suitcases, computer bag, purse, one excited Australian Cattle Dog puppy and the crate in which he would travel.  I’ve only got two hands, so forked over $4 to rent one of those luggage carts.  The semi-useless things are not designed to carry much so I spent a lot of time stopping to reload strewn possessions, all while Thorn helped as only he can.    I stood in one long line to check the two bags, another to do dog travel paperwork.  Nearly 2 hours remained before flight time so I delayed putting Thorn in the crate and turning him over to baggage.   Forty minutes prior to scheduled departure I abandoned my dog and rounded the corner to…a line that would make Disneyland’s worst look short.  Who knew?   That 2 hours early thing the airlines mention, is for standing in line, shoes in hand, to be inspected.   I quickly realized my chances of making it to the gate in time were slim…and I was correct.  Arriving panting and frazzled I found the boarding door closed.   Wait!   My dog is on that plane!  Panic!   A lovely young woman at the counter assured me that Thorn had not been loaded (no one mentioned he had to be checked in a full hour prior to departure).   She then got busy and rescheduled me for the next flight, departing in one hour.  Expecting to pony up a huge fee for changing flights, I was pleasantly surprised – no charge.   Please allow a short commercial – Alaska Airlines has efficient, thoughtful personnel and customer friendly policies – they earn your business, and have mine!  The baggage handler who loaded Thorn actually into the cabin to hand me the confirmation ticket and assure me my dog was on board.

Since arriving in this state of adventure, imagination and romance, the weather has been wet and grey but certainly not frozen.  I’m in a state that has held my fascination since reading the first Jack London novel over 50 years ago.  The land of the Midnight Sun is as named – no darkness.  The sun dips down to what in the lower 48 is 5:00 pm and then starts back up again.  Sleeping is strange – with light streaming in the windows, you just don’t get tired. 

The evergreen trees here are short, narrow and remind me of something from Dr Suez. 
Roads are frequently as bumpy as flying through turbulence, due to frost heaving.

The pipeline is a presence here, appearing, climbing and vanishing, only to reappear later as it snakes its way over still another mountain.

Red and Blue

McMinnville Oregon.  

Been here a week visiting with friends and shopping for a new-to-me truck.  Big Red is a fine machine, but the fifth wheel  I’ve been asking him to pull is near the top of his abilities and he is 17 years old.   He is officially retired.

Introducing  Ramses.

  
He is a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 ¾ ton with a Cummins Diesel engine.  I’m told by guys who know these things that Ramses will pull Liberty “as if it wasn’t there.”    I don’t know that yet, as I’m still trying to get the hitch installed.  I won’t go into the long sad story in detail. The RV shop mis-quoted (under of course),  didn’t include all the required parts, etc.

I filled Ramses tanks today for the first time.  OMG!   Pump shock.   The trip computer indicated 708 miles to empty and that does NOT take into account the 30 gallon auxiliary tank.   Full tanks on Big Red were good for 240 miles.  I think I’m going to like diesel just fine.

On the bright side.  Today it didn’t rain and it was a comfortable mid-70’s day.   Oregon is a beautiful state, especially when the sun shines.  If you haven't been, try to visit.   

For my desert friends I’ve included this pix of a county road crew cutting down trees that grow so fast they cause problems with power and phone lines.
In this area of 4 feet by 10 feet I counted 15 different plants – growing wild and free.   All that rain creates unrelenting green.

Yosemite National Park...at Last !

Back, way way back in 1960, I wrote a report for school on Yosemite National Park.  Been reading about and watching documentaries on this park ever since.  Yeah, I know.  It’s about time I managed to visit.

Met a few challenges enroute, but last Wednesday  Liberty, Big Red, Thorn and myself pulled up to the entrance.   Paid my $10 and became the proud owner of a National Parks Senior Pass.   I’ve been eligible for several months, but was determined to make the purchase ONLY at Yosemite.  

El Portal Entrance.  Looked very Small!

May is earlier enough in the travel season, that I should have no problem getting a camping spot.  Or so I thought.   Brain damage apparently comes with retirement.  It was all the ranger could do to keep from laughing out loud when I innocently said “I’d like a camping spot for a fifth wheel for two days.”  
“You mean for tonight?”  she said politely.
“Yes. Please.”   Here is where her professionalism kicked in as she patiently pointed out the list of names a page and a half long of people like myself who were hoping to get lucky.  No room.

Okay.  So at least I’m here and I’ve already spotted Bridal Veil Falls


Yosemite Falls

This red wing blackbird posed 4 feet away as if to say “Take my picture!”

Now all I have to do is find a place to park for the day and use the free park shuttle bus to get visit the rest of the sites, and the trailhead to make a lovely day hike closer to Half Dome.   The keepers of Yosemite have worked hard to maintain its natural beauty.  Minimum sized roads, tiny little parking lots tucked into trees.  It only took an hour to find a spot big enough that I could park.  Whew.  Off to the bus stop – I’ll go straight for half dome.  Backpack, hiking stick and dog in hand I see the bus approach. 
“Sorry lady.  Dogs are not allowed on buses.”

Still.  We can walk anywhere we want, along handy paths… packed with tourists and bicycles (honk honk passing on your right.  Beep beep passing on your left).   Thorn tangles in the walking stick and eagerly tries to greet everyone he sees with a lunge and a leap.    Tiring and a bit dangerous, the plan is scrapped.   Back to Liberty.  It’s okay, I think.  I did see some of Yosemite and another visit can be planned.

On the way out of the park I spot a place with parking, right in front of El Capitan.   A big meadow perfect to let an energetic puppy burn off some energy,  lots of photogenic views for me.

So I have crossed Yosemite off my Bucket List.

Companion and Rocks

I’m not alone on this trip.   

Introducing Thorn, my Australian Cattle Dog.*  He is just over 3 months old, a member of my family since March 4th.   As you can see he is adorable.
Of course, he is the best dog on the planet, when he’s not trying to chew up, jump upon, or pee on something he shouldn’t.    But actually, the breed is known for intelligence and he’s showing signs which keeps me hopeful.
At Slab City he was entertained for over 20 minutes with an empty box.    Nothing keeps him interested longer, as he is busy and at full speed until he collapses to recoup.  

Right now his company is a lot of work, but I foresee that he will become an ideal traveling partner, offering companionship, and protection.  He already listens when I talk, especially if I’m not requiring him to change some action he is intent upon!

*Some of you may have heard this breed called Queensland Healer, Blue Healer or Red Healer.  All are the same dog.

Vasquez Rocks Park

Located in Aqua Dulce, CA.   This area is well-known, and continues to be, a popular area for filming by both Hollywood and television.

One reason for having this spot on my must visit list is several episodes of the original Star Trek were filmed here.   Some of you who are Trekkies might remember  “Fridays Child” or “Arena”.  

The other reason is that I simply love  rocks.   From the ones I pick up and take home as souvenirs, to the huge one’s  to marvel at how nature shaped them, all are wonderful to behold.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Traveling and...

Travel for 2012 begins.  And stops.  And starts.

But let me start from the beginning.  I left AZ on Thursday morning.  Temp in the 80’s already. Destination The Slabs.  Driving east on I-10, enjoying the scenery, Savage Garden CD playing.

A sudden banging, rattling.  Slowing, then stopping and pulling over as far as possible I get out thinking that something has fallen off the truck or camper.  I walk carefully around.  Nope.  Everything looks as it should.   Hmm, must have run over a bit of road junk I hadn’t noticed.   Start up the truck and immediately realize I have no steering.  Very NOT good.   The side of Liberty (my fifth wheel) is maybe 3 feet from the traffic lane and rocks alarmingly with each passing semi.  

A call to AAA.  Please allow a commercial here.  Best $55 I ever spent.  They will come and tow you,  or provide whatever service you need.  For traveling, if you don’t have it – you should. 

I had a long hot hour to observe that the side of  I-10 is liberally littered with bits of tires. 

The Toe Truck (no pun intended, that is the name of the company) arrives, a special one that can pull both Big Red and Liberty.  The trip into Blythe, CA is hot as the toe truck has no air conditioner and open windows don’t help.  But I’ve been rescued and am heading west.  
Bulldog Emergency Auto Repair takes a look and points out the broken pulley on the power steering pump which caused other pulleys to fail and of course the serpentine belt.    $900 and change.  Parts won’t arrive until 8:00 am the next morning.  

Day Two.

It’s hot.   A hot wind does not help.  The camper is an oven.   A very long day.   Finally at 2:00, Big Red is repaired.   It takes me 45 minutes to get him hooked to Liberty (a long boring story about angles).  I'm Anxious to be on the move, but the shop owner recommends waiting for a couple hours until the heat begins to wane, thus easier on equipment.  I realize he’s right.  Two long hours sitting in the shade at the park.  AC feels good as we head,at last, SW on Hiway 78.  It’s a beautiful drive, that takes longer than it should as I need to keep stopping for photos.  So much easier to do when flying – no need to stay on a road in your own lane!

Deserts DO have dunes sometimes!

We arrive at Slab City at 8:00 pm and align Liberty so breeze will flow through open windows and doors – it helps some.   Sleep is possible but not comfortable. 

Day Three.

I’m here to get set up with solar so I can be free of hookups.  Mike’s Sun Works comes highly recommended, but I’m still amazed at how he and two crew,  smoothly install all the needed bits.  
 
I now have a 140 watt solar panel, converter and inverter.   I can look at the display on the wall and watch my batteries charge!   I can flip a switch and plug in whatever I wish.

Day Four.
Dawn.  On the road and heading north on Hiway 111 then northwest on 210.   I miss the turn to I-5 and realize it when I see an exit for Aqua Dulce.  Oh well, make the best of it.  I take the exit and enjoy a lovely afternoon exploring Vasquez Rocks Park.   But that will be another blog entry, later.

Ended the day with my first Boondock – in a parking lot of a closed Burger King.  Located conveniently next to a huge apricot orchard – the perfect place for a lovely walk  before settling in.  It’s seventy-something  - just right.   I was not alone, truckers and others have found this spot as well.    Just proves that Hiway 99 needs rest stops.  I spotted one between Santa Clarita and Fresno and it was closed.

Day Five.


My how time is flying.  Today I’m going to Yosemite National Park.  I will wake tomorrow with mountain views.   My plan was to drive north to Merced and then turn off for the park.  But going through Fresno, and talking on the phone, I spot a sign “Highway 41 North – Yosemite”.    Spur of the moment I turn to this new route and am enjoying  scenery much like Texas Hill Country, then the Sierra’s begin.  Just past Oakhurst, I see smoke billowing behind me and thinking the truck has overheated, immediately turn into a pullout.  (There are many along 41 as it’s a 2-lane road with lots of grade and curves).   I’m about to open the hood, when a gentleman who pulled in behind me runs up and says “Your truck is ON FIRE!”    He announces he’s a retired fireman and asks if I have an extinguisher.   I grab it out of Liberty and he does the honors.  Flames from under the engine are out.   Two firetrucks arrive, the guys crawl under the truck and announce it’s transmission fluid that was burning and still dripping. 

Three firemen and George, form a consensus

Another call to AAA.  But it seems I’ve used up my “allowed number of tows in a year.”  Geesh.  The tow costs $80 which is not as bad as expected, and I’m delivered to Sam’s Transmission and Automotive, in Oakhurst, a shop that comes high recommended by all the firemen and the CHIPS officer that arrives.  All is all not as horrible as it sounds.  Rescuers are kind, and friendly and this overnight outside a garage comes with comfortable 70’s temps and mountain views.   It’s to be another $700 to fix the blown seal on the transmission and to re-do the serpentine belt which was put on incorrectly by Bulldog Repair in Blythe –don’t go there folks!

Day Six.
Early.  Beautiful morning.  Slept like a baby in coolness after watching a movie on Netflix.  Don’t know what the day will bring, or how long I’ll be here awaiting completion of repairs, but I’m open to what will come.    Life is after all, an Adventure.

Wintering in Summer

My first winter in Arizona was everything I expected it to be. Day after day of sunshine and temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s was, for this Washington girl, a satisfying series of opportunities to play outside.


Hiking in December

Valley of the Sun offers some great hikes, both on established, well-marked trail systems and off into the wild desert hills. A group of neighbors has become The Hiking Buddies - two new neighbors visiting from Michigan and one fulltimer (that is what we call people who do not go home in the summer).


On the far side of South Mountain is this hike. It was a tough go in places, and finding a paved road at the summit seemed darned unfair. No one should get this view without earning it!

To get to South Mountain you drive through Ahwatukee, an upscale neighborhood. Proof is this modest home with what I figured to be at least $100,000 in landscaping.
Here is a look at the trail from the air.

The Estrella Sierras is a striking feature laying NE to SW along the southwestern side of the valley in Goodyear. This is a view from my hangar – very inspiring.

The park here offers several hikes. The hiking buddies decided to do the Rainbow trail. Marked as moderate and 4 miles. Moderate! In who’s world? Certainly not ours. Narrow, steep, lots of rocks, and drop offs that made for nervous going. At one point while pausing to catch breath at the top of a particularly tough climb, I asked “which way does the trail go?”.
“There.” Pointed Sharon.
There was one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen – nearly straight down.
“Oh no. No way. I’m NOT going down that.” But I did. It was the only way, and retracing our steps back would have been bad. I used this method most of the way down.

At least I could see that the trail leveled out at the bottom, so hell only lasted about 3 hours. Well, it did seem that long. After the fact, all three of us were justifiably pleased with our accomplishment but vowed “never again.”

Ajo is a place I have visited several times. No established trails, just dirt roads in varying conditions that often come to sudden ends. You can park, play and even camp as long as you like. No amenities at all – its wild desert and I love its serenity and plant life.

The White Tanks lay on the northwest side of the valley and run in the same direction as the Estrella’s. Lots of peaks, folds, and ridges offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy wild. With the Hiking Buddies I tried one of the few established trails. Easy and a reward of petro glyphs at the end.

A word about rocks.
Rocks are popular in landscaping here and are sold by the pound. I collect my own, and now have neighbors joining in the pursuit of what we term “Wild Rocks”. I’ve gathered large piles from hikes, drives and yes, even flights. If I can get it in the plane, Path can fly it home!
The reason I bring up rocks as a part of this hiking story, is that hikes pass trillions of wild rocks, and as we start the vow is “no more rocks.” But then one of us sees a really good one, and there we go. Our hikes become major workouts as we carry as much as we can hold.

Looking forward already to next winter and new hikes.