Day 12: End of one journey, ready for a new one.

What an incredible trip. So many great memories that will be with me for a long time.  Here are a few of the highlights:

Jamie, our Navajo guide in Monument Valley, playing a flute in a big hogan.  Dusk had begun to fall.  Nonna and I were the only ones there. A truly spiritual moment.  

Click here to listen to Jamie.

Jamie singing for us in the big hogan.  P.S.  If you ever want to do a great Monument Valley tour book the Dreamcatcher Tour thru Simpson Tours and ask for Jamie.  Truly, an incredible, heartfelt authentic experience.    Click here to listen to Jamie singing

Random things we appreciated along the way:

Painting in Death Valley

When is the last time you saw someone painting a billboard?  

Love the unique artwork we saw throughout the Southwest 

My passion is taking photos and then chronicling our trips.  Nonna apparently had fun capturing me doing both...ha!  And yes, being on the road is my happy place.  

I think Nonna likes being on the road too❤️

Thanks Nonna for your companionship, love and time.  Can’t wait to be grandmother’s together!  

Day 12: Traveling along the Eastern Sierras

Keough Hot Springs, Bishop, CA

Traveling out of Death Valley this morning we took a walk along Salt Creek.  So fun to see hundreds of the elusive pupfish. (Josh & Marlina wish you could have seen them after we searched to find just one!).  

The climb over a couple of mountain ranges before reaching 395 was amazing.  Loved all the wildflowers and seeing the snow capped Sierras on the horizon.  

We stopped in Lone Pine to visit the Film Museum.  It was closed for a private event and we were told to skeedaddle along.  We pressed our noses against the glass doors to get a look inside. The two sweet women who worked there took pity on us and let us sneak in.  So fun to see all the film props posters and history of the films that were made in the Alhambra Hills.  

In the parking lot of the museum was a really cool airstream, unlike any other I’ve seen.  I think it was custom made for a movie.  

The spot of our picnic lunch.  I don’t think we could have found a more bucolic spot. 

Our destination tonight is Keough Hot Springs.  A funky private campground/hot springs place that was founded in 1919.  I don’t think it’s been updated since.  Nevertheless, the hot springs and heated pool felt divine.  We spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening soaking away. 

Tonight’s dinner - grilled yams and lentils over rice, served with Fred’s red wine.  Delish!! 

Day 11: Chillin’ Day

Texas Spring Campground, Death Valley, CA

The view from Sylvia’s bed this morning.  Not a bad way to wake up!  (Sylvia has the lower sleeping berth, I have the upper).  It was still a bit too chilly for me, about 35 degrees this morning, so we packed up camp rather quickly and headed for warmer weather.

Shenanigans on the road.  Nonna and Nana in front of a Thelma and Louise poster.  We can happily report that this road trip will have a much happier ending.   

Sylvia inadvertently locked me out of the car at this gas stop.  Think she was trying to ditch me and get away with it???

There’s always time for popcorn! 

Finally back to warm weather.  After scouting out a campsite we headed for the spring fed pool.  We decided we’d just chill today - no biking,  no hiking. Feels so good to be back in swim suits soaking up the sun.  What a difference a week makes. We almost had the pool to ourselves.

Enjoying another fun campsite together.  Tonight, with wine and popcorn, we re-visited the blog, our pictures and all the fun things we’ve experienced together.  

View from our campsite.  Warm evening, great view, and our endless conversations.  Feeling blessed. 

Day 10: Zion

Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, UT

We spent the day exploring the park on bike, foot and bus.  The morning started with a bike ride along the Pa’rus Trail.  One of my favorite bike rides.  It was a gorgeous day, but COLD!  Almost 25 degrees colder than yesterday.  

We took several hikes throughout the park.  The River Trail had an epic waterfall.  Hopefully, these pics will give a good perspective on the size of the falls.  Sylvia is in the far right photo looking up at the falls.

Selfie in front of the Narrows.  Heck no we didn’t walk them!  It was cold enough just doing the hike.  

At the Weeping Wall.   Sylvia standing next to the Weeping Wall, behind the waterfall.  The view of the valley from here.  And the far right picture is taken behind the waterfall. 

Hiking along the Grotto Trail.

Late afternoon picture of the mighty mountains. 

We decided to splurge tonight and had dinner at the lodge. 

Pretty fun day, Zion is always a favorite.  However, I can’t wait to head for some hot weather tomorrow.  Death Valley, here we come.  

Day 9: Horseshoe Bend & Zion

Zion Canyon Campground RV Resort, UT

We headed out of Monument Valley mid morning with the intention of seeing Horseshoe Bend and doing a photo tour of Antelope Canyon.  Best laid plans.  By the time we got to Horseshoe Bend at about noon, the wind gusts were about 40 mph.  The 1.5 mile hike to Horseshoe Bend was very crowded with bus loads of tourists on the same pilmagrige and stinging sand pelting our bodies.  Yes, the view was beautiful, but it sure made us rethink hiking Antelope Canyon.

Nonna and Nana trying not to squint amongst the blowing wind and pelting sand. 

Plan B was to push on to Zion National Park, despite not having reservations.  We figured it was better to just keep driving rather than having to hike or camp in the midst of a sand storm,  As always, Zion never disappoints.  As expected, the park campgrounds were full, but we did nab an RV spot at the hotel/campground next door.  

Here’s the view as we came around the bend and got the first glimpse of the park. 

It was still too windy to bike so we set out on foot to explore the park in the mid-afternoon.   Fun to revisit all my favorite haunts (I think this is my 10th visit here!) and plot our day tomorrow.  Fortunately, we do have reservations in the park tomorrow.

Tonight was cooking at home, enjoying Fred’s wine and continuing our never ending conversations. 

Day 8: Monument Valley

Goulding Campground, Monument Valley, UT-AZ border

Today was as magical as it gets.  Every day I say this is the highlight of our trip...and then it keeps getting better and better.  We booked a private “Dreamcatcher” Tour of Monument Valley. It started at 5 pm and ended about 9:30.  The lighting, our guide, the warm evening winds, the music, the dancing,  the food, wow - what an evening.  

The gals getting ready for an adventure.  

The scenery was surreal.  The deeper we went into the valley, the more spectacular the formations were.  Our guide, Jamie, pointed out animal shapes in the rocks, told us Navajo stories, played the flute inside a big hogan, and called into the mountains as they echoed back.  

I kissed a dragon rock...

Sylvia touched the totem pole! 

We saw petroglyphs from the Anasazi civilization.

We watched day turn into evening as the majestic red rocks took on a golden hue. 

Our guide took us to a place nestled against the rocks.  A dinner was waiting just for the two of us!  Indian fry bread tacos and steak.  

And then we had a private show of chanting, singing and dancing.  

We talked around the campfire with Jamie  until the last embers burned out.  Just magical. 

How can you not love this gal?!   

Day 7: Nonna and Nana soaking it all in

Ojo Caliente Mineral Spa, New Mexico

Today’s activities were soak in the pools, soak in the sun, eat a little, read a little...repeat. Here are a few pictures (not all of the pools) of where we are. 

The courtyard as you enter the spa grounds. 

Nonna taking an early morning swim in the kiva pool 

The Iron Springs.  Supposed to help fatigue, immune system, and mood. The bottom of this pool is filled with several inches of smooth pebbles.  It feels so good to just walk around and massage the tootsies.  

The mud bath area.  Yes, we slathered ourselves in mud and then soaked in the sun.   

One of the hottest pools at 104. We didn’t last too long in this one.  

The Lithia Pool is also a meditation place.  This one is supposed to aid in digestion and help with arthritis. 

This place is dotted with different nooks and crannies to just relax.

One of the many fireplaces throughout.  

There are several gardens and hiking trails scattered around the spa grounds. 

Tonight Nonna treated us to a lovely dinner at the Spa Inn. A little vino, a little locally grown food, some dessert...wonderful way to end our day.  

Our sweet little camping spot on the grounds.