Villanueva State Park, New Mexico, August 2011
I suppose it appropriate to start this journal with a review of my two-month road trip last year through Arizona, New Mexico (where I spent most of my time), and Colorado. I left in late June and returned exactly two months later in late August. It was me, Tiger (my canine companion) my SUV and utility trailer stocked with all kinds of camping gear. Aside from the many interesting places Tiger and I visited, the trip was somewhat of a true life adventure as wild fires were burning across the states of Arizona and New Mexico resulting in many of the places I had planned to visit being closed due to either potential fire hazard or post fire cleanup. Although I was never in any danger, the smokey, ashed skies were a constant reminder of the carelessness of man in forested areas.
This is a picture of a area in eastern Arizona but the fires were in western regions of New Mexico as well
If you enjoy the outdoors but insist in having the luxuries of home such as a motor home, roadside motels and restaurant eateries you probably would not have enjoyed my trip. But for a diehard, ex-Marine camper, it was glorious freedom with breath-taking views of some of the most beautiful national parks, recreation areas and natural preserves the world has to offer. Below is a map of my trip with notes on places in which I stayed or visited.
General route with stopping points numbered
I am planning another trip this July to visit the forests of Northern California, perhaps venture into Oregon and Idaho and ultimately return via Nevada and Arizona to my home base in Southern California, San Bernardino. My next blog entry will be a summary of the preparations I am taking and a proposed itinerary of my trip. Unfortunately, my friend, Tiger, cannot accompany me on this trip as he was killed by a passing motorist in front of the house a few months ago.
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