Category Archives: Western United States

March 18, 2013 · 4:04 pm

New “home” in Santa Fe feels so good!

Blessed Kateri

Blessed Kateri stands in front of the Cathedral Baslicia of Santa Fe (photo credit: Rose Muenker)

Robins serenade us, pinyon pine branches sway in the breeze, the weather teases with snow one day, spring the next, and the air is pure — life is great at Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground, our “home” for the next several months.

Santa Fe’s historic plaza is only a 15-minute drive away. We reacquainted ourselves with some of Santa Fe’s major attractions last week.

The bronze statue of Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680) charms me. She was the first North American Indian to be beatifed. An Algonquian-Mohawk of New York State, Blessed Kateri was canonized in October 2012. This beautiful statue stands in front of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francise of Assisi in the historic plaza.

I adore the historic adobe architecture found on buildings like the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Adobe architecture

Historic adobe architecture graces the Santa Fe plaza. Photo credit: Rose Muenker.

Filled with Native American blankets, pottery, sundry imports and souvenirs, the Jackalope is a fun attraction as well as a shopping mecca for bargain hunters.

Jacklope stagecoach

Blown glass garden art surround a historic stagecoach in the entry of Jackalope, a favorite shopping destination. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

It’s a great place to pick up Mexican throw rugs–about the only additional thing we dare add to the limited square footage of our RV.

2 Comments

Filed under New Mexico, RV Lifestyle, RV Travel, Western United States

Tagged as , , , , ,

March 6, 2013 · 1:58 pm

Grand Canyon Evokes Awe and Amazement

Grand Canyon 2 - small

The canyon walls’ colorful layers reveal Grand Canyon’s geological history. Photo Credit: Rose Muenker

Revisiting the Grand Canyon was the highlight of our travels to Santa Fe. The vistas from the South Rim were as amazing and awe-inspiring to me this time as every other time I’ve seen them. Capturing them on camera is near impossible for amateur photographers like me, but at least these cell phone images document our visit.

David photographs the South Rim on a wintry March day. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

David photographs the South Rim on a wintry March day. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Snow dusted rock ledges and shaded forest floors — a reminder that it’s still winter. Bracing winds whipped about. Even so, the park was busy, especially with travelers from Asia.

Grand Canyon viewpoint

Visitors peer into the Grand Canyon from Mather Point. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

When I caught sight of the Colorado River deep in the canyon, I marveled at my stamina and nerve 12 years ago when I backpacked from the North Rim to the South Rim with three other women. It was a journey I treasure for its insights into my life as well as for the experience of being surrounded by such extraordinary grandeur.

Sonya

Sonya waits in the car while David takes photos of the Grand Canyon. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Our dog, Sonya, put up with our numerous stops to admire the view and take photos. Later she joined us on the paved Rim Trail, which permits dogs. She’s a people magnet, bringing smiles to passersby and attracting people eager to pet her and strike up a conversation.

We are now comfortably situated in our spring and summer “home” in Santa Fe after a safe and joyful 650-mile road trip.

1 Comment

Filed under Pet Travel, RV Lifestyle, RV Travel, Western United States

Tagged as , ,

March 2, 2013 · 6:59 pm

Williams, AZ – Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Route 66 road sign

Cruisin’ Route 66 – Photo credit: Rose Muenker

We’ve settled into an RV park in Williams, AZ, Gateway to the Grand Canyon, with plans to explore as much of the South Rim as we can tomorrow.

Historic US 66 goes right down the main street of Williams, AZ, so you can “cruise Route 66″ right here.

Williams Town Clock

Town clock in Williams, AZ. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The town’s “gateway” location and the Grand Canyon Railway keep it thriving. It has galleries, fun shops and lot of places to eat with cuisine ranging from barbeque to Thai, Italian and Mexican. The homemade pies at Pine Country Restaurant looked tantalizing but we restrained ourselves.

The town clock chimes every quarter-hour. A couple of quaint hotels, including the Red Garter, occupy buildings dating from the 1890s. And motels in vintage 1950s buildings line historic Route 66.

Hotel in Williams, AZ

Red Garter Hotel, Williams, AZ. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The last time we visited the South Rim was some 10 years ago when I backpacked rim-to-rim with three other women. While I crossed the canyon, David hiked his favorite areas along the South Rim.

Tomorrow we’ll take in the vista from the rim’s many viewpoints and leave hiking into the canyon for another time.

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under RV Lifestyle, RV Travel, Western United States

Tagged as , ,

March 1, 2013 · 6:22 pm

Santa Fe Here We Come

Santa Fe sunset The last time we visited Santa Fe, New Mexico, a sliver of moon graced a stunning sunset. That was two and half years ago when we were headed to southern California.

After exploring the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Oregon and the magical desert landscapes of Death Valley, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon, Zion, the Grand Canyon and many other wondrous locales, we are heading east.

Santa Fe will be our spring and summer home. We’re eager to reacquaint ourselves with the area’s rich Pueblo Indian, Hispanic and Anglo cultural roots, bask in the creative arts, and explore ancient ruins — and to savor New Mexico’s delectable cuisine!

Have you been in Santa Fe lately? Please let us know your must-do recommendations!

1 Comment

Filed under RV Lifestyle, RV Travel, Western United States

Tagged as , ,

November 29, 2012 · 5:36 pm

Highlights of Southern Utah

Bristlecone Ridge

View from our “summer home” – Bristlecone Ridge

More than two months have passed since we left Tropic, Utah, our home for 5 months. As we bundle up against the winter chill of northwest Nevada and watch the sun set shortly after 4pm, revisiting our delightful time in Tropic is as warming as sipping a steaming cup of cocoa.

Southern Utah’s magical landscape, dramatic monsoons, fresh air and quietude created a memorable setting. And the people we connected with warmed our hearts. Here are some of the people and places that made our stay special:

Extraordinary celestial events: the annular solar eclipse, the Venus Transit, the huge sky carpeted with the Milky Way, constellations and countless stars

Our first evening at Stone Canyon Inn: watching the solar eclipse through protective glasses with the owners Dixie and Mike Burbidge and many members of their beautiful family

Dixie’s energy, enthusiasm and generosity, her upbeat, can-do approach, and her talent for focusing on the possible, not the limitations.

Being in an area infused with prosperity consciousness, which helped us expand ours.

Our co-worker Annette, whom we nicknamed Bountiful Buckets, who generously shared the abundance of her yard and gardens: flavorful homegrown tomatoes, cherries, squash, peaches and other delicious produce.

A fun team of co-workers led by fabulous Thad, always ready with tunes to keep us singing and laughing.

Interacting with travelers from so many different countries: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil, New Zealand, the Netherlands…

Hiking among the magical, whimsical hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Watching a huge full moon rise and gradually illuminate the fanciful stone formations of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Jack rabbits hopping at sonic speed; the flash of blue as pinyon jays flit from tree to tree; chipmunks scurrying across the sandy terrain.

Double rainbows arcing across the valley after a raucous storm.

The intricate patterns and shapes of the rugged, slick rock landscape in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Rare ribbons of greenery in the dry desert.

Scenery around every turn that made my eyes pop open and my heart soar.

The awesome beauty of Bristlecone Ridge greeting me every morning.

Becoming pros at preparing gourmet breakfasts for 12 guests. David’s homemade cinnamon rolls have no peer!

Ending the day watching dramatic, colorful sunsets over Powell Point.

Exploring our “backyard” with dear friends and relatives who traveled here to share fun time with us.

1 Comment

Filed under RV Travel, Western United States

Tagged as , , ,

September 14, 2012 · 7:16 pm

When Borders Don’t Exist

Queens Garden at Bryce Canyon National Park

Royalty gathers at Queen’s Garden in Bryce Canyon National Park. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The patio at Stone Canyon Inn hummed with joyful conversations the other night as a dozen guests gathered with drinks and appetizers to watch Powell Point glow under the setting sun. They hailed from Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and Virginia. Their common denominator was the love for travel and experiencing different cultures, landscapes and foods.

It tickled me how much the scene reminded me of the gathering of human-like hoodoos at Queen’s Garden in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Watching the guests enjoy each others’ company made me wish that all interactions among people from different countries were so free, fun and untainted by political, social or economic differences.

But then I pulled myself back to the joyful scene in front of me and basked in the beauty of it.

1 Comment

Filed under Utah, Western United States

Tagged as , ,

July 26, 2012 · 5:12 pm

Rainbows Beautify Utah Desert

Rainbow over Tropic, Utah

A glorious rainbow arcs over the town of Tropic, Utah, with Powell’s Point in Escalante National Monument as its backdrop, after an afternoon rainstorm.
Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The monsoon season, as the locals call it, has arrived in southern Utah. While heavy afternoon rains may dampen the spirits of tourists in Bryce Canyon National Park, I relish them.

Dark, brooding clouds gather in the sky and then drop buckets of water on the parched earth below. The temperature drops at least 10 degrees. Thunder growls; lightning flashes. The rain plays on our RV rooftop like a passionate percussionist.

Then the storm suddenly stops. Sun peeks around the clouds. And a glorious rainbow arcs across the sky.

Shortly, any sign of rain has disappeared—no puddles, no water gushing down washes. But the colors of the rocks and trees look fresh and crisp. The world looks brighter.

Ah, afternoon rain storms in the desert—how lovely they are!

1 Comment

Filed under RV Lifestyle, Utah, Western United States

Tagged as ,

June 28, 2012 · 4:56 pm

Down and Out in Death Valley – Magazine Column

Out of Denver magazine cover

Out of Denver, June/July 2012

“Towering palms thriving in a vast desert are just one of the many amazing sights in and around Death Valley National Park, our playground while we winter in Nevada…”

See David’s amazing photos and read about our adventures in Death Valley in our On The Road column published in the June/July 2012 issue of Out of Denver magazine.

P.S. The file opens great on Internet Explorer and Safari, but not on Firefox.

1 Comment

Filed under California, Nevada, RV Travel, Western United States

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

June 15, 2012 · 6:25 pm

Mossy Cave Trail Enchants Scenic Highway Travelers

Mossy Cave Trail

Mossy Cave Trail features a waterfall, cave, flowers and hoodoos and is only 4 miles from our “summer home.” Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Short and scenic Mossy Cave Trail draws Highway 12 travelers out of their cars and into Water Canyon for an easy hike among hoodoos to a cave and small waterfall. We explored it when evening sunlight brought out the rocks’ rich array of colors.

Waterfall on Mossy Cave Trail

A short waterfall cascades in Water Canyon. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

A stream of water — always a welcome sight in these parts — serenaded the canyon. I love the intimacy of this canyon! As I basked in the peacefulness of that evening hour, I chose the rock I’ll perch on during journal writing getaways.

The trail leads to a small waterfall and a cave lined with rich green moss. The tenaciousness of vegetation in this rugged desert climate amazes me. Trees anchor themselves in crevasses and delicate flowers sprout from rock walls.

Flower grows on rock wall.

A delicate flower grows on a rock wall near Mossy Cave. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Even more amazing are the fascinating formations sculpted by the elements that manage not to topple. At least not yet!

Rock formation at Mossy Cave Trail

Spindle legs support a bulbous rock atop a Water Canyon wall. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

At the end of the groomed trail, we scaled up a slope for a view of the surroundings. A healthy Bristlecone pine graced the scene. Unlike the Bristlecone pines I was accustomed to seeing in the Rocky Mountains, this one has not been twisted or dwarfed by the wind.

Bristlecone pine

The rich green of a Bristlecone pine contrasts with the red and golden hues of the rock formations. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

It’s always fun to catch a bird’s-eye view of our surroundings. But when I come back, I’ll stay down by the stream, listening to the symphony of running water, breezes and birds.

2 Comments

Filed under RV Lifestyle, Utah, Western United States

Tagged as , , , , ,

June 5, 2012 · 12:06 pm

Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park 1 – Bryce Point Trail

View from Bryce Point

From Bryce Point, we can actually see the rooftop of our RV in the far distance (but only because we know where to look!) Photo credit: Rose Muenker

For our first hike in Bryce Canyon National Park, we went to Bryce Point on the rim for a 4-mile route that combined descending Bryce Point Trail, following the west section of Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail, and then climbing out of the canyon on the Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop to Sunset Viewpoint on the rim.

Here are some favorite sights along steep, strenuous and scenic 1-mile-long Bryce Point Trail.

Hoodoo- Bryce Point Trail

Called hoodoos, the whimsical rock formations in Bryce Canyon tickle the imagination. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

This hoodoo looks like a camel carrying several passengers at a time.

Window-Bryce Point Trail

Bryce Point Trail walks through a window. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

We could see the window for quite awhile before we reached it. Knowing we would get the chance to walk through it was a great motivator  to keep pressing on.

David Muenker-Bryce Point Trail

David takes one of his 215 photos that day of Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Each bend in the trail opens to yet another spectacular view of Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. To say that David was in “photographer’s heaven” is an understatement!

Angel Wings-Bryce Point Trail

Wondrous rock formations tweak the imagination. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The magical hoodoos, fins and other rock formations strike each person differently. As I rounded a curve and looked up, this formation looked like an angel with massive wings. A deep sense of peace filled my heart.

The sights along Bryce Point Trail were among the most spectacular on our hike.

2 Comments

Filed under RV Lifestyle, RV Travel, Utah, Western United States

Tagged as , , , , , ,