I flew to North Carolina to spend Christmas with Kelley and Casey and his family, returning to Lopez on Dec. 30th. That gave me limited time to get everything in order to head to AZ and beyond for 3 months. My goal was to get to Quartzsite for our Escapees Solos Rally by Jan 15th, it officially started on the 17th. Everyone calls folks “Snow Birds” who travel from the northern US and Canada to the southern part of the US, so I guess you can call me that too!
#1 – Travel from Lopez to Quartzsite AZ
I left Lopez Island on Jan. 6th on the 1:30p ferry and stayed at the Swinomish Casino in Anacortes, with a target to get to Quartzsite on the 15th. It was a lot of driving, over 1500 miles with occasional weather that I had to avoid. The key event on the way south was to stop at Long Beach in WA. I had the last of Sunna’s ashes with me and scattered them in the ocean. She loved being there, running, and running, chasing her ball, and running.
#2 – Escapees Solos Rally in Quartzsite
Escapees is a national club and Solos is a sub-group for people who travel solo. This is our most official annual rally, so on Tuesday the 21st we had our annual meeting and election of officers. Since members of this groups come from all over the country and Canada, this is a special event to keep connected.
#3 – Casa Grande – down time
This was a difficult period: nerve damage, allergic reaction to medication, slow recovery. I was lucky to have a place where I had helpers.
#4 – Lake Havasu Winter Blast
This is one of the top professional fireworks shows in the country. The manufacturers put on this show for their customers so they can see what they can get. Top Notch!
#5A – North AZ, Sedona, Part 1
I spent a few days in Congress AZ, and was able to explore Wickenburg. Then I went on to Camp Verde to be close to Sedona. So much to see, and amazing rock formations.
#5B – Exploring Sedona, Part 2
Fascinating Rocks and Geology. I drove as many back roads as I could to take it all in. Hiked up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, drove north along Oak Creek Canyon, explored a side road that led to Cathedral Rock, and explored Montezuma Castle.
#6 – Lake Havasu Bluegrass Festival
The Festival was at Lake Havasu State Park, we had camping spots near the stage area. Three days full of music. What fun!
#7 – Joshua Tree National Park
A quick tour of the Joshua Tree National Park, fascinating as always!
#8 – Santa Barbara to Monterey
Visited with several friends in Santa Barbara and Ventura, then headed to Monterey – full of memories.
#9 – Bay Area, Mary Wondra, Home
Visited friends in the San Francisco Bay Area, had a final conversation with Mary W, then made my way home to Lopez.
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