Tuesday, November 29/2011

Heading out

US 191 S

Lots of sand

Goats on the road

Can you see the impostor 

Getting into the trees

Coal power plant at the end of the day

It was quiet all night as John and I are the only ones in the campground.  There were a few birds around that were bugging Hogan and while we were sitting around the campfire last night, he assumed the role of "great protector" and kept all winged creatures away from the bus!!
This morning, the sun is up and all seems well with the world.  There is running water here in the campground so I think I will give Hogan a shower (he is starting to stink like a dog), take an extended one myself then fill the bus before we leave here. Again, life is good.  I think, although do not want to say it too loud, but I think we just may hit Arizona today!!
We continued our travels south on 191 and I must say that for this leg of the trip the scenery was boring and non -descript.  We did pass through some very sandy areas that could almost be called dunes but other than that , the landscape was nothing but sand and sagebrush with an occasional odd rock formation thrown into the mix.  I don't think we need to be taking this route again anytime soon!!  We eventually hit I 40 then headed west towards Flagstaff.  John has ordered batteries to support the solar panels so we are going to pick those up then head further south tomorrow.
We stopped at a Flying J truck stop for the night and I can almost guarantee that the noise level will not be described as "quiet" in tomorrow's blog!!
Since we now have "service" on the phone I text both the boys and Jan today so am now caught up on all the news back home.  It was good to talk to everyone.

Monday, November 28/2011

Heading out

The Six Shooter Peaks

The south Six Shooter - close up.  These two peaks were often featured
in classic western films

US 211 E

Church Rock

Utah's finest

Our spot for the night - Sand Island Campground

Beside the San Jaun River

By our camp site

And this is why so many of the ancient sites are fenced - because disrespectful jerks like this who
think it is cool to add their etching.

Who, in their right mind carves their initials beside a 3000 year old petroglyph?
It truly is B.S.!!

Getting the fire going

The sun is shining today and I noticed that the weather at home has been very nice for the last couple of day.  They were above zero so that is wonderful for them and it serves to break up the last nasty little cold spell they were in.
John loaded the quad and the jeep yesterday during the half time show for yesterday's football game so all that needs to be done is to put away the chairs and we are out of here - Arizona bound once again!!
I want to stop and see Newspaper Rock on the way out and take a look at all the petroglyphs.  Being one of the world's largest petroglyph sites, it would be a shame not to stop.
We have been "out of the service area" for the phone for several days now and it will be great to actually get back to texting the folks back home.  We can send messages through the computer but what a hassle when you are used to just picking up the phone and texting away!!  I may actually make some phone calls and hear some voices too!!
We travelled about 100 miles today, ending up at a small BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campground by the name of Sand Island.  It is just off the highway and lies nestled quietly beside the San Juan River.  It is yet another site for petroglyphs and I am truly fascinated by them.  Unfortunately there has been some vandalism at the site and it is unfortunate that some feel they have to disrespect the ancient carvings.
While Hogan and I were out checking the carvings, John started gathering wood for tonight's fire.  There was quite  bit of deadfall around so it wasn't too long before we had enough and sat around it until it was time for supper.
Tomorrow, with a little bit of luck, we will be in Arizona!!  Woo Hoo!!  Perhaps the darn phone will let me text then as once again, we are "out of service area".