Since leaving New Mexico, and our wildlife refuge volunteer assignment, we've been roaming around the southwest where we spent two months exploring Arizona.  We've been there before, but there was much we hadn't seen.  It did not disappoint!

I could not get enough of the saguaro cactus.  I had trouble keeping my eyes on the road whenever I drove through a forest of these beauties.  Probably filled up a whole data card with just saguaros!  They add so much to a landscape photo when they are the stars.

We had no idea there were so many interesting ghost towns in Arizona.  Old west and mining towns, now a thing of the past, were everywhere.  So much history to be learned from that era!

Lots of 'left overs' from the miners that once roamed these areas.  These cuties are everywhere in Arizona to attest to days gone by.  I've heard lots of coyotes singing at night, but had to get used to the donkey talk in the evening as well.
 
One of the highlights for me during these ramblings was to get to spend some time in and around Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Recreation Area.  I've always wanted to hike into Antelope Canyon, but with feet that don't wish to take me there, we opted to explore by boat instead.  We went all the way to the end of the canyon, as far as the water takes us, and it was just as magnificent as I imagined!  The colors, formations and reflections were absolutely amazing.  Too early for houseboat season, but lots of recreation taking place on the lake just the same.  I'm guessing that our slightly larger water craft was a little warmer, however😀.

After leaving Lake Powell, below the dam, the Colorado River continues on its miles-long journey into the Grand Canyon and then flows into Lake Mead.  We stayed at Lee's Ferry and got to watch a couple of rafting groups leave on a 21-day trip through the Grand Canyon.  Just watching the equipment and supplies being prepared for a trip of this length was fascinating to us.

Traveling west along the Utah/Arizona border, we arrived at Lake Mead, after changing our route due to the threat of some major snow storms coming to the area where we intended to go.   (Glad we did - - many of those areas are still digging out!)  Some of the places we visited in Nevada were new to us and we found landscapes we never thought we'd see in that state.  Who knew???

 As usual, I've learned some things on this trip.  After changing our route to include Highway 99 up through California, we encountered damaged roads like no others!  Even had to have a wheel repaired on Kodi the trailer along the way.  Gives a new definition to 'rough'!!!

I've also come to the conclusion that we will no longer take to the road during the month of March.  Now, I am not too superstitious, but there seems to be a pattern to the weather and mechanical drama that seems to sit on our bumper in March!  Even though we replaced the engine in Kermit the Tahoe just 60,000 miles ago, we are now stranded in Bandon, Oregon, while we have some major engine repairs done.  (Ugh!)  Bad cylinder - - and of course, our warranty expired six months ago.  (Heavy sigh👎).  So, no more travel in March - - nope - - ain't happenin'!!!  This also means we will be late reporting for our volunteer duties at Silver Falls State Park, near Salem, OR, but the staff there seems to understand.

Of course, I'm always one to try to look at the bright side, so we rented a car and have been using the time to explore some coastal areas we've not seen before.  Happy to say we discovered some new beaches that are fabulous, and we were lucky enough to see some unusual beach art that happens every minus tide here in Bandon.  There is a local artist (Denny Drew) who, along with several volunteers, create a sand labyrinth that is only there until the tide comes in and washes it away.  After it is created, people on the beach enjoy walking the path.  Stunning!

Until next time, I hope you've enjoyed reading about our 'journey' and that you are all well and happy.