Monday, March 2, 2020

SOUTHWEST - CHRPA TRIP SPRING 2020



CHRPA TRIP – NEW MEXICO 2020
March 2 through April

MONDAY, March 2
Baker City to Jerome, ID
257 miles

We are off! First time the trailer has been out of Baker Valley since spring of 2018! We have taken trips to New Mexico to see Mom since then, and trips to Bandon and Idaho with the tent trailer, but the Feather has been idle, save the big drive from the old house to the new property in the fall of 2018. It wintered 18-19 out on the property and then patiently waited while the new house was being built. Not sure who is more excited – the trailer or us!

We originally planned to leave on Tuesday morning, but then realized that it would be a LONG day with the end hitting rush hour traffic in Salt Lake City. A bad combination – rush hour and Salt Lake City (at any time!) So I suggested leaving on Monday afternoon – which ended up pulling out at 8:40am this morning. Once you are ready to go, you might as well leave! Quick stop at the bank to deposit a check, coffees, and a tire check and we pull out of Baker around 9:15.

A good tail wind blows us past Ontario and Boise and into the Twin Falls area around 2:30pm. A nice easy day – Rick did all the driving! As many RV campgrounds aren’t open this early in the year and the weather is cool, we opt for the convenience of motels on the route down to Dixon, NM, where we will rendezvous with Luke on Thursday.

We walk over to the Subway and pick up some sandwiches for dinner, enjoy some time in the jacuzzi and pool and then relax for the evening. A fierce wind is blowing still and our window has a slight crack which whistles and moans! Music to sleep by!



TUESDAY, March 3
Jerome, ID to Spanish Forks, UT
267 miles

After a good breakfast in the hotel, we are out of Jerome around 9am with me taking the first shift, which ended up 160 miles into Willard and the Flying J there! Smooth sailing and the mountains of Sweetzer Summit were beautiful covered with snow, with the ripples of south facing gulleys creating beautiful patterns. The sun and a very light rain played tag for part of the morning.

From Willard, Rick drove the coveted Salt Lake City stretch, which in early afternoon is not a bad time to tackle the hundred mile stretch. However, the multiple sections of construction, with curves on and off new and old sections of highway were a challenge. But….we made it! I tried taking a bunch of pictures as the Wasatch Mountains were glorious in the afternoon sun.

Wasatch range
We arrived in Spanish Forks around 1:40, a little early for check in, but the guy got us a room on the second floor. The Quality Inn is right at the edge of the big Canyon Creek shopping center, so we immediately took off on foot to stretch our legs and find something to eat. First off, however, I spy a Ross and suggest a quick visit since we rarely get to visit the discount store. Fifty dollars later, Rick having bought a pair of work shoes and I a new pair of jeans, we check out the Chilis restaurant, only to find that Happy Hour doesn’t start for another half hour. That’s ok ….there’s a Walmart to wander around! And Rick finds a buy on a new denim shirt for just $5. You gotta love clearance racks!

We enjoy a couple of appetizers at Chilis along with a wine and beer, and then walk back to the hotel to relax for the evening. This VERY leisurely pace of driving has its advantages!


Wasatch Mountains above Provo, UT



WEDNESDAY, March 4
Spanish Forks, UT to Cortez, CO
298 miles

Another beautiful sunny morning! We head out of Spanish Forks around 8:30, fighting a bit of a head wind as we head up the canyon. Thankfully that abates as we continue on up to the top of Soldier Summit. There isn’t a cloud to be seen in the sky, just a lot of blue! Still plenty of snow up on top, which is a delight against the red rock formations.
Heading up to Soldier Summit

We pull over in Wellington and switch drivers, so I can take my ‘favorite’ stretch on down into Moab. Gas up and then Rick drives on down to Cortez. We finally spy a tiny little cloud near Monticello.

Into Cortez around 2pm, check into Econo Lodge. Not as nice as we remembered it – might be our last stay here. It definitely is economy with a capital E. A little walk around to stretch and then we dine on our gouda cheese, molasses bread, crab, and wine! A fine dinner in the room!

Phone call with Luke to confirm a few things, and then a call to Tom (had to leave a message).  
Heading down from Soldier Summit toward Price

The LaSalle mountains from the south  (these are mountains east of Moab)


THURSDAY, March 5
Cortez, CO to Dixon, NM
244 miles

Well, the Econolodge sealed its doom this morning when we found the breakfast far less than desirable. The milk seemed a bit ‘off’ for cereal, the waffle iron wasn’t on and ready to go, and the pickings were slim. We checked out and stopped at the Maverick for coffees and split a breakfast burrito!

Beautiful drive over to Durango – the mountains were snowy and the valleys dotted with white. Roads good! On to Pagosa Springs, passing Chimney Rock National Monument – a stop we made back in 2012 before it was so designated!

Pagosa Springs, while it seems to continue its unplanned spread, is still located in a most beautiful valley with 270 degrees of Continental Divide mountains surrounding it. We stopped at the west end of town to gas up, and then through downtown (with the sulfur smell of the hot springs!) and to the junction with US 84 south.

Into New Mexico and over the Continental Divide just before arriving in Chama. Someday we will stop here long enough to take the little railroad voyage that explores the canyon north into Colorado. But for today, we continue south!
A stop at Echo Amphitheater for a bathroom break, a snack, and a chance to stretch the legs. This is one of my favorite sites along the highway. Such amazing rock colors and layers, plus the rock varnish streaks in the amphitheater itself.

Pass Ghost Ranch and Abiquui and a turn off on NM 74 through San Juan Pueblo. (I can’t spell the native name for it – but this is where Lester lives!) It is a shortcut to take us over to Route 68 toward Taos. Just a short 15 miles up the road and we turn off on #75 to Dixon. We find our driveway with the big white and red 274 sign….a little narrow pulling the trailer through the gate, but we make it and get settled into our ‘Farmhouse’ B&B. Most adequate for the weekend! (Plus a welcoming committee of 3 friendly dogs!)

We chill for a couple hours waiting for Luke’s arrival. Since we don’t have phone connection, I don’t get his texts saying he will arrive closer to 4 rather than 3! Oh well, he shows up right at 4 and we have an hour before heading down to Joann’s Rancho O Casados Restaurant in Espanola to meet Tom Hinkle.

Nice dinner and visit with Tom. He is staying down at the Santa Fe Fairgrounds and working with a crew of local volunteers. Also working for the next few weeks are a couple of college crews. Tom and I have fajitas, Luke carne avosado and Rick chili rellenos. Good meal, good time.

A stop at Food Giant on the way back up to Dixon to pick up a few groceries for the next few days.





Friday, March 6
Rio Grande Gorge National Monument

A lazy morning! I guess I should give a brief description of the B&B….It is a former shed used for car repairs, herb drying, and ….. Renovated in 2017 for a B&B – a clawfoot tub with shower surround in the bathroom, sitting area, rustic furniture, and a loft up above with a double bed and a single futon. Gas ‘wood’ stove, and gas range in kitchen. We sit around and chat much of the morning, finally getting ready to head out for the day around 11am. Our goal? A hike along the west rim of the Rio Grande gorge, with a stop at the visitor center first.

Luke drives today, so we don’t have to unhitch the trailer (plus better gas milege!) The gorge area is just a short 20 miles or so north of Dixon. I really enjoy seeing all the colorful willows along the river bank before we cross the river and then head UP a winding road to the mesa rim to find our trail.

Weather is pleasant and breezy. Scattered overcast clouds. From the rim you can see the San de Cristo Mountains and the mountains around Taos. The ground has not yet begun to green up, but the sagebrush is covered with feathery plumes (ready to dispense pollen soon, I’m sure!) Rabbitbrush and tiny purple prickly pear. We walk along the rim for about 2 miles before turning back.












I call Lester while we have cell reception up on the mesa. Quick conversation, but he will be at church on Sunday so we can rendezvous then!

After we get back to the Farmhouse, Luke and I walk down to the Rio Embudo to take some pictures and explore. We must wind through the cottonwoods alittle to find the creek, but finally locate a section on a bit of an island. Luke takes a series of photographs, which all include a dead coyote that he didn’t even notice until he was all done! Oh well!


We cook up some pesto pasta for dinner, and then Luke and I play both Quiddler and Cribbage for the ervening! (I actually won Cribbage – definitely NOT Quiddler!)   

I emailed Elizabeth Taylor (ron’s sister) earlier when I realized I didn’t have a phone number for her. Unfortunately I received an email back after dinner saying it was the wrong address (I got ahold of an Emily Taylor!) Two last chances to make contact with Elizabeth….I email Margaret and then check Facebook to send a message via that medium. Just before going to bed, SCORE! Tinny answers on FB with a phone number that I can call in the morning when we get reception!




Saturday, March 7
A Loop Drive to Taos

Another quiet morning of relaxation, although we do hit the road shortly before 10. A brief stop again at the Visitor Center to pick up a map of Taos, and Luke admires a poster of the Rio Grande Gorge. They aren’t for sale, but the gal, when hearing Rick and I say we could get it for his birthday, gives it to Luke with a ‘Happy Birthday’ from the government! We also purchase a book of trails he liked for the Pecos Wilderness area.

I make contact with Elizabeth and we set up a 1pm lunch date at Orlando’s on the north side of town. Rest of the morning is spent wandering the many shops and galleries that border the Taos Plaza. Rick picks up a tshirt at one, and I do the same at another. We check out the Gallery for Charles Collins, a local artist who does some incredible three-part sculptures and paintings. Another stop in the local art collective leads us upstairs to the Taos Murals in the old courthouse and the old jail. Fascinating!

Luke wanted to take us to the Chokola – a bean to bar cafe that specializes in authentic on site chocolate and coffee – straight from the beans using all organic sugars, etc. We ordered the Taster Trio – with 2 mini mugs of cocoa, one cardamom and the other chili, and a piece of chocolate candy. All to die for!

Quick drive up north to Orlando’s – an award winning little restaurant. Elizabeth knows the owner (Orlando) from years ago when he did a whole tour and cooking class for her fifth graders. It was delicious! (Not cheap, but wonderful!) I forgot to take a picture of Elizabeth with us, however!

Our drive back to Dixon followed the back roads toward Sipapu Ski Area (but we didn’t go that far) then to Hwy 75 through Penasco and on down to Dixon again. Up and down through valleys and cuts, from juniper sage to ponderosa pine forests. Into a little snow and then out again.
Jicarita Peak towards over the Penasco Valley. 

Quiet evening – down to the river again with Luke to collect some rocks, some games and eating leftovers.







SUNDAY, March 8
Worship at Embudo Presbyterian Church
Dixon to Luke’s house, Albuquerque
117 miles (via Lester’s house in Chamita)

Whew! What a day! It started out forgetting to set our clocks ahead, so I was confused getting up this morning! Fortunately my phone auto updated – it just didn’t agree with the clocks around me! But we managed to get everyone up and going and the B&B cleaned out in time to leave at 9:30 to head for the little Embudo Presby church just down the road. We got a chance to visit briefly with our host Kaycee before we left.
Approaching church before worship with Luke and Rick

The Embudo church is one of two in the community – the other being the Catholic church. Luke said this is common in many small NM towns – the Presbys and the Catholics were able to abide hand in hand, but on the pueblo lands other churches were often told ‘NO’. The Embudo church has been here since 1889 – at one point they had a mission school and a small hospital as well. Currently they have a permanent part time pastor who lives in Santa Fe – an older lady.

The highlight of the day was the reconnect with Lester Casias (and meet his girlfriend of 30 years, Annette) a young man Rick and I knew before we were married in the church in Gresham, OR. At the time Lester was working as a VIM with the FISH Emergency Food Shelter. He stayed in Portland area for 8 years before returning to his hometown of San Juan Pueblo, about 30 miles north of Santa Fe. Luke met up with Lester earlier this year when the YAVs had a retreat at the old mission school (now a conference center). After church, we drove to Lester’s house in Chamita and saw his artwork of painting Retaldos of the saints. Fascinating! (Luke had to leave directly after church for ABQ as he had a Presbytery wide youth event planned for the afternoon.)

Lester and Annette at La Cocina
On down into Espanola and the La Cocina restaurant where we enjoyed a two hour lunch visit! I tried sopapilla tacos today – good, but prolly won’t try again. Rick ordered the stuffed sopapilla and it was HUGE! Luke finished it for dinner! We had a delightful visit over the meal.

Smooth drive through a few rainstorms down into Albuquerque, arriving at Luke’s place around 5:15. Tricky getting the trailer backed into his driveway, and we ended up having to un hitch the trailer. Luke home about half hour later. We got all his ‘stuff’ unpacked and into the house – relaxing evening doing laundry and catching up!

Metal artwork in front of Embudo church

Beautiful quilt cross in front of Embudo church 
One of retaldo displays in Lester's home






MONDAY, March 9
YAV Tie Dye Party
Evening in Edgewood

A busy day planned ahead, but relaxing morning for Rick and I. Luke left around 9 to meet with the YAVs – they had to approve their ‘contingency plans’ in the event the Corona Virus strikes. Our nation is under seige, victim to a unseen virus. Similar to flu, it just doesn’t have an identifiable vaccine yet, so can be deadly to comprised systems. To date, there are no cases in New Mexico, but with our mobile society that will soon change. Certain countries in Europe are in full country-wide quarantine! Scary, but the panic fear is more scary.

Anyway, we catch up on some chores, and then pick up the pizza lunch at Dion’s to deliver to the YAV house. A meal together (much of the time I spent mixing dyes) and then two hours of colorful fun. As we went, the YAVs pulled more old towels, etc. out of the house to make beautiful. The program purchased one item of their choice: we dyed tote bags, an apron, and a shirt, plus other various treasures. Luke had some baby bibs he had picked up to give as gifts, plus towels and shirts, plus Rick and I had some shirts to dye – I usually have one or two just to use as samples or demo projects! It was a beautiful day outside in the backyard of the YAV house.
Wringing out the soda ash (Tristan and Caitlin)


Nate used creative tying methods!


Nate, Caitlin and Nathan


Caitlin


Tristen


Nate, Caitlin, Tristan


The finished pile, ready to wash out on Tuesday


Luke and the 19-20 ABQ YAVs


Home to Luke’s briefly before heading out to Edgewood for dinner with Rick’s brother and family. Rachael had been cooking much of the afternoon – fried taters, roasted carrots, broccoli and cauliflower, and meat loaf! YUMMY! We had stopped at Smiths getting off the freeway and Rick picked me up a birthday cake for the evening’s dessert. (What a guy!) Jaxon and Weston give Luke very little breathing room – and can’t wait to hit the trampoline with him. Randy gets home from work shortly after our 5pm arrival.




Cousin 'Uke plays with boys on tramp




Rand’s just got a new dining room table and for the first time ALL of us fit around it! Even Ryan came out to eat with the group! Regan had the day off. Ten of us for dinner! Three small meat loaves all disappeared!


A full moon driving home, but I didn’t get any pictures. :(   




TUESDAY, March 10
Happy Birthday to ME! (And Mae Ingram and Max Jacoby and Diane Houtz and Kate Loftus!)

A relaxing birthday….sorta! Luke had to work this morning, so while Rick took a walk, I sewed some patches on a duffle bag for Luke. Tried to call my sister Liz for birthday best wishes (hers was Sunday) but couldn’t get through on cell or home phone. Alas. Had to catch up on blog and pictures instead!

Around 12:30 Rick and I headed up to the Savers Thrift store to see what we might see. After filling my arms with some choices, we were thrilled to find it was Seniors’ Tuesday and 30% off all purchases! Hurray! Rick bought pants and a book, and I bought tan jeans, two shirts, and a tablecloth and pillowcase to tie dye. Good deals.

The up to Olive Garden where we met Luke for my birthday ‘dinner’ (and the lunch menu!) I had a hankering for OG salad, bread sticks, and gnocchi soup, but also got the shrimp scampi pasta dish. Yes, I was full when all was done!

Back to the house to wash out the tie dye from yesterday! Had to do the first rinse outside in Luke’s laundry bucket, but we eventually got the water clear enough to say ‘Good Enough!’ In for four rounds through the washing machine – 2 wash cycles and 2 rinse cycles. Whew!

Luke left for a board meeting at 4:30pm, and since he has another guest arriving tomorrow afternoon, Rick and I will be cleaning up our mess and pulling out early in the morning. In fact, while the tie dye was washing and Luke was at meeting, we hitched up the trailer and pulled it out to park in the street – ready to roll in the morning.



WEDNESDAY, March 11
Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ
442 miles

We are out of Luke’s shortly before 8 and on I-25 heading south by the hour, delighting in the fact that most of the traffic is heading in the opposite direction! We ate very little before leaving Luke’s, so anticipate a stop in Soccoro at Sofia’s – both for gas AND a breakfast burrito! Sofia’s is just as good as ever!

I take over driving – doing the shift from Socorro to Hatch, NM where we leave the interstate and take the 45 mile cutoff over to Deming on I-10. On the highway, which passes a huge solar array AND a large wind farm, we find the beginning of patches of yellow flowers. Apparently there has been enough rain this spring to bring out some of the wildflowers that usually appear during monsoon season!

More gas in Deming, and I drive from there to the Arizona border. We are seeing flowers galore – both a carpeting small yellow and yellow orange poppies in huge patches. When we stop at the rest area in San Simon just inside the border, I take a number of photographs.

As Rick drives on toward Tucson, the yellow fields are incredible. We also enjoying the gathering storm clouds and what is obvious rain showers north and south of us. We even run into a little shower near Benson. Nothing major.
San Simon rest stop hills

Poppies in bloom!

Nearing Wilcox, AZ

Texas Canyon Rest Area near Benson

We stop at a Neighborhood Walmart to pick up a few groceries as we enter Tucson and pull into Chrpa land around 4pm – thankful that we picked up an hour entering Arizona who doesn’t honor daylight time. Meet newcomers Agatha and Jake from Manitoba who are SOOPs working two days at Chrpa and two days at other SOOP opportunities. Jake moves their truck to make it easier for us to pull our trailer into the last spot. Marj and Bob ….. from Canada are in the first spot – in Lorraine and Walter’s old trailer.

Setting up would have been easier except the electric cord had gotten twisted and somewhat knotted inside the back storage and I couldn’t get the cord out more than 12 feet or so. (Had the same problem at Luke’s, but we had enough extension cord so didn’t worry about it!) Eventually had to remove the cover, prying it off from the caulking around it, and work the cord out. A pain in the neck! But we had a good audience as Jake and Agatha gave advice, and Abi and Josh came over. Josh brought out additional caulk compound from the Chrpa shop to seal it back up, but we need new screws now.

When Rick went to turn on the propane, we discovered a small leak in one of the hoses. Immediately shut it off! So...cold shower tonight for him! Good news was that the water lines showed no leaks! This is the first time the trailer has been ‘utilitied up’ in two years (ie running water and gas, etc. - all Luke used at Christmas was the electricity!) Overall, we were pleased at how well it weathered its summer and winter out on the property!

Quiet evening enjoying the second meal of crab, bread, and gourmet cheese. Ready for an early bed since we are running an hour later body wise!

PS  Luke sent me some pictures of the YAV Tie Dye products!  Wildly bright colors!!!  Awesome! 


Thursday, March 12
Repairs, Rest, and Chrpa School

We are up at 6:15 and enjoy the return of the bicycles thump-thump as they cross the utility channels for RV hookups on the sidewalk behind us, the sound of the Who-whip of the native birds, and finally,...the 7am reville blasting out from the airforce base!

Introductions, etc. as Scott dispenses the jobs for the day and then into the shop for a lesson in electricity, amperage, and the swamp coolers. Mostly it reminded me of how much I don’t know!! Please send me out with Abi to build ramps! Or tile a shower!

Good conversations as people were leaving, and we got the wifi password and the key to the backdoor of the church to use the bathroom/shower there. Carrie hooked us up with the church internet and we can get that connection parked at the end of the RV line …. closest to the church!

Then off to Ace and Walmart for repairs and groceries! With Ace help we locate the correct hose for the propane tank and some screws to finish the job on the electric cord casing. It begins to rain enroute to Walmart (forecast is for showers off and on today at 70%). Groceries to last a few days and get us started with lunches for job work.

Rest of day? I wish we could say we were active and adventuresome. But we hunkered down in our trailer, listened to the Chrpa trucks roll in and out, and read, napped, and caught up on things….all while hearing the news of cancellations of sporting events right and left due to the C-Virus 19 outbreak nationally. Conferences cancelled, schools going online, (Jed goes to online classes on Tuesday) It is just a matter of time before the pandemic spreads rapidly in the US. Wash hands. Don’t touch face. Avoid crowds. DON’T PANIC!

Eat the last meal brought from home tonight – some chicken soup. The freezer looks rather empty now!



FRIDAY, March 13
Rincon District Trails
Saguaro National Park

It rained off and on all night, but Rick and I slept like babies! For the first time ever, my FitBit says I had “Excellent Sleep Score”! We had considered going with Agatha and Jake, the Soops parked next to us, on a volunteer project of picking citrus fruit growing in excess on properties of those who can’t pick it. The fruit is then donated to refugee families. Jake and Agatha went ahead and returned to tell us about it – plus giving us a grapefruit! Maybe we’ll check it out next Friday.

Around 11am we left for Saguaro National Park East which is only about 5 miles east of us. A quick stop at the Visitor Center to pick up a map of hiking trails, and then we are off on the loop road bound for the Loma Verde Trail and a 4 mile loop from that point. The rain has ceased, the sun is warm, but the wind is brisk and cool. Great hiking in a desert climate!

These trails never cease to amaze us. While we find the wildflowers not quite as prolific this year, the trail is lined with a variety of small white, yellow and purple flowers, plus plenty of orange mallow. What isn’t blooming yet is the occotillo with its red plumes. But the recent rains have produced an abundance of green grass amongst the towering saguaros, the mesquite, the chollas, and the prickly pear. Keen eyes can spy little pincushion cacti along the trail surrounded by protective rocks. Hiking among saguaros is always a joy because each cacti has its own character – the number of arms, the way they reach to the sky or dive downward. Cacti skeletons are evident in many places, a reminder that even these hundred year old giants eventually fall to the ground. We enjoy seeing the young saguaros with their nurse tree mesquite and palo verde branches hovering around them, protecting the young cacti for its first 40-50 years!
Wandering down the trails...
Catalina Mountains in the distance



The giant saguaro reaches to the sky

A butterfly that danced around the top of Pink Hill
This is much smaller than it looks - pincushion cacti about 8" tall

Flower to be identified!

A quick selfie by Rick! 

Quadruplet cacti in the arms of their nurse tree mesquite mother

Bright pink bloom plume alongside the road

Javelina Rocks with saguaros growing right out of the rocks

Another unidentified flower....


Back to the truck around 2 and we head back into town, stopping at El Beto’s Mexican Cafe to pick up a couple of burritos for dinner. Good eats! Quiet evening – pretty sunset which Rick captures on camera as I was in the SOOP lounge putting together the puzzle!
Rick takes a quick picture of the sunset tonight



Saturday, March 14
Chores Plus

Today was a ‘down’ day – the kind where we hang out and get some things done! First on the agenda?? Laundry! We opted to not use the MVS house machines since the house is now housing a Congolese family of 11 (9 children!) and we weren’t sure if it would even be available on a Saturday morning! Just around the corner at Wilmont and Golf Links there is a Happy Laundry that has cheap prices and plenty of machines. It wasn’t very busy and we were done with two loads in just over an hour!

Then off to Walmart to do some serious grocery shopping!

I spent over an hour in the Soop Lounge during the afternoon working on the puzzle. I stopped finally, worried that I would finish the puzzle before the other Soops who had started it would get a chance!

Talked with Liz on the phone for about an hour in the late afternoon!

Like I said….it was a lazy day! But it was beautiful sunshine and clear (albeit cool in the morning!)


Sunday, March 15
Mount Lemmon Drive and Hike

We are attending God’s Cathedral this morning….opting to drive up to the top of Mount Lemmon...AFTER visiting the Walmart Superstore to try and purchase some sanitizer and RV TP and RV toilet ‘stuff’ (the orange liquid you put in the potty!) We found the orange, but that was all! Picked up a few groceries just to stock up IN CASE and a quick trip to Dollar Tree.

Then it is up, up, up the amazing Mount Lemmon highway which twists and turns its way from the valley floor to the 8500’ level, from saguaro desert to mixed conifer Douglas firs and Ponderosa Pines at the top. You lose the saguaros around the 4000’ level as you transition to oak and juniper. There are numerous pullouts and vistas which was nice as the traffic was fairly steady, plus an amazing number of cyclists making the climb to the top. One section of the road traverses a narrow ridge through hoodoos.
City of Tuscan from one of the early viewpoints on Catalina Hwy

Another Tuscan Mt view

We stopped at a small creek wayside and found the hills behind us covered with yellow! 

There was more water in the creek beds than I expected

First of some amazing hoodoos! 

Hoodoos

At the top of Mount Lemmon is the village of Summerhaven, a small ski area, plus an observatory and lots of radio-cell-transmission towers! There is another observatory operated by UA to the north of the summit. We did NOT go all the way up this trip 

We drove through SummerHaven, the site of a devastating fire in 2003 which destroyed over 200 homes. Thus much of the village is newly built or still in the process. We follow the road clear to the end, something we didn’t do the previous time we drove up here. Marshall Gulch Picnic Area is at the end of the road and the point where the Arizona Trail passes through. We find multiple families out enjoying the spring weather. A number of trails take off from this point, but we aren’t up for a long trek and decided on an up and back of the Marshall Gulch Trail (2.5 miles RT) which climbs along the creek to Marshall Summit and a rendezvous with the Aspen Trail. You can make a loop by taking the Aspen Trails’ 2.4 miles return to the picnic area, but we opt to backtrack today. Another time!
Tall stand of mixed conifers at Marshall Gulch

Rick drove the truck through the creek to find a parking spot! 

A mica laden sparkly rock! 

A whole 'grove' of red willows point skyward

One of the many little creek waterfalls

Twelve foot high rock formation at Marshall saddle

In sections of the trail, the ground was covered with green tips of Ponderosa Pine....wind storm?

One more hoodoo formation as we head home

Back down the highway and the hoodoos always look different from the different angle coming down! We stop at El Guero Canelo on 22nd Ave to pick up something for dinner. Not impressed with what we got for the price. Will stick with El Sur and Taco Giro from now on. We ate sitting outside the trailer in the 70+ degree temps.

Marj and ??? as we finish the puzzle
Tonight was the final gathering of the Soops, as many are leaving this week to return to Canada – the virus scare has implications for them re-entering Canada and insurance coverage. I didn’t understand it all, but some who just arrived are perhaps turning around to leave on Wednesday. What is happening?? But there were about 14 of us there by the end of the evening. We finished the puzzle, ate popcorn and other treats, and mostly sat and talked. Wrapped it all up singing a couple benediction hymns together in four part harmony! Sweet.


We go to work in the morning. Time to call it a night.



MONDAY, March 16
CHRPA Work

Well, our first day back on the job at Chrpa! The office is relatively empty today. Local volunteers have been asked to stay home, the Canadians are all preparing to leave in the next few days to get back to country before their insurance won’t cover them IF they should come down with the virus. One of the YAVs is gone. Scott discusses the CVOID19 plans, precautions we can take, and cutting back to essential repairs. Drips and leaks may wait for awhile, and we obviously will not go to homes with actively sick people! Lots of handwashing to be practiced!

Rick is partnered with Destinee, a former MVSer who is now on staff until the end of the summer. They have jobs involving door repair and toilets. What fun! But Rick has a good day of conversation.

Funny sign Josh and I found on the garage of
our second client. 
I am partnered with Josh Yoder, a new volunteer/part-time staffer (who Destinee hopes will get her job when she leaves!) We have a great day together fixing a leaky shower faucet, and then drips and rocky toilets. Ate lunch at Irvington Park. We got back just before 2pm which is an early day! Rick got back later, but also stuck around the office for a birthday party which I missed!!

Beautiful day in the 70’s – cool morning and pleasant afternoon. I came back to the trailer and worked on my ‘sermon scribble’ (actually God texts and haiku from yesterday) and finished the little western book I was reading.

Humus dinner and quiet evening. I didn’t even go over to start the new puzzle!

Barely got outside in time to catch the last of the sunset. 


TUESDAY, March 17
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
CHRPA Ramp Building

Another early morning rising with the skies still dark (dumb NO time change). It is harder to arise a little before Rick with no alarm in order to have time to draw my prayers before we have to be in the office at 7am. But at least the commute to the office is brief!

We have the pleasure today of working with Abi to finish a ramp that was started yesterday, Hugh Ward taught Abi how to build ramps when she was a Jesuit volunteer 5 plus years ago. Now she is the ‘go-to’ leader. The framework for the platform and upper
portion were built yesterday. We have the lower portion to build, the railings, and all of the decking!

It is pleasant temperature in the shade of the mobile home and work goes quickly. Rick asks lots of questions hoping to learn how to offer this service in Baker City at some point. I take pictures to help him out! But the calculations for every ramp are a little different depending on the space available. But the incline must be 1/12 in slope – gentle!

Once the upper section is decked, we take a break for lunch, sitting on our finished portions! Rick goes inside after lunch to install a grab bar in the tiny bathroom. The home belongs to an elderly lady on hospice, her daughter, and a granddaughter. The daughter is the one who speaks to us the most (and appears the most appreciative!)


Final step was Rick sanding while Abi and I began to clean up our mess. Unfortunately we blew the house breaker three times because there is a break in the sander cord and it kept separating. Rick finished the job with plenty of electric tape in place!

Finished up around 3:15 and back to Chrpa at 4. A good day. But we come back to find that all restaurants are closed now. That puts a damper on things! We talk over the course of the evening and I think we will pack up Saturday or Sunday and head for home. Chrpa jobs are slowing down to essentials and the staff and a few local volunteers can handle it. I don’t want Scott trying to find jobs for us just because we are here.


WEDNESDAY, March 18
CHRPA Work

It is a cool morning again with rain in the forecast this afternoon! We say goodbye to Agatha and Jake as we head over to the office at 7am – they are heading back up to Manitoba. Bob and Marj left yesterday for Alberta. This virus is causing all sorts of havoc.

Rick is paired up with Vern today to install some toilets, grab bars, etc. I am partnered with Callie, one of the new staff, and we are to stay at Chrpa office and work on a number of jobs! Two of the jobs need to be done in order to finally get the final inspection for the new addition. (Said addition has been 5 years in the completion process!)

Electric conduit installed!
Our first job is to install an electric conduit out in the porch area on the north side of the office in preparation for the installation of a ceiling fan. I haven’t done this kind of work at all, but Callie is patient – my job entailed bending a pipe 90 degrees, finding and prepping a block to mount a junction box, cutting wire and helping pull it through the conduit, and then screwing some brackets into the joists to hold the conduit up. Success.

In need of patch! 
Finished job - needs paint!
Our second job is to patch the stucco under one of the porch beams. Callie mixed up some mortar quik set while I cut some wire screen to fit the hole and stapled it in place. Then I put the rough first layer of mortar up mostly with my fingers. Callie did the finish work! Still needs painting but it looks pretty good!

Third job is to paint the picnic table. We break first for lunch after moving the table in under the porch ceiling (threat of rain). During lunch Rick and Vern return from their morning jobs – a day that went quicker than most because they discovered two of the toilets had already been replaced. During the course of lunch Callie and I were asked if we had sanded the table first. That wasn’t on our list, but it made sense, so Callie began sanding while I found brushes and stirred up the paint. Two coats of paint on the table by 2:15! It looks good.

Ended the day scrolling through 2018 Chrpa photos with Callie to help pick out ones that could be printed and put on the bulletin board – a board which hasn’t been changed since 2014! Guess it’s time!

Short break and at 4:30 we head out for the Prince of Tucsan RV Park to meet Alan and Moira Schleiger for dinner. Rain is pouring down by now and streets are getting big puddles. We took the round about route because I-10 showed RED (high traffic stoppage) for about 10 miles just before the Prince Rd off ramp. Finally found their blue truck and North Trail trailer after cruising around the park a bit.


Mora, Alan, Ginger, and Rick before leaving the Schleiger trailer.  I've known Alan since 1955 - 65 years of friendship!  

Great dinner and conversation with Alan and Moira over the next 2 ½ hours. They have a plan to visit ALL the National Parks and are well on their way. But Big Bend will have to wait as they are cutting their trip short and heading home.


Raining again as we left the RV Park, but roads are drying near Camp Shalom, altho raindrops began falling again shortly after we returned!  




THURSDAY, March 19
CHRPA Team Meeting Plus

We are up and rolling into the Chrpa Office this morning for a Team Meeting. Not sure we HAD to be there, but the two hours spent in discussion and conversation with all the folks was worth hearing. What a tough time for the agency as they struggle between the constraints of good health practices in this pandemic and the need to help those who are struggling as well with issues that can affect their ability to ‘shelter in place’. Basically they worked out a procedure to identify critical and essential services for staff to attend (and be able to maintain at least a 80% pay rate) and trying to keep the Agency Volunteers (like the YAVs and MV gal) engaged in a meaningful way. Hours will be cut back, and more work done at Chrpa HQ itself preparing for the cooler season, which thankfully has not arrived yet. (Forecast low temp for tonight is 41 degrees! - As the clouds clear, we find snow on the Catalina Mts!)



So….at 9am we are done for the day! I had told Carrie and Scott yesterday not to try and find SOMETHING for us to do just because we were here. Keep the others busy!

The YAVs are deep in conversation with Allison Wood, their coordinator, to keep the Tie Dye Party scheduled for tomorrow afternoon alive. They desperately want to ‘play’. After multiple phone calls, the go-ahead is finally given to gather at Chrpa and tie dye, but only if the stations are colors are 6 feet apart (the recommended ‘social distance’) It will be a most challenging set up, but WE CAN DO IT!

Rick and I basically spent the rest of the day hanging out in the trailer, catching up on comuter stuff, correspondence, arrangements for Saturday, researching trailer parks for route home, napping (Rick), etc. I did not log my required 8,000 steps!

Highlight of the evening was the dinner we enjoyed with Vern and Shirley King. They were pulling out Friday morning and had extra food that had been given to them by the other Mennonites who left earlier in the week! I wish I had taken a picture when Rick and I walked into the Soop Lounge….4 wine glasses ready to be poured, a plate of appetizers. Somewhat funny because Rick and I had had a long conversation just prior as to whether it was appropriate to take over some wine. We decided not. I even drank red wine and it wasn’t too bad! The table was all set for four. We sat in the couches with the appetizers (and smoked gouda cheese made by Vern’s family on the Kansas farm!) for nearly an hour hearing all about each other’s backgrounds, etc. Shirley was scheduled to give an organ concert next week as she is a very accomplished musician (doctorate level). Disappointed to miss that, but alas, it was cancelled. They served a salad, bread, and spaghetti shrimp dish – all prepared ahead of time! Wonderful evening. Scott came over after his board meeting to say goodbye and finished the last of the main dish before his 13 mile bike ride home! Unfortunately I took NO pictures during the evening. :(



FRIDAY, March 20
Volunteer Tie Dye Party


After a quiet morning in which Rick helped me set up saw horses and metal shelves that we found along the back fence, the tie dye fiasco happened around 1pm. I had 8 color stations set up….all about 10 feet apart and a plastic table for ‘tying’ that was one person only at a time!

Stations all set up in parking lot ready for tie dye party

 Three YAVs came, as well as Destinee and Abi from Chrpa staff, and Michelle, the MVS gal. Group of six! All VERY capable so after a few instructions while the items soaked in the soda ash, they went for it! I demo’d a couple items that Abi took home to wash out and give away, and then mostly helped bag items, navigate a few ‘drips’, and mix more dye! Both groups went home with very full 5 gallon buckets of stuff to wash out tomorrow!
Small table set up for 'tying'....YAV Katie looks on

Gals spread their arms to show they are honoring 'social distancing' while I explain a few things. 
Rick came over and took a few pictures of me in action.  
One of the YAVs at the Green & Blue station

MVS Volunteer Michelle at work
Orange station...the gals put my demo shirts up in the tree!



Rick took a walk after helping me set up and I had a good phone conversation with Luke prior to the party. Late afternoon Rick had to take the truck in for a tire repair, as he discovered a flat on the truck while packing up some things to be ready for a 6:30am departure. Got that fixed, showers, and take-out from El Sur for dinner (Good deal!)


SATURDAY, March 21
Tucson, AZ to Alamo, NV
513 Miles

We are up at 6 to finish packing up and unhooking! On the road by 7am with coffees from Circle K in hand. We have a long way to go! But no stop in Sun City to see the Schaffers as they contacted us yesterday to pull the plug – just not smart at this time. We couldn’t disagree with the way things are changing rapidly on a daily basis as far as the pandemic goes.

Slow down getting out of Tucson around Prince Road due to construction, but otherwise Rick cruises up 1-10 toward Phoenix. Yellow flowers line the highway – sides and median strip – all day long! We try out a new Phoenix bypass to the west side – hwy 202 – and it is WONDERFUL! Other than some construction that prevented us from taking 303 (so we hadto take 101 instead and endure several miles of stoplights on Hwy 60) Phoenix is now easy to bypass if traveling north to Kingman! Hurray! While we are driving past Sun City, we call Carl and Arletta on the phone and talk for about 15 minutes! A ‘socially distant’ visit!!
Colorful flowers alongside the road near Wickenburg

Quick photo snap of Joshua trees....Rick had trouble getting
a picture from the truck window! 
We stop just outside of Wickenburg for gas and switch drivers, giving Don and Roxy Ulrey a wave as we plow through town. The road is now lined with bluebonnets and lupine (both short and tall!), orange mallow, and occasional poppies. Saguaros and Joshua Trees are our constant companions on the hilly drive northwest to Kingman. We had forgotten about the Joshua Forest on this section of highway.

Into Kingman and the Pilot shortly before 1pm. Gas and bathroom stop and we pull some food out of the trailer for lunch to snack on as we head up toward Las Vegas. Rick again behind the wheel. We have found the gas stations and convenience stores with them open, but sometimes the restrooms closed. Using the trailer!

A new bypass around Boulder City, NV (a now completed section of I-11 that will eventually connect Phoenix with Vegas) and we are through Las Vegas before we know it, stopping at the Pilot off Craig Road for gas again. Prices have been higher than they were in Tucson which is interesting since overall gas prices have dropped in the last week or so.

Last stretch of drive for today heads north on 93 through the Pahrangat Valley and Wildlife Refuge. Rocky mountains with layers on either side of us, soaptree yucca dots the valley floor along with rabbit brush.

I made a reservation (the last spot available) at Pickett’s RV in Alamo yesterday when the manager called me back during the Tie Dye party. So we gas us to be ready for tomorrow’s early departure again, and pull into site 12 under a big tree. We take a walk around the side streets to stretch our legs, pull some dinner out of the fridge, and relax for the evening.

I was impressed with the campground – we have stayed here before, but they are being overrun currently with folks heading for home – way busier than normal. The gal in the office was diligently wiping pens and countertops clean after each person – only one client allowed in the office at a time. The bathrooms are closed. They are trying to do their best to be safe, but also accommodate the many folks heading north.


SUNDAY, March 22
Alamo, NV to Mountain Home, ID
478 miles

OK….that’s a second LONG day in a row, but we are poised to hit Ontario in the morning, stop at Winco to see if we can pick up a few supplies (if they have any!) and then make the final 70 mile push to Baker City and home.

Up at 6 and we are pulling out of the RV park at 6:35, hoping the gas station convenience store is open for a cup of coffee! Just opened! Hurray! Rick then drives up the long valley of Hwy 318 toward Ely. The sky is cloudless in the morning and the sun bright as it plays hide and seek with the mountains to the east of us. We wind through the White River Narrows and the amazing rock formations on either side. A stop at the rest area near ‘Sunshine’ and views of the snow covered mountains to the west of the valley – these peaks are all in the 10,000-11,000 foot range!
Heading through the White River Narrows

Into Ely after crossing over Murray Pass at 7300’ (I had to mention that because it wasn’t marked on the map!) and DOWN Hwy 6 to the high mountain town and the Shell gas station we usually visit. All open, except drive through only at the Subway, and again, no refills using your own cup. Many places are honoring refill prices, but ask you use a new cup.

I take over the driving from Ely to Wells, NV, a distance of about 145 miles. Once more it is typical Nevada north-south driving….vast lake bed valleys bordered by high mountains. Only now the clouds are accumulating, first as puffy layers, then thick as we near Wells. About 30 miles out of Wells the road is bordered with a light coating of snow alongside.
Clouds and mountain ranges of Nevada


Traffic is relatively heavy, especially after Ely – lots of RV’s heading north homeward – just like us! Plenty of Canadians still heading north, especially from Alberta! (Or maybe we are just seeing the same ones over and over!)

We gas up again in Wells at the Flying J and Rick drives again toward Jackpot and the Idaho border! I make a few phone calls to confirm campgrounds for the night, and by the time we make the turn at Filer to head west, we have a reservation in Mountain Home for the night.

Wagon Wheel RV Park in Mountain Home is small, the bathhouse is closed due to Virus, and they are only doing self-check-in with cash. Rick and I determine we have $35 in exact cash and fill out the form. I don’t know internet passwords, but we can live without for the evening! A short walk to stretch our legs, showers in the trailer, and we rummage through the fridge for dinner items. Rick starts up the gas furnace for the night as the temps in the trailer are down to 57 by 8:30pm and the forecast is for low 30’s.


MONDAY, March 23
Mountain Home, ID to Baker City, OR
186 miles

Last day on the road and thank goodness it is a short one! We are up between 6:15 and 7 – having never changed our clocks to Mountain Time. Not worth it for one night! We do a little trailer cleaning in terms of sinks, tub, and toilet and are on the road by 7:30 heading for gas and coffee at the Pilot right at the freeway entrance.

Breeze through Boise-Nampa-Caldwell (is this getting as bad as Salt Lake City? NO! Not yet!) and into Ontario by 10:30 Pacific time. Gas and then a trip to the Waremart, hoping to pick up enough groceries to keep us happy for the next few weeks as we self-isolate. Score! Rick naps a 12 pack of toilet paper!! But….no 10# sacks of flour. We pick up a $100 worth and call it good!

Our other highlight is the TAILWIND we have all morning on the southern Idaho plateau when it seems like we often experience a headwind. Rick finds it refreshing when tired of driving!

As usual I wait with anticipation for the first views of the Elkhorns as you crest Pleasant Valley hill – today did not disappoint!
Elkhorn Mountain range  as you descend into Baker Valley

Home by noon and unpacked by 1pm. A pile of laundry a mile high because everything cloth has to be washed, all items in trailer wiped down with Clorox wipes, etc. But once we are disinfected, we can safely just chill!

Prayers for our world as this pandemic continues to spread. I saw that today there are now 45,000 positive tests in the US, and Italy has surpassed China in the number of deaths (a higher percentage there). May God shower blessings upon us all as we work TOGETHER with love and care for one another.


When we got home I was able to download Abi's picture of the tie dye she, Destiney, and Michelle did.  Still waiting for pictures from the YAVs! 

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