Category: Cross Country Trip

National & State Parks

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New Mexico

White Sands National Monument (Alamogordo, NM) – (The most magnificent site of gypsum salt dunes. Make sure you grab a slide before you come. It will be difficult for you to be able to purchase one close to the dunes. Our KOA ended up having some for us to borrow but had they not we would have been unable to find any. Also, as tempting as it may be do not park at the front. Continue to the back of the park. There are areas with covered picnic tables and dunes you can walk for miles and sled on. Bring a lunch because it is a perfect spot to eat lunch and read a book while your children (and you) slide. There are also bathrooms that were very clean and taken care of.)

Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument – (We started at the visitors center and hiked the La Cueva Loop. We went off the path some to view the cave and hike on some of the rock formations. It was a hot winter day and I had wished we had all worn shorts. Be prepared as this trail is great for children but there is a lot of climbing, nothing steep but just hills. Make sure you have enough water as well.)

Arizona

Walnut Canyon National Monument – (This was one of our favorite places we visited. The hike down and back is no more than an hour. You really could just make this a quick stop on your trip and not an overnight stay. The hike down was beautiful but I did get a bit scared with my younger son as most of it was not fenced in and there were some fairly stark cliffs. When there is a railing it is very minimal and nothing that would keep him from falling off. However the dwellings are amazing. Reading the history of the people who used to live here is astounding. Make sure you visit the gift shop, it is small but worthy of a look through.)

Sedona – (We loved Sedona. The drive there is magnificent. The tall pines sit like elegant ballerinas on the edge of cliffs. I was truly amazed at the tourist town that surrounded the sandstone formations. If you want to stay somewhere posh stay here. There are spas, restaurants, shopping and so much to do. Yet it is quaint and cute all at the same time. Sedona is also somewhere you could rent or bring an off road vehicle. We saw a ton of Polaris’ driving off road. We chose to take the Devils Bridge trailhead. It starts off on a robust road and leads to a trailhead that includes hiking up stone stairs to some steep climbs. There were a lot of children on it but ours did not make it to the top. It is about a 4 mile round trip and the first 1.2 miles are tough. You are on an open road but you are in the desert and so it is very hot. Even on a winter day my children were getting winded and exhausted. The sand on the road is thick and makes the hike more difficult. We ended up bringing our jeep down the road to the trailhead after we realized the jeep could make it. Dane walked back up to bring it down. I am not sure the children would have made it back up the 1.2 miles of hill. But the hike is worth the view. It is beautiful and I would recommend only take your children if they can handle the hike. It would not have been so bad if most of it was not on a road but a trail.)

Grand Canyon (I just love the Grand Canyon. The North Rim was closed, not sure if it was due to weather or the Pandemic but either way we ended up staying on the South Rim. We brought out ebikes which can carry all 4 of us and decided to bike the entire rim up to Hermit’s Rest. It’s about 11 or so miles from the Bright Angel bike shop to the top. The first 2 miles or so are winding through the bottom of the park and among trees before you start to ascend. If you have children biking on regular bicycles I would not recommend it. The way up, is well up and can be very strenuous. We were mostly on the road except there were a few times bikes were able to get onto the trails, but it was not often. The ebikes were great. We were able to stop at every lookout along the way, pack in our lunches (remember only leave footprints!) and stop at Hermit’s Rest for hot chocolate, cider and souvenirs. The ride down was amazing. If our children were older I would have loved to have hiked down into the canyon and camped, however that too is closed right now due to the pandemic. I believe in the world we are living in today, this was the best way to see the Canyon. We were isolated, no shuttle bus, on our own schedule and were able to stop and see so much. Bright Angel Bike Shop has bikes you can rent, both ebikes and not.)

Lake Powell (Page, AZ) (I had truly never seen anything so spectacular before we arrived here. We stayed at Wahweap, which is the most beautiful well kept campground I have been to on this trip. You will see coyotes, jack rabbits, bunnies and more as well as the beautiful canyons and water right out your front door. I have seen lakes and canyons but never together. It is very majestic. We were here for a week due to it being the week of Thanksgiving. I was thankful (get it) to be here that long instead of somewhere else. We rented a small boat for the whole day while we were there. It was exceptionally chilly when the sun went behind the clouds, but when the sun was out it warmed up fairly quickly. It is a huge lake. Spans the Arizona and Utah border and lives in both states. You could be in Arizona one minute and Utah the next. There are tons of places to explore by boat on the lake. From Wahweap it is a bit of a haul to get to Rainbow Bridge in one day, however we were able to check out Antelope Canyon (not the slot canyon you read about, you must make reservations for that, however it is also closed right now due to the pandemic), Navajo Canyon and Labyrinth Canyon. We enjoyed riding back as far as we could get the boat, stopping the engine and taking in the peacefulness of it all. We also took a drive to see Horshoebend which is only about a 15 minute drive from Wahweap. You do have to pay to enter but it was only around $5 per car. The hike takes about 10 minutes and is not strenuous at all. There is a fence where the iconic horsehoe picture is taken, however at your own risk you can climb the rocks around it where there are not fences. The cliffs around it are more like mounds but you must be careful as there are these random openings in the rock you may not see if not looking. I would have loved to paddleboard below it, but the only way is to go to Lee’s Ferry and put in there, or find a local company that will drop you at the dam and pick you up at Lee’s. It is however about 16 miles of paddling. We also enjoyed exploring Lone Rock Beach. We took the jeep and went off roading some and found a little corner all to ourselves. There are tons of hikes and activities to do when the pandemic is not an issue, or the weather is warmer but we enjoyed our time relaxing, taking in the view, hiking the beach, biking the trails on the campsite and enjoying a beautiful campground.

Utah

Snow Canyon (Ivans Utah)

TO COME

Snow Canyon

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Oh Utah … you are truly magnificent! We left the campsite around 10 and headed to Snow Canyon, right outside of St. George. My mouth stood agape as I saw such beauty everywhere. We have seen so much beauty on this trip but this was different. Every place we have been has not been near a town or populated. However the town of St. George was beautifully built around the canyons. It is well kept, underpasses are beautiful, mountains are gorgeous with well manicured bike paths throughout and nothing is left undone or disheveled.

As we drove into Snow Canyon I knew right where we were going. I had all ready planned our hikes and had decided to bring the rad wagons instead of hiking from trailhead to trailhead. Which let me tell you, is a good thing we did. I am grateful we had the rad bikes as well, as a lot of the bike trails are riding uphill and our children would not have fared well. We decided to first hike the Butterfly trail. This trail leads you to the lava stones as well as two caves you can descend down into. The trail itself has some scrambling but nothing our 5 year old wasn’t able to hike and no drop offs that made me weary. Imagine just a big mound of sand that has petrified into stone – no cliff drop offs just rolling mounds to climb up. Graceful almost.

The lava stones were really a site to see. Some were large and smooth while others were rough and the consistency of dried coral. The caves were about .5 a mile in over rocks, petrified mountains and lots of sand. (So be prepared, you will be walking through deep sand as well.) The first cave we came to was much deeper than the second one. I would recommend bringing a flash light as it is completely dark once you get down inside. Your phone flashlight will not be sufficient for what you want to see and could be easily dropped and lost within the rocks below. (This happened to someone while we were exploring. It was not found.) We turned off our flashlights and just sat in the complete darkness and stillness. The temperature had also dropped as we descended deeper into the cave. All of which was all very interesting to teach the children about. The second cave we chose not to descent in to. The hole was much smaller and seemed less safe for the children.

We hit the road on our rad wagons, unsure of where our next stop would be but knowing it would definitely be to have lunch. We rode past a sign for Jenny’s Canyon, in which we found out was a slot canyon trailhead. We immediately parked the bikes and hit the trail. Found a rock to eat lunch on and enjoy the sun before continuing on. The hike up to the canyon was perfect. Our children were easily able to climb up to it and after a few people left we were able to have it all to ourselves. The walls seemed to touch the sky. I am in such awe at what this world beholds for us. All we have to do is take a chance to explore and you will never be the same.

On our way back to the car we hit the Whiptail Trail – which is perfect for riding bikes up and down. It is a paved trail that essentially takes you from the second trailhead all the way to the sand dunes at the bottom of the road. Jenny’s Canyon is not far beyond the sand dunes on your left. If our children were older I would climb all over these canyons. They are extraordinary and all look fairly easily to scramble up. We came across a campground when we were arriving, it is right inside the canyon and looked beautiful. We will look into staying there next time. https://preview.tinyurl.com/y6huw8bg

We rode into St. George afterwards for groceries and coffee. We did not find a great coffee shop but they do have all the shopping conveniences as home. Target being the most loved. HA! I ended up going to Harmon’s Grocery which I would describe as part Whole Foods part Kroger. I loved it. My daughter and I are having an early night in while the boys are with our friends – remember the amazing ones we met at Wahweap? They are here too for two more nights, and we are so happy about that!

ZION tomorrow!

Jennys Canyon

Saltiness of a Fresh Lake

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I think in poems, meters and rhymes. When I am alone and my mind is able to drift I imagine words are like flowers adorning every part of my life. Language is beautiful and it runs through my mind whimsically placing words together in dramatic monologues. I dream in allusions and my husband would sometimes say I probably live there too. I remember being a little girl looking out the window of our big blue van on vacation and creating poems in my mind about whatever we passed. Eccentric, playful or fanciful … maybe all of them, but either way it’s who I am. Walking among the lines of words and language. I love to read and I love even more to read books filled language that is verbose – it fills my soul, makes me think.

Since I was a young child I have been a people pleaser – I have always wanted to be liked and to be loved. This desire to please others kept these words inside of my head, shut down and silenced. I have spent the majority of my life being affected by others perceptions of me. An invisible line that held me down and kept me from pursuing the things I love or being who I am without fear.

When we moved to Richmond something in me changed. Altered. I believe I just felt free. Free from those who thought they knew me. Free from myself. I was also alone. No girlfriends to have dinner with or to visit, and instead I finally and fully turned my face to the Lord. It wasn’t something I talked about in small group it was something I wholeheartedly pursued. The face of Jesus. He was waiting for me. Waiting to meet me and sit with my soul. Waiting to heal me. Waiting for me to have a voice again. And when I let go he healed me. Richmond was the place for this catalyst. God brought me here knowing I would dive deep onto my knees with my heart and my soul.

PEOPLE PLEASER NO MORE! God reminded me who I was meant to be, who HE created me to be and it is not to hide under others. I am His and He is mine.

As I sit at the shores of Lake Powell the sun begins to rise; water fills my eyes. I am grateful. Grateful for the journey that brought me here to this moment. With tears dripping down my cheeks. I start to sob. Who cries when they are so grateful? I do. I have been in so many beautiful places lately. Where beauty rules and there is no part of it that history has not altered. Saltiness hits my lips and I have a revelation. It’s a gift. God has gifted me these moments. He has gifted my family this adventure. My children these memories and my husband time away from work and with our family. All gifts we have been given. I will forever hold this beauty in my heart altered.

I am not the person I was a few years ago when I moved to Richmond. I am not the same person I was when we left on this adventure. And I am so grateful. Grateful I have a voice and am not ashamed and not afraid. Grateful for friendships that have inspired, encouraged and pressed in. Grateful for this adventure. For a healed marriage, healthy children and more beautiful places to explore. God made such a beautiful world.

Life is good. This is not just a cliché, this is the truth. Keep going friends. Let go of others expectations, be free. You were made for a purpose and you will never fulfill it when you carry the opinions of others on your back. Have courage dear ones, life is so much better without the anchor of perfection and the weight of fear. Imagine the beauty that awaits you. I promise you it is lovely.

Campground Reviews

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  1. Denver Downs (Anderson, SC) https://denverdownsfarm.com/– We absolutely loved this place! Ron, Laura and Catherine were so kind and helpful. It is beautiful and right off the main highway. Making it super easy to access if you need a safe and beautiful place to camp for a night or two. If you happen to come during the Fall Festival you will have the time of your life and your children will too! We camped in the field right behind the back gates to the festival with the cornfield at our back. There are no hookups but they generously let us fill up our fresh water tank when we arrived.
  2. Roosevelt State Park (Morton, MS) – https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/roosevelt/ – Oh what a beauty this place is. We were right on the lake and had a fairly large campsite. Your rig may seem close to the ones next to you but you have a huge backyard to play in. The firepits are overly large which is great and there are full hookups, even better! There are concrete pads for parking (but not for eating) and it is fairly easy to get into – albeit all back in sites by the water. We arrived very late and we were still able to find our campsite without any issues.
  3. Alamogordo/White Sands KOA (Alomogordo, NM) – https://koa.com/campgrounds/alamogordo/ – We arrived after dark and they were kind enough to leave our check in information taped to the front window of the office. The campsite is very clean and well cared for. However when we woke up that morning we were not thrilled with our site. We were in E5 which backs up to a chain link fence and gives you views of a storage facility and a back road – that in the night stays fairly loud. The sites closer in were better because you did not have that view. However not beautiful the back view was the front view made up for it. You are in a valley of sorts so your view is looking up at the mountains and the sunset coming over. Gorgeous. If you were to visit here I would recommend a site with a concrete pad, grill and swing. They are the best sites and have better views.
  4. Las Cruces Journey KOA (Las Cruces, NM) – https://koa.com/campgrounds/las-cruces/ – Sunsets OH MY! Gravel lot but that does not even matter, with these views I would have my camper next to a swamp. There are options for full hookups and there are picnic tables and even a little gazebo for everyone to enjoy. The sites are fairly larger than normal and if you get a view back in site you will have the best views. The sites on the inside that are pull-throughs do not give you access to the best view of the sunset and sunrise. You are near Mesilla which I highly recommend visiting while you are here. It is a historic town and you don’t want to miss the little shops or eating at La Posta!
  5. Tucson/Lazydays Resort KOA (Tucson, AZ) – https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/ – WOW!!! What a beauty this place is. There is not much of a view but the amenities are where it is at! All concrete pads for parking and with tables, full hookups, pool, fitness center, 2 laundry facilities, restaurant, bike paths, outdoor community fire pits and more! The entire place is concrete so riding bikes around is easy for the children and the playground is a nice one. We stayed right next to the pool which was great with small children. The tent sites are immaculate and offer an outdoor covered patio with a lockable locker. There are covered sites, two story seating area sites, dog park sites, outdoor fireplace sites. Definitely worth checking out.
  6. Grand Canyon/Williams Journey KOA (Williams, AZ) – https://koa.com/campgrounds/grand-canyon/map/ – A remote KOA. The sites are very large. We have a pull-through site in the middle of the campground. Full-hookups but no concrete pad only gravel and dirt. There is a firepit with a girl attached and the playground although small is still fun for the children. There is a nighttime traffic you can hear from the road, not too loud but it bothered my daughter some. You are in between both Grand Canyon and Sedona but know that it will still be about an hour drive to both. The drive is beautiful. The laundry facilities are great and there is a game room for everyone when the Coronavirus is not an issue. The store sells firewood, postcards and a few other items you might need. This is the only place we have stayed where the internet and phone service is not great. It rarely works and when it does you are kicked off a lot. So if you have to work here this would not be your best campsite, but if you want to escape this is the one for you!
  7. Wahweap Campground (Lake Powerll, AZ) https://www.lakepowell.com/rv-camping/wahweap-rv-campground/ – What a beautiful place this is. We are in Loop A which I highly recommend.

Canyon Drive

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Today was so beautiful. Dane had some meetings in the morning so I went ahead and started packing up the outside of the RV. That is until I could not for the life of me figure out how to fold up the outdoor table. HA! However, I did pack up most of the outdoor furniture and rugs so we could hit the road. We somehow accumulated so much laundry here so I went ahead with a few loads of laundry as well. I am excited to head to Lake Powell. To be honest this has been one of my most anticipated travel locations.

It’s interesting though because before I started planning our trip I had no idea this place even existed. Yet when I discovered it while planning I have been thrilled ever since. The blue waters, the canyons, the formations and the Navajo Nation are full of history and bring so much thrill to my soul. The drive is not a long one, only a few hours so we should arrive there fairly early enough to see the sunset.

Later that day ….

OH MY GOODNESS. The drive here was spectacular. We drove through cliffs and canyons as if the road itself was consumed by them. I am just in awe at the beauty and the greatness of it all. We stopped a few times to grab lunch for the children and to get gas. We arrived at Wahweap Campground around 4:30, they were closed but left our campsite number on the door. I am so thankful for our spot. We are in A9 and we have the perfect view of the Lake. We arrived just in time to see the sun set behind Polly and she was a beauty.

It is extremely cold so we did not set up a fire tonight, just bundled up inside and had an early night in. I plan to get up early and see the sunrise tomorrow. I am sure it will be show!

Rad Wagoning the Grand Canyon

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Today was Magnificent. I feel like every single thing we see takes my breath away. Nothing is ordinary. Nothing is the same. Everything feels as if the hands of God were just here breathing life and depth into these places. And my life is forever altered. I just don’t feel the same. My eyes have seen such beauty, such life beyond my normal daily life and nothing is the same. The history I dive into, the stories of those impacted by the places we visit … all of it impacts me so deeply. I am in awe.

We promised the children that today we would not hike. They have really given it their all the last few hikes and we have unknowingly pushed them to their limits. So today we ride. Yet that is not such an awful thing for us because we own two awesome Rad Wagons. (I will link below) They are pedal assist electric bikes and the children can both ride with us on. We decided to start at the Bright Angel Bike Shop and ride up the mountain from there. It was going to be a about 13 miles one way but we went without any expectation of how far we would actually travel. We packed a lunch and thankfully the Rad Wagon has a large basket at the front for the cooler and bags. We felt like winners!

It was really chilly when we started and we actually were second guessing our clothing choices. The weather however was supposed to be the same temperature as Sedona the day before, and so we had dressed accordingly. Yet with all the elevation changes it just wasn’t the same. We were all troopers though and kept on peddaling…or sitting. We rode through a few miles of forest before the accent climb to our first stop and even being among the trees made me feel at home. Oh how I love trees.

I cannot describe just one stop, just one lookout to you because they are all spectacular. One thing I kept looking for though as I peered into the distant valleys was the Colorado River. For me, this river is a symbol of life. The Native American’s lives and how this river sustained them and the lives of others who have traveled below and lived off of the supplies of the river. I so longed to go and touch the river and be among the vegetation there, but for now just seeing it from afar will have to suffice. It took a few spots before the Canyons twisted and turned for me to set my eyes upon this great mysterious (to me) river. And oh how glorious. How blue with hues of green, how long and wide the waters are. I fell in love.

We stopped to eat not far from the end of the trail (Hermit’s Rest). There was a lovely picnic table not far from the edge and we were able to sit and enjoy the view, and the wind as we ate. The Raven’s put on a show for us. Twirling and whirling in the wind. We landed at Hermit’s rest and purchased a few souveniers along with hot chocolate and apple cider to enjoy before our trek down the mountain.

The way down was not as chilly but as I began my descent I noticed the battery on the RW was very low. I prayed, Dane assisted my bike by holding on and giving his gas and eventually took the children on with him. Thankfully we made it without any issues right as my battery was shutting off. I yelled “PRAISE JESUS” as I saw our jeep come into view. WHEW!

We were all exhausted, happy and full of thrill as we laid our heads on our pillows tonight. So incredibly grateful for this trip we have embarked on. And that there is still so much more ahead for us!

Rad Wagon https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radwagon-electric-cargo-bike?utm_source=Bing%20Search&utm_medium=Brand&utm_campaign=B%20-%20Rad%20Power%20Bikes%20-%20Exact&b_campaign=B%20-%20Rad%20Power%20Bikes%20-%20Exact&b_campaignid=389466069&b_adgroup=RadWagon%20-%20Exact&b_adgroupid=1158885787157652&b_adid=72430486024949&b_term=Rad%20wagon&b_termid=kwd-72430785489073:loc-190&b_isproduct=&b_productid=&msclkid=361b9c269f1b1e81a8c3c3e6ddd342e6

Sedona On My Mind

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Woke up before the sun rose this morning and snuck out of our room pass the sleeping children in to have quiet time before the day. It was a very cold 30 degrees at 6am so I decided to stay inside. My trick is if I turn the heat up a degree the noise seems to be loud enough that I can open the curtains, make coffee and sit down without anyone stirring. A few mornings prior Nixon has snuck out quietly because he too wants to see the sunset. I love hearing him say, “It is just so beautiful!” He says that often about the natural world and I just get all warm inside knowing he too appreciates what God has created, and isn’t too busy to stop and see the beauties around us.

This morning however I just wanted to be alone. The sunset was not as immaculate as it was in Las Cruces but it was no less invigorating. I have a daily ritual of waking up and spending some time stretching, drinking 30oz of water (which I make myself do before I have coffee), writing my prayers and praying out loud and reading my Bible. All of which set my day up for more success than if I did not do it. I get made fun of for my morning breathing and stretching but it’s okay because well it can be hilarious I guess. Especially in a 32ft space.

We showered soon after and hit the road to Sedona. From where we are it is about 30 miles but 1.5 hours driving. We were so surprised by the miles verses the amount of estimated time as you drive through the Coconino forest you completely understand why. I also understood the beautfy of this drive outweighed the length of time it took to get there. I chose to stay at this KOA because of the proximity to both the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Most of the campgrounds around the GC are either closed due to Covid or weather, or our rig is too large to stay. Therefore, staying in between the two was my second best option and has worked out great.

Driving through the Coconino Forest was one of my favorite parts of this trip. If we had time I would have pulled off and hiked all through that beautiful forest. The trees are strong and tall and after some research I found that most of them are Ponderosa Pines, straight and tall. I just kept picturing them as Ballerinas dancing on cliffs elegant and majestic like. Tall and strong.

When we reached Sedona I was surprised mostly because I was not aware at what a town it would be. There are so many stores and restaurants and so many people walking around. We knew we were headed to the Devils Bridge Trailhead which is through town and towards the right. The rocky mountains and stones blew my mind. I truly had no words. They are massive, strong, beautiful, dusty and I am still in awe of them. We began our hike and it was amazing. Pretty flat with a few up climbs but not anything strenuous and then all of a sudden the trail took us to a dusty road. A very rocky, bumpy road but still a road. We realized then that we could have just taken the jeep down but we somehow had mistaken this trail to be only 1 mile to Devils Bridge …oh boy we were wrong. Dane decided to turn right and go get the jeep so once we got to the bridge we would not have to walk back up. The main issue here was our little guys legs. He was red faced and exhausted and the hill going towards the bridge was downhill (which meant uphill on the way back and most likely carrying him). Yet, the children and I continued down the hill and decided we would wait for Dane at the bridge.

We continued on for at least another mile or so and turned right only to be at a parking lot and another trailhead. Whew … we were totally not prepared for this. Listen, Dane and I would have hiked up any hill with any distance, and our son usually can go go go but for some reason today he was just exhausted. But Dane is really good at motivating him so we pushed on. About ½ a mile in he laid down on the ground and we knew he was done. Sunny and I wanted to continue on but I really wanted Dane to go and I would stay with Nixon. But he wouldn’t have it and told me to go ahead. SJ and I went on for ahwhile until we found this amazing rock with awesome views and climbed up to it and sat down. I love being with her. It was cooler temps up higher and so we snuggled and just talked. We talked about the world, the mountains, we saw a beautiful bird fly by and tried to identify it and just were together. Some of my favorite times are just like this.

On the way down we found Dane and Nixon back at the jeep and we hopped in for a ride up the rocky road. We named our jeep Blanco today so we were all praying and encouraging her to keep going. Thankfully with Danes skill and Blanco’s engine we made it up!

We stopped and ate lunch at the Mayflower Sandwhich Shoppe and it was phenomenal. I ordered the Butternut Squash Salad and the combination of apples, butternut squash and raspberry vinaigrette was exactly what I needed.

We hit the road home for a campfire and some playground time. Tonight was game and read aloud night which we all love. We played Sleeping Queens (our favorite) and read Benjamin West and his Cat Grimalkin and Wingfeather Saga book 3.

All in all today was a great day. Lots of lessons learned.

1. Always check how long the trail is – not just the one you are on but to the destination you want to go. 2. Bring walkie-talkies because it is likely that your phone will not have a service in National Parks.

3. Feed the 4 year old a hearty lunch before hiking… not after.

Even with the lessons the joys and the adventure were one of the best yet!

Good Eats

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New Mexico

  • La Posta de Mesilla (Mesilla, NM) https://www.lapostademesilla.com/ We loved this restaurant! If you go into Historic downtown Mesilla you must eat here. This restaurant is one of the oldest, most historic Mexican restaurants in New Mexico and throughout the United States. They serve authentic Mexican food and margaritas in a 150 year old adobe on National Register of Historic Places.

Texas

Arizona

  • Cartel Coffee Lab (Tucson, AZ) https://www.cartelcoffeelab.com/ We tried one other local coffee shop but this one was the best. We went here more than once and I am going to miss it. One of my favorite drinks here has a spice kick to it, look for it on the menu. There are two locations and both are equally wonderful.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqESHWHsn8/
  • Wildflower Bread Company, Sedona https://wildflowerbread.com/location/the-shops-at-pinon-pointe What a spot! After a long hike in Sedona we wanted some thing that would be healthy, fulfilling but also quick. We were 1.5 hours from our campsite and did not want to get stuck on the rocky mountain cliffsides at dark. I ordered the Butternut Squash Salad with goat cheese. The children’s grilled cheeses were amazing and Dane ordered the Chicken White Bean Chili and licked the bowl clean. I would say this place is similar to a Panera Bread Company but a million times better.

Beauty of the Canyon

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I was so proud of Dane and I today! We had planned to get up and head towards Sedona with enough time to stop at Walnut Canyon on the way, and because we were so in sync we were able to hit the road at 9am.

Dane usually breaks down the outside and likewise I do the inside. Both jobs must be coordinated to some degree as it would not go well if the water was shut off before the water bottles filled up, or the dishes and sink cleaned. He needs me to work diligently so when he is ready we can get the slides in together. I feel like we have it down to a well-oiled machine. Praise the Lord! We have been having issues with one of our slides and sadly we believe it’s one of the motors. It usually moans and groans and stops and then Dane must push it in. Yet, was different! I prayed before and during pressing that button and asked the Lord to bring that slide in without an issue. He is so faithful! It did not even stutter or stop once! I tell you what faithfulness is a beautiful thing.

My advice to anyone who travels in an RV, trailer or 5th wheel is to stick down everything you don’t want to move each time. For us, I have my basket of oils, plants, toothbrush holder and small trinkets in the bathroom taped to the shelves. This way when it is time to move the slides in and hit the road I do not have to worry about those things. However, I still must move the children’s bookshelf, hat rack, tea kettle, place towel between stove and stove rack and put away all dishes or things that will slide. Once you do it a few times it is like second nature.

We drove about 4 hours from our KOA in Tucson and took a short detour to Walnut Canyon National Monument. The drive into the monument was full of fir trees and my daughter and I were immediately drawn to them. It has been awhile since we have seen trees other than small shrubs and this was such a beautiful treat. They were tall and elegant as if dancing on cliffs and exposed roots upon walkways.

One of the reasons we stopped here is so we could be immersed in the life and ways of the Hopi tribe.  Our adventure is exciting and fun which is also how I believe history should be taught. When we are immersed in history and then able to experience it a depth takes place inside of us that would not have been there otherwise.

We arrived at our campground around 5:00 and as usual the children went to the playground as Dane and I set up, he on the outside and myself on the inside. This KOA is smaller than some of the others and the laundry facility was nearby so … tonight was my night for laundry. I actually don’t mind the laundry mat because I can do all loads at one time, something that could never be achieved at home. So within 1 hour all laundry was washed, dried and folded. Perfection!

As Sunny and I were walking home it was extremely dark but the moon was so bright and we could see a million stars in the sky. Dane and Nixon were singing songs at the campfire and it was a beautiful sight. This is our why. This is why we have invested this time with our children and away from friends and family. So we could be together in God’s creation diving deeper.

Importance of Rest

Published on by Sharli AllenLeave a comment

We decided to stay one more day at the KOA in Tucson. The campgrounds are exceptionally nice and we really needed a no travel catch-up day. Dane was able to spend some time working and the children and I had a full day of lessons. We have been keeping up with our core work as we travel but it is usually while we are moving in the RV. So it is nice to sit outside or to be stationary while we work.

Polly got a bath and the children swam in the pool. I met an awesome family that is also traveling the country with their 4 children. They have been on the road for about 5 months and will return to SC in December. That is something about this adventure that I really love. Just meeting people along the way who dream the way you dream. Who desire to see the world, love history and don’t mind giving up modern conveniences to live in such a small space.

We head to Sedona tomorrow and then the Grand Canyon. Days like today are needed to recuperate and rest, grateful we were able to do so before a few days of hikes, travel and fun.