Grand Canyon
July 11 & 12
Leah and I just completed the Grand Canyon Leg of our trip. The views were spectacular! The camping was outstanding as well. We stayed at Campsite #227 on Wednesday and Thursday night, which was probably one of the best sites that we have camped within the last few years. Our meals included Leah’s Grand Canyon Burritos (not to be confused with her Chisos Basin Burritos). Those who shared our campsite included ravens, gray tailed squirrels and an elk. A chipmunk even checked out the inside of our car. The park was very crowded as it felt like that we were at Disney. The excess numbers of people in the park made us appreciate the solitude of Big Bend. As a result, we decided to head to Santa Barbara a day early.
Santa Barbara
We left the Grand Canyon shortly before 7:00 A.M. in 70 degree temperature. Our car thermometer read 102 degrees as we drove through Needles, CA at 10:00 A.M. Dad, Leah indicated that the Mojave Desert reminded her of Alpine-Big Bend & El Paso. We arrived in Barstow at around 12:00 noon. As I mentioned to you Mom, the outlet area of Barstow has really grown since we were last in this area back in the early 90’s. Leah and I (along with all of the L.A-Las Vegas travelers) grabbed a burger at In and Out Burger. We turned right in Victorville towards Palmdale and then south on Highway 14. We did not hit heavy traffic until we entered onto I-5 about 30 miles north of L.A. The drive from I-5 (around Six Flags Magic Mountain area) to Ventura was very green. Our jaws quickly dropped as we merged onto Highway 101. Ocean! Leah and I obviously had to stop the car at the first beach. We have never seen so many RVs camped out! There were over 100 along the beach. After our quick stroll on the beach, we headed further west to Santa Barbara. We anticipated that we would have difficulty finding lodging on an early Friday evening. Luckily, we drove into the parking lot of a motel, which is off of State Street. Beverly, the name of this place is the Presidio Motel. Leah observed the No Vacancy sign light up as I reserved the last room. We were extremely fortunate. On Friday evening, we experienced our first glass of wine at a wine bar on the pier. We shared our happy hour with a couple from Denmark and a lady who currently lives in Manhattan (her parents live in Pecos, TX and she was recently in Marfa!). From our table, I think that my view facing north towards the mountains was as breath taking as Leah’s vantage point looking out towards the Channel Islands. Heading back towards the hotel, we stopped at Bucatini's. On the patio, Leah and I shared a bottle of MacMannis Pinot Noir and a pizza. Our plan on Saturday (today) is to head to the beach!
5 comments:
Greetings from Central Texas,
We hope that you and Wade have had a great day at the beach and have bunches of pictures to share with all of us.
We had an 1 1/2" of rain last night that left the yard and garden soaked. I pulled up all the cucumbers (20 lbs worth) and have made a set of bread and butter pickles and one of dill.
I will mow down the corn stalks and bean plants, leaving the tomatoes, peppers, and okra. As soon as it drys up a bit, I will till the rest of the garden to get ready to plant the fall vegetables in August.
Hi, It's Mom: We are so enjoying the trip without having to do the driving. You pictures of the Grand Canyon are GRAND. What an awesome place.
You are finding the best places to eat as well. How much fun to meet other travelers. You will think of them many times in later years, as I still do people I met in Alaska a hundred years ago.
Kitties are all fine. Madison decided she needed in my lap this afternoon while I was reading. She rested for about 40 minutes. They have all been so good. Priscilla came out of the closet yesterday and stayed upstairs under Mother's antique sofa. Your kitties think she is somewhat odd, and they are correct.
I stay busy cooking as many vegetables out of the garden as possible. Had a good Tuscan Tomato Soup for lunch out of W/S cookbook.
Have the greatest time ever--
Love Mom and Dad
I share in the accolades to you two on the pictures and commentary. I agree with Ben, that this should be a publication for each of you. I can think of several venues, Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, and a documentary for National Geographic; not to mention, the many educational/technology journals! I recalled the many times I visited the Fish family in the Mojave and enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the desert. This is such a treat. The only thing missing is Leah's famous Burrito...yum. lwc
Wade and Leah~ Hello! I finally had a chance to check out your blog! I'm very impressed; what a neat way to keep track of your travels as well as keep family and friends updated on your journey!!
Phil and I are awing over the pictures... we're so jealous! We look forward to seeing more pictures of your travels and reading about your journey!
Have a safe trip!!
Tammy & Phil :-)
What wonderful photos! I agree, the summer travels are definitely "publishable".
Thank you for sharing with us!
Love,
Michelle and Annie
Great pictures!
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