Jacqueline’s Jaunts

Beginning of Kaibab Trail Jeeps-7 “There are many paths to a meaningful sense of the natural world.” (Blackfoot Proverb)  We left for the visitor center around 10:00 AM. The main goal was to get our Passport cancellation stamps and stickers. We also bought sammies for our hike down Kaibab Trail. It is a steep downward hike with three levels .9 miles to Ooh Aah Point, .6 miles to Cedar Ridge, and 1.5 miles to Skeleton Point...then another four miles to the Colorado River. We only went to Ooh Aah Point., well...almost. The rest of the group went to Cedar Ridge. This was a challenging hike, serious stuff at 7,000 feet.  This is what the trail looks like from the top I was worried about how far I would make it, but I would do my best. Unfortunately, my damn hips were giving me problems again. We almost made it to Ooh Aah, but it was starting to get warm, and I do not hike well when it is warm. I also had to use my inhaler, and it helped. The walk back up was uphill with switchbacks, and lo

When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us. (Arapaho Proverb) 1 Jeeps 5   Today was biking day to Hermits Rest, seven plus miles. This was a significant challenge for Barry and me. The rest of the group have electric bikes, and we have standard bikes, so staying together was doomed from the start. Barry and I took the shuttle to the first stop so we did not have to ride up a steep hill. The rest of the group waited for us there. Each stop along the way had magnificent views of the canyon. I found myself standing at the edge in awe of the views. I can see how this is one of the world's seven wonders. Can you name all seven?   The original plan was to stop at each site, but that did not last long as the rest of the group blew up the hill. I had a difficult time and needed to walk some of it.    We did make it to the top of Hermits Rest behind the electric bike group. I could not believe we made it. Most people passing us had electric bikes. We

"Not westward, but eastward seek the coming of the light." (Dakota Proverb) 1 Windy and cool this morning, but off we went. We normally would not drive as long as we did but wanted four days at Grand Canyon. We all needed gas, so we stopped at a Pilot. The pump we chose was VERY slow and irritating. Of course, it would be us with the slow pump...so annoying. Last in the caravan again.    Back on the road again via Interstate 40 (parallels Route 66) and the worst road we have ever traveled. Do not take this road if you can. Uneven, giant potholes, missing sections, and ruts. Just an awful road. We rattled for miles on end. Plus, the crosswinds were blowing out of control. Tough drive with all that and the Big Rigs passing by. The vibrations broke a piece of trim off the TV cabinet above us and landed in Barry’s lap.    We stopped in Williams for gas at a Maverick station. It was so easy to get in and out of. Once we hit Highway 64, the road was somewhat better. Still potholes

"A good man does not take what belongs to someone else." (Pueblo Proverb) 1 We stopped to get gas in Tehachapi, and I left my phone in the bathroom. I went back to check, and it was gone... Damn'it!!!! Asked everyone in the place if anyone had turned it in, and of course not. So we told the rest of the group to go ahead and we will catch up. Used the MyFind app to turn it off. Called T-Mobile to suspend my account. I reset important passwords just in case. I felt devastated. We took off and talked about whether to replace it or not. I was not a happy camper.  The drive was harrowing. Over San Bernadino mountains, Bristol mountains (2700 ft.), down through Mojave National Monument, over and down the Sacramento Mountains into Needles. We experienced cross winds most of the drive, which made it hard to drive straight.    I called ahead and found a T-Mobile store in Bullhead City. Once we hooked up, we drove to Bullhead City, passing through California, Arizona, California th

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave" (Dakota Proverb) 1 .    Departure day. Set up plants, hooked up the jeep to the RV, put bikes on the Jeep bike rack, and off we went. We left around 10:30 AM, about a half-hour behind. Hit some light rain going over Altamont.    The five-hour drive to Bakersfield was easy. We hit a detour to the RV park but made it. Great spot, all three of us together. Now that we are all together, tequila shots to kick off the trip. My proposal for our journey that we all adopted is, "Whoever gets to the next site first hosts tequila shots!"   Barry, Ken, and Roma went to check out the Camping World right around the corner. Barry bought me a little gift, a tiny collapsible bowl. I love bowls, so it was perfect.    Roma gave us our "Destination Is All" t-shirts and sweatshirts. We created a logo, and Roma arranged to have them printed. They came out beautiful.    Jan fed us all lasagna for dinner, and it was tasty. Great c