Archn't Ya Glad You Read this Post

I told Maggie sometime back in February or March that someday she would stop saying that she wishes it was summer and would prefer winter. Well today became that day as we were getting close to finishing a loop trail in the Northern section of Arches National Park. Temps were creeping up into the nineties and it was only going to be getting hotter, so it was a good thing we were almost done with the seven miles when Maggie started wishing it was winter.

We arrived in Moab, Utah yesterday afternoon and Mo found us a free campsite just outside of town. Absolutely no ammenities, other than the price or the view. It was stiffling hot as we got out of the bus, so we did an early dinner in Moab and then headed into the park. We checked out some great easy to get to viewpoints. Great light on the rocks and a better temperature than a few hours earlier.

Off to bed early, well kind of early, in order to get an early start to the next day. Quinn and I slept in the tent and were probably much cooler than the ladies in the bus. Up at five and the kids were great about getting ready. We did alright getting ready as well, until Quinn pointed out to us that we forgot to put the top down on the bus, while we were driving.  Luckily we hadn't gone very far.

Into the park before rangers were at the entrance, we have a park pass anyway but fun to feel like you're breaking the law. The ride in was amazing, as morning colors hit the rocks. We were on the trail about 6:40, ready for seven hot miles. Mo' had read temps were forecasted to be over one hundred, so we wanted to crank out as many miles early as possible. That meant passing on a couple arches on a sidetrail, but ones we would come across again.

We followed the sign for the Primative Trail, which also stated it was 'difficult'. Mo and I both kind of laughed at it after a little while as the only difficult part seemed to be keeping sand out of our shoes, which was impossible. The kids got a big kick out of seeing so many bunny rabbits. Mo even spotted a deer for the kids to view as well. The difficult parts of the trail were to come later.

It took sometime before we got to our first arch, actually there was one earlier but it was too easy to get to to count I guess. We had to do some rock scrambling a bit, and the kids really did wonderful. Perhaps a little too wonderful as they had Mo a little frightened at times. A side trail led us to Private Arch, and it was worth the extra effort. I can't really describe too well these arches, especially when you look directly at one but then can also walk through it to get an even better perspective. I hope some of these photos will inspire you to check them out yourselves.

A bonus of taking off so early besides beating the heat was also beating the crowds. I had asked at the main gate yesterday if any campsites would be available for Sunday, and the woman said they were booked until August. Well, at least we had most of the trail to ourselves that morning. Also, we were hiking counter clockwise when most others would go the other direction. There were a few people around the Double O Arch, but these were just about the only we had seen that morning in nearly three miles.

We did pass on one side trail to Dark Angel Arch, as it was getting hot and this trail was longer than the Private Arch trail. More scrambling but now the kids were starting to show signs of being tired. Two more arches had side trails and so with the kids tired, we split them up as I took Maggie and Mo took Quinn. Maggie and I took a little longer at the arches, Partition and Navajo, while Quinn looked more for lizards with Mo than really checking out the arches.

Besides the arches being amazing, it was incredible to walk up on some of the rocks that had been pushed up and split by ancient salt deposits. Yes, I did pay attention to the film we watched at the visitors center the day before. The kids had also paid attention and were excited about earning their Junior Ranger badges like they had earned just the day before at Mesa Verde National Park. That may have been the one things keeping Maggie going as were now on the trail for four hours. We had some tricky downs off some of the rock faces, but the kids were like little mountain goats, except for the fact they didn't get a great nights sleep.

Just past the first arch we had seen that morning, Landscape Arch, we were heading back to the bus. Except I wanted to go see the two arches we had passed on in the morning. We compromised a little as Mo took the kids to one, who didn't want to see anymore and just wanted to get back to the bus, while I checked out both arches. Glad I did them but there were the least exciting of them all.

So now what to do as it was probably somewhere close to a hundred degrees and your campsite is sitting in the wide open space of treeless Utah? That's right, pony up some money for a spot in a RV park that has shade, WIFI, laundry, showers and the best part a pool. Kids had a blast playing in the pool for a couple hours and Mo and I both cooled off as well. So glad for the early start in order to be chillin' by the pool instead of sweating buckets out on the trail.

Originally we thought it would be a good idea to head back to the park for a small hike near sunset. After dinner we loaded up Bam Bam with sights set on viewing Delicate Arch, which is the arch you'll see on most Utah paraphanalia. The kids were pretty spent now after eight, so Mo let me scurry on ahead to check out the arch about a mile away while they checked on some petroglyphs.  I found lots of people waiting for the sunset to hit the arch just right. I thought the light was decent enough and wanted to get back to the family, so I didn't wait with the masses.

The trail back was lots of fun, as I broke into a run for much of it. I must have seemed quite abnormal to most as I ran past them in long hiking pants and a button down oxford while wearing a daypack. Yah, I can guess I can see why that may look strange. Anyway, it still is amazing to see people wearing flip-flops and other items that I would say do not belong on a trail. But we are among the masses of America out here. I generally have not minded the crowds on this trip. I guess it is because I am out here with my family. I spend a lot of time on trails with myself, and enjoy that solitude when I can get it. I miss my family more when I am surrounded by people, when I would rather be surrounded by them. Now I have them close to me all summer long. It's been a great one thus far. Let's keep it that way.

Almost out of Colorado

We left Maine just a little over a week ago and that is unbelievable as we have seen so much.  Garden of the Gods was just beautiful and the kids loved climbing on large red rocks.  It was very crowded especially compared to Roxborough State Park in Littleton, Co which had a similar landscape.  I am learning that I have a touch of PTSD when it comes to hearing thunder. I think it goes to my AT days, but I kind of freak out and both days I rushed us through lovely hikes only to have storms blow by.  Tom is trying to be patient and I am trying not to let my anxiety show.  

We made it to Great Sand Dunes National Park in time to go play on the dunes with our rented sled.  Quinn took a big tumble doing a really steep dune and I did only a mild slant...not that fun.  We camped overlooking the park...spectacular.

We spent the following morning hiking 699 feet to the top of the highest Dune.  At the apex Maggie said with incredulity, "We had to hike all the way up here just to look around???"  Yes we did, because those dunes were way to steep and long to sled.  We ran down the dunes.  mags and Quinn did have a spectacular wreck and Tom and I are still thankful that no head injuries or broken bones occurred.  Super proud that they continued to sled.  They also got to play in the wide stream which was quite comfortable at that point compared to the early morning crossing that was so painful that Quinn tried to quit half way.  A great time was had which one could tell by the amount of sand that fell out of bathing suits.

The bus is going to get checked out in Moab on Monday.  Going up and over Wolf Creek Pass at over 130000 feet was hard for Bam Bam.  We might have been able to be out biked.  Bam Bam will no longer go to the lower gears past drive.  I found a mechanic that knows buses and who also rents cars if needed.

We stopped and had a snack in Durango.  This was a town that we frequented regularly when I lived on the Navajo Rez and Durango has really gone upscale in the last twenty years...it felt like a smaller version of Aspen.  Found a free camping spot right across from Mesa Verde.  Love free camping, but this does mean that we are just dirty.

This morning we hiked into a self guided and tour guided cliff houses in Mesa Verde.  The kids loved climbing 32 foot ladders and crawling through a tunnel.  Very cool.  When I went there when I was twenty-two, the heat was so bad Erin and I just drove around and ran to overlooks.  I am glad to have been able to have a more informational and adventurous visit this time.  

On to Moab...peace and love to all.

Colorado

 My mom is concerned that we are not posting enough.  Part of the problem is that Tom and I are the antithesis of technologically savvy.  We are still trying to figure out our photo posting.  

Anyway, so far much of my joy with this experience is reuniting with friends and family.  We had a great dinner with my aunt, uncle and cousin.  They were the most gracious hosts and Maggie and Quinn gorged themselves on all sorts of delicious snacks. I got to go out last night at 9 o'clock which is just crazy and have a beer with Naomi Paradise which was absolutely lovely.

I will stop now and help Tom navigate to Garden of the Gods.  Then we are off to rent a sled for the Great Sand Dune Natl Park...best to all.

Reunions!

Quinn and Maggie's thoughts in Indiana

I Am in  Indianapolis and I  am in the den. My name is Quinn. I love TV. I have a sister named Maggie and  is she  mean? No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ??no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She  is  really really nice.   I went to a party  I swam at Lizzie home. We play pig.  My mom lived  in Indiana.my dad lives in mane.i go to morse street s school. It's 5:20 pm the end .my mom and dad  they do not allow no TV and shows.bye  I am going to ask nana for her iPhone.bye bye.the end.

Hi! I'm  can't wait to be back In  Maine.I think the only fun part off this trip is Indiana because  of  t.v  video games on Nana's  I pad and I phone ( are parents are NO  t.v  people ) and especially  because of family, the most important thing to me in the world. I got great grades on my report card I cannot wait until 4th grade.On our first  day we drove until about 11o clock I was exhausted! The next day we watched tons of  movies that was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since we barley get any.well, gotta go.I have to ask Nana if I can use the I pad ! See you.

Ready to Roll by Tom

Starting this journey reminds me a little of the start of ancient Antarctic explorations. Ships would be loaded up in England to travel to Argentina for more supplies before finally leaving for Antarctica. For us, Maine would be England, and Indiana Argentina. It has been a lovely time here in the heartland but I am greatly looking forward to the real journey itself.

 I turned 45 while I was here and got to celebrate Father's Day as well. I was treated very well by my all my in-laws. I am very fortunate to be a part of their family. Here is some life advice for any of you young single readers; make sure you marry into a good family! As good as your own maybe, and mine is wonderful, I can assure you lots of happiness if your in-laws are good people.

I did have time for a couple of runs while out here. Nothing epic, but I did get to check out a new spot that I have always been eager to explore. Eagle Creek Park on the West side of Indy,it has lots of trails of which all are really runnable. It would be fun to race out there and crank out some good times as the terrain was a lot more forgiving than what I am used to back at home. Glad I got to go, but it was about a half hour drive for me, even on a Sunday, so I will probably not be going back unless there happens to be a race when I am in Indy again.

We are still gathering info on our trip and still have no set itinerary. All that we know is that we will spend the night somewhere in Kansas before getting to the Denver area on Wednesday. Denver is our Ross Ice Shelf. That's when the journey should get exciting. Hopefully that's when the kids will stop saying they would rather do something else. We will see. Even if they complain the whole trip and would rather be doing anything else, I hope years from now they will look back at this trip as one of many great adventures in their lives.

Mo' thoughts so far.....

Thank goodness we made it to Indiana!

Tom and I are at our best when traveling.  We are more patient, we assume best intent, we handle each other's mistakes with alacrity.  Maybe this is because we fell in love traveling.  Maybe this is because we expect mishaps or maybe it is because our attention is solely focused and united or maybe it is because we remember we really like each other which can sometimes get lost in the busyness of every day life.

There is practically no way that we will be able to get a speeding ticket.  We would have to be going down a steep incline and pushing down the gas pedal with significant intent to go above 70.

I wish I could bottle up Maggie and Quinn's giggling as I know this lack of self consciousness will not last forever.  Sigh...

My patience for my kids knows no bounds when they are strapped into their car seats about six feet behind me doing activity books and watching movies and I get to glance at them in the rear view mirror and think about how adorable they are.

I will not count how many times we hear, "Where are we?  Are we almost there?  How much more minutes?"  Answers...still in Pennsylvania.  About five more movies until Indianapolis.

I am so excited to go to Indy!  We haven't been since last July, but the Big trip won't feel real until we take 70 West leaving Indy.

Yesterday a neighbor who has four VW buses stopped by to give last minute advice.  I mentioned breaking down and he said, Maybe not, this is a really new bus.  I had to laugh as it is twenty years "new", but in VW bus land that IS new.

It is a very good thing that I don't have a discerning ear because even I can tell that our sound system is awful.

Not a good idea to paint one's toes while traveling and not bring nail polish remover.

Preparation for the Journey

How do you prepare to drive around the nation with your family for two months? Please someone tell me if you really know. Oh well, you're probably too late for me to do anything about it anyway. So we'll just do our best with what we have and hit the road. 

In this age of information, I found there was almost too much as there are really too many places and simply not enough time even in eight weeks to do it all. Internet and books have lead us to decide on a basic route and a National Park Pass will allow us to visit the best of what our nation has to offer. But there are lots of places in-between and I know we will miss some great places but we have decided to be of the attitude that we will certainly see more in our time than some people will even in their own lifetime. 

Nearly twenty years ago, I had thoughts of taking a trip like this when I couldn't figure out what to do with my life. I contemplated this trip between moving to Jackson Hole, Wyoming or hiking for sometime on the Appalachian Trail. Back then, I flipped through the pages of Backpacker magazine trying to figure out what I could do, as the internet was really in it's infancy and this magazine was the best source of information. With a few years worth of magazines I had some good ideas but I decided the timing wasn't really that great as I was eager to leave Maine in the middle of winter and most of the hikes I wanted to do would be covered in snow as well. Jackson fell through when a friend who lived there and had invited me before to come out, now said that most jobs were already taken and it was even more impossible to find a place to live. So I headed to the AT, without reservation. Turns out to be one of my best choices EVER! A couple days onto the trail I met the woman who would become my wife and be the mother to our two children. Now all of us are ready, well mostly ready, to share this adventure across America.

In the process of planning, I also had to spend time cleaning the house. I am a bit of a pack rat, and have kept many adventure magazines in addition to Backpacker magazines. Instead of just putting them all away in a box, I took the time to flip through them looking for information. I love that I have twenty year old magazines that spurred my sense of adventure. I knew there was a reason I kept all these magazines. Some were useless, others bummed me out that I didn't have more time, or slightly older children and others stirred memories of past trips or past equipment. Now they are all put back away, only after making plenty of photocopies, and we are prepared with ideas should the world wide web somehow break down while we are on the road. If it does, then I apologize that you have no idea just how much we may be enjoying that. 

It was also fun getting ideas from people. And not just people I know. I am fortunate to work at a store that attracts people from across the country. I got some inside info on some places, others just reaffirmed places I should visit but no one really turned me off to a place. Even more than learning about those places, I really got a kick learning about the people themselves. That's what this journey is going to be about as well. It's not just about the places, but about those who visit or live in those places. I have a good idea what most of the places will be like, kind of, and I am looking forward to being amazed, but who else will be there, I haven't a clue. 

Okay by now you're probably wondering where we are going exactly. Well I can't tell you exactly. A lot of our route is going to be weather dependent. I don't do well in the heat. In all of our planning, it seems to me that we could spend the entire two months in Southern Utah, but with temps reaching upper nineties we'll try to do a week there at least without melting away. Our first stop will be to Mo's hometown of Indiana for a few days. After that it's onto Colorado for a little adventure then to Utah and Northern Arizona. Through Nevada and into California which may provide us with a break to the heat if needed. We'll hit a couple of parks and make our way to the coast in the San Francisco Bay area and then follow the coast north. We will continue to take in the Pacific air through most of Oregon and on into Washington. Our passports are coming with us as we head into Canada with our sights set on Banff and a couple of surrounding parks. Back into the US via Glacier National Park in Montana and then south to Wyoming. After crossing that state we'll hit both North and South Dakota before finally winding our way back to Indiana and finally Maine. 

That's basically the plan. We really hope our VW Eurovan Bam Bam holds up well and that we spend more time driving it than fixing it. We hope the kids will remember things about this journey that we will have forgotten years from now. We hope that this only serves as a starting platform towards them living adventurous lives.

Check in when you can. We will do our best to provide updates, stories and photos. We will be off the grid so to speak so don't be surprised when we haven't updated for a week or more. Watch out America, here we come!