2018 Road Trip

From June 25 to July 8, 2018 we drove a large circle from Colorado Springs to the California coast and back to Colorado, camping and also visiting beloved friends along the way. From Colorado Springs, we drove west on Interstate 70, going through Glenwood to Rifle, then camped at Colorado National Monument for our first night.

Solar panels in Rifle, CO.

Hoodoos at Colorado National Monument campground.

By late afternoon, we were settled in camp and admiring the rock hoodoos – shaped like fat chessmen.

Our camp looked out over the Fruita township and the across the valley to the Book Cliffs. It was 87°F but we had ice in the cooler.

Shane enjoying the view at our campground.

Next day, we were off to visit Capitol Reef National Park. This is our first visit and we were surprised to find large and active orchards that had been planted by Mormon pioneers in the late 19th century. Apple, apricot, peach, and cherry trees thrive all along one valley of this unique area. Just a short distance from the campgrounds, a hard pan desert, slot canyons, and other hardships kept this canyon bottom a secret paradise. Today, the greenery is splendid — especially when set against the red cliffs and weird formations nearby.

Did I mention the fresh pies they sell at the homestead every day?

After a night in Las Vegas, we headed to Claremont CA to see Jude and Will.

At Brackett Field where we used to hangar our Cessna 172.

Will with one of his prototype submarines.

Succulents in Jude’s backyard.

We had supper with Bidushi and Bryan in Aliso Viejo. 

Soka University, where Bryan is Dean of Faculty

Bidushi is founder and CEO of Bhattacharya Space Enterprises

We headed to Ventura to see Angie and Bob.

Then to Los Olivos, just up the coast from Santa Barbara, to visit wine country. 

Speeded over to Phoenix to visit Kathleen and Howie.

Traveled north to see Chaco Canyon for the first time.

 

Wonderful trip, wonderful friends. Good life.

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Living in Colorado Springs

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