Humbled and Proud

HULLO my faithful followers. The Trip has finally come to the end – I am finally in my cute rental house in Melbourne, Florida. Libby is SO happy – loads of room to run around – birds to watch outside the window. Whew. My Crosstrek Subaru (I call her Khaki Katie) has been such a Trooper. I am at the dealership right no getting her new oil and rotating the tires. LOVE HER.

January 2017 – when I bought my sweet Subie

Just a few trip STATS:

14 states visited or traveled through
8443 total miles traveled
46 days away
9 hotels
5 fancy inns
3 vacation by owner rentals
2 stays with family/friends

Fort Florida Road – Debary

National Parks Visited:

Vicksburg National Military Park

Bryce

Grand Canyon North and South Rims

Canyonlands

Arches

Capitol Reef

Carlsbad Caverns

Gulf Islands National Seashore

I am very humbled by the sheer beauty of our country. There are still wildernesses to explore and unknown paths to follow. Take a chance and hit the road. Did you know there are THREE national parks just in FLORIDA? Those will be my next road trips.

Everglades National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

Biscayne National Park

I met some of the nicest people on my journey. Arizonians were particularly friendly. Mississippi and Alabama people were gracious and talkative. California and Texas drivers were the worst. The food in New Mexico was the BEST. (AND they have real liquor in the supermarkets and gas stations!) Texans are fierce, proud, and sassy. Utah people are healthy and outdoorsy. Thanks to all who befriended me and gave me good travel advice. Sometimes you need a little help along the way….

I am really proud of my cat. Libby was the real Trooper. Each new place was an adventure for her too. She got tired of the giant pet tube in the car, but would always eventually settle down and go to sleep. Never any destruction or accidents or scratches. The SAINT of all cats. I’m never parting with her or my trusty Subaru!

DeBary Delights

Hey Friends! Still on my epic journey. Dropped off in DeBary, FL to visit my old Police friend Margie. She retired in this serene little backwater right on the gator-infested St. Johns River. Me and the Libster spent two nights with Margie and her Faux Boxer, Miss Tilly. We enjoyed watching the Sandhill Cranes, Wild Turkeys, songbirds, and squirrels frolic in the backyard. (Margie has feeders) After a big country breakfast at a local diner, we headed to Barberville. Why? you say. It has the “Yard Art Emporium” which covers about 3 acres. NOT just pink flamingoes….#GoSee FLORIDA

just a SAMPLE
Please Buy ME

We came home to Margie’s quiet casa and after a yummy dinner (Thanks, M) we went and played POKER at the clubhouse. Us two chicks and six old guys. WHAT a hoot. We played Texas Hold ’em. I say PLAY BIG OR GO HOME. Well, I won one hand and then lost it all. First to go out. BUT it was fun, and it was my first time. Win some, Lose some.

bird stalking
Miss Tilly saying BYE
Sunset on the St. Johns

You Are My Sunshine

6/ 16 We are BACK in the Sunshine State! Good to be back on flatter ground. We stayed at our La Quinta in West Pensacola for 2 nights. Headed out to Gulf Islands National Seashore Park as well as Navarre Beach – Looked for seaglass on the pristine white beaches of our beloved panhandle. Alas, no treasures found – but still a truly lovely day!

Libs waiting for…
break at Navarre Beach
Pensacola Lighthouse
My New Blue Friend at Gulf Shores Park

Enjoyed the Lighthouse at Pensacola Naval Air Station – had to go onto the base. Went into the gate where the Blue Angels are. Beautiful base right on the water. Lighthouse was HUGE. Trying to visit ALL the lighthouses in FLA. Checked this one off!

Lord, Help ME!
Hotel Room is COOOLLLLD!
a Blue Angel

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Left Libs snoozing at the La Quinta by I 10 and headed to the ALAMO. Interesting but HOT tour about the history of this eerie yet spiritual place. Did you know the British singer Phil Collins LOVES Davy Crockett and Texas History? He donated money and Alamo artifacts to the museum. They will be expanding across the street in the future.

“You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.”
Davy Crockett

Park Rangers
The Mission ALAMO
My Boy Davy

I had an early buffet lunch at the Colonial Room at the infamous Menger Hotel. DELICIOUS! Dessert was bread pudding with RUM sauce. Decided to walk it off in crowded River Walk downtown San Antonio. I was not impressed. Crowded, hot and loads of touristy restaurants. Charming concept though – and the ducks were cute. Cut that short and headed back to the Menger Bar – where Teddy Roosevelt reportedly recruited some members of his “Rough Riders”. Had an “Old Fashioned” of course.

an “Old Fashioned”
Menger Bar
Authentic Texans – Mom and Daughter – FUN!
The Menger Hotel

https://www.mengerhotel.com/san-antonio-restaurants/san-antonio-bars

The Menger Hotel is famous for it’s Mango Ice Cream – President Bill Clinton used to make his motorcade stop off here for a big scoop quite often. (no wonder he had heart problems) I did not partake. Either you love mangoes or you don’t. Same with Cilantro.

The Important Things in Life – Keep it Clean

Voyage to the Center of the Earth

It’s been a while friends, but me and the Libster have been on the road. We are making our way back to FLA. First stop was Carlsbad Caverns in Southern New Mexico. Spooky and very cool. Definitely a different vibe from the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky. I would recommend coming back at dusk for the Bat Flight Program. I did not, because of the necessary night driving on a curvy switch back of a road to get to and from the caverns.

King’s Palace
Green Lake

We drove through Roswell, NM where the temperature reached 97. Yes, a dry heat, but still very HOT. I felt like I had red sand dust in my teeth. IT is a mercurial town with ghosts and aliens running amok. Libby meowed, “KEEP driving!”

Libs in Carlsbad hotel
Donut, anyone?

Beautiful Chaves County Courthouse in Roswell – had some executions there!

Long day of driving on I-10 – but we made it to TEXAS on 6/13! Staying at another La Quinta and the BOSS has her own bed. She does love her LA QUINTAS! Off to see the ALAMO today – and to have a drink at Menger’s Bar. More on that later….

More Best Friends

I volunteered three mornings at the Cat House. My fourth day here I toured some of the individual areas, as well as a drive around the entire place. I went to the Parrot Sanctuary and the Bunny House. Those Beautiful Parrots are sneaky and smart – watch your fingers! The Bunny House was absolutely adorable. I wanted to take some home! (But it’s a LOT of POOP, and what would the Libster think?!?) Check out these Cuties:

Laverne and Shirley
Babies!
I want this one!
Sat in paint?!

Pet Cemetery at Best Friends
Horse/Donkey Sanctuary
My Buddy!

Rim to Rim – The Grandest North

Today, June 9th, I ventured by my lonesome to the Grand Canyon North Rim. WHAT a scenic drive! Took me about 2 hours from Kanab, UT (I drive slowly – especially around those curves and switchbacks). The temperature was in the FORTIES and there was still some snow on the ground! Northern Rim is about 1000 feet higher than the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is harder to get to and more isolated. ERGO LESS PEOPLE. Alas, I saw quite a few deer, but no Kaibab squirrels nor bison. Too Chilly?

SNOW!
little hike
cabins for rent at GC North Rim
JUST WOW

THIS is the place. Another MUST SEE. I loved it even more than the South Rim. Stopped at Jacob’s Lake Inn to try their burgers and famous cookies. (Just OK food and with slow/bad service, but hey, I was hungry and not in a hurry.) Met a nice lady from Sedona – She was picking up her husband and son at the South Rim. They were hiking the ENTIRE Canyon – from North to South. She said it takes them about 10 hours. Hubby in his 60’s. Just goes to show you, Age is JUST a number. Get out there and DO.

Chillin’ at the Lodge
GC Lodge North Rim

There is something about the North Rim of Grand Canyon that invokes a sense of solitude and serenity. This is a place that invites you to slow down, to ponder, to feel your own innate creativity, and to fall in love with landscape.”
unknown

Best Friends

I visited here for a grand tour about 7 years ago. This time I decided to volunteer. I did not realize how emotional I would get. These people do the work of angels. I have been cleaning litter boxes, mopping and trying to coerce shy kitties into trusting humans so they can get adopted. There are some sad cases here that will probably never get adopted – older cats, incontinent cats, ones with medical and yes, emotional problems. Lord help me I cannot even visit Dogtown. My heart could not take it.

Chillin’ in the Sun
My New BFF (don’t tell Libs!)
Stressed Out Dude
I don’t think SO, Lady!
Getting Braver
Very Shy
My View of Kanab Canyon from Lunch Cafe

Canyons GALORE

JUNE 3RD

The Gonzo Inn at Moab, UT was a treat. HUGE place. Libby had a living room, kitchen area, big bedroom and and an amazing shower where she meowed to the echo. Moab is a busy frantic town. Season has BEGUN here. Headed out early to Canyonlands National Park. Drove through majestic scenery and did a mini hike to a small arch. I thought OK this is nice. THEN I went to ARCHES….

Hiking AGAIN!
I forgot the Name Rock Canyonlands
Canyonlands

Gonzo Lobby

Arches is now my other favorite National Park – along with Bryce. WOW. Scary Switchbacks up and up and then just breathtaking cathedrals of rocks on display. Oh, and some arches…it is a MUST SEE.

Balanced Rock Arches
Moderately Strenuous Hike to Delicate Arch
ME HIKING!
Fiery Furnace Arches National Park
Rocks and Stuff – Arches

“Workin’ on a mystery, goin’ wherever it leads – Runnin’ down a Dream…”
Tom Petty

Today is June 4th

We made it to our last “official” stop – Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT. My sister said “Don’t come home with a new DOG/CAT!” I’m like THEY WON’T FIT IN THE SUBARU! Libby has the entire backseat, and the rest is all my STUFF. (Including all of the new purchased items: t-shirts, pencils, stickers, shot glasses, posters, and what-nots.) I will keep you posted. Volunteering this week at the CAT HOUSE.

Dirty Subie on the trail
MIss Libs at Best Friends

Choo CHOOOO

I am BACK! Today was travel day zagged back up to UTAH to Moab. Previous three nights were spent in and around the Grand Canyon South Rim. Libs had to stay in a “Pet Resort”. Needless to say she was VERY vocal this morning and ALL day in the car traveling. I think I am in the “doghouse”.

First/third nights were spent at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ. The train rides to and from the GC were relaxing and silly. Fiddler and guitar playing cowboys, train robbers, and a clueless sheriff entertained us on the way. I spent second night at the Maswick Lodge inside the GC. Nice place that had it all: excellent cauliflower crust pizza and Scottsdale Pale ale. Felt like I was staying in a treehouse in the woods.

Grand Canyon Railroad
Another Solo Traveler

Managed to do some hiking but stayed really far from the edge! I utilized the free shuttle buses to venture all over the park and behind the scenes to see the “City” of the Grand Canyon. About 2500 people live there full time – they even have a K – 12 school, a post office, bank, grocery store, police force and fire department. Finally made it to the furtherest point west at the South Rim. Hermit’s Rest was my happy place. I could totally just stay there forever. IF they would let the Libster stay too.

Lookout Studio GC Village
Hermit’s Rest

Okay I took SO MANY photos I am sticking some more in here. ENJOY!

Another Solo Friend
Hopi House
El Tovar – had breakfast here!

Apple Pie at Capitol Reef

Hey Friends! May 29th I headed out early from the Cozy Cabin to Capitol Reef National Park. It took me almost 3 hours, but I drove through some gorgeous landscape. Kingston Canyon is a red rock paradise and Capitol Reef had unusual rock formations AND FRUIT orchards growing in the middle of it. Fruita, Utah was established in 1880 by a group of hard working Mormons. They grew apples, peaches, almonds and more. The orchards are still maintained through the NPS who purchased the town in 1955 to be included in Capitol Reef National Park. Worth the drive. Just for the pie. OH how I love UTAH!

Kingston Canyon UT
Capitol Reef National Park
Gifford Homestead Fruita, UT
Apple Orchard in Capitol Reef
Loved Capitol Reef!

On the way home I stopped for a photo at Butch Cassidy’s Childhood home. Tiny little unassuming abode near Circleville, UT. His parents were Mormon pioneers. Wonder what happened? Peer Pressure?

Born 1866 – Robert Leroy Parker “Butch Cassidy”

Drove back to Cat Cabin through quaint Panquitch, UT. They are known for their “Quilt Walk”. They love quilts (Really, who doesn’t?) It is almost time for the Quilt Festival and almost EVERY house and business along main drag downtown is displaying a quilt out front. I was totally charmed. (In Florida people would steal them.)

https://panguitch.com/panguitch-quilt-walk/