March 2012
12 posts
March 18 - Back in Raleigh
Just wanted to let you know I did made it back and am not still on the road. I am flying out to Seattle in the morning (March 27) for the NCECA pottery conference. That event is what started me on this trip in the first place. Since newly retired and having lots of time I thought I would just drive to Seattle. Did not quite make it there in one vehicle, but I did wet my taste for future road...
March 14 - 3.14 = Pie Day!
In the morning I found the cafe open and had blueberry pie with ice cream for breakfast. Interested that a car pulled up and four people entered to bring the customer count to six including me. All four were from North Carolina! It was a regular NC convention and we outnumbered the NM locals. Though we did not have side arms.
I may not have made it to Death Valley, but I did make it to...
March 13 - El Malpais National Monument
Where sharp lava mets smooth sandstone. An area of great contrast and beauty even though the Spanish name means “the badlands.”
I drove west from Albuquerque about an hour to reach the park which is the next drainage basin west of the Acoma Indian Reservation that we visited a few days earlier. I was so impressed by the area I wanted to go back and explore some more.
Volcanic...
March 12 - Sandia Peak!
Monday - My host went back to school and I headed to Albuquerque to meet another friend for what turned out to be a highlight for the trip. Snowshoeing on Sandia Peak!
The worlds longest single span aerial tram took us to the top of the rugged and inaccessible rock escarpment on the west face of the Sandias. A seven second drop to the ground from the highest point on the tram route. The tram...
March 11 - Road to Taos
We took the high winding road to Taos through several small towns on former burro paths. Buildings very close to the street and creatively decorated with found art; skulls, antlers, pottery, old machine parts. Nice scenic drive though the hills. Upon arriving in Taos we found the plaza surrounded by junk shops. Seems the better stores are located away from the plaza on other streets where many...
March 10 - Some days are made for resting.
The long days of driving and the high altitude in Santa Fe finally caught up with me today. Woke up late to snow flurries which continued most of the day with an inch of accumulation. After spending most of a day of reading and sleeping, a late afternoon walk with Millie extended into the early evening dinner with friends.
A few neighborhood photos.
March 9 - Santa Fe to Acoma
After a long overnight sleep at my Santa Fe friends funky adobe house, a hot coffee and bowl of oatmeal got me moving again. We drove southwest of Albuquerque to Acoma and the old pueblo known as Sky City. The Acoma pueblo claims to be the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the United States. The settlement sits on top of a 350-foot-high, sheer-sided mesa with traditional housing and a...
March 8 - Zoom, Zoom!
After 14 hours of driving yesterday through Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, I made it safely to Santa Fe. A first for driving through those states and for driving that long. Not something I would want to do regularly, but an interesting experience in realizing distances in this big country.
March 7 - Bus is a bust!
Received bad news for the bus this AM of metallic bits in the engine oil. Something to do with bearings. I plan to take an engine mechanics class when I return. The result is the bus gets towed home and I rent a SUV to continue onward; at least to New Mexico. Can still get some good hiking and sightseeing done.
Had coffee at Five Points Starbucks in Franklin, Tenn. Very historic looking town...
March 6 - Adventure begins!
Camping out at the VW dealership parking lot tonight and dining on beer and salsa. The tow truck driver said the south side of Nashville is where all the upper crust are moving and the size of the BMW dealership next door proves his point. Yea, a little car trouble! Will find out more at 7:30 AM tomorrow. Was out of cell phone reach last night since staying with some friends north of Chattanooga....
March 4, 2012 - Back Roads to Chattanooga
A fine day on the back roads to Chattanooga. From Boone into Tennessee on Hwy 321 and with the pull of an info sign found the birthplace Davy Crockett in a small State Park where we had lunch. Millie sniffed around, but never did find Davy.
Continuing south to my first pass through Gatlinburg I was overwhelmed by all the development. So that is where all the GSMNP tourists go! Well, of course I...
On the road: March 3, 2012!
Drove out of Raleigh this morning in a fog and not just in my head. The clouds lifted as well as my spirits after an hour on the road to Boone. Made it over the Continental Divide at the high speed of 35 mph! At least I now know the bus can make it. It’s all down hill now to the Mississippi River. First night out in the bus with snow flurries predicted overnight. Very comfortable in my pop...
February 2012
3 posts
STILL in Raleigh!
OK, I am being very patient. The bus repairs are underway and should be finished by Monday, February 27, 2012 AD. I will then have a new CD/Radio installed and hit the road to Boone. Must have my tunes to drive with. I am packing light (clothes, camping gear, electronics, dog food, and a harmonica) due to limited storage with the intention of picking up essential needs along the way.
Wish me...
Still in Raleigh?
Yes, I am still here because my ride is not yet ready for the road. I am though! Hope to have the blue bus repairs completed this week with a departure by Friday.
First stop will be in Boone to visit Sarah. They had about 4 inches of snow last night. Next stop is Chattanooga, Tenn to visit friends and take photos of the climbing wall in Coolidge Park for Rachel (I have not forgotten).
Wish me...
The hunt is over for the VW Vanagon! I drove this 1990 Orly Blue camping van back from Atlanta to Raleigh without mishap in late January. It is now in the shop getting many rubber hoses, gaskets, and seals replaced as well as a new radiator. Estimated time of departure is around February 20 with a test drive to the coast over the weekend.
January 2012
2 posts
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
– Henry Miller
