About a year ago when we contemplated the approach of our 20th wedding anniversary, Tim and I threw around wildly ambitious ideas. A trip to Italy or Paris? South American adventure? An Alaskan cruise?
But as the date actually approached, we realized although we still wanted an adventure perhaps something a little easier on the pocketbook was in order. A road trip adventure including just the two of us – for the first time since Rosie was born – seemed to promise romance and adventure.
So – here we are on Day Two into our road trip through parts of the Southwest.
Goals: visit as many hot springs as possible, travel across Highway 50 in Nevada, visit at least one of those national parks in Utah I’ve heard so much about, get in plenty of relaxation and some hiking through country we’ve never seen, and spend a few days visiting our dear friend Kathleen in Gold Hill, Colorado up in the Rocky Mountains above Boulder.
Along with Kathleen, we will have the chance to visit her three sons (all of whom I still have trouble picturing as grown men since their childhood faces continue to intrude on the vision) and their father, Paul.
The plan is to do all of this in two weeks. This should have been Day 3, but due to so many work and other obligations we did not manage to actually hit the road until 6 p.m. on Tuesday – so that doesn’t count as Day One.
We’re off to a great start – unwinding at Sierra Hot Springs – soaking up that hot water and letting all the cares fall away. I can already feel my shoulders descending and the limbs loosening.
Of course it didn’t feel like such a great start that first evening when, after we’d pulled into a motel only a few hours from home, we opened up the back door of our rented van and both food boxes tumbled into the dark parking lot. Unbeknownst to us they’d shifted during the drive. Broken glass, spilled red wine and tea littered the asphalt. Fortunately, the jar of honey remained intact.
Tomorrow after some morning soaks, it’s off to hit Highway 50 – often called the loneliest road in America. We’re playing it by ear, no idea where we’ll land for the night, although Tim is hoping to find this old-timey hotel he once stayed in with friends during some long ago Dead Show road trip.
We’ll see. Further adventures await!
peri said:
Oh, Sarah, I’m deeply envious of you and your descending shoulders. My shoulders are still up around my ears… but I’m trying to relax a bit. I did soak in the Arcata Community Pool’s hot tub yesterday, but it pales in comparision to that picture you took of the hot springs! How lovely that you and your man can just take off like this. If you don’t mind, I’ll just live vicariously and return periodically to haunt your blog.
But Scott and I are so looking forward to hanging out with you at the music festival, with our kids in tow. See you then!
Christina said:
Sarah,
This sounds like a wonderful trip. We spent a week house boating on Lake Powell a few years ago and have visited Bryce, Zion, and Capitol Reef. It is one of the privileges that comes with living in California: the desert with its colors, vistas, and bizarre shapes is so close and accessible. We go back to the canyons and parks again and again, take friends and family from Europe…
I love how you seem to take the spilling of your food containers lightly. Best for the rest of the journey! Happy Anniversary!
debi said:
Sarah,
I love the Rockies and all the beautiful South-and-Northwest. My husband and I used to do just what y’all are doing. I envy you. Take lots of pictures and post them! What a treat. Our honeymoon was 15 day half camp/half lodge trip all up and down the Rockies. And then for the next 22 years we went as often as we could.
Have a wonderful 20th anniversary!
debi