Unexpected snow day!

Went to go visit some family, and didn't expect to be caught in a snowstorm

Always be weather aware, it was cloudy this morning, all the apps said no rain, no snow. While sitting and talking, however, we saw a few small flakes falling. Still overcast and dropping temperature it started to rain a little harder. A rain-snow mix of sleet started falling with increased intensity. By the time it was to leave, it was a full-on snowstorm. 

In all seriousness

It was only a light dusting, we were not far from home, and it was only 35°, not the grand adventure most people talk about. However, I still have everything needed for just-in-case scenarios. Water, food, and a heat source. The truck is always prepared as well, with three-peak-rated tires, general maintenance done, and a full tank. I always have these items with me, preparedness isn't just a motto. I'm not talking about this to be a Boy Scout, I've posted a lot of stories over the years of people getting lost or breaking down in the desert. It doesn't surprise me that many people get in situations like this without forethought, hitting trails in vehicles that haven't been maintained, no water, or food. Not knowing the weather, or getting lost. I write this hoping to reach at least one person this season. We are starting winter, in an El Nino year, snow will be prevalent out there, please grab a few supplies and put them in your car or truck. 

2023 Retrospective

Last year was a dumpster fire! 

This year may not be any better! 

Local Adventure was the name of the game for us in 2020-2023 We were making big plans for touring the East Coast this year before we had to make an emergency return to Arizona. So we're rethinking what we want to see and do this next year. As I've talked about previously we're thinking of a spring trip to Montana either Glacier National Park and/or Flathead Lake. I would also like to make a return trip to the Oregon coast. I've missed the mountains living in Oklahoma, but I'm missing the smell and the view of the ocean which I haven't had the pleasure of witnessing since 2016. 

Of course, all our plans are dependent on work situations and family obligations. A lot of life decisions are in the air for us right now. While we are making plans to stay in Arizona for the foreseeable future, as we've seen last year, life can change really fast and with little to no input from us! 

The North Rim

Quick note. Please leave no trace. The first thing we did after arriving at our dispersed camping spot was spending ten minutes picking up trash left from the last person there. 

Finally made it to the North Rim, it's everything I thought it would be.

I’ve been trying to make it to the north rim for well over fifteen years. Something has always come up. Over the past few years, it seems like wildfires have been the reason that I’ve stayed away. Well, I made it this time. The drive from Chandler was easy enough, took around six hours. Even with gas prices being outrageous it cost just under $100 one way. 

Marble Canyon

Finally made it to the pines!

Yep $3.94 a gallon Thank you Democrates

We didn’t drive into the park on the first day, instead, we took forest road 611 to 610 to find a dispersed camping site, right on the rim. In mid-June at 8555 feet, we saw a daytime high of 85 and a nighttime low of 45. Just warm enough to be warm, and just cold enough to be cold. Of course, we picked a weekend that was a heatwave breaking daytime temperatures across four states

Simplicity is just what we needed, and this is what we bought the Ram for. Forest fire roads are my jam!

This is the view from our campsite!

I don't mind seeing a Prius in the forest, just as long as they slow down a bit!

Had a great thunderstorm roll in Friday afternoon.

After setting up camp we sat and took in the views for the rest of the night. Then a quick dinner of dehydrated meals, this trip was about relaxing, and cooking in the backcountry was not an activity either of us wanted to tackle!

As I mentioned earlier it got a little chilly overnight, neither of us got a goodnight's sleep. We had a slight breeze all night, nothing that was disturbing it was just there. As soon as the sun rose above the horizon, the temperature jumped from 45 to 80 in less than an hour and was just plain hot by 9am. We made some adjustments to camp made some breakfast burritos. We had planned just hanging out at camp all weekend, but since it was so warm, we decided to drive into the actual NP Grand Canyon North Rim. We did the site seeing thing, walked around a bit, went to the gift shop and visitors center. Afterward, we went for a drive and went sightseeing a little more by visiting the various outlooks. 

Once the heat of the day was over, we headed back to camp. Since neither of us slept very well the night before, we decided it was a perfect day for a nap! Walking up an hour before sunset, we made dinner. After a little star gazing we hit the sack. 

Up in time to see the sunrise, we broke camp before 7am, then we sat around and planned our next trip, while doing so we were visited by the neighborhood watch, as a young deer broke from the dense foliage across the camp. It was a perfect send-off. We hit the road by 8am and headed south back to Chandler. 

It was a short trip, but I’m so glad we went.