The past few days have been just as jam-packed with activities as the days before. We did a tour of Anasazi cliff dwellings and a two mile hike to petroglyphs at the Mesa Verde National Park, we drove through yet another snow storm on our way toward Utah, we camped outside of Moab in a BLM campground called Ken’s lake, and now we are camped in another BLM campsite inside Moab.

When we got to Ken’s lake it wasn’t snowing but it was cold and windy. Despite the cold we each grabbed a beer and hiked our way to the lake where we watched swallows gracefully play just above the water; gliding effortlessly and almost seeming to float on the surface. A little later, armed with some warmer clothes, we climbed the main trail up to the waterfall that feeds the lake – called “faux falls” because it is a man-made diversion of the snow melt. It was thrilling to see water shooting out of the solid red rock in an environment that is so desert.

We had trouble keeping warm that night and the high winds prevented us from making a campfire but the next day promised slightly higher temperatures and a clearing sky.

After an oh-so-satisfying breakfast of bacon and eggs (my vegetarianism is wavering toward nonexistence) Yair and I left for a longer hike up the waterfall and to the top of some large rock formations where we found a damn and yet another trail. This trail we meandered down, not knowing how far to go, and ended up parking ourselves next to a small pool in the river with it’s own tiny waterfall and sat silently meditating on the sounds of the water and the feeling of the sun as it slipped through the opening clouds.

On our way back we spotted our first jack-rabbit whose black-tipped ears were visible over the brush long after it began to run from us.

That afternoon I packed a dinner and went back out on the trail – this time alone – and went much further than before. Out on the trail until the sun set I discovered hidden petroglyphs, carvings from the early 1900’s, a beaver-eaten log, a mysterious gate, and a full moon peeking out behind pink-tinged clouds over snow-covered mountains from a red canyon view. Spectacular.

It is treks like these that make me feel that the world is brimming with beauty and delight – we need only get outside to experience it. For me, even at home in a suburban neighborhood, I’ve found that taking a quick walk alone can present me with unanticipated finds that enrich my day. It could be as simple as a raccoon sighting, or a word with your neighbor, or just a flower surprising your from a crack in the sidewalk. It’s all just waiting there for you to experience.

We left the next morning and got into the famed Moab, where we found another BLM campground to stay. Nestled between the Colorado River and a giant canyon-esque red rock formation, and with tons of privacy via some trees and brush, this campground far exceeds my expectations (especially as it is only three miles off the highway). And it’s warm here!

We immediately set to climbing the rock formation, which also happens to be the most extreme off-roading trail I’ve ever seen, and once at the top (after recovering from the startlingly beautiful 360 views of the land and snow-covered mountains) Yair broke out his speakers and began juggling while I did some flow-wanding (much to the delight of some tourists).

I left him up there juggling and probably entertaining a few groups of foreign trekkers who I am sure will be surprised to find a juggler at the top of the strenuous hike that rises over 1,000ft in a mile. But I was too tempted to come back down and enjoy the windless, warm air in our campsite. Back at home I discovered that Catty Arbuckle likes to eat salted peanuts (what a weirdo!) and enjoyed a delicious chocolatey beer “Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout” by O’Dell. I’m excited to hear what stories Yair has when he returns…

PS – I missed perhaps the most mystifying part: while at Mesa Verde we stumbled across a fuzzy, red, ant-looking bug that (no-kidding) squeaked like a squeazy-toy when we got close and hid itself under a tiny pebble to escape the terror of these two “giants” that “attacked it”. An adorable bug. How often do you see that?

We’ve been on the road since the first, traveling from Texas to Colorado, but I haven’t felt compelled to write about my experience until now.

In the rush of partying, packing, and preparing to leave I overextended myself and ended up getting sick the day before our departure. So, I spent the first few days of our trip resting and focused on getting well. Then, as I began to feel more like myself, I started to fully enjoy our new life in the wilderness (and the freedom of being outside of cell phone range). With campfires to be built and trails to hike, communicating with the outside world was the last thing on my mind.

Finally, today, I’m feeling like I’ve done so much that if I don’t start writing it down I’ll never remember it all. So, a summary:

May 1 – Drove from Austin to Littlefield, TX where we stayed in a free RV park courtesy of the city. With unlimited water and electricity this was a great place to chill out, get settled into RV life (figure out where all my clothes go), and recover.

May 4 – Arrived at an $8/night campground in Santa Fe National Forest, NM. This place is absolutely gorgeous and totally worth the fee as staying in the campground gave us access to some amazing hiking trails. We had a crystal clear stream, huge pines, clear skies, and plenty of firewood. On a particularly adventurous day we took the 8 mile hike to the top of Hermits Peak which provided us spectacular views of neighboring states at around 10,000ft. We indulged in our time at the summit with a snack, a geocache hunt, a nap, and some juggling & wanding time.

May 7 – We encountered some high winds and cold temperatures on our way toward Utah and decided to stop early at the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Stop, NM. Totally free with views of the gorge, this was an ideal place for an unplanned stop. The strong winds kept me inside for most of the day but died down just before dinner and Yair was able to coax me outside to see the gorge from the bridge – a spectacular view.

May 8 – Drove through the mountains and a snow storm (stopping to throw a couple snowballs and see how Catty Arbuckle likes snow – he doesn’t). This was a day of varied landscapes, weather, and activities. In the afternoon we arrived at Pagosa Springs, CO and paid the $12 to bathe in hot springs at Overlook Mineral Springs Spa – totally worth it. This was one of my favorite experiences of all time. A dark, candle-lit, speak-easy-esque building with several pools of different temperatures, roof-top pools with a view of the river and mountains, and bar service. There is nothing like a glass of cold white wine while you soak in a hot tub. This place was romantic and so relaxing. Leaving, we felt refreshed and buzzed with positivity. After, we walked a block to find The Rose Restaurant – a local diner – where we devoured a turkey bacon wrap (so good). Huge clouds loomed overhead sometimes threatening with thunder and sometimes breaking up to reveal the bluest sky I’ve ever seen. We hopped back in the RV to a free campsite near the Piedro River between Pagosa Springs & Durango. Where we hiked, shared some New Mexican beer, made a campfire, played some very loud music, danced, juggled, wanded, and fell asleep to the sound of the river.

May 9 – Drove into Durango where we tackled some RV issues (the cover to the outdoor “entertainment center” (a couple tiny speakers and outlets on the side of the RV) blew off somewhere on the drive and needs to be replaced, tire pressure was down, and we got gas (both kinds) and water). We also loaded up on groceries at Walmart where we discovered beer at 3% and no wine. Yair asked around and found a liquor store nearby that happened to be very well stocked. As I ogled the selection of porters and stouts (at last!) Yair chatted up the clerks and soon we discovered that we were only a few blocks from Ska Brewery. Feeling adventurous, we drove over to inquire about a tour. Tours were not available but tasting flights were and I helped myself to some delicious brews. Later, we arrived at another free camping spot in BLM land outside of Mesa Verde National Park with a great view of the mesa. Yair investigated an Elk skull, finding a bullet lodged inside. I practiced archery, tuned my violin, and went for my first run since getting on the road.

Today we go to the Mesa Park for a tour and may continue on toward Utah.