Please Hold While I Clear My Writer's Block

Okay, so I know that I once promised posting at least once a week and I haven't been doing that recently.  Well, in all fairness, I had been sick for 2 weeks and when I finally got my brain out of the head cold fog, I lost my writing mojo.  Seriously.  I keep looking at the pictures that I want to post and can't figure out where we were (I know generally where we were but not enough to write about it) or what to say.  I've tried several different times and I just can't do it.  Ugh!  I hate this!!!  If I can ever find my mojo again, I'll hook you up with some great pics and stories.  Until then...please hold!!!

Day 2, Part B - Mountains, a Depot, & Sand Dunes

After our adventure at the lava tube, we headed south through the rest of the preserve with the goal of reaching the Kelso Dunes before sunset.  It seemed like an easy goal as the sun was still overhead but slowly sinking toward the mountains.  On our way, we had more breathtaking views of the mountains and beautiful blue skies.  After driving for about a half-hour, we reached the Kelso Depot.  This is the visitor center for the preserve and a huge piece of railroad history (learn more here).  It's beautiful architecture was just begging to be photographed so Mr. Shutterbug (aka, Alan) got out of the car and adventured around for the best shots.

Kelso Depot & Visitor Center

Looking west down the Union Pacific Railroad line.

What was once a bustling rail yard in Kelso.

Check out those awesome palm trees!

However, while the shutterbug was in action, Mr. Sun was busy setting below the tops of the mountains and it was starting to get dark pretty quickly.  That's something that you don't think about when you're surrounded by such glorious giants.  So I summoned him back to the car and we headed off for the dunes in hopes of catching even a small glimpse of this auditory mystery of nature.  Apparently, the "Kelso Dunes produce a 'booming' or 'singing' sound when sand with the right moisture content slides down the steep slopes", according to the preserve's website.  They encourage you to "try it for yourself—run down a dune slope (but don't trample vegetation!) to initiate the sound." Sadly, it was getting too dark to do so and the hike was rather daunting, after having hiked up to the lava tube earlier in the day, so we sat in the car enjoying each other's company, God's beauty, and the setting of the sun.

Kelso Dunes in the fading sunlight.

A close-up of the dunes - check out the "tiny"
people in the foreground!

A parting shot of the dunes.

We vowed to return to check out the dunes sometime up close and in person but that would have to wait for another trip as tomorrow's schedule was already set - the Arizona, California, Nevada tri-point; railfanning on the way to the preserve; inside Kelso Depot; and more adventure-filled drives through the preserve.  Check back soon for more stories from our latest adventure.

Day 2, Part A - The Lava Tube Adventure

On Nevada State Route 164 headed toward
I-15 and the preserve.

As with any other day trip, we started with a good breakfast.  We got the flat bread sandwiches from Subway, inside the Aquarius Resort, and prepared ourselves for a great day of driving, taking in the glorious sights of nature, and a hike to a lava tube.  Of course, we weren't thinking about any of that with breakfast, we were just enjoying each other's company, as we always do.

Once done, we headed out to the car and got ready for the drive.  Jodi was the driver for the first half of the day so that made Alan the navigator.  He's always really good at that and his thorough research, done just days before the trip, paid big dividends in terms of good directions and awesome views!

Before getting to the Mojave Desert National Preserve, we had about a 2-hour drive ahead of this and we were definitely looking forward to it.  We worked our way north and west, with the goal of getting to I-15 in California that would lead us to Baker, CA, and the start of our day in the preserve.  Everywhere we looked, we saw mountains and in some spots, we were inundated with Joshua Trees and enjoyed every second of it.  You really have to see these beauties in person to realize their size and to see all the amazing details of each branch and the interesting configuration of leaves.  We've got some good pictures of them but they don't do it any justice.  So, next time you're in the area (or when you're out visiting us - hint, hint), you'll have to check them out for yourselves.

Now, let me side step here for a minute.  What do we all instinctively think of when someone says "California"?  That's right, beaches and palm trees.  Okay, some of you probably were thinking about the Beach Boys and all the girls in bikinis; we know who you are.  But what I didn't know about California is that the further inland you go and the closer to Nevada and Arizona you get, you are surrounded by mountains.  Huge, rocky, desert mountains!!!  Seriously, in California!!!  That is one thing that I still can't fully wrap my head around even though I've seen them with my own eyes.  It's a great reminder at how diverse this country is and that we should take more time to explore.  I love traveling to other countries but love traveling throughout this country just as much.  Okay, back to our day trip.  Thank you for indulging me.  I know, you didn't really have a choice; sorry about that.

So finally, after about 2 hours of driving in the mountains, we arrived at Baker, CA.  This is the starting point for our day in the Mojave Desert National Preserve.  First on our agenda was to find the road leading to the trailhead for the lava tube hike.  Well, it wasn't exactly easy.  On their website, the National Park Service describes the preserve as "Desert solitude in Southern California" and they aren't joking about that.  There is no one and nothing around you for miles.  No street signs to guide you down the right road, no friendly local to offer you directions, and the nearest park ranger was about an hour south in Kelso, CA.  So, we had to rely on our directions from the website, our keen sense of direction, and a little guidance from the Ultimate Tour Guide.

With that said, it took us a little work to find the road that we were looking for and, finally, after a little backtracking, we found the "road".  It looked more like a wash, really.  The entrance was wide and bare, nothing to indicate it as a road other than an orange cone sitting by a pothole.  We transversed it with caution, willing to turn back if it got too dangerous.  Thankfully, that caution flew out the window when we came upon our first lava rock wall.  It was taller than our vehicle, about 40 feet high, and went on for what seemed like miles.  I was enjoying it from the comfort (and warmth) of the car while Alan decided to venture out closer to it.  Little did I know that he was going to climb that thing but, thankfully, I had the camera.  He's always so much fun to photograph.  Here are some great shots of the lava tube and Alan, the adventurer.

Looking up the lava wall.

Comforts of the car and the awesome views.

Alan, the adventurer, near the top of the lava wall.

Besides, being the photographer keeps me out of the pictures.  Wait, what?  How did that get in there???

After Alan decided to make sure that my presence on this trip was record for all of history, he took some gorgeous views from on top of the lava wall.

Proof that Alan was on the lava wall.

View of the lava field looking back from the edge.

View of the road from the lava wall.

Now all of this beautiful terrain and exciting adventure was BEFORE we even made it to the trailhead for the lava tube hike, which was supposed to be the day's main attraction.  We're glad that we saw this first, however, because it just got us more pumped and excited for the hike.  After about another 3 miles of driving over washboard jitters, sand trap valleys, and washed out roadways, we arrived at the trailhead and geared up for the hike.  We had to put on our warmer clothes and don our windbreakers because it was cold out, about the mid 40s, and super windy.  I'm so glad that I brought my gloves with me and Alan wished that he had.

The start of our hike.

The captain of Team Aljofred, ready to lead the expedition.

The rear admiral, ready to well...bring up the rear of course.

The hike was a little harder for me than I'd expected but it was also my first since my back injury last March and the first hike in about 4 years; I was definitely out of shape.  So many times I was ready to give up and head back to the car but Alan kept pushing me on and encouraging me.  With that love and support I made it to the lava tube!  I was victorious and reinvigorated for hiking more.  For me, sadly, the lava tube opening only brought anxiety with it but for Alan, it brought more adventure and excitement.  So off he went into the lava tube and here's some of the amazing shots that he took from inside the lava tube, which is essentially a cave.

The ladder leading to the entrance of the lava tube.

At the base of the ladder looking into the entrance.

About half-way back . . .

The inside of the tube was lit by natural skylights.

Looking above ground through one of the skylights.

Another look up; Alan could actually see me through one of these.

Alan looking back from where he had just been.
There was plenty of light to see by once his eyes adjusted.

Sun peeking through a skylight gave Alan an Indiana Jones moment
on his adventure below the earth's surface.

While Alan adventured below the surface of the earth, I adventured above it.  I took in the silence of the solitude accompanied with the brisk cold winds.  I took in the vastness of creation and the craftiness of creatures.  I gained a new appreciation for being prepared, realizing that I really should have had some tissue on me because I'd forgotten how the cold winds tend to make your nose run.  Only a year out of Michigan and I've lost my old ways; dang city slicker.

Headed back to the car for some much-needed warmth.

Once we were thoroughly frozen and had gotten our fill of all things lava, we headed back to the car to warm up, rehydrate, and get a snack before we headed on to our next adventure in the national preserve.  That will be our next entry so stay tuned.

New Year Greetings & our Christmas Getaway

Happy 2013 everyone!!!  Okay, so I know that I said that my New Year's resolution was to blog more regularly and to post pictures of our trips more timely and you're thinking I've already failed.  Well, actually, it's just the first weekend of the year so I'm doing okay.  For now.  Just keep me in check.

Alan and I had a wonderful Christmas.  Santa brought him the Samsung Chromebook and I got the the Kindle Fire HD.  I am totally in love with this thing.  I've already read 2 fulls books since Christmas and I'm nearly done with my third.  Right now, I'm reading a thriller called 72 Hours (A Thriller) by William Casey Moreton.  I've never ready anything by this author but I'm already hooked.  I really like his style.  It's like a movie in your head, jumping from scene to scene, yet totally knowing what's going on.  I can barely put it down long enough to go to bed.  Is that a sign of obsession!?!

Santa also treated us with filled stockings and a delightful taste of home.  He brought us the Merry Michigan "Mitten" Gift Box from Kathleens Cookies in Brighton, MI.  Santa reports that "it was a tough job getting those cookies here but the staff at Kathleens Cookies was fabulous to work with.  I wouldn't mind a cookie or two of theirs left out for me next year!"  We were tickled to see a bit of Michigan sitting under a tree on Christmas morning.  I wonder what tricks Santa has up his sleeves for next year?  Maybe some fudge from Mackinac Island!?!?

Since Alan had the entire week off between Christmas and New Year, we decided to take a little getaway and head up to Laughlin, NV.  We fell in love with this area in September on our way to Long Beach for our cruise (okay, I didn't post about that but may I will later) and were excited to get back there again.  We stayed at the Aquarius Casino Resort for an average of $45/night.  It was an awesome deal that we just couldn't pass up.  The views from the hotel are amazing - the Colorado River dividing Arizona and Nevada and mountains surrounding us.  We're not gamblers by any sense of the word but Alan managed to spend $2.00 on slots.  Hmmm, can we count that as a loss on our taxes!?!?  Something to think about.

Before our arrival to Laughlin, however, we had about a 4-hour drive ahead of us.  We knew what to expect as we'd done the same drive in September but, we've also learned, that no road trip is ever the same way twice.  This time, we made a stop to the small town of Wickenburg, AZ, to check out the downtown area and their depot.  Alan and I are huge railroad fans and usually try to fit something railroad-related into our trips.  From what we could tell, the depot had been turned into the Chamber of Commerce and had been beautifully restored.  On static display were A.T. & S.F. engine #761 and a former Pere Marquette caboose.  They offer tours of the caboose on Fridays and Saturdays.  We'll definitely have to head back up there to check it out.

From there, we headed north on US-93 toward Kingman, AZ, but ran into a surprise along the way.  A snowstorm.  Yes, SNOW!!!  Arizona can definitely get snow and lots of it in the higher elevations, like Flagstaff whose elevation is 6,900 ft., but Kingman's elevation is only 3,333 ft.  It was cold and windy, with temperatures in the mid 30s.  It was definitely cold by our standards.  But at the same time, it was so exciting!!!  The mountains had snow on them by time the mini blizzard went through.  Nothing on the roads or ground but the mountains were pretty.  Enjoy these great pictures from our road trip snowstorm.

We sat at the station in Kingman for about an hour, catching several BNSF trains, and then we decided to head west to Needles, CA to check out the BNSF / Amtrak station there before heading up to Laughlin, NV.  The station in Needles was old and in need of extra parking space but it served its purpose.  There was a large yard with about 8-10 tracks but not much action as it was getting later in the day.  Alan played the role of shutter-bug for awhile and I read my Kindle from the warmth of the car.  Next stop was the Aquarius and we were ready for some dinner and a rest outside of the car.  It took a lot longer than 4 hours to get up to Laughlin with all the added stops but it was so worth it.  We had a great first day out and were looking forward to day 2 - Mojave Desert National Preserve.  See you in the morning; night-night!

On a side note, I'd like to wish my wonderful husband, Alan, a very HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY!!!

"I'm 37, I'm not old!" - Monty Python 

As Christmas draws near, Alan and I are getting excited for our long-held Christmas Eve tradition of watching NORAD Tracks Santa throughout the day and into the late night.  We have done this for several years now and love watching the video clips of his latest location.  Last year was our first Christmas in Arizona and since we were so new to the area (we had only been here for 3 months at that point) we decided to drive around the valley and check out the Christmas light displays.  We are so glad that we did and have since decided to make that another Christmas Eve tradition.

This year, we're planning on checking out the light display at the Mormon Temple in downtown Mesa.  We drove by there earlier this month and it was gorgeous.  You can actually park and walk through the lights on the the temple grounds and we're hoping to do that tomorrow if the weather remains as nice as it has been.  We're also planning on visiting a nearby Mesa neighbourhood (near Southern Ave. & Harris St.) that does an annual luminary display.  We stumbled upon them last year on our Christmas Eve drive, while looking at light displays, and plan to check it out again this year.

We have a great menu planned for Christmas Eve with leftovers to be served on Christmas Day.  It sure saves on the work and leftovers are always so delicious.  Since our first Christmas as a married couple, we have always made it a point to make Christmas breakfast extra-special.  We usually make something that we don't usually have throughout the rest of the year.  This year we're planning on having biscuits with homemade sausage gravy (Betty Crocker has an amazing white sauce recipe that we use), Disaronno Sparkling, and Tim Hortons coffee.  Alan surprised me with a couple of packages from the Tim Hortons in Ypsilanti, MI.  He got them in October when he had to go back up there for business.  We used to stop at that one on the way to the Detroit Metro Airport so it was a special surprise.

For Christmas Eve dinner, we are planning on having honey-glazed slow cooker ham, homemade creamy macaroni & cheese (my recipe that I adapted from a Paula Deen recipe - I'll give you a copy of it you have pay the right price!  *cue maniacal grin*), candied yams, and stuffing.  For dessert, we're having Dream Salad in waffle cone dishes and Key Lime Rum Cake.

Alan has the week of Christmas off and doesn't return to work until January 2, 2013, so we're planning a short trip up to Laughlin, NV.  We'll make the Aquarius Casino Resort our home base for a few days and take some day trips into California and around Nevada.  Our biggest trip will be to the Mojave Desert National Preserve for some day hikes.  From what we've seen in pictures, we're in for some beautiful sites!!!  I promise to post some pictures this time.  That is one of my New Year resolutions - to be more timely and diligent in posting vacation pictures to our blog.

Speaking of New Year, we're planning on a quiet night at home this year.  We're going to enjoy some great food, playing board games, and watching the ball drop on TV.  We always do a champagne toast and this year we'll do it out on the balcony, just like we did last year.  In Michigan, you didn't dare go outside because it was so frigidly cold or there was tons of snow.  Here, it's usually in the 40s - 50s, which is just cool enough for a light jacket or sweatshirt but not cold enough that you need a full snowsuit.  Anyway, I'm rambling, but just wanted to remind everyone how awesomely gorgeous the weather is here in the winter.  *cue the taunting giggle*

Overall, 2012 has been a year of blessings, challenges, growth, and love.  We pray that 2013 brings everyone great blessings, memories, and joy!  We love and miss all our family and friends but think of you often.  Cheers to a new year and cheers to family and friends!!!

Love always,
Alan & Jodi

Moving Day

As I type, the movers are busy packing up the 53' United Van Lines moving van.  You should see this thing.  It's HUGE!  Wembly, our cat, and I are hiding out in the small room as the men do all the hard work.  It's hard to watch 10 years of memories get quickly packed away into the truck in just about 2 hours.  I love it here.  I love our house and our neighbours, I love the wildlife that we have each spring and throughout the year, I love being close to family, and I loved my job and my co-workers.

However, there are times when it's necessary to make some changes and I guess that time is now.  Change isn't to be feared; rather, it should be embraced.  For it's with change that we grow and become the amazing people that we are.  I look forward to change.

I'm looking forward the beautiful scenery that Arizona has to offer - mountains, cactus, palm trees, snakes.  Okay, so I'm not really thrilled about the snakes, scorpions, and other scary critters but I'm exited to see new things.  I'm looking forward the beautiful sunshine all winter long and not getting depressed during the Michigan winters.  They're so dreary and seem to be never-ending. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.  I'm looking forward to seeing Alan grow in his new position with Fujifilm and getting to know more of his co-workers.  I'm also looking forward to finding a new job and growing as a professional. It's all exciting and scary just the same.

I'm also looking forward to the 3-day road trip that we'll be taking just to get to Arizona.  We'll leave early tomorrow morning and should arrive in Mesa, AZ, late Friday night. During this trip,  I'll get 4 new states - Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.  I'm really getting excited!

However, last night I had a panic attack and thought about all the possible things that could go wrong.  So far, nothing has - thank you Lord!  I pray that our move continues to go as smoothly as it has.

Well, the driver just started the engine on the moving van so it looks like things are packed.  I've never seen a group of such professional and friendly young men working so hard.  We tend to think that our 20-somethings are just making a mess of their lives and not contributing to this world but you might be surprised.  I know of at least 3 young men who have made a difference today and I suspect that they'll continue to do so as they become the men that they're destined to be.  I pray that they do.

I'm very impressed with Frank Hunter Moving & Storage, the local movers that coordinated our cross-country move.  I'm just as equally impressed with Corrigan Moving Systems, the group that loaded up the truck today.  I will absolutely recommend them to anyone.

*sigh* The truck is starting to move now. Poor John, the United driver, he pulled that 53' van down a "No Outlet" road with very little room to turn around.  Somehow, he managed to do so and didn't take out one single mail box.  Pretty awesome maneuvering!

My brain is tired and I'm pretty overwhelmed right now.  The house is pretty empty, except for the last few things to pack in the car tonight.  It's weird, so surreal.  I really can't find the words to describe how I'm feeling but if you've ever moved, you'll probably have a good idea of how I'm feeling.

This might be our last post for awhile, as we'll be on the road the next 3 days, so I'll leave you with some pictures of Michigan from some of our favourite places to visit.  Sure, it might be awhile until we get back to see some of them, but we will definitely get back up here.  Michigan is my birthplace and home for the first 35 years of my life. A part of my heart will always be here.  So I'll close this post with the words from Michigan's state song - Michigan, My Michigan Written by: William Otto Miessner & Douglas M. Malloch.

Michigan, My Michigan

A song to thee, fair State of mine,
Michigan, my Michigan;
But greater song than this is thine,
Michigan, my Michigan;
The whisper of the forest tree,
The thunder of the inland sea;
Unite in one grand symphony
Of Michigan, my Michigan.

tahquamenon falls

I sing a State of all the best,
Michigan, my Michigan;
I sing a State with riches blest,
Michigan, my Michigan;
Thy mines unmask a hidden store,
But richer thy historic lore,
More great the love thy builders bore,
Oh, Michigan, my Michigan.

porcupine mountains

How fair the bosom of thy lakes,
Michigan, my Michigan;
What melody each river makes;
Michigan, my Michigan;
As to thy lakes the rivers tend,
Thy exiled children to thee send
Devotion that shall never end,
Oh, Michigan, my Michigan.

mackinac bridge at night

Thou rich in wealth makes a State,
Michigan, my Michigan;
Thou great in things that make us great,
Michigan, my Michigan;
Out loyal voices sound thy claim
Upon the golden roll of fame
Our loyal hands shall write the name
Of Michigan, my Michigan.

New Home Sweet Home

Alan and I traveled to Mesa, AZ this weekend to look for apartments in preparation for our move in early September.  We had 4 places that we were planning to check out but after the first one that we saw, it was pretty pointless to look at the others in any kind of detail.  We checked them out but they didn't even come close to the quality and beauty of the placed that we settled on.  We signed an agreement yesterday to lease a 3rd floor apartment at Waterford at Superstition Springs and we'll have the A2 style floor plan.  We are so totally excited!  Our lease will begin September 10, 2011, so we'll be hitting the road on September 7, 2011.  WOW, that's only 2.5 weeks away.  We've got to get packing, fast!!!

We're still working on arrangements for selling our house and have a great lead but nothing set in stone quite yet. More to come in that regards; we'll keep you posted.

Right now, we're just enjoying the heat (100F yesterday!), scenery, and lovely people here in Mesa and the surrounding area.  We took a road trip today through the Tonto National Forrest and it was absolutely breathtaking.  We'll post some of our pictures later but we wanted to share with you a taste of what we saw today.  This is basically what we'll get to see every day once we move down here to Mesa.  Are you jealous yet!?!?

Well, I'm signing off for now.  We're getting ready to head up to Scottsdale tonight for dinner.  Alan's boss, along with his wife, is taking us out for dinner.  We're going to the Persian Room for some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

Have a great weekend every one and we'll check in again soon.

Love,
Jodi (and Alan, too!)