Last day of a Roadtrip is Always Bittersweet!

My last day, and heading home! I checked out the ranger's cabin at Jacob Lake, a national historic registered place. Its well kept, and across from the Lake. I have to say that the lake was looking more like a small pond, but maybe drought has been drying it up?! It was in the 40's here, so crisp, and cool in the pine forest. And still seeing the sad views of devastating fire.

As I head out, temperatures rise, pines disappear, juniper and sage appears, as I wind around the plateau, driving down overlooking the Vermillion Cliffs. Its a new view in this morning sun. Its actually a very unique area, as I got another look at those cliffs, along with the mushroom like rocks precariously balanced. The colors are stunning. Its was getting hot. My head is heavy with the elevation changes. I camped at 8,000 feet.

I continued on through the Navajo reservation. The shanty shacks along rte 89 were all closed when I drove through nearly 6 weeks ago. They sell native art and craft from jewelry to pottery, rugs, etc. But now there were a few opened "shops." I pulled into one, and spoke to Marg. She told me that it was her first day open in months. I picked up a peyote bead bracelet, and a pair of earrings from Larry. They were lovely people, and I am glad to support their effort. Marg has run this roadside stand for 30 years! I give her a lot of credit for that commitment, as its not at all an easy environment to do this. As I drove along, I could not help but see so many poor, run down homes in this reservation . This is the heartland of America, and it was heartbreaking to see this level of real poverty. As I have traveled around, I have seen poverty in so many other places as well. It makes me question our values in the USA.

After a quick stop to buy at pie at Rock Springs Cafe, I arrived home. Its time to get back to the routine. I always like coming home, but then I always miss the road life, once I've been home for a while. Its as if the Gypsy is a siren, luring me back to the road, but in a really good way. Home and rv travel are really vastly different ways of living, and its interesting how the differences make me become more aware, and grateful, as to how to make them both better. 

And now its time for a really, really long, soothing shower.












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