Back Out On The Highway

Yosemite National Park

This was a wonderful way to end the trip. I spent the day exploring the valley, hiking up the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, and smoking my last Avo. Thanks Pete

I even saw another bear feeding about a quarter mile from camp:

Bishop CA to Yosemite National Park

Lee Vining was recommended to me as a great place to get a hamburger. I came through around 9 am, so darn it; I guess I’ll just have to go back one weekend. I did pay my highest price for gas on the trip here:

The scenery changes almost immediately as you turn into the Sierras

And Hwy 120 through Yosemite is a stunning drive.

After setting up camp at Crane Flat I caught some near sunset shots of the usual suspects:

Half a day here and I’m already feeling foolish that this is my first time to Yosemite. I can tell it is going to be a great way to end the trip.

Today’s Route:

Parker, AZ to Bishop, CA

Today was another hot day (100+) along lovely yet desolate roads in Southern California.

Riding in the desert gives one plenty of time to think. Today I thought through all the people I’ve met along the way.

In Yellowstone, I met a guy from Germany who had shipped his BMW motorcycle over and was touring the states – in six months. And I thought my trip was a long one.

At the Grand Canyon I met a gentleman and his wife and asked them how long they were out. His answer? “No idea.” It turns out that they average 50,000 miles a year on their Honda Gold Wing. He was 77 — she didn’t offer her age. Neither of them looked a day over 60.

And the bus driver in Grand Canyon that was telling about his friend that decided to see if he could hike from rim to rim and back in a week. That’s 9000 feet down, 27 miles, and 9000 feet up, back to back. He made it in 6 days — in celebration of his 80th birthday. Inspiring.

Today’s Route:

Grand Canyon to Parker, AZ

It was hot today — 106 F and I’m way over budget on my Gatorade purchases. 🙂

Although Flagstaff to Kingman is one of the prettiest sections of I-40, it isn’t conducive to stopping for photos. Nor is it the same as Colorado, but the desert has its own beauty. I did pause on Hwy 95 to take this shot:

Today at 3:30 was my final interview with what soon could be my new team. I believe it went well and expect an offer early next week. I’m eager to start a new opportunity with a group of professionals that understand growing a business and growing a great culture. This group really seems to fit the bill.

And, with a new job on the horizon, it’s time to (slowly) make the turn and start heading the general direction of home…

But it isn’t too soon to start planning the next one: Hey Keith T. it’s been 20 years since we’ve been on a hike — are you up to dusting off your hiking boots and doing the Grand Canyon?

Today’s Route:

Grand Canyon National Park

Having enjoyed last night’s sunset so much, I decided to roll out at 4:20 this morning to catch the sunrise.

Being so early, I took the JetBoil and a cup, found a spot away from the jabbering tourists, and sat and watched the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee. It was worth it. I was surprised that so many people were up that early and even more surprised that most left immediately after the sun was over the horizon. In my opinion they missed the best part of the experience — watching the sun slowly “paint” the canyon in colors. It’s a shame this camera can’t capture the real color pallet.

Sunrise at Mather’s Point:

Shots from the Desert View Area:

The Watchtower:

I traced my way back west along Desert View Drive…

and somewhere along the way I stopped to soak in the view and woke up to this:

Late in the afternoon I took the shuttle service up the Hermits Rest Route. It is the only way up other than hiking since they closed the road to private vehicles. I highly recommend you take this trip near sunset. I stopped at several points along the way, but most of these shots are from Pima Point and to Hermit’s Rest. There was no one else on the trail. When you go, take the rim trail, pause often, soak in the view, smell the pines, listen to the wind, birds, and insects. It will restore your soul.

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