After the first night arriving to this mountainous area in Tennessee, I wanted to hike. According to AllTrails, the closest near me was the Triple Falls Trail. So I headed there first thing in the morning, as George taught me, morning hikes beats the crowds.
I figured the posse sleeping back at the lake house was not going to miss me, so I took off solo.
For only 2 miles, this trail packed in some beauty as well as steep inclines.
There were boulders in the way at the start of the trailhead.
Obviously a good graffitti site for teens.
I did think this was a cute trail marker, but then later felt a little sorry for the tree that probably now stands out too much at the forest parties. Scarred for life. A tattoo he never chose to have.
Peaking through the trees I immediately saw the creek.
As I walked further there was a cleared out campsite area.
Delicate mushrooms added ruffles to the branches of trees.
The first waterfall appeared with a clear pool below.
Such a wonderful combination of textures in nature. God showing off again.
I was happy to see how fall was beginning. Adding a mix of color into Earth’s landscape.
The changing of the leaves last year was spectacular. I couldn’t figure out if it was me, having not witnessed it for a couple years and now with new appreciation, could stop and wonder at it again? Or if the colors truly were more magnificent than years past. Whatever the reason, I am excited about the changing of the seasons this year.
After Climbing to the top of the falls I took a shot looking down. Was a little irritated by the graffitti spoiling the view.
I started hiking along the creek to see where it would take me.
There was a lot of litter along the way showing how even people that enjoy the woods, do not care for it. I honestly don’t get littering.
I was behind a car the other day that literally rolled down its window and threw out several fast food bags onto the street by a sewage opening. Really? That’s a trash bin? Who raises these people?! Where do they come from and what is their logic? Inquiring minds would LOVE to openingly discuss so I could at least attempt to understand this global issue.
My Cambly students, whenever we speak about the environment as a topic, say education is the best way to approach change. If that is true, which logically makes sense, why didn’t the Native American advertisement that I grew up on tv work? Or possibly it did for my generation, and then it became politically incorrect.
The sound alone brought serenity.
Occasionally the tree roots look like snakes.
Then other times just inspire me to hold on.
As I kept going, there were several other falls. Some small like this one.
Check out that fossil. (and how my boots blend in :))
Love the clay coming out in the rocks.
Adds such a dimension to the coloration and landscape.
Waterfall chaser. I never knew until I went to Thailand how much peace it can give me.
I’m in total admiration.
As I kept following the trail I passed two tents. By the time I was heading back the opposite way, towards the end of my trip, they were gone.
Came across a rickety bridge.
After crossing it, the journey got quite a bit tougher.
Very steep inclines. This is looking back down from where I started. Can you see the bridge?
Fall was definitely making an appearance.
When I saw these trees it felt like a dance party. Not sure why but I sort of wanted to join in!
At this point I texted my friends back at the lake house to tell them I wasn’t going to turn back so they may as well make plans without me, because I didn’t come this far to quit.
This boulder was huge.
For some reason the leaves’ deterioration was inspirational and reminded me of the beauty in aging.
Just an amazing creative site in the woods.
It was definitely providing a workout.
I don’t know why, but this tree was speaking to me.
I wondered what little critter made this a home.
Nearing the top. I ran into a man who asked me what I was grieving. I thought it was a tad odd but then told him- the loss of both parents, kids and husband. He seemed to want me to confide in him and I instinctively backed away and reassured him I was fine. I feel like he was in the middle of seeing the light and wanted to share his awakening. Little did he know I was way ahead of him. I no longer needed comforted.
I could see for miles and miles.
The view from the top.
Yellow making an appearance.
The wonder of wildflowers.
There was a pathway around the perimeter at the top. I was alone.
Left in the quiet to contemplate my emotions and thoughts from the night prior.
The American flag standing strong at the top showing off its glory to the I-75 traffic. It was somewhat sad hearing the trucks roaring by, knowing how we have yet again invaded this exquisite natural site. But also knowing if humans never did, I would probably never have gotten to experience it at all.
Perspective. In the clouds.
Looking down from the rock’s edge, admiring the variety on the surface.
It was a great climb. I am so glad I went and would recommend this trail to anyone who enjoys a good hike with a view at the top to breathe it all in before the descent.
I enjoy being alone in the quiet to take in these sites.
It helps me to appreciate who I have become and what the world offers.
Always a mushroom to fascinate me.
This cute little fern was showing off its colors against the mossy stones.
And much more quickly on the way back, I ended up at creeks level heading straight into the reality of life again. A little wiser from the forest’s wisdom.
After reading the inspiring story about the pharmacist and his wife settling in this area, I googled the Badlands to see how far it was from me. It was only 10 minutes away. Who knew? I guess if I was travelling with someone who was more of a planner and navigator, maybe I would. But I completely stumbled across this fabulous national park only because of Wall Drug and the pamphlet I read about them while eating my breakfast.
After a rough rainy, windy, cold day at Mount Rushmore, today was turning out to be quite the opposite! The sun was out and I was in tune to where I needed to be. Love my walk with instinct and ability to maneuver to what is next for myself.
This was my favorite national park and I will be back to hike it. I do not usually like going to the same place twice. The world is too big and fascinating to spend time repeatedly observing the same things. I will never see it all, but I will try to see what I am capable of while still here with the ability to do so. I thank God daily for my body and its abilities. I am truly fortunate to have the genes I do.
Read that this place got its name as it was difficult land to cross. I can see that if you had a wagon in tow.
My timing again, perfect. Only a handful of people around as the sun was still reaching it heights.
If you were to look across the road on the opposite side, it was nothing but flat grasslands.
See the person at the top? Does this give you a better idea of the scale of these mountains!
Walking out along the narrow trails was not at all scary like when I was at the other canyons. I think because of the mud. It was soft. I wrongfully felt I could fall and be okay.
Who wants to come with me next time? We don’t have to live in the van if we split a hotel and don’t make a month out of it. 🙂
Alive and well. On day 5 of no shower and I have mastered peeing in the van. (funnel and gallon jug-amazing port a potty) But tomorrow I have plans to get pampered in Chicago by my friend Julie! She always seems to be part of my trips wherever they take me. I always stopped by her place when I came back from Thailand too. So looking forward to my visit with her! And a shower.
All of this was dirt. Not rock.
It would crumble beneath your steps.
Really quite strange. I wondered how they weren’t blown away but I suppose they just continue to evolve with the weather and time.
Pockets of green. You could hear the locusts singing along from their safety zones.
This is now a common site. But still, had to take his photo.
OMG I love these critters! Watching them was so fun.
Tough to capture even with zoom. They moved fast and would bark, stand up and scurry about. So playful. There was acres of grass and holes. Must be thousands of them living here in the Badlands.
Driving by, this prairie dog stood up and begged me to take his photo.
Then I came across these beautifully colored mounds.
The colors. I want to buy all new art for my house!
I actually completed seeing this entire park. It kept my interest. The landscape was never the same.
I took the long scenic way around and ended up on about 20 minutes of dirt country road. Poor Vanessa. She was a trooper and kept reminding me that she was brand new and needed broken in. I drove past the road that took me back into the park, so I did my typical U turn and went back. I wasn’t about to give up seeing the second half of this park.
Well, now I understand what they mean when they say watch out for cows on the roads. Literally these guys sat and starred at me as if I needed to put my car in reverse. But I just sat there patiently waiting for them to move on.
More of my favorite as soon as I pulled back in the south entrance.
I climbed to the top of one of these to snap this photo.
Would love to take the time to hike down in these mud mounds.
Endless land. And I read they only saved 1/10 of it for the national park conservation.
Love the stripes.
What would I do once I got out there in the middle?
This range had such interesting tops. I Marco Polo-ed Debbie Knauss this view as I was driving since it was her birthday.
Was a lighter sand mud.
I stopped to hike a bit. Admiring their climb I did one of my own further back in the hills.
Look at their details.
Natural sculpture that has endured.
Reaching my spot, I laid down for a 15 minute nap in the sun.
I discovered how much I enjoy climbing. I want to do more of this.
Not too many wild flowers out here.
Until we meet again.
As I drove out of the park, I was back to the vast flat grasslands. The badlands was a hidden treasure as so many of God’s best creations are.
After Canyonlands which I barely covered, I didn’t have a clue where to head next. You could literally spend 3 days per National Park checking out all the trails and viewpoints. But I was out here just exposing my soul to newness, so I wanted to try another location.
Once the WiFi kicked back in I google mapped Bryce and Zion to see which was closer. They were both over 3 hours away. So I just started driving in that general direction.
Along the route I literally, know I said it before but, cannot get over how Utah is so beautiful and ever changing in visual stimuli. The mountains and canyons keep transitioning to completely new colors and shapes. I took so many photos out my window. I will eventually compose a “out the passenger window” post. Will be interesting to see it all in one blog.
When I woke up in the Walmart parking lot at 5 am I was contemplating whether I should hit the road early to beat the crowds or lay in van-bed for another hour. I decided to get my body up and moving.
Zion National Park was still an hour and 1/2 away. After pitstopping at a very clean rest stop, my eta was 7:30 am. When I arrived into the touristy town right before the park, there were tons of people out already walking about. Guess hikers are early birds.
Utah definitely builds tourism around their parks. I can’t imagine the crowds during peak seasons or weekends. All the coffee shops and restaurants were busy.
Nope, I was still too lazy to get out to properly take the photo.
The sun was rising and illuminating the rocks. I was able to drive super slow with nobody behind me.
Upon entering I asked the ranger for a map. I later realized the map was completely useless, not showing any of the drive I was on. Only the part of the park with a gate. Guess planning ahead may have been a good idea for this leg of the trip. 🙄
Love the shadows.
These made you feel so very insignificant! How long these rocks have been here and we are just a blip on the radar screen if time.
I was doing the drive by. There weren’t many places to pull off and I didn’t see any trails.
Check out the color transitions again. All in one group.
Many of the roads looked cut through. For sure the tunnels were. I read one of the tunnels was built in 1930. Made me wonder if the universe just randomly drops geniuses into different decades to help us out.
I pulled over to take this photo because I was in love with its swirling direction and layers.
Starting to look average eh?!
Another cut through.
Different than Arches or Canyonlands.
There’s that movement again. Almost like desert sand blown in the wind, but rock.
Smoke stacks. I mean where did they pop up from? So random.
I love this shot of the drive.
Great views! No complaints.
I realized I exited the park when the landscape completely changed! I did a u turn, yes me and my u turns! And went back into the park.
I asked this ranger why there were no hiking trails and how do I get the bus to take me into the gated zone. He explained that you have to have tickets in advance or you can wait til 3 pm and they start taking one bus load every hour, first come first serve.
I looked at my watch. It was 8:30 am. That wasn’t going to fit my non-plans.
So I decided to stop and park and make my own trail to get some hiking and rock climbing in.
Driving through the opposite way you get a different view.
Still so scenic. I wasn’t bitter to just have the drive experience. It was really a special place. Well worth the visit.
Felt a little like a safari drive through where you can look but not touch.
So I got out here. And I wandered off.
Saw a new cactus I hadn’t seen before. Cute small cluster.
I climbed up and scaled some rocks. Realizing how much I enjoy climbing!
This rock had two holes through it. How? Why?
You can see how high I was getting if you look for the cars below.
It’s times like these I’m really happy to be on my own. Not compromising. Just being me.
The light was reflecting rainbows at every angle.
I decided to find a comfortable place to stay up here for awhile and have a moment with God and myself in complete silence.
Flowers were blooming on a few cactus tips. Made me remember in Big Springs, Texas how excited I was when I went on that hike and saw cactus for the first time.
Found my spot.
I actually laid down and felt the warmth of the rock under my head and back. I had so many clear thoughts go through me.
I felt when scaling these rocks and deciding to just lie down, there was nobody stopping me- talking to me- convincing me of anything other than what I want to do or be. I had a moment clearly telling me nobody ever will again.
I also understood some of my deep rooted personal issues I’ve been trying to figure out.
The sun tells me when to stay. I felt the warmth. The comfort. But the wind tells me when to go. I was laying there for a good 1/2 hour then out of nowhere the wind picked up.
I sat up and noticed people walking down on the street taking photos of me sitting so high up on the rock. Pointing. And I thought- why? I am nobody. But then was answered by “you are everybody”.
This was one of my favorite moments on this trip. I felt more in tune than I’d ever felt before. More in line with myself and God’s path for me. It all made sense.
As I was leaving I turned to take a photo of the rock that gave me this peace. To remember. Because I know, just like all clarifying moments in life, they soon fade when you are back in the societal rhythm.
My rock💚
Another cutie on the way down.
I hiked down the sand trail to check out this tunnel. It was a dried up riverbed.
On the hike back up I noticed the coloration of the fungus on this rock. At least I think it’s done sort of fungus.
Goodbye Zion. You taught me well.
Where to next? Need to get to some WiFi to figure that one out.
I checked out of my luxury hotel ( sarcasm) and decided to get a decent breakfast in me before wandering off into the unknown. Out here you never know how far you will have to go for the next gas or food stop, or for your WiFi to kick in again!
I went through Moab and stopped at a local cafe called Glorias. Gotta say- best coffee yet!
I pushed the walk button and noticed Mr. Garcia with some floating hamburgers. Thought it symbolized the quirkiness of this place.
Kokopelli are everywhere out here! I remember not even knowing what one was back in my design days at SKl. Pam had to print out an article explaining so I could understand the motif she was using for a southwest print.
Parking is free off the main streets which is nice.
This morning I decided to go to Canyonlands National Park that was nearby. About an hour and twenty minute drive. Since I was out this way right?
On the one road into the park I passed many beautiful sites. I kept snapping photos. I’m always afraid I’m going to forget what it all looked like so I take as many shots as I can. Now that everything is digital you can decide which to keep later. What progress from the unknown 36 exposure film of past.
Coloration of this one is cool. 1/2 and 1/2.
Still fascinated with the balancing rocks and holes created.
This road sign literally cracked me up.
There was one viewing point that I decided to check out.
Was gorgeous just like in the movies.
Couldn’t wait to get to the canyon if this was just on the way.
Always admiring the strength of the desert flowers.
The sky is so blue out here!
I kept looking for cows. It reminded me of when my taxi driver hit a cow in New Delhi. I thought we were going to get executed. He was so upset. I didn’t want to relive that experience.
Getting into this park was a traffic nightmare. Maybe because I waited until the afternoon? Who knows! But it took about 45 minutes inching up one car at a time.
This was the first stop inside Canyonlands. It was a amazing. I loved it as much as the Grand Canyon. My daughter Sedona is lucky I didn’t come to Utah instead of Arizona before she was born or she may be stuck with a name like Moab😂
Looking down into the canyon there is a road where some brave souls were driving to reach the Colorado River.
The road was long. I’d definitely have to have an off road vehicle and plenty of food and water to dare this trip. And definitely not be alone in case the car broke down. Don’t think triple A would help me out.
This talked about how many cows and other livestock were lost on this passage falling to their deaths in the past. Makes you not want to take a burro down.
Canyons are cool.
Looking down.
Another view of the road.
I found a spot to sit alone and hung out here for awhile.
Breathing it in. Appreciating the fact that I’m here.
Selfie to let you know I’m still alive and better than ever!
Then I headed out.
There were several other lookout points but I didn’t think any matched the first stop.
I headed to the very end stop called Upheaval Dome. It was a mile plus hike and I was hoping it would be worth it in the heat of the afternoon. That’s one thing about the desert, no shade.
Sign about the hike.
Hiking trail. Not easy. Steep inclines and plenty of rocky steps.
At the end was this pit with a different colored interior.
It was a geological wonder that I read they are still trying to figure out how it came to exist.
I kept climbing further.
And instead of following the trail climbed up onto a rock where I sat ignoring the distant student chatter. I noticed senseless talk really annoys me now that I’ve been alone. People speak just to hear themselves talk. And teenagers are so animated about it, to express their importance. … the crabby old woman coming out in me ….
Inspirational composition.
Makes me wonder what these rocks are telling me about life.
As I moved along I passed a totally new coloration.
I saw this quote from one of my favorite artists and felt it was timed perfectly for me!
After the hike at the beginning of Arches National Park, I was inspired and wanted to see more. I kept driving, then parking and checking out the views. But my energy was getting low as I got some sun on my face while hiking down in the canyon. (Earlier this same morning I was hiking in my fleece and winter hat!)
I was able to breathe in a handful of other sites.
I believe this was called Monument Rock. Don’t quote me on that.
Just capturing as I was driving.
This reminded me of three sisters looking off into the distance.
Just so pretty next to the blue sky and green shrubbery.
This was called Garden of Eden’, I think. I do know there was a Devil’s Garden also but I never made it that far.
Driving along admiring God’s Wonderland.
From a distant view you could see the snow capped mountains in the background.
Balanced Rock.
I got out and walked around it.
Those are people standing up there. Really helps to display the magnitude and of these giant beauties.
Side view
Something about these shapes together I liked.
I mean we don’t have anything like this in Ohio 😁
Then I drove up to the section called “Windows”.
Reminded me of the earlier arch I climbed. But now I was too tired to make the trek.
I admired from a distance. Curious if people lived in these holes prior to building homes or used them as shelter.
Feels like a natural playland.
I googled a map later to see where I’d been and debated whether to go back the following day.
I only made it half way through this national treasure of a park. Sadly, I needed to find a place to stay and give my body some rest. I ended up booking a hotel so I could shower and start a little more slowly tomorrow morning.
I drove through Moab, a tiny one street town, which seemed touristy to me. Packed with vacationers. Traffic was crazy with construction as well as mobile homes and semi trucks sharing the roadway. I was feeling frustrated and wanted out of the turmoil.
Seemed like a great natural Disneyland. Bike rentals, canoes on top of cars, dirt bikes and side by sides. I understood the attraction of the town.
But I had been up early, went to Mancos, Messe Verde and drove about 4 hours to get to Moab. I wasn’t sure where I was going to stay the night so I just kept driving to get out of the congestion. In doing so, I saw a sign for the Arches National Park, so of course with my new park pass, I decided to pull in to take a look.
Mind you, that’s a lot to pack into one day. But it was totally worth it!!!!
Just capturing some of the drive in the beginning of the park.
The red rock dominant here.
Then I spotted this balancing rock and thought, well that’s cool! I had no idea what better things were still coming.
A closer view of that rock. My drive by photography skills at work!
Looked a bit like the Grand Canyon’s sister.
The first viewpoint had this trail so I got out and went for a hike.
Unbelievable view. Complete with 112 steps down (and back up) according to an older nan who informed me that he counted.
Same view as above photo but once down inside the canyon.
Being down at the bottom level gave you more of a feeling of being part of it, rather than just observing the natural phenomenon.
Once I was in the canyon it was so quiet. I sat alone for awhile without anyone coming by. Most people didn’t make it all the way into the bowl, they stopped part way.
The different textures of the rock made me wish I cared enough to study geology. Instead I just look at it and artistically admire.
Love these thinner slabs mixing in with the others. Makes me wonder why all of them ended up so different. Such a variety of shapes in basically the same location.
Still hiking the trail, making my way to the phallic symbol.
Then admiring what was surrounding me.
The twig is mimicking the split in the stone.
I overheard a couple who was “over it” saying it all looked the same. To me, every step I took offered a different view and new perspective.
I mean look at how these yellow desert flowers make the landscape differ.
And you have to admire the survival instinct of this perfect succulent.
I may have captured the same rocks several times. I just didn’t want to miss anything. I kept taking photos just in case. Who knows when or if I’ll make it back.
Look at the curve created against the blue sky and cloud. 💚
This is for Virlane, who always intellectually likes more info.
Finally I made it to Utah! I originally planned to come here as my destination, spend two weeks exploring this state,then drive back. But anyone following my journey knows that has not been how this road trip ended up.
18 days in and I crossed the border from Colorado into Utah! The landscape almost immediately changed, and two days in I am still literally shaking my head in wonder.
Utah has the most fascinating views I’ve yet to see. So unique. Constantly changing within an hour! I have become a professional at taking photos while driving, through my passenger seat window. It’s a new skill I acquired during this trip.
In southern Utah, where I crossed over, the earth looked flat like Ohio. The biggest difference was the red clay dirt. I’m loving all the natural color transitions I’ve witnessed this month!
Cute how people stop to take a photo. I just snap as I drive. Maybe next time I will pull over for a clearer appreciation of the sign.
Then this appeared in the middle of flipping nowhere! It’s like a work of art! Mother Nature’s sculpture.
Seriously inspiring.
The blond rocks were stunning.
And then an hour later, the rocks changed to red. The sky looks unreal out here it’s so blue.
I wanted to go climb onto them. But it was just everyday sites for the locals along the highways, nothing to explore.
Then I spotted the Wilson Arch and thankfully there was a pull over area for us tourists to get out and stare.
See the tiny dot in the middle of the arch. That’s a person. I strapped on my hiking boots and headed up!
I conquered this cluster of rocks proudly, only later to discover an easier trail.
When I got to the top I was alone. I laid down on my back and snapped this photo looking up. Feeling part of the circle. I find I don’t give a shit anymore what people think of me. Maybe that comes from living out of my van and not showering for 5 days🙄
Looking out away from traffic you could see the close up texture of the rock.
Yep happy!!! Solo. Discovering.
A look back on my descent.
It really was a window to the world beyond. Which here goes on forever without a building in site.
Looking down toward the highway admiring the views and being so close to the clouds.
Bye arch. You made my heart skip a beat. Thank you.
Heading to Moab, not sure why except that it was my destination city when I googled my way out of Messe Verde Park. Passed this rock- do you see the heart? Love can always be found when you least expect it.
I felt like this rock, screaming to the world. I love my life! I made it to Utah!!!!!
This rock has another face of its own. Beautiful how all the rocks here, like trees back home, have their own personality.
Googling my way to the forest after my breakfast in Mancos was simple. It was literally right up the road. I checked the AllTrails and found a couple trails to hike in this enormous park and headed to one of them to work off my morning grub.
My National Parks Pass is coming in handy!
First sight I saw driving in. You do know I never do too much research on places. I had no idea what to expect.
Gorgeous. Will seeing new landscape ever get old? I’m so happy to be out west to see new fascinating nature.
Decided this trail would be perfect. Short with a view.
There was only one other car in the parking lot to this trail head. It started off looking like any other I’d hiked.
As it ascended, the views and landscape kept changing. I was admiring how spring had not quite blossomed here yet. They were still in transition.
Wicked twisted burnt trees were all along the trails, adding to the variety.
This trail zig zagged back and forth as it climbed up the mountain.
Breathtaking view. I absolutely love these bushes in the forefront.
Trail turned rocky at times. Made me happy I was doing this at my age and not 20 years from now.
Check out the coloration of this bad boy rock! So special. Even the white flowers were wanting to be near him.
I hadn’t seen these wildflowers before. They would randomly be in the middle of a grassy patch along with twigs. Appreciate the diversity.
I kept climbing and peaking over for the views. Wondering when I would reach the top.
Another wildflower showing off its endurance.
I finally reached a flattened plateau and OMG , I couldn’t have been happier.
Looking straight down. I felt so small and yet such a part of where I was.
I sat at the top for several minutes and just talked to God and asked what’s next. For me. For my life. Why am I happy alone? How can I make a living out of my joy?
It was very cold up here. And a huge wind was blowing trying to talk me down.
I stayed. I appreciated. I breathed it all in wishing there was a trail like this where I lived that I could escape to weekly for quiet contemplation.
One more glance and then I decided to wander and see what more this park offered.
Parking pass in the windshield, I was going through.
To what lies ahead, we never know.
Hiked a short bit to see the Knife Edge Rock. The history is interesting. Seeing the car off the side of the road and thinking about all the challenges endured to build roads for others to be able to enjoy this park.
Then I reached the highest point.
Looking out from the viewpoint where the rangers keep watch for wildfires during peak times.
Literally a gorgeous day. I couldn’t imagine how anything could get better. But it did. And I continue to be amazed by this trip I decided to take. The quiet moments are the best. With only one more week to explore before I head back east, I decided to make my way into Utah.
I read that this bridge is the second highest suspension bridge in the country and was only 7 miles away from Taos. I thought I needed to go over it in honor of my college roommate Cindy who absolutely hates bridges🤣
Side note: I went on one date with a guy who was drunk when I showed up. (Shows his character) When I asked what’s one thing people don’t know about you, he told me how he jumped off the Ohio bridge on a dare. People can be surprising. What one person fears another boldly embraces.
There was a rest stop right after you crossed over, which was perfect.
It had trails you could hike along the gorge.
I hiked and then tried to get close to the edge to take a photo.
There was a storm coming so I wasn’t going to hike too far away.
This view was taken away from the bridge. You can see the rain coming down in the distance.
This was the furthest I got then turned back toward the parking lot.
I decided to see if I could actually hike over the bridge.
I found a dirt trail and it took me to the guardrail which I stepped over. Love the last kiss graffiti.
On the bridge looking out toward the gorge.
This was looking straight down from the bridge. Definitely would die if you fell. That’s what I was thinking.
The Airbnb I am staying at left instructions to a deserted road that is known as a great local location to watch the sunset. This was the only thing on my to do today. I set out to seek the desert and capture the sun before it left for the other side of the world.
As I was driving I concluded that I really could be a sun worshipper. I love the heat, the color, the joy of it peaking through clouds, the consistency of its daily appearance, its nutrients. It means life to me whereas water means lessons.
After a 1/2 an hour of paved road, this route becomes a gravel pit road meant for only those with 4 wheel drive, a spare tire and a death wish.
As I was driving I pulled over several times to take some photos. It was as vast as you can imagine. Nothing as far as you could see. Desert.
It started out flat with the sun capturing all the shadows from the small hills.
I drove until the end, where I found these cowboy boots hanging out on the posts.
Was the entry to Fletcher’s Ranch.
“Just outside the charming west Texan town, Marfa, the Aufdengarten family has run the Fletcher Ranch for many, many years. It’s been supported for generations by this tight-knit crew.” I googled the ranch and there are several articles about how they settled there in the 1800s when this was still part of Mexico.
I was loving the unobstructed view.
The clouds on the opposite side of the road were a beautiful reflection of pink.
And just like that it was gone. I am still learning how quickly the temps out here change. Without the sun the chill in the air is quick to bite.
I took the opportunity to capture this deserted road and the sunset left behind. Selfie moment. Hitting the road tomorrow. Happy Trails.
Tonya Takes Thailand 