Dear Maia, Isaac, and Virtual Wanderers,

There is nothing like celebrating an achievement with a stunning roadtrip through the Southwest US. Seven years ago, I earned my doctorate and took a life changing trip that started here at Hovenweep National Monument. Every 3 years, I repeat the journey.

Our camping road trip is usually late August. And, that when we started. Three weeks ago tonight we were on our way through SE Utah. We made it less than 48 hours before sweet Kachina had a pancreatitis episode. We had to drive nearly all the way home to get to a vet ER and the monsoons were raging on our route, so we just went home and rescheduled.

Today was a fresh start. Kachina is feeling 100% better now. And it was a gloriously rainy day to drive across the San Juan Mountains. Those trees are about to turn amazing colors!

Our route was 550 to Ridgway. Then, we drove over Dallas Divide, then over Lizard Pass. We took County Road G south of Cortez to get to Hovenweep because I was less worried about washed-out road.

Our late start means we didn’t get here until after 5. That sun sets early these days, so we didn’t have time for anything but watching the sunset through the storm. Tomorrow we will do some hiking when the sun shines.

TTFN, GM Cathy.