TD2 2019 Adventure - CA - June Lake and the Ducks!

After leaving Death Valley, we drove on Rt 395 and wanted to find a campground close to Tioga Pass, so we could enjoy the scenery heading into Yosemite National Park.

We tried stopping at a place called the Devil's Postpile, but they were closed for the season.  So we headed to June Lake, which we had visited on a previous trip.  Turns our their campground was closed as well, be we found another RV located in the parking lot by the lake, and the nice German couple said they received permission from the visitor's center to boondock there.  That was good enough for us.

And what a beautiful morning we had (after a chilly night) on the lake, visiting the ducks and getting down to sand level to take some pictures.

This was the perfect place to stay before heading up to Tioga Pass!

Some teaser photos:

Boondocking at June Lake!

Here come the Ducks!

And here is the album for those that are interested:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/crisp_travels/albums/72157711963458488

Yet Another Change of Plans

We said goodbye to my sister and brother-in-law, with a plan to head back to Sedona (since it had rained the last time we drove through).  But the more we thought about it -- weekend during Spring Break -- we thought it would be very crowded, and we wanted a more serene experience.

So we decided to put that off for either our return trip (if we go south) or future RV adventure (if we are too far north on the way home).  We also need to revisit the South Rim, and those can be done together.

Instead we headed west, toward Joshua Tree National Park, and stopped at a quick boondocking spot on the way there, and enjoyed a nice sunset.

Basking in the Light, Bouse-Plomosa BLM, GPS: 33.85413 -114.03947, Bouse, AZ, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Sunset Behind Tree, House-Plomosa BLM, GPS: 33.85413 -114.03947, Bouse, AZ, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Saguaro Sunset, House-Plomosa BLM, GPS: 33.85413 -114.03947, Bouse, AZ, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Over the Hill, House-Plomosa BLM, GPS: 33.85413 -114.03947, Bouse, AZ, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Sunset Reflection, House-Plomosa BLM, GPS: 33.85413 -114.03947, Bouse, AZ, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Continuing on to California, we stopped to restock the RV, and I noticed this tire cover on the back of a jeep.  This is just how I look after not showering or shaving for 3 days, but somehow I just keep smiling.  And then onward to Joshua Tree National Park (northeast entrance).

Who Needs a Shave?, Walmart Parking Lot, Parker, CA, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Long Drive to Joshua Tree, RT 62, CA, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Kinetic Art, Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

It turns out the campgrounds in that section of the park were already full, or so the signs stated, as we arrived pretty late in the afternoon.  So we were advised that our best chance would be to head south to Cottonwood Campground.  Thankfully they had a few spots still available.

Found a Spot, Cottonwood Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, CA, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Lady Bug on Cactus, Cottonwood Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, CA, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Beautiful Sky, Cottonwood Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, CA, April 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

We liked it here, and ended up spending two nights in this campground.  We also had a great hike while there, which we'll cover in the next post.

Flagstaff has Snow, Sedona has Rain and Fog

So when I awoke the next morning, this is how I was greeted.

Cold, Wind, Rain, and SNOW!, Camping World, Flagstaff, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

So I bundled myself up and asked the store for an extra shovel and helped them clear their driveway.  (Why they don't have a snowplow is another story.)  I also shoveled off the roof, since we were planning to head down to Sedona after getting our parts.

As it turned out, it was rainy and foggy on our drive to and through Sedona, which is too bad, as that is clearly a beautiful place.  We will have to visit there later!

So instead we were going to get onto the I-17 and head down to Scottsdale (and camp in a rest area!), but thankfully my GPS was confused on which way to turn, and I noticed a National Forest with camping signs, so we spent the night there.  It turned out to be a beautiful night, and the following day was as clear as could be.

Boondocking Outside Sedona, NFD Road 618, GPS: 34.6837 -111.72.65, Sedona, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Very Green, NFD Road 618, GPS: 34.6837 -111.72.65, Sedona, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Now That's a Sign, NFD Road 618, Sedona, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

We followed the National Forest road toward Scottsdale, and ended up on the Beeline Highway, a very nice road (not too fast, not too slow).  And our mouths dropped as we entered the Sonoran Desert, and got our first peek of the quintessential Saguaro (pronounced Sa-WAH-ro) cacti.

Here Come the Saguaro, Beeline Highway, Tonto National Forest, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Beautiful Setting, Beeline Highway, Tonto National Forest, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Desert in Nice, Beeline Highway, Tonto National Forest, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

So even though we missed seeing two of our intended destinations, we know we will either catch them on the return trip home, or our next cross-country adventure.  Sometimes you have to go with the flow!  Now on to my Sister's house in Scottsdale.

Time for a Run

After all that exploring, I thought on our final day I would leave the camera in the RV, and just go for a nice long run.  Here's a tip for you photographers:  never leave the camera ;-)  Turns out my run took me to some amazing places just over the ridgeline.  So I did the best that I could with my iPhone, and took a few movies as well.

Stevie Needs a Shave, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

King of the Hoodoos, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Hoodoo Shadows, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

And speaking of movies, here are four videos that might give you a feel for what was over that ridgeline.  I will say it is a good reason to go for a long run.  But next time, I'm also bringing the big camera ;-)

As I was exploring the hoodoos, I saw someone drive up in a yellow jeep and check out what I was up to.  His dog looks pretty mean in the first photo, but it turns out "Joey" is a sweetheart.  And Chris, a local, explained where I might want to run, he then waited around until I got back, and had a cold bottle of water ready for me!  (I had not brought any with me.)  And then he gave me a ride back to our campsite.  Now that's a Good Samaritan!

Looks Kinda Vicious, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Chris the Good Samaritan, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Joey is Friendly, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Back at the ranch, Carol whipped up some of her vegan Chickpea-Artichoke spread for brunch.  Yummy!  Recipe is at the bottom.  She also finished sewing her wall hanging (a gift for a friend), and it is now ready for quilting.

Brunch Time, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Ready for Quilting, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Finally, as we prepared to depart the next morning, and head toward the Grand Canyon, it was as if the sky, sun, and clouds got together to bid us adieu.  What a wonderful sunrise show.

Colorful Sunrise, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Time to Move On, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Carol's Chickpea-Artichoke Spread (Vegan)

2 cans (15 oz) garbanzo beans (drained and mashed)
1 can (15 oz) artichoke hearts in water (drained and diced)
1 cup chopped sweet peppers
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup chopped scallions (or diced onion, or dried onion)
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 TBS dried parsley
1/2 cup Vegannaise

Mix together and chill.  Makes 8 servings (wraps).  Roll up in a tortilla with sliced cucumber, sliced tomato, greens (optional), and sliced avocado (optional).  Goes really well with potato chips, but don't tell anyone we said so ;-)

Afternoon Outing and Extra Curricular Activities

We enjoy staying in the same place for multiple days, as it is much more relaxing, and gives more time for exploring, or getting various projects done.  This afternoon, Carol and I split forces and did both (in parallel).

Steve explored another unique geologic cone-shaped outcropping and the canyon wash around it, while Carol proved that you can sew and quilt while RVing.  Oh yeah, and baked some bread as well.

Monk Cave?, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Baby Slot Canyon, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Inside Angle, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

This center area had an interesting dome shaped rock outcropping, with a really intriguing cave.  I wanted to rock scramble up and do my best Om meditation pose, but I passed up the opportunity ;-) The baby slot canyon was also cool, and helps illustrate how these are formed.  Just another million years or so, and this one will be its own attraction ;-)


If you have the bandwidth available, you can check out this 1-minute video clip of the wash area and the rock dome.

Dome Outcropping, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Call Me "Jack", Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Life on Top, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Carol brought along sewing and quilting equipment and supplies, and it works out pretty well. If she sets up on the dining room table, then we'll also set up a portable table in the lounge area, and have our meals back there (or outside) during that period.  Her fabric, supplies, and equipment fit well in the cabover area where we keep our linens and other supplies.

Sewing and Quilting is Possible, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Work in Progress, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Breadmaking Too!, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

This place has been a great place to "park it" for a while.  One more day, and even more exploring to come!

Early Morning in Glen Canyon NRA

So with the threat of mountain lions off the table (recall three posts ago), Steve set off for a sunrise hike around the backside of the gigantic bedrock features that surround our boondocking location.  Right away there was a surprise.

Sunrise over Glen Canyon NRA, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Surprise Memorial, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Around the Back, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Walking around the large rock outcropping, I came across a well-preserved memorial from 2015.  Very touching.  Continuing around and up the backside of the bedrock, I climbed up and got to see another hoodoo, and the rock strata that show where the hoodoo "caps" got their color.

Yet Another Hoodoo, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Where the Hoodoos Get Their Colors, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

I also continued to be fascinated by the thin layers of rock and how the light played with these layer differences.  And so you get to see more of those "stone canvas" photos as well ;-)

Stone Canvas IV, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Stone Canvas V, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Humpty Dumpty Hoodoo, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Windy Boondocking Road, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Stone Canvas VI, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

It was great fun and a bit challenging to complete the loop to get back to the campsite, after being trapped in a few dead ends.  Such is the entertainment value of going where there is no trail.

Time to Chill, Cook, and Dine

After that invigorating hike, we decided to chill a bit, and the awning finally got deployed, as well as our outdoor chairs and table.  I guess the bright sun and altitude just made this a perfect location.

Carol whipped up a couple of dishes (Pasta Primavera and Thai Yellow Curry with Crispy Tofu), so we'd have multiple meals (and leftovers) that would keep us going for a while.   The Curry recipe is at the end of this post, and the Pasta recipe will be included in a later post.

Making Shade, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Vegan Cookathon, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Now That's Camping!, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Cheers!, Glen Canyon NRA, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

The Curry recipe looks rather complicated, but it's actually pretty "easy" since it is made in just one pot.  It shows what can be done in an RV with the proper canned goods, fresh produce, and most importantly, spice selection!  These can be prepared in parallel (along with the rice).

Crispy Tofu (Vegan), makes 8 servings:

2 packages extra firm tofu, drained and pressed to remove as much water as possible

Cut into 1" x 1.5" x 1/2" thick pieces for griddle frying (on 2 flat sides)

Roll in spice mixture (1/4 cup Kirkland Organic No-Salt Spice Mix + 2 tsp curry powder)

Heat griddle and brush on a tiny bit of avocado oil to crisp up each side of tofu pieces

Thai Yellow Curry (Vegan), makes 8 servings:

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 small orange bell pepper, chopped fine

2 medium sweet onion, chopped fine

4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into small pieces

1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

4 sliced carrots

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 1/2 cup golden raisins

2 15-ounce can regular coconut milk

1 15-ounce can light coconut milk

4 tsp garam masala

2 tsp cumin

1 TBS turmeric

1 TBS coriander

1 teaspoon ground sea salt

1/2 cup nutritional yeast

3 TBS fresh ginger, minced

8 garlic cloves, minced

1 TBS dried lemongrass

Add all ingredients in Dutch Oven. Simmer covered for 2 hours, stir every 30 mins.

Add 1-2 cans of water (optional) for desired consistency
Serve curry over brown rice, and top with Crispy Tofu