Drifters. Gypsies. Adventurers. Roaming Entrepreneurs.
Call us what you want, but full-time life on the road is pretty awesome, regardless of semantics. We have each other, our two crazy pups, our tiny home, our growing business, and an endless horizon of new places to explore and share.
We checked off a lot of “bucket list” destinations like Napa, Yosemite and Sequoia on the last segment of our trip. However, we were looking forward to warmer temperatures as we continued on and prepared for a drastic change in scenery. Good-bye, Giant Sequoias. Hello, Southwest Saguaros.
Joshua Tree National Park
First up, Joshua Tree National Park. I’m going to come right out and say that just because it’s not one of the most hyped, or well-known national parks, doesn’t mean it’s not spectacular. I’m ashamed to admit we probably wouldn’t have planned a visit here if we hadn’t already been on a road trip through the area with a strong interest in visiting as many national parks along our way as possible. It would have been our loss. Each of our national parks are preserved and protected for very good reason, and Joshua Tree is no exception.
Three Reasons to Love Joshua Tree National Park
REASON 1 – SUNRISES. Let’s be real, sunrises are pretty hard to mess up. Whether your horizon is the coast, forest, mountains or desert, chances are the sunrise will be beautiful. However, sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park were extra special. Now, I’m not the kind of gal who pops outta bed when it’s still dark outside with an eager smile and instant go-get-em attitude. Not even when the reward is a stunningly beautiful sunrise to kick start the day. I usually require at least 30 minutes and 2 ½ cups of coffee to really admit I’m ready to kick ass and take names. So, if I of all people recommend getting up in the pre-dawn hours to experience a desert sunrise, trust me, you should do it.
REASON 2 – ROCKS. Yes, rocks. I wasn’t overly excited either, until I saw them in person. Unless you’re an avid rock climber, you’re probably like me and wonder what all the fuss is about. Just wait ’til you see them. Mounds of rocks all around the park beckon to be explored. Walk around them, scramble up them, play king of the mountain and enjoy the view.
REASON 3 – JOSHUA TREES. Pretty obvious, as the park’s namesake, but really they are amazing. Each one a different shape, size and configuration. Oh, and the apt comparison to a Dr. Seuss creation is 100% accurate.
Our drifting continued as we moved on to Arizona…
Falling in Love With Red Rocks
Matt had always wanted to go to Sedona. However, I didn’t know much about it. I must have been living under a rock. A red rock. Of course, as soon as I started researching, I had a lengthy list of all the must-do sights and hikes and couldn’t wait to go. Sedona is gorgeous. I can understand why Native Americans and many others consider it a spiritual and healing place. We were in awe as soon as we saw the red striped giant formations dotted with green pines and shrubbery set against the blue backdrop of the Arizona sky.
We couldn’t wait to hit the trails and started with a 4 mile round trip hike to Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. What started as a fairly flat desert hike soon gained in elevation and our terrain transitioned from red dirt, to red mud, to red snow to icy red rocks.
Doe Mountain trail was another favorite hike with a series of switchbacks up the side of the mountain to the flat top mesa with some of the most spectacular panoramic views.
If you make it to Sedona, you won’t be disappointed…hike, bike or hop a jeep tour to experience this stunning, red striped piece of heaven.
History Lessons
It can’t be ALL hiking and beautiful scenery, right? So, we hit up some historic and educational Arizona destinations along the way including The Apache Trail (which you can experience first-hand with Matt), Tombstone, Bisbee, Pima Air & Space Museum and Kartchner Caverns State Park. (No pictures of Karchner Caverns because they don’t allow photography, but if you find yourself near Tucson, Arizona these beautifully preserved caverns are ABSOLUTELY worth a visit).
Our desert drifting continues to Texas next…so stay tuned, and Don’t Mess With Texas!
Cheers,
Kristin
Roger Polk says
It is well worth getting up early to see the sunrise. There is something special that charges you up and makes you want to take on the world or just sit on the patio and sip a cup of coffee. Enjoy your trip and keep posting your pics.
Stubs says
What an awesome adventure! Thanks for the great pictures, they would make some inspiring murals!
Oh the beautiful memories the two of you are making!
Jamie McIntyre Schultz says
Love reading about your adventures!! What a fun life and beautiful couple!
Kristin says
Thank you, Jamie!!! We appreciate your feedback and support!! We are grateful for every day!