RV Road Trip: Sedona, Flagstaff, & Navajo Nation
Our Journey from California to Florida
A Surprise Snow Adventure Gone Wrong!
Today’s trip started from a place called Thousand Trails- Camp Verde, near Sedona. We were all set for a bit of coldness but didn’t expect a full-on snow party to welcome us! Just about 30 minutes into our northern Arizona venture, snow began to fall as we passed Montezuma’s Castle as we climbed in elevation (5600ft), covering everything in white. The roads were clear, but with 4 foot snow walls to each side of us; luckily, as if someone knew we’d be passing through. It felt like magic, especially since we had delayed our start by a whole month leaving California. It seemed like our timing couldn't have been better.
Flagstaff and the Quest for Flowers Fiasco
Next up, we were off to Grant, New Mexico, but not before a memorable stop in Flagstaff. We had run out of flowers right before leaving Thousand Trails, so finding a dispensary in Flagstaff was our top mission lol. But Flagstaff was a winter wonderland, covered in a foot of fresh snow. Trying to navigate our big 30 foot class-c RV in search of a dispensary was a challenge. We ended up in a tight spot, not meant for such a large vehicle, and had to perform an epic 99-point turn on a small, snowy street. Our tires struggled for grip, but eventually, we managed to turn around without getting stuck. Filled up with gas, bud, snacks, and unforgettable memories, we continued our journey.
Mystical Lands of Navajo Nation
Driving west on I-40, leaving flagstaff, we entered the sacred territories of the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Canoncito Indian Nations. There's a special kind of feeling you get traveling through tribal lands, like stepping into a different world filled with ancient stories. This time, my thoughts drifted to Kit Carson, an American explorer and soldier from the 19th century, whose actions have been remembered in many ways. To some, he's a hero; to me, as someone with Latino and Native ancestry, his story is more complex as he was deemed an american hero in our history books...
Reflections in Kit Carson Town
Driving through tribal territories reminded me of another epic adventure I took last year on the borders of Colorado and Kansas. Waking up next to a sign welcoming Loki and I to Kit Carson town, I pondered the duality of his legacy. Here, I was, a former soldier, reflecting on the actions of another soldier from the past. Was I, Did I, in some ways, walk the same path in Afghanistan as a combat soldier? This thought-provoking morning led to a deeper understanding of history's complexities. Was I a hero…? Kit Carson was a “Indian Scout” hunting natives in the name of freedom..
Insights on Privilege and Sharing
During our travels, especially in the tribal lands, I noticed something at a grocery stop. Our shopping cart was full, unlike the native folks around us who carried only a few items by hand. This moment made me realize how fortunate we are and sparked a desire to share, not out of guilt, but as an act of friendship and brotherhood. I still wish I could go back in time and at least pay for the persons’ behind us. I preach on morals and values, and without realizing it, I went against my own. This is a life lesson that has already corrected itself while writing this blog. Stand up for what you believe is true to you and your personal values. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Junkyard Brewery: Waking up to a White Xmas
Our visit to Junkyard Brewery was a highlight, filled with laughter, games, and the warmth of new friendships. It snowed the first night, making our experience there even more magical, like a scene from a movie. This brewery, my first Harvest Host stop last year, reminded us of the joys that come from unexpected adventures. Not to mention the pulled pork, chicken, and smoked brisket on tap was fire! Thanks mike!
Morfett the Great! - To The Rescue
Anyways, woke up to a hangover and stuck in the snowy-mud gravel-slush. I put the RV in gear, and we didn’t move. I dropped it down to 1, and only heard the back tires spinning…Uh Oh…
I got out and accessed the situation like a down vehicle in afghanistan. I ran a mental checklist in my mind, ok we’re dug down a bit, I can’t go backwards any further otherwise I’ll really get stuck in the slush mixed with clay…so we can’t put it in reverse. I have leveling blocks that i can put in front of the tires and maybe the tires will get some traction. Nope that’ll just sink us more.
WTF do I do!!!
I can’t just floor it, so i got back in the RV and dropped it down to 1 again, and realized we went forward just a little bit and then rocked back. Boom, theres our way out, I’ll rock and gain some momentum from that and gun it when I feel like we got enough momentum. I put it drive, then reverse, then drive again, and once again in R, and then N, we had the rocking sensation I was hoping for, as I felt the last rocking motion pushing us forward again, I dropped ol girl down to 1 for the last time and floored it! Hallelujah! No spinning tires, no more sinking down, just a one way ticket outta here! I looked over to brenda, and knotted, “thats how we roll..” haha I felt like george washington on dec 25 1776 crossing the frozen delaware river in a boat. Stuck, but with no other option then forward. That was during the revolutionary war, and his strategic move reignited the flame of the american soldiers to keep fighting the british.
Onward to Albuquerque
Albuquerque promised new adventures, with its unique blend of cultures, history, and breathtaking scenery. As we drove, I reflected on the journey so far, the lessons learned, and the encounters that had touched our hearts. Each mile brought us closer to new experiences, new stories to share, and new memories to cherish.
As we traveled, the landscape began to change, offering new vistas and horizons. The anticipation of arriving in Albuquerque filled us with a sense of wonder. What new adventures would we find there? What stories would we hear? The road ahead was a blank canvas, ready for us to paint our next adventure. I never knew I would encounter a Poopsicle problem in the toilet haha. This story will be part of the next blog.
Lessons Learned and Shared
This road trip was more than just a journey through physical spaces; it was a voyage through the pages of history, a journey into the heart of our own identities, and a shared adventure that brought us closer to the essence of what it means to explore. We had faced challenges, laughed, reflected, and grown. Each experience was a thread in the rich tapestry of our journey, woven together into a story we were eager to continue.
Looking Forward
As the silhouette of Albuquerque appeared on the horizon, we knew that this was just the beginning. The road ahead was filled with endless possibilities, each turn offering a chance for new discoveries and insights. We were travelers not just in the physical sense but in the quest for knowledge, understanding, and connection.
This journey, with its snowy beginnings, its reflections on history and legacy, and its moments of camaraderie and challenge, had prepared us for whatever lay ahead. Albuquerque was just the next chapter in our ongoing adventure, a reminder that the journey itself is the destination, and every destination is a starting point for new journeys.
As we continued our trek, the excitement of what lay ahead in Albuquerque and beyond was a beacon, guiding us onward. The road trip was a testament to the power of adventure to transform, to enlighten, and to bring people together, bound by the shared joy of discovery. Onward we went, with hearts open and eyes fixed on the horizon, ready for whatever adventures awaited us. We set course for Texas!
