Kissing Colorado
On our first day in Colorado, we went to Mission: Wolf overlooking the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The village of Mission: Wolf is made of huge runs for the wolves, teepees, greenhouses, and ongoing log cabins. Legally, the wolves own the land, and it seems like they know it.
We saw many of the 35+ wolves. They paced due to the upcoming feed. We were allowed in with 3 ambassador wolves, which are domestic enough to be around humans as long as we keep the correct manners and body language.
The rules include:
If a wolf licks in your mouth, you let him. Otherwise, you'll offend the social creature and he may fall into a depression.
Don't turn your back to a wolf or sit alone. Do I need to explain that?
Keep your body language confident: head high, sit up straight, and make direct eye contact. We are all Apex predators, so act like it.
We stayed in the cutest cottage in town of Hillside, Colorado. Population: 91. We made award winning Korean short ribs we bought from the small town of Westcliffe, on our way back from Mission: Wolf.
I loved the long drives along the still mountains and exploring off-road to strange places. After a few days of incredible escape, we headed for Colorado Springs.
We spent a day getting lost in the Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Getting caught in the rain isn't always a bad thing. The ducks and geese didn't seem to mind. I love the colors nature reveals immediately after rainfall. Mint greens turn into emeralds and saffrons becomes the color of a low fire.
From siphoned coffee brews to lager brews and all the nature in between, we fell more in love, explored the world, and kissed wolves (tongue not excluded).
Until next time, Colorado.
Sea at Sunrise
Many people think of the beach as an always warm, sunny place, but in January, the sea can be cold and forbidding. Surfers who dare to venture out face icy winds and frigid waters, which do not waver their desire to catch the perfect sunrise wave.
Always Have Yosemite
On those stressful days when everything seems to fall apart, I find some peace in the thought that Yosemite will always be there, strong, peaceful, and calm.
The Largest Trees in the World
I will never get over the Sequoias. The Sequoia National Forest is one of the most magical places on the planet. We took two last minute trips before we moved to Tennessee to bring our parents to this awesome place.
Emily's Film Corner Part 2
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
The End of the Trail
Day 96 – Emily’s Entry – July 17 – 5:17am – Watchtower- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Currently, we are sitting by the Grand Canyon Watchtower watching the sun rise over the canyon.
We witnessed a spectacular sunset with pink and golden clouds against a brilliant, blue sky last night. There was a double rainbow in the sky as well. Sitting on the cliffside last night felt like the epic beginning of the end of this trip. Last night, Corey shot the Milky Way over the tree line. I will miss seeing the stars at night.
Day 96 – Emily’s Entry – July 17 – 5:44pm – Forked Pine Campground, - Coconino National Forest, Arizona
What a lovely day it is. Our campsite overlooks a small lake on a meadow of tall grass and wildflowers. We can see the San Francisco Mountain peaks in the distance. Families are fishing and kayaking the lake. Three black labs of a neighbor camp family chase tennis balls in the field. I had no idea Arizona was such an American paradise.
An American Pipit (a bird) just ran through my legs!
It’s strange to think today is Friday, and we end our journey in Burbank, CA on Tuesday! For over 3 months, our lives have focused around the question, “Where next?” I do look forward to a full kitchen, bathrooms with sinks, and reliable internet, yet I’ll miss my pristine views, wildlife pets, and promise of everyday adventure. The journey’s been long and near its end. I have made many a friend. We’ve traveled far and around the bend. And yet, it’s only the start.
Day 99 – Corey’s Entry – July 21 – 3:15pm – Joshua Tree National Park, California
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” – Robert Burns
The last few days have been touch and go. After Antelope Canyon, we headed to Sedona, Arizona. The only thing I heard about Sedona was how it housed an energy vortex called Cathedral Rock. We stopped in a local restaurant for lunch and to work. Across from us, we met a shaman and a medicine woman who practice Reiki and energy transfers. Places like Cassadaga, Florida, Asheville, North Carolina, and Sedona host a kind of energy that artists are drawn to. You can almost feel the energy and it shows in the towns with all the artwork and gorgeous scenery. Rain and thunderstorms struck once again last night, so we missed the sunset and couldn’t go outside. So unfortunately, I have nothing but memories. We will travel back there someday.
Our next stop was going to be the Kofa National Forest, but we rethought that stop for a couple reasons. The tread on our back tires was completely worn, not even a penny can rest in them. And another monsoon was brewing, so we decided to continue to Joshua Tree.
We met with some fellow travelers at lunch then shared some drinks and swapped stories with our good friend Joey. I’m sure glad we did too. Had we not stopped to see him, we would’ve been caught in a flash flood trying to get into California. See, on our way after Tempe, AZ we hit some major traffic. A flash flood had wiped out a section of the i-10 and flooded the area four feet high. So if we blew through and didn’t stop we would’ve been in that or trapped at Cottonwood Campground, which was also flooded. Strange how the world works like that and thank God we got a room that night in a hotel. There really is always a reason.
So now I’m sitting on a rock in Joshua Tree thanking God we weren’t in that mess. It’s Day 99. I know it’s not over until tomorrow, but my thoughts are swimming. I don’t want to stop. I want to keep traveling like this. I know I complain about bugs and wanting to be in a clean bed, but overall I love living like this. New places all the time, outdoors, enjoying nature, and making friends with strangers I’ll never see again. Something is very poetic about that last part.
Truth is, I love being a traveler. Okay, settle down once in a while, but this trip has been incredible. I’ve learned a lot and grown up a bit. I think when I retire, I want to be a ranger, volunteer if they’ll take me.
Day 99 – Emily’s Entry – July 20 – 3:15pm – Jumbo Rocks Campground – Joshua Tree National Park, California
This feels like a mythical day. Day 99/100. It’s similar to the day the world will end or your 50th birthday. You always knew it might come sooner or later, but definitely not yet. Well, here we are. I’ve learned better what I can handle like I’m remarkably calm when I might be struck by lightning. I’ve learned not everything is what is seems to be. Sometimes something that initially seems terrible can easily be a blessing in disguise. I’ve also learned my limits. 100+ flies at my campsite is my limit. Side note: I’ve never seen so many flies in my life and I’m completely over them. I understand you, Winnebago Man. I really do.
Corey and I feel we’ve gotten used to this lifestyle. It took us about 2 weeks to get used to it. It’s important to stay positive. Even though of all the creatures we’ve encountered, people are by far the most complicated, confusing creatures on the planet. The city’s not all bad though. L.A. has good food and good friends. Corey and I are also very excited to get back to our other work. We plan on selling prints, canvases, and other products soon in addition to shooting work. We also will soon begin plans for another epic road trip to Alaska 2016.
I feel so blessed to have gone on this journey. I went with the love of my life and saw so many other people I love and met new friends. I want to say thank you to everyone who sheltered, fed, followed, met, and rooted for us on this trip. You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know.
In the Red Rock Wilderness
Day 93 – Emily’s Entry – July 14 – 6:15pm – Coyote Buttes South, Arizona
We made it! We’re among incredible wave-like rock formations. We hiked 4 miles up 1000 feet of elevation on a deep sand road to get here. I had to stop a number of times and Corey carried my bag a bit. It hasn’t helped on this trip that I grew up at a 10ft elevation level in Florida, but I’m so excited to be here. There are no trails or people, and I love that. We can run, climb, and play as we wish here. Truly trees, mountains, and nature are the ultimate playground.
Day 93 – Corey’s Entry – July 14 – 10:14pm – Lone Rock on Lake Powell, Utah
What a rush these past few days have been. Our car is caked in mud and sand is everywhere.
Coyote Buttes South is a beautiful, geological formation of sandstone. The formation looks like waves of rock slowly melting.
As we drove on the road to get here, we passed a sign that read, “Impassable When Wet”. The weather forecast read, “1% chance of rain” for the area. When we drove down the dirt road halfway, it 100% rained. I drove a bit faster to get to our campsite before we got stranded. Our Subaru Crosstrek XV did amazing on the muddy roads. We didn’t get stuck once. I think I scared Emily a few times as I splashed and fishtailed to the campsite. I had a blast.
At the site, we didn’t think it was possible to make it to the canyon because of the heavy rain and thunder coming down. When the rain stopped, we drove up to a fork in the road. One way led back out to the highway where we would move to our next location. The other way led to the canyon over treacherous, muddy roads for 4x4’s only. We followed our hearts down the treacherous, muddy road. We figured, high risk = high reward.
We got to the access point, but still had a rough 3-mile hike up about 1000-foot altitude. Boy, it was worth it. When we finally arrived, we climbed, ran, and jumped all over the place. We were in the wilderness. No trails, signs, or crowds of tourists. Just nature and us.
On our way back, we hiked through a herd of cattle. Some ranchers on horseback were corralling them together. It’s a strange feeling when every cow stares at you. The cowboys waved back at us as we climbed into our trusty Subaru and rode off into the sunset. We decided to head onto Page, AZ without a place to stay. Thankfully, I was on the phone with a full campground when they suggested a place called Lone Rock outside of Page. Just as he said the words, a small, brown sign for “Lone Rock” appeared in our headlights. We sharply turned into the campground and pitched our tent on Lake Powell Beach. With a staple meal of Ramen and sausage, we are off to bed with tired legs and happy thoughts.
Day 94 – Emily’s Entry – July 15 – 2:04pm – Slacker’s Grill – Page, Arizona
We both just ate a bacon burger at this local spot in Page, AZ. We just got off a photo tour with Antelope Canyon photo Tours. The tour company and Antelope Canyon is owned by the Navajo Nation, which sits in the middle of the U.S. completely free and ungoverned by the U.S. government, taxes, and laws. It’s the one nation you don’t have to have a passport to visit.
The curved, red, and violet rock creates an aspect of mystery and curiosity of history. Light spills through dust in the air to create almost a waterfall effect in the narrow canyon.
A City Covered in Gold
Day 90 – Emily’s Entry - July 11 – 6:49pm – Rim Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
This is my happy place. I sit here with a cider in my hand, in a crazy creek chair, looking at a beautiful view. Hoodoos (natural rock spires caused by erosion) emerge from the mountain range creating an eerie scene. The landscape boasts neon orange and cream colors. The scene reminds me of orange creamsicles I ate as a kid.
One pull-off in the park called Bryce Point has an entire canyon full of Hoodoos. It all resembles an ancient city of myth. Maybe this was a city early American explorers described as “a city covered in gold.”
Day 92 – Corey’s Entry – July 13 – 6:04pm – Zion National Park, Utah
Zion, America’s greatest oasis. The massive canyons display all shades of reds and oranges. Trees grow in the canyons with vibrant, green leaves. This is a true paradise.
However, I would advise against going during the summer. The stunning views and peaceful scenery are interrupted constantly by the non-stop hordes of tourists. Children yell, babies cry, boys draw on ancient cliff sides, massive families fight, and loud bros take the still moment out of this timeless place. A woman changed her newborn’s diaper on the path next to the pristine riverbed. I can only hope she carried the diaper out of the area to a trash can.
Zion is a beautiful place full of natural and human history, but most of the people treat it like a local swimming hole. I’m glad more and more people are going outdoors though. It’s just sad to see people abuse nature.
Goblin Valley & the Beast
Day 88 – Emily’s Entry –July 9 – 7:45am – Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
What a strange place this is. The mud-clay structure field initially described as the “Mushroom Field” by the cowboys who discovered it reminds me of drip-castles my sister India and I made as kids on the beach and by lakeshores.
It’s easy to imagine native people believing these structures to be ancient gods. It seems like the grumpy faces stare slumping from the mud out at the world.
To me, the entire goblin field looks like a giant playground. We climbed and hid between the blobby mud statues.
I shot a series of photos I have entitled, “Where’s Corey?” In this series, the viewer has to find my handsome husband among the goblins.
Corey’s such a trooper. He kept waking throughout the night to see when the overhead clouds left. He left at 3:48am to shoot the goblin valley with the stars.
Day 88 – Corey’s Entry – July 9 – 9:38am - Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Goblin Valley is the closest resemblance to a martian planet in America. Hiking among the natural rock formations puts the environment in perspective.
Last night, I went on a solo adventure. The sky finally cleared around 3:40am, and I desperately wanted to shoot more astrophotography. I rolled out of the tent still fully dressed. Ignoring the howling coyotes, I got in the car and drove without headlights, so I didn’t wake my fellow campers. The moon was bright enough to cast shadows, so I got to the Goblin Valley just fine.
I hiked into the valley and set up my shots. I was so excited that at one point, I forgot where the car was parked. With the eerie moon, I began to see faces and goblins!
To help myself get back to the car, I used long exposure to see the area better. I arrived safe and sound back at Home and climbed into my sleeping bag.
Day 88 – Emily’s Entry – July 9 – 4:46pm – Cathedral Valley Campground – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
I’m hoping for interesting light at sunset and clear skies tonight. Corey and I have discovered an awesome routine setting up and breaking down camp. I knew we’d finally get our system down around the last 12 days of the trip.
Driving through Capital Reef, we saw ancient Petraglyphs from a thousand years ago made by the Hopi Native American tribe. We attempted to interpret what the meanings. In the petraglyphs, we saw men, big horn sheep, dogs, deer, and sunrises.
There are many historic towns built in Utah by settling Latter-Day Saint (Mormon) pioneers who sought refuge from persecution in the late 1800’s. The towns and Mormon wards have taken me back to time I was also a Mormon. #itsalongstory
Our campsite is on a peak overlooking much of the Capital Reef National Park. Red monoliths rise from the ground. It feels as if thousands of tons of ancient palaces emerge from the ground, but as we drive though, time is frozen and we can see the earth fall away from their mighty walls.
Day 89 – Corey’s Entry – July 10 – 8:17am - Cathedral Valley Campground – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Cathedral Valley Campground is located 7000 feet in elevation on the edge of the Capitol Reef. This remote campsite required a fun, muddy drive. Along the route, we saw beautiful views of the valley below.
We came to this campsite for the lack of light pollution and the elevation that would have offered unparallel views of the wonderful, starry night skies. We shot the valley, explored a bit, and made up a fun game called Rock Horse. It’s like horseshoes and bocce ball but with some odd rules and bonus goals mixed in. It got complicated.
I wandered to a forgotten camp chair that somehow had cell service. As I talked to my parents, the rain fell harder, and I crouched under my Field & Main Bank umbrella. When the lightning and hail started up, into the car we went. Déjà vu. I think we’ve been in this position before. It poured from the evening until the morning.
The lightning was pretty nerve wrecking inside our little tent. Around 5:00am, we awoke to another loud pack of coyotes running amok through the campground. The most terrifying thing all night was a beast noise all around us. It sounded like a beast stepping around then grunting boldly. Step, step, gruff. Over and over for hours. My imagination went wild. I thought it was a bear about to tear down our tent, and we’d have to deal with it or be food. Emily helped calm me down as we realized what sounded like steps was water dripping on a bag on the picnic table. The growls we decided were in fact big, dumb toads digging in the mud. The combination of drips and toads sounded like a beast.
Day 89 - Emily’s Entry – July 10 – 8:39am – Cathedral Valley Campground – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Last night was one of the scariest nights of my life. First, it thunder stormed. We saw and felt the grand show of rain, hail, booming, vibrating thunder, and bright flashes of lightning overhead. I made sure my skin wasn’t touching anything metal in case our tent or anything nearby was struck by lightning as I pulled myself deeper in my North Face sleeping bag.
Around 5am, Corey woke my restless sleep to alert me of a sound outside. The heavy footsteps and territorial grunting brought my hazy mind to full attention. We had no mace. We had no knife. I figured my best plan to run from our tent to the car was to throw the water from my Nalgene bottle at this beast in hopes of stunning it for a moment as we ran for our lives.
After what felt like an hour of listening to the beast of Hades stalk our tent, we concluded the footsteps were water drops on a nearby metal picnic table and the grunts were probably toads deflating in the mud. Thanks, Nancy Drew.
The mind can be a terrifying place. Then again, we never really found any toads, and who knows? It could have been a monster.