PLOENK

Road-trip day 7: 610 km

Peak of the day: Taking the last fizzy tablet drink (of 20) to boost my immune system, which I had to take about every 4 hours

We pay a quick visit to Mesa Verde National Park to see the amazing cliff dwellings. It is quite an interesting park for history lovers and it’s a shame we do not have more time. But a week on the road, spending more than 2500 kilometers of driving, seeing several national parks and eating from the cooler and highway restaurants every day, is enough. We want to get back home.

Road-trip day 6: 350 km

Peak of the day: We are stronger than we thought!

After a night with thunderstorms and an almost blown-away tent, we begin our ascent. Somehow, climbing up is not as troublesome as we thought. About three hours later, we are at the top again. An old lady jumps out of a tour bus to ask us all about our adventure. She thinks there is accommodation down there. If she only knew… After driving some hours, we decide to rest our heads in a motel. We’ve endured enough rain for one week.

Road-trip day 5

Peak of the day: The poop throne. Or was it the stone cooking?
Or maybe the cake from a bag?

Are we there yet? The Grandview Trail is rough. All we can think about is the climb back up tomorrow. Three miles in three hours is the best we can do. We are glad we are the only backpackers, so we can sleep at the closest campground, in Horseshoe Mesa, not far from the poop thrones with a view. When the boys come back from the water forage, Dos Lindas are glad they did not have to do this extra exercise. Especially when we find out we forgot a pot to boil water and we might not have dinner. Luckily, cooking in plastic on a stone is also possible. We finish celebrating Boyfriends birthday in style with a cake from a bag.

Road-trip day 4

Peak of the day: Taking a shower

The South Kaibab Trail with its many view points seems like a good start to get to know the Grand Canyon. It’s steep, winding trail brings us down to Ooh-Ah-Point, Cedar Ridge and Skeleton Point. From there, Dos Lindas go back up, while the boys go a bot further down. With amazing speed, not a lot longer than the time it took us to hike down, Dos Lindas are back on the rim. We treat ourself to an instant shower and feel gooood. That a bird picked my toe while I was eating lunch, I took for granted. I was happy it was not one of those giant ravens…

Road-trip day 3: 505 km

Peak of the day: The Watchtower

We pack up the tents, fill up the car and drive to Bryce Canyon. The early morning orange rock formations are beautiful. And of course we meeting Dutchies again. Not the first, and certainly not the last. After a hearty breakfast of mostly eggs, we drive on to the south entrance of the Grand Canyon.
A column of smoke awaits us, but we are reassured the fire is under control.
So much for the view from Desert View. But at least we still have the inside of the arty Watchtower.