We’ve been near Lockhart, TX, for two weeks and this quiet time has confirmed we made the right decision returning to our own retirement plans again. Last week we enjoyed a great evening with the couple who first introduced us to AGS– they were working a park only 25 miles from us.
We’re still working on firming up our complete travel plans and will be leaving here in a couple of weeks heading to New Mexico. We’ll visit White Sands Nation Monument en route to southern Utah where we hope to spend much of the spring. As temperatures begin to rise we’ll head north through Utah into Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Depending upon weather and crowds we’ll try to visit Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. From there we plan to visit the Badlands and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota during summer heading back south through Colorado as fall approaches. Then it’s a matter of weaving our way back to North Carolina for family, friends and the holidays.
More photos and information to follow.
Wow! What a great route you’ve selected, Brooks – at least to me! You’re hitting all of the places that I like, or think that I’d like to see. Ah, if only I could be a stowaway :) I’m sure that you’ll enjoy White Sands and I’m looking forward to seeing your photos from there. If you happen that way, St. George, UT is a great place to visit and it’s fairly close to Zion National Park, which is about 50 miles east of there, actually on your way if you’re coming from Texas. :D If you are headed that way around May, or so, you could visit the north rim of the Grand Canyon, as you’d be somewhat in the area – about 3 hours away, but the roads are closed in the winter.
Excellent decision to return to retirement!
Yes, we are very excited about our travels this year — like kids with a very long Christmas! We don’t regret a single moment of the working detour last year but it’s nice to be back on track. We’re listening and soaking in everyone’s suggestions on what to see and we certainly appreciate the input.
It almost sounds like we might be in the same “neighborhood” at about the same time, Brooks. If you can, let me know some of the actual dates (when you know them). Maybe we can meet somewhere. I’m glad you’ve included White Sands. Definitely one of our favorite spots.
Paul’s idea of going through St. George, UT, is a good one, although to do that you might have to literally pass through Las Vegas on your way north. Not a big deal, but traffic can be rough there. If you do, you could visit Snow Canyon State Park near St. George. Lots of amazing color there.
We visited the Grand Canyon’s north rim last fall. I don’t mean to throw cold water on Paul’s suggestion but I wasn’t overwhelmed. It’s pretty, but unless you have a fair amount of time there’s not a lot there that’s much different than the south rim. And the roads on that side are a bit narrow for anyone pulling a large RV.
I really like your first image here. I love this kind of composition – the blue color, the clouds, and the water. Definitely a tranquil scene.
I’d forgotten about Snow Canyon State Park and that was one of my favorite places that I visited in St. George, that and a little reservoir named Quail Creed Reservoir. As for the North Rim – very true about the roads being pretty narrow and there’s not much really out that way except lots of trees and deer. I liked the North Rim even though it was pretty remote and more geared, I think, for hikers and campers, rather than the casual tourist. It won’t matter if Brooks makes it there before the thaw in May as he won’t be able to go anyway. :)
We’ve been making reservations this morning. Once I hear back from all of them I’ll certainly share dates and places. If would be great if it works out we could catch up to each other somewhere. In southern Utah we’ll find a central location to park the RV and then do a lot of long and short day trips from there — but still gotta be able to take the RAM and it’s wide dually hips. :-)
Love your plans and all the locations you will cover. I think you will enjoy all of it. The only thing I am negative about will be the congestion in Yellowstone. It is one of the greatest wonders of our natural world but so crowded. If’n your in the Colorado area please look me up. Oh, and how much input did Maggie have on this route? Now, enjoy this retirement!!!
I have no doubt that whatever we see we’ll enjoy, Monte. Bonnie and I are not crowd people and we enjoy simple pleasures and beauty, so a hilltop at sunset can be as wonderful as the Taj Mahal (“Especially if in Fog,” right Paul L?) ;-)
For sure, Monte, when in your area we’ll let you know!
Sounds like returning to your original plan is a good choice, Brooks. There are always tempting things along the way that vie for our attention – Kathy refers to them as “the shineys.” But ultimately continuing the voyage you set out on is bound to result in the experiences – and ultimately the satisfaction – that set you out there in the first place. I’ve got little location advice to add to the above experts, other than to say that I know a really good contact in Fort Collins, CO if you happen to be in the neighborhood. ;)
Tom, I think this last year was productive if for no other reason than to confirm that our original plan was true to what we want to do now — plus it let us see many interesting sights in the mid-west we probably wouldn’t had otherwise. Funny, I think I know that Fort Collins, CO, expert you speak of! :-) We’re very excited about the prospects this year brings.
When you get to Utah be sure to find a way to see Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Steve, yes we’ve heard some wonderful things about Utah from a friend of Bonnie who lives there. I’ve added the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to my bucket list…much more and I’ll need a larger bucket. Thanks for mentioning them…it’s going to be a busy year but no doubt it fly by so fast!