A Little Magic Every Day: On the Road Again!

This is trip # 3 to Guaymas, so we have been experimenting with new routes and throwing in a bit of en-route adventure. Bottom line: it is a LONG and decidedly boring drive. As usual, the car is jammed to the ceiling with all manner of stuff: an outboard, a refrigerator, instruments, wood, shelving and baskets from Ikea, fabric, etc etc etc.

Our route this time: Davis to Tahoe to Mammoth Lakes to Las Vegas to Flagstaff to Tucson.

We spent an afternoon with Bryan in Davis. He and Skylar have settled into apartment living. We baked an apple cake together and then did several errands: to Target for a toaster, to the Davis Food Co-op to check for fresh veggies, and finally to Trader Joe's. We had dinner together and then Alan and I headed up to South Shore for a visit with Arlene and Les.

Unfortunately it was windy, gray, and drizzly most of the next day around Tahoe. We did walk the beach and explored the Upper Truckee Marsh. But mostly we stayed inside and hung out. Thanks again to Les and Arlene for hosting us.

Alan and I then left for Mammoth Lakes; determined to make it out to Devil's Postpile National Monument. It was a great plan and this would mark our 3rd trip to Mammoth to see the Postpile. Well, I guess you could say we again struck out!! Last week the area had the first snow of the season and between 1-2 feet of snow fell at the monument and in the Sierras. Sonora Pass was still closed as we drove down route 395! Anyway, the road to the monument had been cleared and opened; but the parking lot was a snow pack and the trails to actually SEE anything were covered in snow. I think it was the first time I have ever asked the ranger: "Can you just drive to the parking lot and see the monument from your car?" Nope -- hiking in snow for a mile or two was part of the drill, so forget that. We drove to some of the Lakes close to Mammoth; enjoyed the snowy views; and figured maybe next year. Or maybe never!

Then the LONG day: Mammoth Lakes via Las Vegas on to Flagstaff. We left early; fortified at Schat's Bakery in Bishop and the scenic road over the mountains to route 95 to Las Vegas. We saw only 1 car over half the distance (45 miles) and then wow--12 cars in the next 45 miles! But once on 95 -- well, there is no way to say BORING but BORING. We were headed to Las Vegas for lunch: Lotus of Siam, one of the premier Thai restaurants in the US. It is located in a dumpy strip mall, maybe 3 miles from the downtown. The place was packed--both locals and folks with suitcases. Reservations required at night but lunch was no problem. After our splurge meal: back on the road, cross the Hoover Dam, and head south towards Kingman. At Kingman, turn east and on to Flagstaff. It was a full moon and it was actually a beautiful scene as the reds from the western sunset mingled with the white moon light.

Today: Flagstaff to Tucson. In Flagstaff we picked up 2 new solar panels and various other bits for the system that is going to keep me in cold drinks next spring and summer. At least, that's the plan. Hotter and hotter as we head south. Mercury hit 99 in Phoenix and those fleece jackets, long pants, mittens and hats are gone till we head north.

Tomorrow we cross the border and by early afternoon we should be back to the boat yard! Once we arrive our plan is to clean enough dust and dirt off the outside of Magic so we can get inside and set up for a good night's sleep. Work duty starts on Saturday (or is it Sunday)? Fridge, engines, solar panels, canvas work for better shade and bug control, new shelving in the galley...we have quite a list!