Tuscon, Arizona to Boulder, Colorado

Tuscon, AZ (map WP41)

to

Boulder, CO (map WP55)

This is where the trip took a diversion from plans. The original intention was to go to the Pacific Northwest & stop in Boulder to see our good friends, the Colvins on the return east. That was not to be. Bill had taken very sick & time dictated that we turn & head east early.

Next stop was Flagstaff, AZ & relief from the heat of Tuscon. The elevation of Flagstaff makes a world of difference in climate. The cooler temperature allowed more comfortable repairs to the trailer underside from the Texas tire blowout & a quick oil change for the truck. I think it took less than 10 minutes at the Jiffy Lube.

As usual click on the pics for full appreciation.

 Potty break

North Rim, Grand Canyon

Busy highways of N Arizona & S Utah

Somebody does not like picture taking

A quiet no utility cg about 10 miles from the Grand Canyon North Rim

The Colorado river almost a mile below the rim.

The Grand Canyon North Rim though busy does not get anywhere near the visitors as the South Rim. Only 5% of Grand Canyon visitors go to the North Rim which is a solid days drive if you want to get from one to the other. There are no short cuts unless you are a bird.

 

 One of our most favourite places, Bryce Canyon

One of the Bryce residents 

No fear as long as it thinks it might get some food 

 This is our fourth stop at Bryce Canyon. It is one of those places that draws you back.

One of the many Bryce rock formations

Bryce hoodoos

Energetic people far below. It is not the going down the trail that is tiring. It is the coming back up. Can't get Carolyn on one of those mule rides they have.

Dillon Reservoir, Frisco, CO. A familiar sight for anyone who has skied Colorado

Smoke haze sunset from the wildfires N & S of Denver 

St Vrain State Park, Longmont, CO.

 Rain. Most of it evaporates before hitting the ground

Distant evening thunderstorm, St Vrain SP

Houston TX 

map wp28

to

Tuscon AZ

map wp41

From Galveston Houston is a short ride to Houston done as a daytrip. There is not much to see in Houston. Most of the area south of the city is covered with oil refineries.

 The 1912 battleship USS Texas

 USS Texas & Sam Houston Memorial

From the bridge

San Antonio river walk, map wp33

Big Bend National Park, map wp35

Big Bend, miles & miles of nuthin

Best use of a fishing vest: carrying camera stuff

An hour out of Big Bend, BOOM, right rear trailer tire explodes. Not a good start to the day. A very quiet road but surprising how many stopped to offer assistance.

Tread totally separated from tire carcass. Found out weeks later that the tire was part of a recall. Could have been replaced at no charge.

Gilbert Ray CG near Tuscon, AZ. An incredibly beautiful place which we had all to ourselves for 1 night & shared with 2 others for the other couple nights.

One of the locals

A dust devil. Something like a very small tornado. We have actually driven through a couple of these.

A former Air Force One at the Davis Monthan AFB, Tuscon. This is where military aircraft are brought to be scavenged for parts then destroyed. The location map is centered on the base & in satellite view hundreds of aircraft can be seen lined up.

Looks like a Pan Am Clipper  that flew into Bermuda but missing a couple engines.

This used to fly rocket parts for the moon saturn rockets.

The outdoor part of the onbase museum is huge.

 Poor Carolyn. She got dragged into yet another aviation museum

This particular model, a 1945 Jeep was of special interest since it what I first learned how to drive.

Who remembers these at Bermuda's NOB?

 Tuscon in the distance

 

Look carefully. It is easy to miss.

 Desert Discovery, Tuscon

Desert Discovery, Tuscon

Desert Discovery, Tuscon

Hummingbird, Desert Discovery, Tuscon

 Those tires are about 8' tall

How's this for a view? Tuscon.