May 18 – 24, 2015.
As I write these words, we have been on the road for 21 days and have driven 3 790 miles! Everyday is a new adventure, we enjoy every minute of it.
We still can’t believe this is our life.
We can’t wait to get our camper, hopefully it will be completed by the end of June, so in the mean time we tent camp in National Parks or find affordable and comfortable accommodations as we travel to Grass Valley, California home of the XPCamper.
We have found great hotels such has a wonderful lodge in Sedona for only $75 a night.
Also Motel 6 for their renovated and clean rooms, which offers laundry services, complimentary coffee and Wi-Fi and can be booked for as low as $43 a night. A great old fashioned find. That’s all we need after a few days of camping.
Sedona, AZ
After the Overland Expo, we left Flagstaff, Arizona and headed for Sedona. One of the most scenic towns I have even been to. Everywhere you look, is like a postcard.
Sedona was made famous in the 40’s when it was discovered by the Hollywood film industry and became the backdrop for cowboy movies like The Gunfighters, Billy the Kid, and Tall in the Saddle with John Wayne.
Grand Canyon National Park
After Sedona, our next destination was the Grand Canyon National Park.
Since we had no reservations we were very happy to get a camp site in the Park at Desert View on the South Rim.
Joe’s National Park Senior Pass purchased for $10 granted us complimentary acces to the Park and we paid only $6 per night for the campsite.
Our intentions were to spend four nights, however by the second day the weather became increasingly rainy and cold but we still enjoyed our stay tremendously.
Seeing the Grand Canyon live for the first time is literaly a breath taking experience. You have to step back and reflect on the vast beauty of it all.
Las Vegas “Sin City”
We wanted to spend four days exploring the Grand Canyon but unseasonably cold weather shortened our camping by one night.
We headed for Las Vegas, Nevada in search of warmer weather. even though it was memorial day weekend and we knew hotels would be booked.
We had to settled for a roach motel on the strip for $185.
Vegas lived up to its expectations of a 24 hour party town and adult playground. We walked Freemont Street and the Strip and had a great time. We enjoyed a few $18 cosmos at the trendy STACK restaurant of The Mirage Hotel. One night was just enough for us.
Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
The next day we headed to Death Valley National Park and made a small detour to see the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead located about 30 minutes from Las Vegas in Boulder City, NV on the border between Nevada and Arizona.
just happened across this site and enjoyed reading about your adventure. Cool little hibachi you got there. Is it for sale?
Cheers
Steve
Hi Steve, glad you’re enjoying our adventures… it’s on pause now but hopefully not for to long.
That little hibachi is now a family heirloom so I’m afraid it’s not for sale 😉
Take care!
J&J
Wow! Finally I get a minute to read and go over the pictures… They are beautiful. And so much has already happened!! Needless to say we miss you guys terribly but truly smile about seeing the two of you so happy and living life!
Keep the posts coming, the blog is looking great. Oh boy! will PopPop have endless nights of stories to tell next time we meet…Always in my heart.
Mari😘
Thanks Mari for your comments, you always find the right words. Yes it is crazy how much has happened in such a short time. We are very happy but we think and talk about you guys all the time. I hope that your trip to Nicaragua is shaping up. Kisses and hugs. Josée and Joe. PS hope the kids are getting our postcards.
Thanks guys. What a story so far!! Reading your story makes me feel that I’m right there with you guys. Be safe Gerry
Thanks Gerry, glad you like the blog, we love your comments! Cheers, Josee and Joe
Excellent pictures and story. Joe, looks like you lost those pounds you out on in Weesh, Afg. LOL!!! I have not heard anything on the ferry down in PTY yet. You guys be safe and enjoy the ride
Thanks Gerry the view hides the weight. Joe
Lovin’ this blog of your incredible journey. thank you for sharing, Josee and your pics are amazing. safe journey.
Thanks Mary, I am glad that you are enjoying our blog. It’s part of our journey to be able to share it with friends and family.
Regards Josee and Joe
Your photos are amazing! Dick and I are really enjoying hearing about your adventures. Today brought back memories of our trip to the Grand Canyon. It was cold the day we went as well. We left Pheonix at 80 degrees and had snow flurries around Flagstaff. Looking forward to your next instalment. Take care.
Thanks Rose, i am glad you are enjoying our blog. The weather has been a bit crazy. Today we were in Death valley and it was 99 F and tonight we are in Mammoth Lake CA and its in the 50’s. We always need many layers on clothing. Regards to you and Dick.
I am enjoying your pictures and commentary. What an adventure!
Thanks Gene!
Hi Josée and Jo !
So exciting to follow your adventure… Every Time we have News from you it is urgent to go read and Look at the beautiful picture about your trip!
Thanks so much to share…. Everything seem beautiful and happy to know that you enjoy so much . A bientôt …..
Big hug ! Martine xo
Merci Martine, c’est parfois long quand l’internet est lent mais ça nous rend tellement heureux de pouvoir partager notre aventure. Bisous à tous. Josée et Joe xxx
Great post Josee and your pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Bonnie and Len.