Joshua Tree Part 2

I am officially in new territory now!

My entire day was spent driving. I left my in-laws house around 8:30, and drove until almost 12 hours later. There were some stops to use the restroom, or to walk laps around a Kroger store since it was pouring outside and I needed to move a bit.

I chose a more winding route from Paonia to Flagstaff.( I will later insert a map here) I went south, creeping my way up and down mountains, around valleys and sneaking through small forgotten towns. I traveled through the Uncompahgre National Forest and the San Juan National Forest. I crept past little towns like Ames and Rico, skirting just past Telluride.

Uncompahagre National Park. Driving towards that snow covered peak in the distance.

I had every single weather possibility as well. In fact as a Coloradoan, I appreciated the constant moisture pouring down, but really would have rather not driven through hours of blowing rain, sleet, snow, and gloominess.

This is the light snow I stopped in after 20 minutes near white out conditions. In late May.

I think I observed every possible landscape as well. I started with some mesa type open expanses, moved to near timberline snow covered peaks, back through green lush valleys with small farms tucked in, eventually to the vast openness of the American Southwest. I marveled at miles and miles of what seemed to be just rolling expanses, waves almost, of a sea of rock.( I did not find a safe pull off point to get a picture of that, but it will linger in my mind.) There were endless proud jutting rock sculptures that were named for what they resemble.

I am so curious about geology when driving past pillars such as these.
 Why did it remain when everything around it eroded?

I did not stop to enjoy the different environments as I had planned because as I said, I had rain the entire way. Even when I did stop at Four Corners,  paying my $5 in order to park and then brave the wind and rain to plant my body in that spot. The many vendors were packing up when I arrived, as the wind had just worsened.

Here I lie in 4 states..

It was so windy, and stinging drizzle was hitting my face. But I persisted..

When I had been in the car around 9 hours I really started hating it. I felt like I just could not stand to be driving any longer. I was so tired, my back was so sore from 2 days in the drivers seat. I stopped at a City Market, changed into warm clothes in the bathroom, and then literally walked laps in the store for about 30 minutes, just to be moving. I had planned the long day with many stops to enjoy the outdoors. The weather sure foiled that great intention.

I pulled in to my Flagstaff Motel around 7:45, and was so happy to open the door to my quaint original Route 66 motel room!

I was far more exhausted than in pain. I had worn my TENS unit all day, and used my Yoga Strap back support off and on to get some relief from my back pain. My legs were sure aching, so I did a lot of stretching and walking whenever I stopped. I did have to use my rescue pain medication in the evening, but that is why I brought it along. Thankfully my exhaustion lead to a pretty good nights sleep. That is going to be key in today.

So I am about to drive out of Flagstaff, after finding a good breakfast somewhere. I have about 5 1/2 hours to Joshua Tree. I need to be at a Volunteer Training session at 6, and then to the Joshua Tree Saloon for the pre-conference party with the Fadernauts. (Finally getting to meet online friends!) I need to have steam to keep going far longer than usual. I am hopeful that I can get to my AirBnB in time to lay down for an hour, and that the elevation change and my excitement will carry me when my body is pooped.

So, with a click, here I go!