After a month of furious scrambling to get ready for the trip (think tax extensions, cat supplies, arranging for house sitters), we were prepared to hit the road. How does one pack for a three-month excursion? We each devised a packing system because taking all the luggage into a hotel nightly is cumbersome . Between us, we had two large suitcases, four carry-on sized suitcases, four duffel bags, a backpack, an ice chest, and one computer case. Additionally, we had boxes and bags of snacks, maps (Dennis loves paper maps), laundry detergent, medications, etc., etc. Thankfully Dennis’ brother switched cars with us, our Tesla, for his SUV so we could manage all of our stuff.
Typically when going on a road trip, we set a departure time goal, which we never make in time. This trip was different. We set our leave time at 10:00 a.m. We managed to be ready for the road by 9:30 a.m. Good omen! After saying good-bye to my kitties (of course I was sobbing) and the house sitters, we climbed in the car and took off on our dream adventure.
We drove 395 miles that first day reaching Tempe, Arizona by early evening. One of the first things I noticed was that my packing system needed reworking. I was taking too many bags in to the hotel. After dragging everything, we checked into our first IHG hotel and had drinks in our room to celebrate. Yes, we brought alcohol, cheese, and crackers with us; have to stretch that food budget!
Manchengo on Triskets.
Friday morning, we got up, had breakfast, and went to visit Goldfield Ghost Town. We recalled once we were there that 99% of ghost towns are tourist traps, inhabited not by ghosts but full of retailers hawking overpriced souvenirs. A benefit of going to the ghost town was seeing “Suspicion Mountain.” It was named that by the indigenous inhabitants because of all the people who died there searching for gold. Unfortunately, amateur climbers still try to find the gold mine losing their lives due to being unprepared for fluctuating temperatures and natural predators.
After that outing, we visited the Tempe History Museum. There are four large exhibits: the start of the town of Tempe, desert plants and life, history of the contributions African Americans made in Tempe, and of course, the history of Arizona State University. Sun Devils pride tuns deep in Arizona!
Our long day exploring ended with dinner and margaritas at a local Mexican restaurant and packing up for the drive to Phoenix, Arizona, and the Saguaro National Park.
The Unexpected Gap Year 