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I have been entranced by the Utah Juniper. Their silver, twisted bodies clawing at the sky and wriggling along the earth. Such gnarled beauty.
I should carry this poem with me so I can pull it out and hand it to every person who asks, "So, what do you do with your days now that you live in a van?" This. This is what I do.
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." - Lao Tzu 🐾🥰
Today begins my 42nd trip around the sun! 🥳 Celebrated with a chilly birthday morning walk and realized I'd inadvertently dressed in a monochromatic blueberry scheme. 🫐 🤷🏼‍♀️🤭
Last week we started moving north. I have desperately missed trees. Big tall trees and thick forests that swallow you whole with their enormity. ⁣ ⁣ I found a perfect spot tucked alongside tall pines, alligator junipers, manzanitas, and mountains. It was the Ritz Carlton of dispersed camping: level ground, great views, sunlight for the solar panel, endless hiking opportunities, privacy, and an easy road we wouldn’t get stuck on. I’d checked the weather and knew rain and snow were in the forecast so that last point was a necessity. ⁣ ⁣ We had a few days of warm sunshine to explore the area before snow moved in. The first snow fell sporadically and melted as soon as it contacted anything, so our hikes weren’t affected. But then the REAL snow arrived. ⁣ ⁣ I typically plan a route to avoid snow, but I was looking forward to it this time, so we stayed. I knew it would be short-lived, and temps would hover in the high 20’s, so it wouldn’t be too uncomfortable. Yesterday we woke to a winter wonderland and it was fabulous! There was only a small break in the morning that allowed for a quick walk before blinding sheets of soft snow blanketed everything. It snowed nonstop. All day.⁣ ⁣ Just before sunset, we ventured out for one last walk, despite the still falling snow. I was grateful for the brand-new snow boots I’d bought for $20 at a thrift store in Idaho. They worked perfectly. As I trudged through ankle-deep snow, I was reminded how much I’ve missed it. I used to love it so much as a kid. My sister and I would build tunnels, forts, and a wide variety of snow people. I’d forgotten the magic of fresh snow. How quiet it is. There was no one else around. No one camped nearby. Just me, Paco, the trees, and the elk. ⁣ ⁣ Then, just like that, it was gone as quickly as it had arrived. ⁣ ⁣ I’m so happy I stayed. ⁣
Some places are so magical they require a long stay. We camped in this spot for eleven days, which is exactly how long our water supply stretches in the desert. Every day was spent meandering through mesquite trees, and crawling over, under, around, and through gigantic boulders. I felt like a kid again, and it was marvelous.  Legend has it Chief Cochise is buried somewhere deep within these mountains in an unmarked grave. It definitely felt like a spiritual place, and I have no doubt there are many spirits wandering around those rocks too.
I have great empathy for this rock whose left eye is permanently altered. 👁🦅 😉
Obligatory shot of tonight's full moon.
Thought I'd photograph two things that don't show up very often in my feed: me and the van's interior. Inviting Paco into the shot may not have been the smartest choice. 🙄 Swipe to see just a *few* of the outtakes 👉🐶👉🤦🏼‍♀️