San Rafael Swell

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Living in a van requires a certain level of grit. I'm not talking about grit as in tenacity, though that certainly is also true. I'm talking about grit in the literal sense. Getting used to every surface and crevice of the van, and yourself, being constantly coated with a fine layer of dust, no matter how often you clean. Luckily, my relationship with dirt started young. In a way, it feels as if I've come full circle, though I'm not eating so much of the dirt these days - at least not intentionally. 😏
Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without the annual tradition of high kicking along with Van the Man. #TheLastWaltz #vantheman
Sometimes painting looks like this. I've reached the stage where small smudges of paint can be found on multiple surfaces in the van, as well as on every pair of hiking pants, coat sleeves, and several shirts. 🙄🤷🏼‍♀️👩🏼‍🎨🎨🖌
We finally made it to the Grand Canyon's North Rim. It has been buried in snow every time we've been in the area, but now the timing was perfect. It was blustery and we did have some flurries, but not enough to deter us. All park amenities were closed for the season, but that just meant smaller crowds. By small, I mean 2 - 5 cars in the enormous parking lots for the popular sights. I had most hikes all to myself. I sat on a rock for a good half hour where I shot this video, and not one person was anywhere to be seen. Just me, the enormity of the canyon, and wind whipping from all directions. It was a special moment that words can't describe, just like these tiny photos can't begin to capture the vastness.  Breathtaking is an understatement.
It feels good to sleep among the trees again. Last week was a little stressful. We spent three nights in a motel while the van underwent some big repairs. Neither of us slept. Paco was on constant alert, busy being my protector and woofing at every noise heard through the thin walls. I was filled with anxiety, worried it might be the end of the van. Thankfully things worked out, the garage guys worked magic, and we're back on the road.  She's a tough ol' broad and hopefully has many more miles left in her.  💪🙌🏞🐶👩🏼🚐
I finally had wifi long enough to upload some new paintings to my @etsy shop! Click the link in my bio to head there and check them out! 👩🏼‍🎨
Our last campsite came with a free dog toy. 🐶🙌
We spent a couple of days at Death Valley National Park. Despite temperatures being fairly mild, it was still fiercely hot. The desert sun is relentless. Texas heat has nothing on Death Valley heat. The vast landscape was spectacular, the skies were a steady, brilliant blue, and the night sky was absolutely remarkable. I've seen a lot of dark, star-filled skies, and this one ranks high on the list.
The clouds were exceptional at our last campsite. Yesterday I woke to a brilliant rainbow that stayed around for nearly two hours. More rainbows appeared this morning, as if bidding us farewell. They were all so close it felt surreal and magical. No pots of gold, but I did find a quarter on the ground. 🤷🏼‍♀️💰 I had to post photos of the rainbow, despite the impossibility of the camera capturing just how magnificent it was in person. 🌈