Author Topic: Arizona or bust  (Read 19777 times)

Offline misfitguy

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Arizona or bust
« on: June 16, 2010, 05:44:35 AM »

Sass and I are planning to spend the winter in Arizona.  To do this, we decided to give up the house in St. Ignace, MI (we rent it) and go homeless for a year or so.  We've done it before and, actually, kind of like it.  We'll be traveling around Arizona and New Mexico as well as eastern California looking for a place to land.  Any ideas for us?  Do you have a favorite place in the Southwest we should visit?  Please share.

Mick
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Offline JippiJ

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2010, 05:11:36 AM »
Heya Misfitguy, again apologies for the long delay in responses. Yet again work are getting their priorities all muddled up thinking that they actually pay me to work where in reality they pay me for my wonderful company. Much like a rather exotic escort with scintilating conversation and an aversion to 9-5  ~D~

Though again we come back to the fact that I have never had the fortune to be able to drive for miles and miles in search of the perfect resting location I have recently driven from my home to the top of Holland via Dover. This all in too 20 hours from door to door and gave me a better understanding for what it must be like for you guys over there. To say I envy you is putting it mildly.
One of my latest hobbies has been going point to point, via the path of most resistance. I live in the Lake District and being surrounded by lakes, mountains and forrests its become quite the pursuit of mine to saddle up my dogs, strap on my boots and head for the hills. The trips have slowly grown longer and longer in time to the point where I can be gone for 2 or 3 days at a time. Though in actuallity the distance I am covering is short the freedom this is offering is vast. The point I'm trying to make is:
I can fully get why you would want to sell up and ship out in the manner with which you have described. I think its a fantastic idea and though I have limited to no offerings in terms of locations I would suggest you put the sun behind you and keep on trucking! I hope you have a great time and share a little of your adventures with us here.

Jip
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Offline misfitguy

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2010, 07:03:37 PM »
Jip,

I guess I am still filled with the wanderlust that has caused me to live an unconventional life these past 20 years.  Your post has caused me to ponder a couple of things.  It seems to me that I have watched a video on the internet (You Tube?) with a large flock of acrobatic starlings in the Lake District. Have you seen it.  It has caused me to watch the birds that are starting to flock together to begin their flight south.  I doubt I will ever see what that video shows, though.

To put in perspective the size of the USA.  We live in St. Ignace, MI.  That is about 900 miles east of us or 1350 kilometers.  Arizona is about 2100 miles or about 3000 kilometers.  We would expect to spend three days traveling and two nights sleeping to get there.  We are going to go to Alburque, New Mexico first though to attend the Hot Air Balloon Festival held there in October.  It is the largest balloon festival in North America, maybe in the world, with over 800 balloons lifting off daily.  We'll spend a week or so there and then on to Arizona, probably Tuscon, Phoenix, and Sedona in that order.  We will be looking at a possible market to sell our sunglasses in in Mesa, AZ just east of Phoenix.  If that works out, it will limit our travel to 3 days a week.  Bummer. 

Also I thought I would mention that the State of Michigan is actually larger than England by about 4000 sq miles.  I looked it up just because I was curious. 

We'll keep the board updated.

Mick
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Offline misfitguy

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2010, 06:37:14 AM »
By the way, if you haven't seen the video I mentioned, it can be found here.



Later I will have Sass embed it.

« Last Edit: August 05, 2010, 08:25:34 AM by misfitguy »
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Offline Smokebender

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2010, 01:50:20 AM »

Sass and I are planning to spend the winter in Arizona.  To do this, we decided to give up the house in St. Ignace, MI (we rent it) and go homeless for a year or so.  We've done it before and, actually, kind of like it.  We'll be traveling around Arizona and New Mexico as well as eastern California looking for a place to land.  Any ideas for us?  Do you have a favorite place in the Southwest we should visit?  Please share.

Mick
I just started reading this thread, but I do have an idea for you two. Silver City NM, then north to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. I've been there three times over the years. High on my list in the southwest. It's on your way.
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
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Offline Smokebender

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2010, 01:59:30 AM »
Jip,

I guess I am still filled with the wanderlust that has caused me to live an unconventional life these past 20 years.  Your post has caused me to ponder a couple of things.  It seems to me that I have watched a video on the internet (You Tube?) with a large flock of acrobatic starlings in the Lake District. Have you seen it.  It has caused me to watch the birds that are starting to flock together to begin their flight south.  I doubt I will ever see what that video shows, though.

To put in perspective the size of the USA.  We live in St. Ignace, MI.  That is about 900 miles east of us or 1350 kilometers.  Arizona is about 2100 miles or about 3000 kilometers.  We would expect to spend three days traveling and two nights sleeping to get there.  We are going to go to Alburque, New Mexico first though to attend the Hot Air Balloon Festival held there in October.  It is the largest balloon festival in North America, maybe in the world, with over 800 balloons lifting off daily.  We'll spend a week or so there and then on to Arizona, probably Tuscon, Phoenix, and Sedona in that order.  We will be looking at a possible market to sell our sunglasses in in Mesa, AZ just east of Phoenix.  If that works out, it will limit our travel to 3 days a week.  Bummer. 

Also I thought I would mention that the State of Michigan is actually larger than England by about 4000 sq miles.  I looked it up just because I was curious. 

We'll keep the board updated.

Mick
I've been there for the balloon festival. I was just passing through at the right time, and what a sight to see. The sky is filled with color and wonder. Alburque is a great place. As for southern AZ, you can have it. One thing you are able to do there is cook eggs on the hood of your car in the dead of winter. Way to hot for this camper.
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
A Hopi elder speaks.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/michiganbigfootgroup/  Just click it now! Then get back here right away or I'm tellin Mom.

Offline Smokebender

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2010, 02:08:23 AM »
There's another one on my list. Valley of Fire. Spend some days there. I did and it was great.

http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
A Hopi elder speaks.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/michiganbigfootgroup/  Just click it now! Then get back here right away or I'm tellin Mom.

Offline Smokebender

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2010, 02:16:03 AM »
So I ask you, whats the rush to get there. Why not take your time. Make some money on the way.

http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/history/
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
A Hopi elder speaks.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/michiganbigfootgroup/  Just click it now! Then get back here right away or I'm tellin Mom.

Offline Smokebender

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2010, 02:26:54 AM »
I could go on and on, so I think I will. This could be, may be, will be, a trip of a lifetime for both of you. I hope so.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/lava-river-cave.shtml

And the must see.  http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
A Hopi elder speaks.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/michiganbigfootgroup/  Just click it now! Then get back here right away or I'm tellin Mom.

Offline Smokebender

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2010, 02:34:17 AM »
South first and then turn west. You did ask for ideas, right?

http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm  and everyone should see a moonbow. http://www.2geton.net/martin/moonbow/

You may want one of these. I used mine and saved money.  http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
A Hopi elder speaks.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/michiganbigfootgroup/  Just click it now! Then get back here right away or I'm tellin Mom.

Offline Smokebender

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2010, 02:46:57 AM »
Some people like the super slab. I'm not one of them. I traveled this road and got my kicks. Blue highways rule.

http://www.theroadwanderer.net/route66.htm

http://www.historic66.com/

When I think of the freedom and adventure that this trip offers the two of you I'm happy for you. Rarely a day goes by that the blue highways (good book) don't call to me. If this was my trip it would take a month to get there. Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Write when you get work. Break a leg. Don't take any wooden...........
« Last Edit: August 09, 2010, 02:59:32 AM by Smokebender »
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
A Hopi elder speaks.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/michiganbigfootgroup/  Just click it now! Then get back here right away or I'm tellin Mom.

Offline misfitguy

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2010, 06:54:33 AM »
South first and then turn west. You did ask for ideas, right?

http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm  and everyone should see a moonbow. http://www.2geton.net/martin/moonbow/

You may want one of these. I used mine and saved money.  http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

We have been to both and loved them.  I like the idea that I can get something for getting old.  I wasn't aware there was a discount for National Park entrance for having grey hair.  Thank you for that.
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Military justice is to justice what military music is to music.

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Offline misfitguy

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2010, 06:59:22 AM »
Some people like the super slab. I'm not one of them. I traveled this road and got my kicks. Blue highways rule.

http://www.theroadwanderer.net/route66.htm

http://www.historic66.com/

When I think of the freedom and adventure that this trip offers the two of you I'm happy for you. Rarely a day goes by that the blue highways (good book) don't call to me. If this was my trip it would take a month to get there. Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Write when you get work. Break a leg. Don't take any wooden...........

We don't expect to blast out there, since we don't really know where we are going anyway.  We may do a car/antique show in Midland on the last weekend in September.  If we do, then we will leave after that and saying goodbye to family.  Our intention is to be in Albuquerque for the Balloon Fest, either as a vendor or simply a tourist.  After Albuquerque, we will wander west.  I think, time allowing, we will try to two lane it most of the way to New Mexico.  It slows down our travels and is easier on the van.  We are both getting excited about this next adventure.  We also enjoy your suggestions.  Keep them coming.  I see they are looking for a camphost in Valley of Fire.  We just may apply.

Mick
Go to www.misfitscentral.net  Why not?

Military justice is to justice what military music is to music.

~Groucho Marx

"The world is one country and mankind is its citizens..."  Baha'u'llah

Offline misfitguy

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Re: Arizona or bust
« Reply #13 on: August 09, 2010, 07:02:33 AM »
Jip,

I guess I am still filled with the wanderlust that has caused me to live an unconventional life these past 20 years.  Your post has caused me to ponder a couple of things.  It seems to me that I have watched a video on the internet (You Tube?) with a large flock of acrobatic starlings in the Lake District. Have you seen it.  It has caused me to watch the birds that are starting to flock together to begin their flight south.  I doubt I will ever see what that video shows, though.

To put in perspective the size of the USA.  We live in St. Ignace, MI.  That is about 900 miles east of us or 1350 kilometers.  Arizona is about 2100 miles or about 3000 kilometers.  We would expect to spend three days traveling and two nights sleeping to get there.  We are going to go to Alburque, New Mexico first though to attend the Hot Air Balloon Festival held there in October.  It is the largest balloon festival in North America, maybe in the world, with over 800 balloons lifting off daily.  We'll spend a week or so there and then on to Arizona, probably Tuscon, Phoenix, and Sedona in that order.  We will be looking at a possible market to sell our sunglasses in in Mesa, AZ just east of Phoenix.  If that works out, it will limit our travel to 3 days a week.  Bummer. 

Also I thought I would mention that the State of Michigan is actually larger than England by about 4000 sq miles.  I looked it up just because I was curious. 

We'll keep the board updated.

Mick
I've been there for the balloon festival. I was just passing through at the right time, and what a sight to see. The sky is filled with color and wonder. Alburque is a great place. As for southern AZ, you can have it. One thing you are able to do there is cook eggs on the hood of your car in the dead of winter. Way to hot for this camper.

Smoke,

We are surely going to check out Tuscon, simply because so many people we talk to like it, but I think we will be drawn further north and the mountains, such as the Prescott and Sedona areas.  I guess we will just have to see.

Mick
Go to www.misfitscentral.net  Why not?

Military justice is to justice what military music is to music.

~Groucho Marx

"The world is one country and mankind is its citizens..."  Baha'u'llah