Being in lockdown for several months with the COVID situation and having our travel plans disrupted for Spring, Summer , and Fall 2020 due to the unpredictability of this Pandemic, restrictions, closures, and (most importantly) our safety, we really started searching for alternatives for the next adventure on this “Revolutionary Journey”…
We remind ourselves how fortunate we are everyday given the challenges so many others are battling in this Pandemic. Our most favorite part of this lifestyle is getting to explore new places! Trying to stay to that goal, in the midst of a pandemic, is very challenging, so we really started opening up the the – “what if game”, very aggressively, while also maintaining a diligent perspective of being as safe as possible!
The actual day we decided to cancel our Great Mississippi Road Trip Adventure, which would have taken us this year to Northern Michigan, Ontario, Quebec and then heading down the East Coast to camp host at Assateague State Park in September, we serendipitously got a call from our friends Michael & Imkelina (Instagram @ourwaypoints) asking what our plans were for the summer. We explained that we were considering a camp host position with the State of Maine near Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. We said that we hadn’t accepted yet, as the park wasn’t open, and may not open, so we were very hesitant about making the trip across country with little guarantee. They then proceeded to ask if we would have interest in camp hosting at Hearst San – Simeon State Park (on the Pacific Ocean, next to Heart Castle, and just South of Big Sur)? We had passed through this area on the way to Alaska last year, stayed in the park, and had met Michael & Imkelina over a camp fire. Joanne & I had talked several times about wanting to return and explore this area more in depth, as it is such a spectacular place in the country. We immediately asked them to please tell us more…
After completing a California Host Volunteer Application, doing some research, having a telephone interview, and given a stellar recommendation by (@ourwaypoints) we were offered the San Simeon camp host position for the Summer with full hook-ups. Another assurance, we were given, was even though the park was closed we still could stay and volunteer. It didn’t take us long to say yes and then immediately established a new plan for Summer 2020… (We love the flexibility of this lifestyle…)
An additional bonus in the process we were empowered to recruit/recommend another camp host to share the responsibilities for the summer. We ended recruiting our friends Fred & Julie from Maryland who we had trained a few years back while camp hosting for the National Park at the Maryland National Seashore…
With a new plan in place, and a July 1 start date, we next planned what could we do prior to our arrival. With so many Pandemic closed State & National Parks, we opted to chart out a path that would allow us to spend some time in open areas in Arizona and Sedona…
6/2: Departing Southern California and the 118 degree temp we were psyched to get back on the road even if was in a limited exploration capacity. We had planned on taking 2 days to make the drive to Sedona, though in the excitement we pushed and did the entire 377 miles in one day! We arrived at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, AZ just before dark. We had a great pull through site resulting in a very easy and quick set-up. With set up completed we began to relax outside with a cold drink (while the AC cooled off the inside). We quickly both agreed how much we had missed being on the road, and how much we love these rustic, state campgrounds. Our goal for the week was to try to avoid the bath houses (even though they were open) and stay as self contained as possible for our visit. The sites are water & electric and with our normal tank management we should easily be able to stretch them for the week before dumping on the way out.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park Cottonwood, AZ
6/3:
Today we had planned a scenic drive up to and around Sedona- about a 25 minute drive from our campground. What a spectacular drive! As we pulled into town we saw a road sign for “North Loop Rd”. We decided to turn onto it and so happy we did! What a drive! Though not long, it is the road that winds through the mountains to Red Rock State Park which we pulled in hoping we could drive through with our campground pass. Not possible, as we were informed at the gate. Instead, the camp host at the gate gave us a map of scenic drives in the area, and we opted for that alternative as we turned around and exited the entrance.
Sedona, AZ
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The Chapel of the Holy Cross
After a few very scenic drives around Sedona we stopped for a quick visit at the famous “Chapel of the Holy Cross”. This church is a beautiful architectural wonder built into the mountain/rocks of Sedona. Wow! After walking the church property we proceeded downtown to park and walk the shops of Sedona.
Sedona is a very cute tourist town which had just recently opened after the Covid shutdown. Considerable road construction was being done, which included a bit of congestion, many orange cones, lanes blocked, and lots of heavy equipment. We actually maintained considerable restraint not venturing into many of the cute retail shops. Instead we decided to get an early dinner and beverage at Open Range Grill and Tavern– mostly because of the great view! This was our first restaurant visits since the start of the Pandemic. While we were very apprehensive on entrance, they had many great safety protocols in place to be safe. The beer was awesome (probably because it was so hot out) and the burger was good. The view from our table, though, was amazing… Driving home from Sedona, to our campsite, we were treated to a late afternoon sun set on the mountains.. What a great day to finally visit Sedona, AZ!
The view from “Open Range Bar & Grill”
6/4:
Although we thought we would get some hiking in while we are here, it’s just too hot to hike. Instead we opt for another scenic drive for the day! Today we will take the mountain pass through Clarkdale, AZ, then on to Jerome, AZ, Prescott Valley and entually into legendary Prescott, AZ. It should take a good portion of the day depending on how much walking around in each town we do. Surprisingly, the drive is even better today than yesterday! Unbelievable mountain roads and with the top down in the Mini again the vistas are beautiful.
As we approach Jerome the view of the houses in town are amazing! The houses are all tucked into the side of the mountain! We drive over to the Jerome State Historical Park ,where there is a museum, though we skip the museum. Hope we don’t regret it later! The town is so very cute. Some shops, lots of wine tasting rooms, ice cream places, little cafes, and antique shops. Our goal is to get to Prescott, AZ so we continue on without stopping here now.
The History of Jerome, AZ
Descending out of Jerome, AZ…
Arriving in Prescott, AZ we quickly realize what a historical old west town this is. Most of the buildings and architecture around the town green have been preserved. We stop at the visitors center briefly for some information and consider a tour though opt instead to just walk around the area near the green. The walk down “Whiskey Row” is a throwback in time from the days of the real Wild West… The visitors center had recommended to stop at the legendary “Palace Restaurant and Saloon” .This place was actually visited by many folk heroes like Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, and Big Nose Kate. Their are still bullet holes in the ceiling from a gun fired by Doc Holiday. Watch the movie Tombstone, if you ever want to know more about these epic personalities of the Great West who actually did share a beverage here at The Palace… I entered the bar just for a pic, though the atmosphere was so cool and they seemed to be taking many Covid cautions, I convinced joanne to sit at the end of the great wooden bar for a spell. A cool beverage and order of wings, recommended by the waitress, was terrific as we enjoyed all the nostalgia on the walls and vintage architecture.The people that work in the bar are all dressed in classic vintage western attire as well. – A very, very cool place!
Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ – Courthouse
Whiskey Row – The Palace
Had to have a drink at “The Palace”
As we leave Prescott we decide instead of going the highway around back to Cottonwood, we would just reverse and drive back through the mountains and Jerome again. This time we did park and walk around Jerome, AZ. Jerome is an old mining town that was once home to one of the largest mines in the country. The street still show remnants of the days, since passed, with the saloons and the night life where miners spent their fortunes and late nights. We talked about getting some ice cream but alas we decided to skip it today. The temps were in the high 90’s all day and with the Mini’s top down during our entire drive we were both sunburned and anxious to get back to the RV and some AC. Reflecting, while enjoying another Cottonwood, AZ sunset, we both agreed the drive today was even better than yesterday! Don’t skip this drive to Jerome and Prescott!!
Descending out of Jerome, AZ…
6/5:
When we decided to come to this area we noticed that Winslow, AZ would be about a two hour drive away from Cottonwood, AZ. Winslow has always been on our bucket list as fans of “The Eagles” rock band of the 70’s. Who doesn’t want to stand on the corner of Winslow, AZ and “Take it Easy”…..
Well, I’m a standing on a corner In Winslow, Arizona And such a fine sight to see It’s a girl, my lord In a flatbed Ford Slowin’ down to take a look at me…
Our path to Winslow took us through the Verde Valley and Camp Verde on Rte. 87. The drive thorough Coconino National Forest surprises us with all the green country side. Guess we should have heeded that clue; Verde…(Green).
Coconino National Forest…
We had no idea Arizona had so much green vegetation! The drive finds us nearly all by ourselves for the entire 2 hours on the road. Pretty remote path to Winslow. It reminded Joanne of the trip up the Dempster Highway in Alaska with no power lines or signs impeding our view. As we pulled into Winslow it was easy to find the corner, the flatbed Ford, and the famous park to get plenty of pictures of us “standing on the corner of Winslow Arizona”. Joanne also did get the chance to stand on the back of the “flatbed Ford to take a look at Mike”
Yes that is my wife on the back of a Flatbed Ford…
Standing on the Corner …
Had to get the Mini in a pic on Famous Rte 66…
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We strolled down the street to find the historic “Posada Hotel” , where the train has stopped for years and (still does) halfway point on their journey across country. Amtrak still stops there twice a day for passengers to get off right at the hotel and stay for a night. We decided to stay for lunch as recommended by so many. We were a little hesitant at first, because of Corona Virus concerns, though they had just reopened with very little capacity, most tables eliminated, masked servers, and it was also the first place we ever had our temperature taken before being seated. There were people constantly sanitizing tables, menus, and the food was prepared and delivered completely covered to the table. The food was every bit as good as we had been led to believe it would be! (And we felt very safe!)
Afterwards we strolled the street once more, for a few more pics, and started our drive back over the mountain and through the Verde Valley…
The Famous La Posada Hotel…Winslow, AZ
Great eats at La Posada…
6/6: Grand Canyon:
What else can you say…It’s the GRAND CANYON!
After taking so many long drives here several days in a row. (A safe way to explore with Covid…) – Joanne was surprised when I suggested taking the long drive up to The Grand Canyon (about 2 1/2 hrs each way). This drive was suggested in a packet of scenic drives we had picked up from the visitors center in Sedona though we weren’t sure we would make the trip. We knew it would be a long day but it has been 20 years since Joanne had been there. (Mike actually stopped there with Sean in March)
We are so happy we committed to adding this National Park visit and made the drive! With National Parks just opening back up it was fairly empty! Getting up close to the rim for pictures was very easy. We were able to safely walk the rim trail with all those magnificent views. It brought back many memories of when we were there with the kids in 2001. Because we had so much driving to do we only spent about 1 1/2 hours here, but with no services open, that was plenty of time. With the visitor center closed Joanne was not able to get her passport stamped:-( but she’ll make a written notation in it and that will have to suffice.) The drive up Rte180 and Rte64 were extremely windy and we were very happy we were not in the motor home driving it.
Just outside the park entrance we snapped this pic with Smoky who was practicing safe protocol…
Although we are in the middle of a pandemic and most National Park Visitor Centers are closed, this day was spent with none of the traditional crowds, in one of the most majestic wonders of the world. We will forever look back on it as just a special moment on this Revolutionary Journey… A fantastic day spent at Arizona’s namesake “The Grand Canyon“!
Taking a break on the edge of the South Rim Trail…
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That’s the Colorado River at the base of the GRAND CANYON…
Yes that is snow on the mountains of the …Kaibab National Forest
A quick drive through Flaggstaff, AZ…
6/7: Dead Horse Ranch StatePark:
This is our last day at this campground so we decide to spend it right in the park. First we did a few RV maintenance items. The wood apron around our kitchen table had fallen off again. It’s been repaired already twice by 2 different Newmar service facilities though it had recently just broken and fallen again. Mike was able to fix it himself this time and let’s hope it’s the last time. After completing that project we had wanted to hike at least once, with so many trails available right from our campsite. The first few days here were way too hot to hike, but today should be perfect. We decide to do the Tavasci Marsh Overlook trail; which leaves right from the park, has great reviews and ends at the Tuzigoot National Monument with Indian ruins and cliffs dwellings.
It was confusing to find the beginning of the trail, but once we were on the trail it was great. We had a great breeze and it ended up being a perfect hike for us. Lots of green, with varying grasses around the marsh. Final length was about 5 miles roundtrip. Arriving back at our campsite, we had time for a chat with both moms before pouring an adult beverage and reflecting on our time in this area. We would definitely recommend this campground. It is just the kind of camping we like. A little rustic, great views and very quiet. It was perfectly situated for scenic drives in all directions. We got evening casual walks each night after dinner. People were friendly but from a distance. With the Pandemic still going on it seems no one is looking to make friends! Bath house was clean though was showing its age. Joanne used it once for a hair washing shower. No one was in it then and we never actually saw anyone use it. Sites are large and far apart. We were on site 98, though did notice site 97 had better shade so if going, when it’s hot, maybe consider that! Dead Horse Ranch would definitely receive high marks from Revolutionary Journey…
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument
A quick pic of Joanne in the Verde Valley wetlands part of the Tavasci Marsh Overlook trail…
6/8-6/11: Lake Havasu State Park (Lake Havasu City AZ)
The drive across I40 was brutal today. Extremely windy so Mike had his work cut out for him! Along the way we stop for the classic Rt. 66 pic in Seligman, AZ; a must!
Route 66…
As we pull onto our site at Lake Havasu State Park Joanne is all smiles with another water view…The view of the lake from our site is awesome! Because of Covid 19 we are trying to be very careful about what kind of parks we are staying in and traditionally state parks have a bit more space between sites. This is continuing to be true. At this park the ranger said that not all sites are being rented out to provide for social distancing. These sites are enormous to start with, so they probably didn’t even have to do this.
Lake Havasu State Park…
Had to get the classic London Bridge pic at Lake Havasu, AZ…
Our first day of set-up is very windy and we are hoping this won’t be the case for the entire time we are here. After set up we walk the trail along the water, over to the other loops in the campground (we are in the Cabin loop) . We take note many really nice sites that back up to the water. Joanne noted those sites on the campground map for the future.We are on site C 18. We end up walking this trail at least once a day while we are here.
Our campsite …
On day two we walk the water trail and then figure out how to walk our way over to London Bridge. It is an easy walk through the state park along the water, you then leave state park land and walk along the sidewalk of some condo’s. We take pics and walk back. It is very busy with boaters and condo renters basking in the sun. Can’t imagine the crowds that would be here in high-season and with no pandemic. Too crowded for us and really nothing to do there except see the bridge. When we return to our campsite we put our suits on, grab the beach chairs and umbrella and head to the section of the beach that is steps from our camper. Very quiet, and though there is sand on the beach, the water is full of rocks so definitely need water shoes if going in the water. Joanne put her sketchers on because they got sandy from our earlier walk and she was hoping a dip in the water would wash the sand away! What a great afternoon and while sipping some gin and tonics we decide to try to extend our stay. When looking online it appears we can extend for one day only but we will have to move to a different site. We make the arrangements then walk over to check out the site. (another excuse for a walk on the water trail!). The new site is even better than where we are now!! Again- Happy Campers!!
Enjoying Lake Havasu…
Both camp sites were perfect!
Joanne is in her Happy Place…
On day three we head out to get some groceries. This is the most risk I think we have had since starting our trip (or since Covid has hit). People in grocery store not social distancing, people not wearing masks… We get what we need and move on quickly! – (Update: In hindsight we now know why Arizona actually became a hot-spot several weeks later).
We really enjoyed our relaxing stay here in Lake Havasu. We understand why it is a very popular snowbird destination each winter. Lots to do though a bit too touristy for our tastes. The power boat noise it VERY LOUD every day…. We liked the park, though can’t imagine the crowds during peak season… Could stay maybe a week for some future winter visit, but not much longer (Maybe after a future Quartzite Rally someday)…
6/12-6/15/2020: Mojave CA and Sierra Trails RV Park;
Departing Lake Havasu our next stop was found on RV Parky and it had gotten great reviews. The park is Sierra Trails RV Park in Mojave, CA. When looking for more info on the website it said, “closed due to Covid 19”. We reached out by phone and the current owner Doris was able to book us for 3 nights! Laundry facilities were open so could get caught up with that as well. The park is “quaint”, with dated/smaller sites, though we had full hook ups for $20.00 / night with Passport America. The price was right and the couple that own/manage the park are very nice. They are actually RVers that ended up with the park through a chain of unfortunate health issues by the original owner. It was a very relaxing stop, without very much to do. Interesting, there is a place not far from the campground where a myriad of commercial aircraft are parked in the desert… Mojave Air & Space Port. Apparently planes are stored and reconditioned by a plethora of aviation companies. Some people call it an Airplane-Boneyard? Interesting site in the middle of the desert?
Sierra Trails RV Park
Our campsite
Mojave, CA
While staying at Sierra Trails we drove to Tehatchapee, CA for a few provisions at the new Walmart including a new ice maker Mike has wanted. The drive to Tehatchapee was way WINDY!!! No wonder there are so many wind turbines in the mountains/pass surrounding this area. – Noting how windy it was we decided, when we leave here for Paso Robles in a few days, we will depart early in the morning hoping to avoid some of the traffic and wind which usually develops later in the day…
Our second day in Mojave area we took a drive up to Red Rock Canyon State Park (which turned out to be closed due to Covid). The drive was still nice, though with the park destination closed, we instead opted to turn off another road and head up to the Old Ghost town of Randsburgh, CA. Wow! – What an eclectic little old west mining town… We walked the small downtown, took some pictures, talked to a few locals though not much else to do here. When mining shut down in this town, many years ago, things got tough. Since then it’s become a little destination for convertibles and motorcyclists on day drives. Apparently a lot of off-roaders stop here for a cold drink during peak season too. Unfortunately, with the Covid Pandemic, the remaining residents/tenants have had their interests hit hard again. Randsburgh, CA is definitely a throwback in time ….
Randsburgh, CA Ghost Town…
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Randsburgh, CA – A little History…
We depart early the following morning for Paso Robles, CA; wine country. The owner (Terry) of Sierra Trails thought leaving early in the morning was a very good idea given how windy the road out is . Overall this was a good place to hold up over a weekend, in a remote area of California….
6/15-6/18/2020: Paso Robles CA:
We factored this stop in as our “last hurrah ” before we are to begin 3 months of camp hosting for California State Parks at Hearst San Simeon State Park. Stopping here gives us a chance to do any remaining laundry and pick up groceries/supplies. Although we are only about 30 miles from the State Park, the climate and weather we have been told is totally different from where we will be camped for the summer. Actually it can be over 30 degrees hotter we have come to find out. … Arriving for our 3 day stay it is already in the mid 90’s here…
Wine Country RV Resort…
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The park is Wine Country RV Resort in Paso Robles, CA. It will be our first stay at a Sun Property/Resort and it is definitely a resort. From the moment we arrived we were treated well and they were practicing many social distancing protocols. From registration, to blocking out adjacent camp sites, to numerous conveniently placed hand washing stations, this place was definitely trying to do their part in making everyone safe. Much different than what we had seen in Arizona.
We had planned to just relax for a few days and maybe visit a few of the local vineyards, though unfortunately every winery we stopped at was closed. We did take a nice mountain drive out to Lake Nacimiento before turning back, and again trying to stop at a few wineries with no luck again. I guess we will have to come back and do a few day trips while we are Camp Hosting for the summer instead. Although we didn’t get to a Winery we did get an unexpected visit to “805 Brewery”. They had just re-opened, had a very nice outdoor seating area, and it was the first time we had used a tabletop app to order food and drinks. The only time we saw a waitress was when she dropped the order at our table. Very safe and the food was excellent!
We guess this is that this may be our new norm for now on this Revolutionary Journey….
Mike Nunan is a committed life long learner... Deciding to sell their Connecticut home after 30 years in 2018, where they raised their family, and then selling his business, followed by his wife Joanne deciding to retire from her 34 year teaching career, together they embarked on this full-time RV adventure... traveling, exploring, photographing, hiking, and enjoying this incredible world and gift we call life...
10/19/2020: Freedom RV Tucson So here we are at Freedom[...]
About us
RV'ers, Traveler's, & Bloggers
We are the Nunan's. College sweethearts who married 44 years ago. Joanne a teacher & Mike a professional photographer. We have 2 incredible adult children that we take pride in everyday and are thankful for the life, experience, and adventure we have on this "Revolutionary Journey"....
