When you travel alone and camp on an obscure back road in a National Forest, you really are on your own. A few miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, on the road to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I pulled onto forest road 217 in the Kaibab National Forest and drove about three miles until I came to a nice campsite. Since I’ve been here, no other cars have come by.
This is one of those forests where there is no cell service. I don’t really care that I will miss the information highway for a few days, but one thing I do think about is the safety of contacting someone in an emergency. At my age, one of my organs could sputter in the night and I would have to get myself out to civilization somehow. It is a nice feeling to know that you can call for help if you need it.
On a brighter note, this camp is at 8000 feet, so I won’t have to worry about being too hot. I had some rain last night in Page and sprinkles on the way here. I passed by the Vermilion Cliffs but they were shrouded in haze so they didn’t show off their full colors.
I have been thinking of a new hobby to play with. At the last camp I was at, my neighbor was playing a guitar and it made me think I should have one. I often pondered a guitar when I had my van but didn’t have room to carry it. Another toy I’m considering is a metal detector. What do you think? Any other toys or hobbies I would like? I don’t want to be like the guy that used all his spare time wasting time!
Brian and Carrie got me a guitar a few years ago. I’ve never played it much, but it’s one of the things I want to get around to learning when I retire. I figure I’ll have lots of time while sitting out under my awning on the beach or in the woods.
Ever think about one of the satellite personal locator beacons. Spot is one that comes to mind, although there are others. They will send your GPS location along with an SOS message via satellite.
I have a metal detector that I only used once. If you’re going to either still be in Phoenix on the July 4th weekend I can bring it or you can find your way over to LA.
I bought it to find a sewer clean out in my backyard. It worked but I haven’t used it for anything since.
If you take it and find buried treasure you have to give me 10%. 😉