We have arrived! After traversing across 8 states and 4 national parks in 5 days, we felt we completed a miniature "Amazing Race" rather than a relaxing road trip back to the Midwest. Thanks to Dustin's mom, Connie, we were able to divide & conquer the trek home. Although the national parks were awe-inspiring (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon & Arches), my favorite moment came as we soaked ourselves in Colorado's natural hot springs. The "vapor caves" are natural underground hot mineral water steam baths believed to provide healing and rejuvenation. As a sense of well-being pervaded our bodies we were thankful our friends, Ed & Sheila, came up with the suggestion. Little did we know we would also be treated to a gourmet elk dinner from Ed's latest hunting trip. Refueled & rejuvenated we embarked on the last leg of our trip home. Our arrival to the Northwoods was met with white-out conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and frigid winds...nothing but the best.
Arches National Park:
A nice buck in Bryce Canyon National Park for all you hunters:
The truck with our surfboards in the snow at Ed & Sheila's House:
Arches National Park:
A nice buck in Bryce Canyon National Park for all you hunters:
The truck with our surfboards in the snow at Ed & Sheila's House:
Backing up just a bit...
Prior to our departure, we made one last farewell trip down to Baja, Mexico. Dustin's brother, Cody, flew in from Alaska to join us in the search for the perfect wave...or at least a fun, empty point break. Through customs, military checkpoints, shanty towns, and fishing villages, we arrived 9hrs later and 400 miles south of the Border, to double over-head blown-out conditions. The next morning Cody and I anxiously watched as Dustin paddled into a 12ft face & made the drop. After a day & a half of fighting the narly conditions we decided to search for a little more mellow break. As we bumped 25 miles north along the dirt road & rounded the corner we found our home for the next few days. For the rest of the week, we enjoyed 2 to 3 surf sessions a day with waist to head high surf.
Rachel enjoying a nice, little Baja point break:
Dustin riding the board he made:
Baja Perfection:
