Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles

From the dictionary I find the following:

Nostalgia |näˈstaljə; nə-|
noun
-a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations : I was overcome with acute nostalgia for my days in college.
-the evocation of these feelings or tendencies, esp. in commercialized form : an evening of TV nostalgia.

That’s what today was all about. Nostalgia.

See, almost a year ago I drove up a truly FRIGHTENING road on my way to Sedona. Route 89. Sure, folks with low profile cars and crotch rockets (aka slick motorcycles) probably love coming up 89 from Wickenburg to Prescott. But when I came up from the south the color went right out of my face.

A steep road with sharp curves. That’s 89 heading to Prescott from the south. At some points I’d call the turns “hairpin”. Warnings coming up 89 clearly state “Nothing over 40 ft” in so many miles. Well, I thought I’d have a turn off……and I didn’t. Glad to have made it through back then.

My reward that day was Prescott. The cutest town I’d seen in a long time. Just the right feel. Who knew two days later I’d return from Sedona and end up staying so long? I sure didn’t.

Today I thought a lot about that first ride UP into Prescott. I was thinking about it because I drove south today along 89…..all the way down beneath the mountains and into the desert. The change in scenery and temperature happens quickly.

By the time we reached the base of the mountains jackets were no longer necessary. Saguaro cactus were around everywhere. And the random Joshua Tree could be found as well.

And yes, we took a ride. Sadira was hanging out at her shop this morning when I was getting ready to ride out. So she rounded up her camera and we did the big drive. Always nice to have company along!

The drive took us through Peeples Valley, Yarnell, and a few other spots. For me, every curve was fresh in my mind. Wow, I still remember stuff perfectly. And as I drove down I reminded myself, “Never again with the trailer in tow…..NEVER!”

The views were stunning, even if the day turned out to be a little overcast. “Weather” will be coming in tomorrow. Don’t you love that expression? “Looks like we’ll be having some weather tomorrow…..” Uh, we’re having weather right now.

As we bottomed out several thousand feet below where we started the landscape changed so dramatically. Suddenly there were saguaros everywhere. Just so cool. And there was more of a desert feel you’d expect in Arizona. I see it every time I go into Phoenix, but along 89 it’s much more interesting and less populated.

Along the way I found several interesting photo subjects. I kept the shots under 200 for the afternoon (197 instead). And sorting through them tonight I’ve had a tough time selecting out “bad” ones.

On the way back I noticed a burned down home off to my left with several large cactus and a really great joshua tree. So, we pulled a U-Turn and headed back. I’m glad I did. So many interesting subjects in a small amount of space. A javelina skull with half the hair still on it (must have recently met with bad fortune….and the rest of the bones were nowhere to be found), the remains of home plumbing from the burned down home, more tires than you could shake a stick at, and some other interesting plant life. Some interesting photos from that stop, and more than 45 minutes spent looking at the wreckage.

After completing the inspection of the site we headed back up 89. A steep climb, even steeper drop offs, and too many views that I wanted to see. I kept my eyes on the road though. If I hadn’t you wouldn’t be reading this!

A few more stops were made along the way. Also a detour through Skull Valley was taken, just to mix up the ride a bit. Overall, a great afternoon once again. And some new shots to toss on the fire over at Dreamstime!

Finally, in other news……

There’s a new tech podcast about IPods up at the Digital RV Podcast. I’ll work toward getting one new tech podcast up per week. Cross your fingers, and help keep me trucking along with the endeavor. All questions are welcome, and will help fuel future podcasts.

Now, with all that wrapped up, and a few photos sprinkled throughout, I bet your asking yourself………

“What about some more photos from such an epic trip? Who is this guy anyways? He says he brings a camera, but only offers a few measly shots of strange windows, curving roads, and odd outdoor plumbing……. Is this guy man or mouse?”

Well, to satisfy your need for a few more photos, I’ll offer you the following shots…..

[Show as slideshow]

Oh, and having these shots up means that I must not fall into the mouse category!