Go West: Blue Skies to Blue Water

Traveling, Camping and Hiking My Way Westward

Trail/Park: Blue Water Lake State Park, Prewitt, NM

Time to Move On

My last morning with Jean before I’d reluctantly start my drive homeward. Not that I didn’t have more to look forward to along the way. I had less of a committed plan for the drive home. As we enjoyed breakfast, it was clear this visit wasn’t long enough. Hours of conversation was left unspoken for the next time I’d make my way back. Jean asked for a photo of us alongside the camper, to which I readily agreed. We laughed and chatted while I made sure I’d done my pre-check. A stop for to fill the gas tank and I’d be on my way with a cup of her wonderful cold brew coffee in hand.

I’d need more of my brave on the day’s drive, and I knew it. My route would take me north and then northeast through the Tonto National Forest toward Payson, AZ. From there I’d head east through the Sitgreaves National Forest, past Petrified Forest National Park and cross over the border into New Mexico. Much of the first half of my six-hour drive – really more like eight hours with the camper in tow – would be include beautiful, curving mountain roads with the vistas (and drop-offs) I would find challenging to navigate. I’d tackle each section the way I’d done all those before, at my speed, stopping along the way for breaks.

Seguaro and Pine

Being in the land of Seguaros as I headed up Highway 87 was wonderful. Being surrounded by the cacti covering the sides of every slope is beautiful and strange all at once. For someone used to the solid green of pines, aspen, maple and oak trees it feels like one’s mind is playing tricks with the arms of the Seguaro like upside down pine trees. So many are covered with many arms which means they are very old. Dotted between them Cholla, sage and other desert plants create a unique landscape.

Climbing higher, the road’s curves and bends become deeper, the slopes of the mountainside steeper. Despite my best efforts my anxiety was again creeping up. Not far out of Payson I found a spot I felt comfortable pulling off to get out and shake off the stress. Doing so made the last bit to Payson manageable. I stopped for gas and a 30-minute break for the car. The day was still clear and sunny, but the temperature held fairly steady with a bit of chill still in the air.

Leaving Payson the landscape changed rather quickly to pine forest, leaving the Seguaro behind. As I turned on Highway 260 toward Heber, the forest thinned significantly. The last section toward Heber offers a spectacular view from the highway over the long, deep canyon. I kept my eyes firmly planted on the truck in front of me which was pushing up the gaining elevation of the highway at a speed I was comfortable and thankful for. Before long I was in Heber and pushing on to the flat, high desert. The pine gave way to scrub trees and prairie as far as I could see in both directions. The ground, a deep red, was offset by the golden color of the grass and brown of the few trees. A soft richness in color, another change from the deep green of Heber.

Prairie and People

The section between Heber and Holbrook feels incredibly desolate, despite the heavy traffic on Highway 77’s two lanes. By the time I reached Holbrook, I was hungry and it was time to fill the tank again. I stopped to top off the tank and headed for the Dairy Queen just off Highway 40. I parked as best I could to not block too many spots and went inside to order. Only two people were inside other than the staff. While I waited, I was approached for money, the staff quickly sending the panhandler on their way. The next thing I knew the lot filled up. It felt uncomfortable so I headed for the camper, only to get parked in and scolded by someone about my parking. I found my way out and left. It was the first time the whole trip I’d felt uneasy from interactions with people. I quickly got on the highway and kept moving.

With several hours of driving left and a setting sun, I kept moving rather than stopping at Petrified Forest National Park. Another stop in Gallup, NM for gas and then I was on to Blue Water Lake State Park. Despite my best effort, I’d arrived about 30 minutes after the park gate had been closed.

Thankfully a large temporary parking area was just outside the gate. While I wanted to be inside the gate, I pulled over, considered hooking up the propane in the cold evening, decided not to and climbed inside. In the morning I’d drive into the park and pay the camping fee. I was tired and cold enough to snuggle in and fall quickly to sleep. Drifting off I celebrated all that I’d overcome on the drive – heights, people and a long day of driving. While I’d been thrown off by my experience in Holbrook, I was happy to have made it to the parking lot, knowing the day to come would take me to a place I’ve wanted to revisit.

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This travel, hike and camping took place on the traditional territory of the O’odham Jeweḍ, Akimel O’odham (Upper Pima), Hohokam, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache), Diné Bikéyah, Hopitutskwa, Shiwinna (Zuni), and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), who have stewarded this land for time immemorial. I respect the histories, languages and cultures of these peoples, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant and changing communities. Join me in learning more about the tribes and these lands, by following the links provided.

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Next Post Preview: I make an on-the-road decision to head to the northeast corner of New Mexico, where my life of hiking adventures took hold.

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME: My adventure camper is a lovely little teardrop made-to-order by the incredibly talented people at Vistabule in St. Paul, MN.

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GEAR: Granite Gear Crown2 38 Pack,Marmot Kompressor Pack,Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof,Oboz Katabic Low,Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Light Jacket, Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Pant,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket,REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Pants, Gnara Go There™ Pants, Chickfly Merino Eucalyptus Leggings,Icebreaker Women’s Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Leggings, SPOT GEN3 Satellite GPS Messenger, Dueter Dirtbag, Kula Cloth, Leki Women’s Micro Vario Cor-Tec TA trekking poles, Nemo Dragonfly™ Ultralight Backpacking Tent, Nemo Sonic™ 0 Down Sleeping Bag,Paria Thermodown 30 down quilt, Exped Ultra 7R Mat,REI Flash 3-Season Sleeping Pad, Thermarest Z Seat™,MSR Pocket Rocket Stove, TOAKS Titanium 450ML Cup with Lid, MSR® IsoPro™ Fuel.

Want to know more about my gear selections? Head on over to Gear & Gadgets or check out my posts titled “Gear in Review”.

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