ZR-1 Corvette Road Trip to the Southwest and San Diego

[QB93Z]

Lyndi and I are on the road again. We left Westminster, Maryland this morning and headed West. We will be crossing the Great Plains and then sightsee in Colorado, Utah, California, San Diego, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and then home.


[/URL]http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/part1.jpg




(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/Part%201.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/part2.jpg




http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/part3.jpg


The trip will take 32 days and about 7,800 miles.


Here we are in front of McDaniel College, across the street from our home:


[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0010.jpg.html"] (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/Part%203.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0010.jpg


The Purple Z is ready for the trip. I finally fixed the PKE problem and the car is running fine.


More to follow...


Jim

[QB93Z]

After crossing the Alleghany Mountains at Sidling Cut, we stopped for a look at the new Casino and Golf Resort at Rocky Gap. The facilities are new and impressive. If you like fine dining, golf and gambling I recommend it:


[/URL]http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0045.jpg


We crossed West Virginia and into Ohio. We stopped in Columbus, OH to visit the German Village. It is a very nice restored area of a modern city. The German Village is the largest privately owned, restored urban area in the country. There are many nicely restored streets and homes, We enjoyed seeing the Breweries and Draught houses:


(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0045.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0094.jpg


http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0128.jpg


We toasted the start of our trip with some German Beer is a nice neighborhood bar:


(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0128.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0109.jpg


We stopped at Schmidt's, an Ohio landmark for more than 125 years:


http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0144.jpg


Our first night's stop is in Richmond, Indiana:


[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0240.jpg.html"] (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0144.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0240.jpg




Jim

[diamond zr1]

You going to be at Bowling Green I hope

[BlackSheepz]

Jim and Lyndi!
Thank you so much for continuing your tradition of taking us with you on your trip! You'll be driving right through our home in Indy, I wish I had known earlier and I could have planned to drive mine to Richmond to meet you for breakfast, but I booked a job for first thing in the morning tomorrow. Next time.

Travel safe and as always I'll be checking this post daily! Thanks again and have fun!

[ghlkal]

Thanks for sharing.

I'm looking forward to seeing your Utah-California-Arizona pics -- should be nice!

[QB93Z]

You going to be at Bowling Green I hope



No, sadly, in order to get the reservations I wanted at the North Rim Lodge at the Grand Canyon, we had to plan this trip starting early in May. I made the reservations a year ago.


So, I will miss the Mountain Run and the Gathering this year.


Ironically, a week ago, I was informed that my reservation at the North Rim Lodge had been cancelled because a rockslide had disrupted the potable water supply to the Lodge and the repairs would occur when I was supposed to be there.


But it was too late to reschedule the whole trip.


Jim

[Roadster]

Have a safe trip....always enjoying the pics.....

[Jagdpanzer]

Good workout for the clutch leg.
Be safe and have a great trip.

[PhillipsLT5]

Living the dream! Great place/Moab Utah, Let us know when you will be in Phx area, hope to see you again

[Corvettes White]

What a wonderful trip you have planned. Enjoy it. If you get in trouble when in LA area, you have a pit stop available.

[Racinfan83]

Well when you pass Lambert St Louis Airport today - wave. I'll be there working..LOL Just for something else to look for I live 4 miles south of the 220 MM on I-70...
Will enjoy watching this trip as I do all your trips!:salute:

[Tripler]

Another amazing adventure for Jim and Lyndi . Be safe guys and will be looking forward to more pics .
Will be missing you guys in MR5 and BG


;) ;) ;)

[secondchance]

Happy trails, Jim & Lyndi!:hello:

[FU]

Lyndi & Jim living the dream. Thanks for the pic's and taking us along. Enjoy !!! :cheers:

[Arctic91]

Have a great time! Let me know if you need any recommendations for San Diego... I've got lots of Navy friends there.

Scott

[PhillipsLT5]

If open, maybe not till Memorial day, try State Highway 82 over Independence Pass out of Leadville Co. into Aspen, this two-lane, 12,095-foot pass, narrow and winding roads and steep inclines, many avalanche paths are being bombed for safety/open the road, keep the pics coming

[QB93Z]

Well when you pass Lambert St Louis Airport today - wave. I'll be there working..LOL Just for something else to look for I live 4 miles south of the 220 MM on I-70...
Will enjoy watching this trip as I do all your trips!:salute:
We gave you a wave, but you might not have ben there. We got a Early start this morning.


Jim

[QB93Z]

If open, maybe not till Memorial day, try State Highway 82 over Independence Pass out of Leadville Co. into Aspen, this two-lane, 12,095-foot pass, narrow and winding roads and steep inclines, many avalanche paths are being bombed for safety/open the road, keep the pics coming



Thanks for the recommendation. Highway 82 sounds like my kind of road, but we will be crossing the Rockies on May 13th, so it might not be open by then.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Living the dream! Great place/Moab Utah, Let us know when you will be in Phx area, hope to see you again



We will be in Phoenix on Wednesday, 31 May. We would like to meet with the ZR-1 group if it works for you guys. Dinner and a beer (or 2)? We will be staying at the America's Best Value Inn at 424 W Van Buren St.


Jim

[tf95ZR1]

Have a safe trip. Indeed, you and Lyndi are living the dream.
We will miss you at The Gathering.
As CW said, let us know when you will be in L.A.
Maybe we can all get together!

Ted

[A26B]

Hi Jim & Lyndi!

Do you have a date range for OKC/Edmond? Looking forward to seeing you again :-)

Jerry & Karen

we'll leave a light on for you!

[QB93Z]

Day 2: We left early and drove through Indianapolis before the morning traffic got too bad. We drove across Indiana and Illinois and spent some time sightseeing around St Louis.


We saw many productive looking farms through the day:


[/URL]http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0056.jpg


We stopped at the Chain of Rocks Bridge which was an important part of Route 66, carrying all of the West-bound traffic on The Mother Road across the Mississippi River from the 1930's until the 1960's:


(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/Farmland%20Richman%20IND.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0078.jpg


In the 1930's, RT-66 began in Chicago and crossed the Mississippi, then went south to Oklahoma and then west across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California to Los Angles.


Today the Chain of Rocks Bridge is safe only for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It is accessible from the Illinois side of the river, just south of the I-270 bridge across the Mississippi.

http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0131.jpg



Lyndi appears to be waiting for a ride:


(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/Purple%20car%20on%20Chain%20Link%20Bridge.jpg.html )http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0118.jpg


The Bridge is in very good condition and provides a wonderful place to stroll and view of the river.


Our next stop was the St Louis Zoo which is located in Forest Park on the west side of ST Louis. The Zoo is very nice. Because we were visiting in the heat of the afternoon, (86 degrees) most of our favorite animals, the big cats, were snoozing. We did get up close and personal with the largest polar bear I have ever seen. His paw is the size of a large dinner plate:


[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0460.jpg.html"]http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0460.jpg


After the zoo, we continued our course west another 3 hours, almost to Kansas City.


Jim

[XfireZ51]

Jim,

Always an excellent journal and great pics of ur trip.
Apologies if you have done this at some other point, but would u layout what u plan on for contingencies, ie mechanical breakdowns, especially on such a long trip. What do u pack for tools?

[QB93Z]

Day 3: Today's leg of the trip was from Missouri to Colorado. We left Blue Springs and headed for Kansas City, MO:


[/URL]http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0006.jpg


(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0006.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0014.jpg


At a fuel stop in eastern Kansas, we were reminded where we were:


http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0051.jpg


We kept on cruising and stopped in Salina, KS. We were attracted by a downtown sculpture walk. We found Salina to be a nice city. The downtown area is vibrant and active. We liked many of the sculptures that have been put on display by the Chamber of Commerce:


(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0051.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0064.jpg


Our favorite sculpture was Harley. Harley is a full size rhino made from scrap pieces of Harley Davidson Motorcycle stainless steel exhausts.

http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0096.jpg



[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0158.jpg.html"] (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0096.jpg.html)http://www.gizmosart.com/webimages/corvette/sw and sd/dsc_0158.jpg


to be continued........

[QB93Z]

Leaving Salina, we drove 5 hours across Kansas to Colorado on I-70:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3284


We got off I-70 and went another 80 miles on a two lane road across the Colorado plains, to Eads.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3285

Jim

[Jagdpanzer]

Jim, Eads is a one horse town in the middle of nowhere, what brought you there?


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[A26B]

Eads is nowhere but you probably went through Kit Carson, I hope. With your interest in scrap metal art, it's a cool little town with a great cafe for homemade pie!

[Jagdpanzer]

My mother's family farmed some ground near Eads and Kit Carson. Hauled a few loads of wheat to the Eads elevator back in the late 60s.

[PhillipsLT5]

I am in any other Phx brothers in?

We will be in Phoenix on Wednesday, 31 May. We would like to meet with the ZR-1 group if it works for you guys. Dinner and a beer (or 2)? We will be staying at the America's Best Value Inn at 424 W Van Buren St.


Jim

[KILLSHOTS]

I am in any other Phx brothers in?
Will definitely do my best to get there!

[QB93Z]

Hi Jim & Lyndi!

Do you have a date range for OKC/Edmond? Looking forward to seeing you again :-)

Jerry & Karen

we'll leave a light on for you!



Hi Jerry,


We will be driving from Tucumcari, NM to Tulsa on Tuesday, 6 June. If it fits in your schedule, we would like to stop and see both of you.


Send me an email, (jim@gizmosart.com), it is getting hard to keep track of all the conversations here in this thread.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Jim, Eads is a one horse town in the middle of nowhere, what brought you there?

My mother's family farmed some ground near Eads and Kit Carson. Hauled a few loads of wheat to the Eads elevator back in the late 60s.

Eads is nowhere but you probably went through Kit Carson, I hope. With your interest in scrap metal art, it's a cool little town with a great cafe for homemade pie!



I chose the route south to Eads just to get off the interstate and see some different parts of Colorado and to be closer to Canon City, CO for Friday's track. Phil, I bet a lot of the buildings that were in Eads in the 1960's are gone or empty now. The town was very depressed. Sad!


The remote-ness and emptiness of the Eads area was of interest to us. It sure was a long way between gas stations!


Jim

[Jagdpanzer]

Not far from Eads is the site of the Sand Creek Massacre. A very dark chapter in the history of the American West.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[QB93Z]

Day 4: Into the Rocky Mountains!!


Phil, just for you, some pics of Eads. The School team:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3286

Is this the grain elevator?

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3287

Prosperity has moved on:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3288

We always have to photograph a train, Here is a nice Burlington Northern & Santa Fe coal train:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3289


By about 9:00 AM, we got our first view of the Rocky Mountains:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3290

to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

We arrived at Canon City, CO and the Royal Gorge and Bridge Visitors Center:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3291

The Royal Gorge Bridge was built in 1929 and is the highest suspension in North America:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3296



http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3295


The bridge is not open to private vehicle traffic anymore but visitors can walk across. There is a modern cable car that takes visitors from the Visitor Center to the south side of the gorge:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3292



A view of the Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge more that 900 feet below:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3298





http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3293

to be continued......

[QB93Z]

Lyndi and I welcome you to the Royal Gorge:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3301


Lyndi showing the cable car crossing the gorge:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3300


A shadow of the cable cars on the wall of the gorge:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3299

to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

After visiting the Royal Gorge, we drove to Cripple Creek, CO on Colorado Scenic Route 24, the Gold Belt Tour:



http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3307


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3306

Along the way we got a nice view of Pikes Peak to the east:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3305


Cripple Creek was a booming gold mining town that now attracts visitors with the beautiful scenery and Casinos:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3304


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3303

I noted on the GPS that Cripple Creek is at 9,554 feet above sea level:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3302

to be continued........

[QB93Z]

After Cripple Creek, we drove northwest through the eastern side of the Rockies to Leadville, CO. At 10,152 feet above sea level, Leadville is the highest incorporated municipality in the United States.


The views were amazing:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3310

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3309

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3308


Jim

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Thanks for sharing another awesome travel adventure Jim. Always love to see it. Safe travels my friend.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=90383)

[tf95ZR1]

I just LOVE it!
Thank you!

[QB93Z]

Day 5: Saturday was a good day to cross the Rockies. We found frost on the ZR-1 in the 33 degree early morning:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3316
[/URL]
Leadville is a neat town, nestled in the mountains. Here is the view from the hotel parking lot:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3315



http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3314

We drove north on CO-24 heading for I-70. We crossed the Continental Divide on Tennessee Pass at 10,424 feet:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3313
(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0001.jpg.html)
We got a nice view of the mountain road and near by snow covered peaks from a lookout high in the Rockies:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3312
[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0104.jpg.html"]
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3311

to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

We got on to I-70 in Vail Colorado. I-70 in the western Rockies passes through Glenwood Canyon, following the Colorado River. In many places, the design and construction of the roadway was specifically designed to have the lowest possible impact on the canyon.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3321
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3320
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3319
[/URL] http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3318

The red cliffs on north side of the road were amazing:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3317
[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0239.jpg.html"] (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0189.jpg.html)
to be continued........

[QB93Z]

We exited I-70 in Grand Junction, CO and turned south to drive through the Unaweep Canyon. Unaweep Canyon is a geologically unique canyon that cuts across the Uncompahgre Plateau, Mesa County, in western Colorado. Our route was CO-141, the Unaweep Tabaguade Scenic Byway.


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3326

The northern portion of the canyon is a rough and rugged high plateau with numerous monuments created by erosion:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3327




Along the Byway, we stopped at the Gateway Resort to visit the Gateway Auto Museum:



http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3322

The museum features some of the cars and trucks in the collection of John Hendricks and is the finest collection of automobiles I have ever seen. I highly recommend visiting this museum. Here are pictures of a few of the over fifty mint condition cars that tell the story of America's of the automobile and the open road:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3323



http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3325


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3324


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

We stopped for the evening in Naturita, CO:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=407&pictureid=3344
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3347


In the 1950's and 60's, Naturita was a booming uranium mining area of the western Rocky Mountains.


Jim

[PhillipsLT5]

Agree


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[diamond zr1]

Jim/make sure you stop at the Miller museum outside of Salt Lake City by the salt flats/there is a road race track and museum loaded with original ford gts and cobras,as well as others/a must see

[QB93Z]

Day 6, On Sunday we drove from Naturita, CO to Blanding, UT.


On the way out of Naturita, we stopped for a photo op at the Uranium Drive-In sign. Back in the 1960's, when the uranium mining was in full swing, the Uranium Drive-In was the center of social activity in Nucla and Naturita. After the mining industry dried up and the drive-in was closed, the sign fell into decay. Recently, the citizens got together and moved the sign to Naturita and restored it:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3352

Lyndi liked the mining mule made from car parts:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3353

We drove southwest through the high desert landscape:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3354

The route to the Hovenweep National Monument is well marked:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3355
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3356

After a stop at the Visitor Center we set out on the 2-mile self-guided walking tour around the small canyon that was the home to around 100 to 150 ancestral Puebloan people from about 1200 to 1300 AD. The group were contemporaries of the groups at Mesa Verde. They had an agricultural society and had developed sophisticated masonry skills.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3357

to be continued......

[QB93Z]

Along the path we found flora, fauna and an interesting marking:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3358





http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3359

Can you find the rabbit in this scene?

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3360

There are about a dozen well-preserved buildings of different size and complexity:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3361

I was very impressed with Hovenweep National Monument. The facilities are in excellent condition and the "access" to the ruins is the best that can be had, considering the need for safety and security. I highly recommend a visit to Hovenweep.


We next drove further west, into Utah. The terrain changed from the high desert to a heavily eroded dramatic landscape of desert and monuments. The traffic was very light and the roads were wonderful:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3362







http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3363

to be continued......

[Jagdpanzer]

Jim, looks like a perfect road to verify your tire speed rating.

[QB93Z]

The wide variety of landscapes made the driving very enjoyable:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3364

Our next attraction was Goosenecks State Park. Once again, the route to the Park was well marked and the roads were in good condition. The park allows a wonderful view of the meander of the San Juan River:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3365

After the river meander, we drove a short distance to see the Mexican Hat rock formation. This has been a favorite sight for tourists for decades:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3366

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3367


We drove north to the town of Bluff, UT. Along the way, we got another view of this interesting formation with red and gray rocks:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3368

In Bluff we liked the Twins Rocks:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3369

Jim

[QB93Z]

Jim,

Always an excellent journal and great pics of ur trip.
Apologies if you have done this at some other point, but would u layout what u plan on for contingencies, ie mechanical breakdowns, especially on such a long trip. What do u pack for tools?



For this trip, we did not make any special contingency plans. Most of the trip will be in areas with satisfactory road assistance (call AAA), so we are confident that if we break down we will get transport to a developed area and do the repairs.


I carry complete set of tools and diagnostic equipment. I use the space below the carpet in the cargo area behind the passenger seat for my spares and tool storage. For the 1995 style, I remove the jack, wrap it in plastic, and stow it in the spare tire. Then I remove the styrofoam padding and the plastic bucket to make more room.


For spares this trip I have:
alternator
fuel pump
idler pulley
3/8'' coolant hose
plenum gasket set
serpentine belt
ignition coil


For tools, I have all the tools I need to install the spares I have. I have verified that I can pull a plenum in a parking lot several times while helping other ZR-1 owners.


For this trip I added a multi-meter, a 12 vdc test probe, jumper wires, fuse jumpers, and spare connectors and terminals.


And of course, I have my faithful Fuel Pump Jumper that has gotten me running three times now.


Jim

[gbrtng]

In the LA area be sure to see the Peterson Museum, the Nethercutt Museum and the Reagan Library. The Miller race track is near Tooele UT, but I don't know if any cars remain in the museum ... since Larry Miller's death several years ago the track has changed hands. Use your google machine ...

[QB93Z]

Day 7: Monday was our first chance to sightsee and stay in the same lodging for a second day. We drove about 40 miles west to Natural Bridges National Monument. In the picture is Army Man, our Road Trip Companion since the Alaska Trip:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3370

Natural Bridge is a single canyon area with 3 stone natural bridges and several ancient ruins. There is a loop road that provides access to all of the sites and several trail heads. Our visit in early May and early on a Monday provided the opportunity to visit with no crowds:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3371

The first site is Sipapu Bridge. We took a short hike to get good view of the stone bridge:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3372

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3373





http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3374




Along the way we explored the trees and flowers:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3375

to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

All of the trails are well marked and in excellent condition. We enjoyed the chance to stretch our legs after a lot of driving. The landscapes throughout the park were stunning.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3382


The Horse Collar Ruins are the remain of lodging, Kivas, and storage buildings made of stone masonry. Native American people built and occupied many such sites throughout the American Southwest from 9,000 to 700 years. The building were probably used by many different farming groups over the years:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3377

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3378

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3379

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3380

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3381


to be continued......

[QB93Z]

On the trial to one of the bridges, we spotted another ruin:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3383

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3384

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3385


Owachomo Bridge is the highest and most dramatic. There is a path to the canyon floor under the bridge:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3386

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3387

Look carefully to find me:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3388

to be continued......

[QB93Z]

Natural Bridges National Monument was one of the most interesting and enjoyable parks that we have visited. The facilities allowed us to explore and visit a wide range of natural and man-made features. Although it is not as well known as some of the "big" national parks, I rate it high on my must-see list.


Leaving Natural Bridges, we drove north west to the Colorado River and the north end of Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, near the "town" of Hite, UT.


Lyndi and I have driven all over the United States and Canada. No place has impressed us as much as the landscape and beauty of the Fry Canyon area of Utah. There is no formal designation as a Park and the area is not marked or documented. It is hard to find the words to describe the reaction we had driving UT-95 to Hite, UT.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3404



The trip was about 50 miles of well maintained road. There were more stunning sights than I can describe:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3405


The pictures don't capture the scale of the formations of mesas and canyons we drove through. This scene shows a mesa that is hundreds of feet above the terrain and canyons hundreds of feet deep:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3406


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3407


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3408


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3409



to be continued...

[QB93Z]

The water level in Lake Powell is very low right now. After the mountain snow fall melts and the Colorado River delivers the water, the lake will cover the currently exposed area:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3410

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3411

We drove south on the west side of Lake Powell, heading for the "town" of Bullfrog:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3412

We got to see some of the free range cattle that are set loose to graze on the sparse vegetation:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3413

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3414


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

At Bullfrog, we boarded the Halls Crossing Ferry to get back to the east side of the Colorado River:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3415

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3416



We visited the Marina at Halls Crossing and checked out the boats.


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3417





We drove back to Blanding, UT on the Bicentennial Highway:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3418




We saw some more cattle and some new calves:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3419





We did have to negotiate our passage:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3420




Jim

[QB93Z]

On Day 8, we left Blanding,UT and drove first to the Needles Area of Canyonlands National Park. The Needles area is the southern portion of Canyonlands. The day started out cloudy, but improved and we enjoyed sunshine for some of the day. The road to the park went north and then west. At the early hour there was very little traffic:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3421
[/URL]
As we approached the park, we saw more and more of the large "monuments" or buttes:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3422
(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0093.jpg.html)
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3423

We enjoyed the dramatic rock formations. The park allows excellent access to climb and explore the rocks:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3427

While we were getting back into the Z after a rock climb, we were joined by a large bird who seemed intent on getting in the car until I talked him out of it:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3425
[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0645.jpg.html"] http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3426


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

More rock pictures:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0595.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0595.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0623.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0623.jpg.html)


After exploring we stopped at Campsite #24:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0711.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0711.jpg.html)


Another interesting feature to view was the remains of an ancient grain storage building. Several of these storage areas, built about 700 years ago, have been discovered, but no dwellings:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0736.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0736.jpg.html)


More pictures of rocks:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0989.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0989.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

We left Canyonland NP and drove north to Moab, UT and a few miles more to Arches National Park:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3433
[/URL]
The traffic at Arches was the heaviest we have seen in a park so far. We drove the park road to the Windows area to see the arches:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3434
(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0334.jpg.html)
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3435

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3436

Can you find Lyndi in this picture?

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3437
[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0439.jpg.html"] (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0388.jpg.html)
Turret Arch was our favorite. This view is from the back side relative to the main path:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3438

We did not drive to the rest of the park this evening. We saved that for another day so that we could check in the motel and do some laundry.


Jim

[WARP TEN]

Hi Jim--
Love your travelogues. Out of curiosity, what sources do you use in planning your trips to determine what parks and sites you want to stop at? I am planning a trip late summer to new York area and want to make it interesting. Safe travels to you and Lyndi---Bob

[GOLDCYLON]

On Day 8, we left Blanding,UT and drove first to the Needles Area of Canyonlands National Park. The Needles area is the southern portion of Canyonlands. The day started out cloudy, but improved and we enjoyed sunshine for some of the day. The road to the park went north and then west. At the early hour there was very little traffic:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0093.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0093.jpg.html)


As we approached the park, we saw more and more of the large "monuments" or buttes:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0374.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0374.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0481_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0481_2.jpg.html)


We enjoyed the dramatic rock formations. The park allows excellent access to climb and explore the rocks:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0567.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0567.jpg.html)


While we were getting back into the Z after a rock climb, we were joined by a large bird who seemed intent on getting in the car until I talked him out of it:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0645.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0645.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0648.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0648.jpg.html)


to be continued.....




Jim there is a "Nevermore" joke in here somewhere. When will you be in Phoenix?

[QB93Z]

Jim there is a "Nevermore" joke in here somewhere. When will you be in Phoenix?



More like "Never Again" after the bird foot prints I found on the hood:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3439


We will be in Phoenix on Wednesday, 31 May.


Jim

[QB93Z]

On Day 9, we stayed in the Moab, UT for a second day. The day started out cool and overcast. We drove north of Moab to visit Canyonlands National Park:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3440
[/URL]

Notice that I am wearing T-shirt and shorts.


We drove into the park, made a brief stop at the Visitor Center, and then drove to the Grand View Overlook. On the way, we got views of the canyon on the west side of the Islands in the Sky:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3441
(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0064_1.jpg.html)
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3442

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3443

Notice that I have put on a long-sleeve shirt because the temperature was dropping and it was very windy.


The Purple ZR-1 in the morning sun:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3444
(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0073.jpg.html)

From the Grand View Overlook the landscape was amazing:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3445
[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0129.jpg.html"]
to be continued....

[QB93Z]

We drove to the Buck Canyon Overlook for a view of the Colorado River:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3446




Lynd got an interesting picture of the brewing storm:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3447




By then, the temperature dropped to 39 degrees and the wind picked up. I added long jeans and a sweater to try to enjoy the day:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3448




Then the rain started. It never rained very hard but we did see some sleet. We decided to move to a different area because the storm was obviously a local event.


We drove back toward Moab and then south on County Road 279, along the Colorado River. We got to see the petroglyphs made by local people over 900 years ago:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3449


Further along the river we found the Intrepid Potash Mine. Potash is a mineral rock mined 3000 feet below the surface. It is potassium and is used for plant fertilizer:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3450




Waiting along the Colorado Rriver were train cars to carry the potash:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3451

Jim

[ScottVA]

Mindboggling to see your purple ZR-1 in such exotic terranes! BTW, you probably didn't notice but beneath Howenweep is the world's largest natural CO2 field. McElmo Dome was discovered accidentally by Shell years ago and holds the equivalent of several years of America's manmade CO2 emissions.

Just as nature has demonstrated at Howenweep, CO2 captured from power plants can be safely sequestered underground for millions of years. Rest assured, our "global warming" problem will be solved soon, so motor on in peace! :cheers:

[GOLDCYLON]

More like "Never Again" after the bird foot prints I found on the hood:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0849.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0849.jpg.html)




We will be in Phoenix on Wednesday, 31 May.


Jim



Well it could have been worse as he might have relieved himself on Lyndi's window. I remember on the Alaska trip they were all over the car eating the dead bugs meal that your Z had provided/ Do you have time for dinner or Lunch? I could hand off those 10 jumpers or ship them let me know either way. Maybe Phil could meet us etc. Maybe Chris etc like last time but that was 3 years ago with the yellow Z.


http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/FullSizeRender_zpsdcgnzwg0.jpg

[KILLSHOTS]

Well it could have been worse as he might have relieved himself on Lyndi's window. I remember on the Alaska trip they were all over the car eating the dead bugs meal that your Z had provided/ Do you have time for dinner or Lunch? I could hand off those 10 jumpers or ship them let me know either way. Maybe Phil could meet us etc. Maybe Chris etc like last time but that was 3 years ago with the yellow Z.


http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/FullSizeRender_zpsdcgnzwg0.jpg


Great pic! Miss my Z. Yep, gonna try to make it out to see you guys on the 31st.

[PhillipsLT5]

Great pic! Miss my Z. Yep, gonna try to make it out to see you guys on the 31st.



I am in when it gets closer we can pick a spot


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[GOLDCYLON]

Sounds good when Jim has a moment I am sure he will chime in.

[QB93Z]

I am back on line after a brief WiFi and Cellular outage in the Capital Reef NP area. I will get caught up in a bit.


Lyndi and I would be honored to see the PZG (Phoenix ZR-1 Guys) on the 31st. Dinner would be best for us. Thanks for the invite.


Jim

[GOLDCYLON]

I am back on line after a brief WiFi and Cellular outage in the Capital Reef NP area. I will get caught up in a bit.


Lyndi and I would be honored to see the PZG (Phoenix ZR-1 Guys) on the 31st. Dinner would be best for us. Thanks for the invite.


Jim

Jim that works do you want me to ship those jumpers or bring em to dinner. My sons would like to come with their C4 GS and C7 Z51

[QB93Z]

Jim that works do you want me to ship those jumpers or bring em to dinner. My sons would like to come with their C4 GS and C7 Z51



Great, the more, the merrier!


Yes, please bring the jumpers.


Jim

[QB93Z]

On Day 10, Thursday, we got on the road very early and rendezvoused with the Canyonlands Ballooning Company for a sunrise hot air balloon trip. We watched the team inflate the balloon and then add some heat to get the balloon aloft:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3452

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3453

Once the balloon was ready the 15 members of the flight group climbed in to the basket with the pilot. Lyndi took a nice picture of the inside of the balloon:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3454


Just before lift off, the wind changed direction and established a potential flight path in the direction of a storm that was over Arches National Park. We disembarked the basket and held for about 20 minutes, but the weather pattern did not improve so the flight was scrubbed.


Even though the basket did leave the ground, based on US Navy definition of a vessel being "underway", all lines have to be cast off to count. So we won't get air-time credit for the attempt.


The change in our schedule allowed us to return to Canyonlands National Park with better weather than the day before. We got some nice pictures with better light with the low early morning sun:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3455
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3456

We left Canyonlands NP and drove to an adjacent area called Dead Horse Point State Park. The views of the Colorado River canyon area were amazing:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3457

to be continued........

[QB93Z]

More pictures from Dead Horse Point State Park:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3458
[/URL]
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3459

Jim's Recommendations: I highly recommend Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Both parks are in very good condition and the viewing areas were well marked and very safe. Lyndi and I both also enjoyed Arches National Park, but for sheer awesomeness, I would rank it third of these three parks. All are very worth seeing.


We drove back to Moab and then North on UT-128. Designated a Utah Scenic ByWay, UT-128 follows the Colorado River. We bid farewell to San Juan Mountain and the Moab area:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3460
(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0481_3.jpg.html)
The Purple-Z on the bank of the Colorado River:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3461

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3462

We watched some young people preparing for a rafting trip:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3463
[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0815.jpg.html"] (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0962_2.jpg.html)
to be continued......

[PhillipsLT5]

WOW, San Juans, Colo river, Moab area, U R livin the DREAM!
Need to turn the Z into a 4 wheeler for that terrain LOL
I think there is a name for that area where the Colo river makes that 180 turn?
see u in a bit in Phx area

[QB93Z]

We continued north, heading for I-70. The poor weather that had been bothering us for two days continued. There was a squall to the east:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3464

Lyndi has again documented one of my favorite things about driving out west:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3465

We arrived at Capitol Reef National Park late in the afternoon:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3466

Capitol Reef NP is the location of an interesting geological event called pocket fold. Forces under the earth's crust pushed up a section of the crust, leaving the western side of the "break" in place. The "fold" is over 100 miles in length:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3467

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3468

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3469

The terrain shown here is not the result of erosion like we saw in Canyonlands, it is a ridge of stone, above the plateau. The ridge has no slots or breaks for miles of its length and created a significant to westward movement for years.


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

This formation is called Cathedral Rock:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3470
[/URL]

To the original men who discovered the formation, this rock looked like the Capitol building in Washington DC, thus the name of the feature:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3471


There are also some interesting petroglyphs in one of the canyons at the site:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3472
(http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0829.jpg.html)
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3473


The area on the east side of the Capitol Reef has some interesting landscapes:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3474
[URL="http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0422.jpg.html"]
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3475

We found the Capitol Reef National Park very interesting because of the uniqueness of the formation. I recommend a visit to this park.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 11 - On Friday we drove back to visit Capitol Reef NP again and hiked 2 miles to see a large natural bridge formation. We were at the park early so we had the trail to our selves:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3476


An interesting geological feature that we noticed was a large number of round basalt boulders scattered around the landscape. The boulders are basalt, and were porous, indicating a volcanic origin. There is no other evidence of volcanic activity in any of the features in the Capitol Reef area.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3477


The natural bridge was magnificent:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3478

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3479


to be continued...

[QB93Z]

After our hike, we drove west toward the Bryce Canyon area of Utah. I chose CO-12, an American Scenic ByWay to cross Boulder Mountain:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3481
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3482
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3483
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3484
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3485
to be continued....

[QB93Z]

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3486





http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3487

[QB93Z]

After crossing Boulder Mountain we stopped in the town of Escalante and rented an ATV to explore a small part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3488

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3489

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3490

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3491

to be continued....

[QB93Z]

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3492

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3493

We found a small natural bridge:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3494

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3495

Jim

[QB93Z]

Our next stop in the Bryce Canyon Lodge and then the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and then Zion National Park.


It may be a few days before I get WiFi or cellular connection.


Jim

[PhillipsLT5]

See the USA in your Chevrolet

[karlaw]

I would have been tempted to drive the ATV across that bridge ! Would make a great sales commercial...


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[QB93Z]

We have left Bryce Canyon National Park and are headed for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Pics to follow when we get WIFI again.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[QB93Z]

We are at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and have weak cell phone connection so I will be trying to post some pictures using a cellular hotspot.


Jim

[QB93Z]

On Day 12 we drove to Bryce Canyon National Park:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3496


Neither Lyndi or I have been to Bryce Canyon before and we were amazed by the vistas and rock formations:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3497


Our first hike took us down into the canyon, among the rock formations:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3498

This is my favorite formation. It is called Thor's Hammer and can be seen from many parts of the canyon. I used it as a navigational aid during our hikes:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3499


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3500


The early morning light reflecting on these spires made them appear translucent:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3501


to be continued......
　

[QB93Z]

Here are some more pictures Lyndi took in Bryce Canyon National Park:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3515

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3516

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3517

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3518

This little Prairie Dog crossed the road in front of us, then realized that it was a ZR-1, so he came back onto the road to check it out. I stopped to avoid a Prairie Dog catastrophe and Lyndi got his picture:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3519

I highly recommend visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. The facilities are in excellent condition. There are plenty of hiking trails that offer diverse views of the rock formations.


Jim

[QB93Z]

We have been getting many nice comments about the ZR-1.


On the hike out to Hickman's Bridge, a man stopped us on the trail and asked if we were driving the ZR-1 in the parking lot. He told us that in 1990, his brother won a red 1990 ZR-1 in a raffle. In my garage I have a poster that the National Council of Corvette Clubs advertised a national raffle giving away a new ZR-1. The man was from Minnesota, and he said that his brother kept the ZR-1 for a while and then sold it for $37,000 to buy a new truck.


In Bryce Canyon NP, a man stopped us in the lodge because he saw the LT5 on my Registry T-shirt. He told us that his brother built and still owns a Cobra Kit car that he put an LT5 in. I gave him my card and asked him to contact me so I can write an article for the Heart of the Beast news letter.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 13 is a special day for me. Our arrival at the North Rim Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park is the culmination of 18 months of planning. The North Rim was high on my Bucket List for a long time and I planned this trip so that I could make reservations 12 months in advance. About a week before our departure from Maryland, I got a notice that my reservation at the North Rim Lodge was cancelled because the NPS had to schedule a closure to replace the water pipes. I made a quick itinerary change to stay in Kanab, UT. We would have to make the 160-mile round trip to visit the North Rim. I was disappointed to miss my chance to stay at the North Rim Lodge, but I would at least get to visit the Park.


After we were underway for the road trip, I got an email from the lodge that the repairs had been completed and I could have my original reservation if I wanted to stay. I made another quick change and now here I am; at the North Rim Lodge on my birthday. What a great present!


We left Bryce, UT and headed south on US-89, a US Scenic ByWay

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3520

After driving through Kanab, UT, we crossed into Arizona:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3521

The Grand Canyon is part of the Kaibab Plateau and is in the Kaibab National Forest:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3522

The road across the plateau had little traffic and was a nice drive:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3523

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3524

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is 500 feet higher than the south rim. The climate is cooler and gets a lot more snow. Some snow was still present in shady areas:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3525

to be continued....

[QB93Z]

Here are some views of the Grand Canyon from the north rim in the evening light:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3526


As the sun set, the shapes and shadows seemed to change:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3527

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3528

http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3529



The Purple Z with the Canyon behind it:


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3530


The North Rim Lodge has a very nice comfortable feel to it. We spent some time each day in the lounge which had a great view of the canyon and was the only place that had cellular service: to


http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=404&pictureid=3531

be continued.....

[QB93Z]

We drove out to Cape Royal Point which is about 20 miles east of the North Rim Lodge. The views looking to the east were stunning:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0694_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0694_1.jpg.html)


The rock formation at the point was very interesting:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0701.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0701.jpg.html)


From the North Rim there are not many places where the Colorado River is visible:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0744_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0744_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0743.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0743.jpg.html)




Here is a view from the Lodge looking west with the morning sun on the cliffs:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0035.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0035.jpg.html)




One of the many chipmunks that inhabit the Canyon Rim:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0562.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0562.jpg.html)




Jim

[BlackSheepz]

Happy Birthday Jim! So great you got to be on a trip with Lyndi and check off a bucket list item on that day!


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[efnfast]

Just wow. And happy birthday.

[Paul Workman]

Bryce Canyon - and the whole South West, for that matter, is a geologist's dream! Those stunning pictures are really lighting a fire under me to explore the possibility of a MR-WEST!

It would be grand if it could be arranged. Ami and I may have to do a little scouting trip - a forehand;). Could really use your input (and would hope you would join us!).

Just thinking out loud....:)

[Arctic91]

Paul,


Jim's pictures are pretty motivational. If a MR West event was organized, and if it's after I move back to the states next year, I'd 100% join in on that - especially if we could get a caravan of ZR-1s from the east coast and the midwest put together. Better yet, if it was over the summer, I'd drag my 15 year old along for an extended road trip.


Scott

[XfireZ51]

I'm in for a West side tour.

[PhillipsLT5]

I'm in for a West side tour.



Me too


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[QB93Z]

On Day 15 and 16 we were at Zion National Park:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0322.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0322.jpg.html)


On the way into the park we stopped to look at the mountains and spotted an eagle soaring among the cliffs:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0623_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0623_1.jpg.html)


The portions of Zion NP that are accessible to the public are relatively small. There is a single road that runs from the entrance station (s) to the north end of the park. Due to the large number of visitors to Zion each day, the main park road has been closed to private vehicles. There are shuttle busses that run continuously the length of the road.


Our first hike in Zion was along the Virgin River at the north end of the canyon:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0845.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0845.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0023.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0023.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0072_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0072_1.jpg.html)


Along the trail we spotted many squirrels. Some were more socialize than others:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0990_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0990_2.jpg.html)


to be continued......

[QB93Z]

On Wednesday morning were took some more hikes in Zion NP. Since the paths are pretty crowded later in the day, we set out from the Grotto area early in the morning. The Virgin River carved the Zion Canyon over about a million years. the shaping of the canyon is still actively underway. As recently as 1995, major rock slides close the road and stranded guests at the Zion Canyon Lodge. We hiked from the Grotto area above the Lodge and climbed up the rocks to the Upper Emerald Lagoon and then followed the small water falls down to the river:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0173_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0173_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0222.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0222.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0292.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0292.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0457.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0457.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0474.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0474.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0534.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0534.jpg.html)


Jim

[QB93Z]

On Day 16, the mid way point of the trip we left Zion NP and drove southwest thru Utah and the corner of Arizona, to Las Vegas Nevada.


Along the way we passed through St George, UT, the place where we bought the Purple Z just 2 years ago. It had 4,000 miles then, now it has 41,850 miles.


The landscape of southwest Utah has several different characteristics. It was hot and windy as we approached Las Vegas.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0774.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0774.jpg.html)



http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0801.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0801.jpg.html)



http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0869.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0869.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0803.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0803.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0922_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0922_1.jpg.html)


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 17: We spent a second day in Las Vegas, relaxing by the pool, catching up and reprovisioning. The Purple Z got an oil change, new front tires and an alignment. I put on Nitto 555's. This is my first time for the Nittos. I will let you know how they work out.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0007.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0007.jpg.html)


I entered the drawing for this new C-7. Do you think they will let me drive it home?


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0136.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0136.jpg.html)


Jim

[A26B]

They might but I would wager Lyndy would get the pleasure. The C7 is sooo enjoyable to drive!

[key_on]

I will be watching for a purple Z in Vegas today. We are at the Bellagio for a little R&R.

[QB93Z]

Day 18: On Friday, we drove from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park. The traffic un US-95 north from Las Vegas was light and the road was in excellent condition:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0175.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0175.jpg.html)


Along the way, near Area 51, we got a photo next to the Largest M80 Firecracker in the world:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0198_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0198_1.jpg.html)




We stopped briefly in Beatty, NV to get a picture at the Atomic Inn. The inn had seen better days:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0253.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0253.jpg.html)


From Beatty, is was a straight run into Death Valley:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0290.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0290.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0303.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0303.jpg.html)


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

We drove south and down to the "floor" of the Valley. When the GPS said that we were at sea level (0 ft elevation), we stopped for a reference photo:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0451.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0451.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0454.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0454.jpg.html)


There is a nice, paved, turn out loop road that leads to an area called Artist's Palette. We found rock formation of various colors:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0701_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0701_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0762.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0762.jpg.html)


Next we drove to one of the most interesting landscapes in Death Valley called the Devil's Golf Course:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0886_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0886_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0936_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0936_1.jpg.html)


The landscape is composed of a mixture of salt, rocks, and silt. The evaporated salt water leaves the surface crust very firm, but with lots of open cavities.


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

We headed further south to the lowest point in North America at Bad Water:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0977.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0977.jpg.html)


Our GPS showed -272 feet but the actual elevation is 282 feet below sea level.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0984.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0984.jpg.html)


It is hard to see in the picture, but there is a sign on the side of the mountain above me that marks sea level:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0985.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0985.jpg.html)


At Bad Water, the surface is a hard shell salt flat. Death Valley only receives about 2 inches of rain a year. There is no outflow from the valley so the salt is building up at Bad Water.



http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0005_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0005_1.jpg.html)


In addition to the deepest point in North America, Death Valley holds the record for the highest recorded temperature in the world, 134 degrees, and it is the driest place in America.


We headed north again to the sand dunes in the central area of the park:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0063.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0063.jpg.html)


We rested for the night at the Stovepipe Wells Village:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0114.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0114.jpg.html)


Jim

[Hog]

Any extra power "down there"? Glad you and your loved one are enjoying the car! Inspiring.

[tnova]

Jim and Lyndi you must be close to or in San Diego today. It would be great to meet you. PM if you have time while in the area. Tony Nufer - tnova - '91 ZR1

[QB93Z]

We are still in Sequoia National Park in California. There is no cellular service at our Lodge and very poor WIFI. I will post more pictures when we get better connectivity.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Any extra power "down there"? Glad you and your loved one are enjoying the car! Inspiring.



The feel of extra power comes from having spent about a week above 5,000 feet.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 19: We left Death Valley National Park and drove west toward the mountains headed for Sequoia National Park.


Many of the plants in Death Valley were in bloom while we were there. It was interesting to see the normally "barren" landscape presenting flowers in bloom:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0152.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0152.jpg.html)




Lyndi got a neat picture of the cycle of life unfolding for the brief blooming period:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0148_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0148_2.jpg.html)




As we drove west, the terrain became hilly, providing the western boundary of the Valley:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0216.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0216.jpg.html)




As before, the roads were wonderful and the traffic very light:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0234.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0234.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0521.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0521.jpg.html)


to be continued......

[QB93Z]

Our westward route took us across another valley not as low as Death Valley but still very dry. We stopped to check out some Joshua Trees:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0624.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0624.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0646.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0646.jpg.html)




A little "trick photography" makes the ZR-1 look like a toy:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0699_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0699_1.jpg.html)


Continuing west we started to see the snow-capped Sierra Mountains in the distance:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0740.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0740.jpg.html)




"Go west young man."

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0856.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0856.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0938.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0938.jpg.html)


I will post more when the WIFI improves.

[efnfast]

I can't imagine what it is like to drive on roads with no other cars.

[BigJohn]

I can't imagine what it is like to drive on roads with no other cars.

Go west old man!
Are you getting used to the new clutch and modifications?

[efnfast]

I am getting used to them. Changes that I hadn't anticipated.
The thing I hate most about driving? Having to share the road with other people.

[XfireZ51]

We headed further south to the lowest point in North America at Bad Water:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0977.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0977.jpg.html)


Our GPS showed -272 feet but the actual elevation is 282 feet below sea level.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0984.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0984.jpg.html)


It is hard to see in the picture, but there is a sign on the side of the mountain above me that marks sea level:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0985.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0985.jpg.html)


At Bad Water, the surface is a hard shell salt flat. Death Valley only receives about 2 inches of rain a year. There is no outflow from the valley so the salt is building up at Bad Water.



http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0005_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0005_1.jpg.html)


In addition to the deepest point in North America, Death Valley holds the record for the highest recorded temperature in the world, 134 degrees, and it is the driest place in America.


We headed north again to the sand dunes in the central area of the park:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0063.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0063.jpg.html)


We rested for the night at the Stovepipe Wells Village:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0114.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0114.jpg.html)


Jim

Christ Jim! W that kind of elevation a stock ZR shoukd run 10's.

[QB93Z]

We will be in Phoenix on Wednesday, 31 May. We would like to meet with the ZR-1 group if it works for you guys. Dinner and a beer (or 2)? We will be staying at the America's Best Value Inn at 424 W Van Buren St.

Jim



We have had to change our plans. In order to arrange a visit with my brother in Santa Fe, I have to skip the stop in Phoenix.


Thank you to the Phoenix ZR-1 Group for offering your hospitality. We will have to take you up on the offer on the next trip.


Sorry,


Jim

[PhillipsLT5]

Thanks for the update, always look forward to seeing you & your great pics on the forum

[QB93Z]

We continued or westward journey and on the east side of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains, we drove past a portion of the Los Angles Dust Mitigation Program facilities:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0035_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0035_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0076.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0076.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0108.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0108.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

We continued south then west to Bakersfield on CA-58. We stopped in Tehachapi to see the Tehachapi Loop. It is a very special railroad track alignment that the engineers used to allow trains to make an elevation change at Tehachapi mountain without having to make a long incline along the canyon sides. The track was configured to a loop that crosses over itself to change elevation in a small run of track.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0398.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0398.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0419.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0419.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0421.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0421.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0423.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0423.jpg.html)




My Dad was a railroad fan and Tehachapi Loop was one of his favorite places. In 1992 when my Dad and I built a O-scale model railroad layout, one of the features I created was a scale version of the Tehachapi Loop. My son made a video of a train climbing the Loop, and then entering a vertical transfer table I designed years later:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_8Hm7wakkY


Jim

[QB93Z]

We arrived at Sequoia National Park and entered at the Foothill Visitor Center:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0763.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0763.jpg.html)




We drove up the Generals Highway 23 miles and 6000 feet of elevation change to the viewing area for the General Sherman Sequoia, one of the oldest and largest trees in the world:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0780.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0780.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0856_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0856_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0853.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0853.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

We walked along the Congress Trail to look at the amazing grove of sequoias:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0837_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0837_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0836.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0836.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0935.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0935.jpg.html)




We drove another 2 miles to the Wuksachi Lodge:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0067.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0067.jpg.html)


In the lobby of the Lodge, Lyndi found a new friend:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0076_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0076_1.jpg.html)



Jim

[QB93Z]

On Day 20, we left the lodge very early to try to get a head start on the large number of park visitors. We drove north and entered Kings Canyon National Park. On the way there, we stopped at a turn out and parked near some "young" sequoias:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0024.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0024.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0102.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0102.jpg.html)


Our first destination was the General Grant giant sequoia, another one of the largest trees in the world:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0190.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0190.jpg.html)




The General Grant tree is estimated to be about 2,300 years old. The back side of the General Grant tree shows the scar of a forest fire. All of the old sequoias have evidence of fire. It is an important part of the live and success of the giant trees.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0267.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0267.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0173_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0173_2.jpg.html)


Here is a picture of the Purple Z at the base of a double sequoia showing the scale of these giants:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0576_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0576_1.jpg.html)


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

After checking out the Grant Tree we drove deep into the Kings Canyon on CA-180. It was about 30 miles of narrow mountain road along the King River to the region called Cedar Grove and the End of The Road:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0728.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0728.jpg.html)




We saw many waterfalls and small streams on the sides of the canyons:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0764_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0764_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0999.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0999.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0143_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0143_2.jpg.html)




In the early morning there were few cars on the road:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0105_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0105_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0441.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0441.jpg.html)


Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park as a unit was a wonderful place to visit. The high elevation and remote locations make the park unique. The facilities are well made and well staffed. At times the parks are crowded so we recommend visiting the popular areas early in the morning.


Jim

[GOLDCYLON]

We have had to change our plans. In order to arrange a visit with my brother in Santa Fe, I have to skip the stop in Phoenix.


Thank you to the Phoenix ZR-1 Group for offering your hospitality. We will have to take you up on the offer on the next trip.


Sorry,


Jim

OK Jim we were looking forward to seeing you tomorrow however understand when plans change. Maybe next time. GC

[QB93Z]

Jim and Lyndi you must be close to or in San Diego today. It would be great to meet you. PM if you have time while in the area. Tony Nufer - tnova - '91 ZR1



Hi Tony, We arrived in San Diego last night. We are staying downtown at the Best Western Bayside Inn, near The Star of India Museum. Today (Tuesday) we plan to visit the San Diego Zoo, Pt Loma, the Soviet Submarine and the USS Dolphin. Also we will be looking for a car wash.


We leave to head east on Wednesday morning early.


My cell is 443-244-1347. If you contact me, we would like to arrange a meeting.


Jim

[Paul Workman]

Right along the Embarkedero, where the Star is tied up, and where you were staying, is where Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis rode the motorcycle in the movie Top Gun. And, if you were to follow Harbor Drive around to the south, in less than a mile(?) you come to the Kansas City Barbecue where the bar scenes were shot. (600 W Harbor Dr., San Diego)

When @ the zoo, and you walk down the stone steps among the ferns and mist (created water misting nozzles) toward the Tiger exhibit, see if you or Lyndi can keep from being startled as you round the corner to the right...

I was stationed in SD and lived there for a total of 12 years. Some very fond memories of the place - still feel at home every time I visit. Pics give me a twinge of homesickness!

For TOP GUN buffs (http://www.locationshub.com/blog/2013/10/27/top-gun-revisited-5-san-diego-locations-every-tourist-must-know)..

[QB93Z]

Day 21, Memorial Day - Thank you to all our Veterans!


We left the mountains and drove south on I-5 to San Diego.


To me, the drivers in California are much more aggressive than I am used to. In addition, we saw three different motorcycle drivers riding the lane markers and passing between cars at > 70 MPH:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0478.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0478.jpg.html)


The traffic south was not to bad, we made good time. The GPS kept trying to get us off the highway but I just ignored it and was fine. We did notice that the North-bound I-5 between San Diego and LA was a mess:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0552.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0552.jpg.html)


At one area, drivers had stopped on the shoulder and were having a picnic.


The San Diego skyline:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0580.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0580.jpg.html)


I like San Diego. Just like Westminster, MD where we live, SD has a train running through downtown:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0597_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0597_2.jpg.html)


We did a quick water front recon and found the USS Midway. The USS Midway was commissioned at the end of World War 2 and was the largest ship in the world until 1955. The USS Midway served our nation until 1992, a very successful 47 year career. USS Midway is now a museum ship here in San Diego.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0624_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0624_1.jpg.html)


Jim

[GOLDCYLON]

To me, the drivers in California are much more aggressive than I am used to. In addition, we saw three different motorcycle drivers riding the lane markers and passing between cars at > 70 MPH:
Jim





And.. its legal to do so in CA. I hate it when I drive in LA typically every month as the motorcycles can legally share your lane (Dumb as a bag of hammers to me). Also note the HOV lanes Jim, have entry and exit points where you can only enter and exit the lanes. If you cross into it at any other point you can get a ticket.

[Blackbelt]

Hi Tom, We arrived in San Diego last night. We are staying downtown at the Best Western Bayside Inn, near The Star of India Museum. Today (Tuesday) we plan to visit the San Diego Zoo, Pt Loma, the Soviet Submarine and the USS Dolphin. Also we will be looking for a car wash.


We leave to head east on Wednesday morning early.


My cell is 443-244-1347. If you contact me, we would like to arrange a meeting.


Jim


If you guys meet up let me know! I'm about an hour north but would love to meet with some fellow ZR-1 owners!

Michael

[Corvettes White]

And.. its legal to do so in CA. (Dumb as a bag of hammers to me).

Not as Dumb as the speed cameras you used to have out in the middle of the desert. :).

Driving in SoCal along the coast is rough.

[BigJohn]

If you drive legally speed cameras are not a problem!
So are confessing to a criminal act?

[Corvettes White]

If you drive legally speed cameras are not a problem!
So are confessing to a criminal act?

Statue of limitations has passed.

[BigJohn]

Statue of limitations has passed.



Were there skidmarks?

[QB93Z]

Day 22 - In San Diego. We had the whole day to sightsee in San Diego. We started early, Lyndi checked out the view from our balcony:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0018_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0018_1.jpg.html)


Our first visit was to the San Diego Zoo:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0048.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0048.jpg.html)


There were many wonderful animals we got to see. Some of our favorites were:


This Panda was kicking back and chomping on some bamboo:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0078.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0078.jpg.html)




It is not often that you get this close to a Hippo:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0195_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0195_1.jpg.html)




Lyndi was really excited to get to see a Snow Leopard. This male was waiting in an overhead area while the keeper put the food in his habitat:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0260.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0260.jpg.html)




These Pelicans were having as much fun as we were:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0342.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0342.jpg.html)


to be continued...

[QB93Z]

The Polar Bear put on a show by lifting his head once and looking around:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0416.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0416.jpg.html)




Who doesn't like a good Rhino picture:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0855.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0855.jpg.html)




The Meerkats are always alert to danger:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0892.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0892.jpg.html)




We were very impressed by the San Diego Zoo. The habitats were first class and the collection of animals was extensive. The zoo covers a large area and there are lots of things to do. We enjoyed the cable car ride. The beautiful plants and landscaping were a plus. Due to the size of the zoo, finding our way was sometimes a challenge. But there were lots of guides to help:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0184.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0184.jpg.html)


to be continued:

[QB93Z]

We drove from Balboa Park where the Zoo is, to the far side of the San Diego area. We went to Point Loma to see the Pacific Ocean. We stopped at Cabrillo National Monument:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0371.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0371.jpg.html)




Lyndi got a picture of the Purple Z with the Cabrillo Lighthouse in the background:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0379.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0379.jpg.html)




From Point Loma, there is a very nice view of all of San Diego Harbor. In 1990 I was stationed at a Navy training facility at Pt Loma on the left of this photo:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0340.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0340.jpg.html)




If you look closely you can see the sail and periscope of a US Navy nuclear fast attack submarine (a lot newer than the subs I served on) in this picture:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0346.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0346.jpg.html)


We went down the point to the shoreline and watched the Pacific Ocean waves on the rocks:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0458_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0458_1.jpg.html)




Lyndi got some nice photos of these birds flying in formation along the coast:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0480.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0480.jpg.html)


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

We returned to San Diego Harbor and visited the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The museum has a collection of ships, boats and submarines. My primary interest was a Cold War era Soviet Foxtrot class diesel submarine, the B39.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0898_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0898_1.jpg.html)


At the end of the Cold War, the Russian Navy was faced with the daunting task of disposing of many out of date submarines. The B39 was offered to organizations in the US and the Maritime Museum of San Diego agreed to accept and display the sub.



The Forward Torpedo Room:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0908.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0908.jpg.html)



During my time in the US Submarine Force, The Soviet Foxtrot subs were not considered front line subs, but the Soviet Navy had a lot of them and they were deployed around the world.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0927.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0927.jpg.html)


The periscope on the B39 was primitive compared to US subs of the era:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0932.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0932.jpg.html)


The Engine Room:



http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0965.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0965.jpg.html)


Jim

[QB93Z]

While we were in San Diego, we had the great pleasure to meet Tony (tnova) for a beer. Tony served in the US Navy at the same time frame that I di so we had lots of sea stories to swap as well as ZR-1 stories.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0139.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0139.jpg.html)




Thanks Tony for a good time.




Jim

[tnova]

Jim & Lyndi, The pleasure was all mine meeting you. Glad to introduce you to one of over 100 micro breweries in San Diego. Tony

[QB93Z]

Day 23 & Day 24: We left San Diego and drove to Tucson, Arizona. We drove on I-8 across California most of the way. The terrain alternated mountains/hills and desert plains:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0040.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0040.jpg.html)


Some of the flat land was in agricultural use:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0208.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0208.jpg.html)


We made a stop for reprovisioning, sodas, beer, bug repellent, bananas, and chips:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0016.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0016.jpg.html)


We stopped in the hilly area to wash the windshield. Lyndi takes a lot of pictures "through the glass" so Windex is my friend:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0148_3.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0148_3.jpg.html)




The major attraction for us in Tucson was Saguaro National Park. The Park is divided in two districts, one on the west side and the larger portion on the east side of Tucson. Saguaro National Park was created to protect and preserve the Saguaro Cactus and the ecosystem of the desert.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0024_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0024_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0825.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0825.jpg.html)


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

We were very fortunate to be in Saguaro National Park during the blooming season for several of the plants:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0714.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0714.jpg.html)




http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0737.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0737.jpg.html)


We drove around the scenic loop in each portion of the park. On the west side the loop is a unpaved road, but it was in excellent condition and was fine for the ZR-1:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0868.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0868.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0816.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0816.jpg.html)


In the western section of the park there is a hiking trail to a small hill of rocks that has rock markings believed to date from 700 to 1000 years ago:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0925_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0925_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0916.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0916.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

On Thursday we drove south of Tucson to visit the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a Catholic Mission that was founded in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0052_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0052_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0994.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0994.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0003.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0003.jpg.html)


On the way to the mission we found an airplane boneyard managed by the US Air Force. We didn't have time to tour the facility so we took a picture over the fence:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0383_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0383_1.jpg.html)


Jim

[Jmu1]

Howdy y'all, I see your not far from El Paso, Tx. I'm not sure when you will be here or if you were going to just drive through but if the schedule works out it would be nice to meet you folks. - Joseph

[diamond zr1]

if your trip leads thru San Antonio,give us a call/had fun on the Lexington with you both/sounds like you met Tony on the left coast

[QB93Z]

Day 25 We left Tucson and drove east on I-10. Not far out of Tucson, we saw some Union Pacific diesel locomotives on a side track near the highway. As we drove past them we saw more than 50 locomotives. All of them looked well used. It must have been a UP bone yard:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0071_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0071_2.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0046.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0046.jpg.html)




We drove about 35 miles south of I-10 to visit Chiricahua National Monument. There was no traffic on the road to the Park:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0148_4.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0148_4.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0201_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0201_1.jpg.html)


Chiricahua National Monument is a relatively small region of the Chiricahua Mountains that has been set aside and protected to preserve the unique rock formations and the surrounding habitats. There is a nice Visitor Center and one road that leads up the mountain to allow access to the pillars and pinnacles. There are numerous hiking trails to many other areas of the park.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0246_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0246_1.jpg.html)


The pillar formations were created by a combination of up-lift, cracking, and erosion.


The shape of the rocks and the early morning sun create interesting shadows. But maybe this image is an alien scanning the region:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0281.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0281.jpg.html)




to be continued......

[QB93Z]

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0658.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0658.jpg.html)


In many areas the softer layers of rock wear away faster and the result is balancing rocks.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0488.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0488.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0784.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0784.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0801_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0801_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0817.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0817.jpg.html)


We hiked out into the rocks to an area called The Grotto and had fun climbing on the rocks:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0876.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0876.jpg.html)




We got back on I-10 and drove to Deming, New Mexico.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Howdy y'all, I see your not far from El Paso, Tx. I'm not sure when you will be here or if you were going to just drive through but if the schedule works out it would be nice to meet you folks. - Joseph



We have changed our route to visit White Sands National Monument so we won't be near El Paso. We plan to come back to El Paso on a future trip. I hope we can see you then.


Jim

[Jmu1]

Ok, have a good time at white sands, we always had fun there when I was a kid. From there you might consider running through Ruidoso. It's very close with a lot of small shops and small meuseums. When your future travels do bring you through far west texas I can at least point you in the direction of great watering holes and good Mexican food! Happy trails and be safe.

[QB93Z]

On Day 26 we left Deming, NM early and drove east to White Sands National Monument. Along the way, we had to stop in Las Cruces for a photo of the worlds largest Chile at the Big Chile Inn:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0038_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0038_1.jpg.html)


From Las Cruces, we crossed the mountains and drove to the White Sand area:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0062_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0062_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0172.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0172.jpg.html)


We drove into the sand dunes on the Park access road:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0227.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0227.jpg.html)




http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0290_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0290_1.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

One of the common plants in the desert is a Soaptree Yucca:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0455.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0455.jpg.html)




The Soaptree Yucca has an interesting adaptation to the desert. The tall stem with the flowering portion at the very top allows the plant base to be completely covered with sand as the dunes shift:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0374_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0374_1.jpg.html)


We found this Yucca that was almost all buried:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0543_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0543_1.jpg.html)


to be continued........

[QB93Z]

We drove another 3 hours southeast to Carlsbad, NM to visit Carlsbad Cavern National Park:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0728_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0728_1.jpg.html)


The cavern is the largest cavern in North America. The cavern can be accessed by walking about a mile and 800 feet down under ground or by a 750 foot elevator. In the cavern there is about 1.2 miles of paved paths.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0776.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0776.jpg.html)




The cavern is amazing. It is hard to find words to describe the massiveness of the cavern. The wide variety of formations in the cavern is astounding. Being deep underground, there is no natural light so all of the lighting to allow safe sightseeing is installed to highlight features but maintain the look and feel of a cave.


A feature I have not seen in other caves is the Popcorn Stalagmites. The process that creates them is not known:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0792.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0792.jpg.html)


It was hard to photograph the cave features but here are some samples:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0811.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0811.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0828_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0828_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0886_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0886_2.jpg.html)


to be continued.......

[QB93Z]

After exploring the Cavern, we had dinner and made our way to the outdoor amphitheater to see the bats swarm out of the cavern at twilight. We waited for the event and then a thunderstorm moved in and we had to leave. So we missed the bats.


On the way back to our hotel in Carlsbad, we were treated to a beautiful sunset:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0937.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0937.jpg.html)


Jim

[XfireZ51]

Jim,

Couple of questions:

1. Isn't Chile a country?

2. Find any Corvettes in the cavern?

3. How did u find that stunning sunset?

As always, great journal. U guys should have a show on PBS 😉

[QB93Z]

Jim,

Couple of questions:

1. Isn't Chile a country?

2. Find any Corvettes in the cavern?

3. How did u find that stunning sunset?

As always, great journal. U guys should have a show on PBS 😉



1. Spell checker didn't understand what I was typing.


2. I was thinking about sink holes as we were walking through the cavern, but, no Corvettes.


3. The beautiful sunset was enhanced by thunderstorms to the north and south of us as we drove back to Carlsbad.


And thank you.


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 27 - We drove from Carlsbad, NM to Santa Fe to visit my brother and his family.


We drove north on US-285. Traffic was light and we made good time:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0100.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0100.jpg.html)


We stopped in Roswell to catch up on the latest Aliens:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0043_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0043_1.jpg.html)


We drove to the plaza in Santa Fe and spent some time shopping and looking around the vibrant and active downtown markets:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0216_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0216_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0221.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0221.jpg.html)


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 28 On Monday we visited Bandelier National Monument, in Los Alamos, NM. The monument preserves the homes and territory of the Ancestral Puebloans of a later era in the Southwest. Most of the pueblo structures date to two eras, dating between 1150 and 1600 AD.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0396.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0396.jpg.html)


The park's main feature is Frijoles Canyon. The canyon was formed by erosion of layers of volcanic ash about 1000 feet thick, about 1 million years old. The volcanic ash was composed on different materials that eroded and different rates causing a "Swiss cheese" appearance:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0533.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0533.jpg.html)




Frijoles Canyon contains a number of ancestral pueblo homes, kivas (ceremonial structures), rock paintings, and petroglyphs. Some of the dwellings were rock structures built on the canyon floor; others were cavates produced by voids in the volcanic tuff of the canyon wall and carved out further by humans:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0581.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0581.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0613.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0613.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0695.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0695.jpg.html)


The canyon is home to many different plants and animals. Lyndi got a nice picture of a butterfly we hadn't seen before:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0777.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0777.jpg.html)


to be continued....

[XfireZ51]

Jim,

Actually the picture u posted has Chile spelled incorrectly. Did u eat there?

[QB93Z]

After hiking in Bandelier National Monument, we drove south to I-40 and then east to Tucumcari, NM. We got off the interstate and drove through town on an original section of US-66. Tucumcari is a depressed town that resulted with the loss of auto traffic when I-40 bypassed the town. We found many abandoned building and also many restored and operating historic US-66 structures:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0158_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0158_2.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0133.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0133.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0214_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0214_1.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0247.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0247.jpg.html)




We checked in to the Safari Motel. Built in 1956, the Safari has been restored to be a nice hotel with modern features, but still retaining its historic character:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0302_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0302_1.jpg.html)


Jim

[-=Jeff=-]

I think Tucumcari, NM was the town used for modeling in Radiator Springs in the Original Cars movie

[QB93Z]

Jim,

Actually the picture u posted has Chile spelled incorrectly. Did u eat there?



I guess they don't have the biggest chile in the world since the place in South America is a lot bigger than the one in Las Cruces. :)


Jim

[QB93Z]

I think Tucumcari, NM was the town used for modeling in Radiator Springs in the Original Cars movie



That makes sense. Tucumcari's "US-66" strip is one of the largest we have seen and the people here love their town.. It is a shame that so many of the buildings are decaying.


Jim

[Mr Blue]

Jim

Thanks for evoking memories. I visited Bandelier 34 years ago. An amazing place to say the least. Thanks for the travelogues. It allows the rest of us to live vicariously through you posts and pictures. Any encounters with the jackrabbits?

Be safe
David

[QB93Z]

Day 29 - We drove from Tucumcari, NM to Tulsa OK. We are on the home stretch of this road trip. We are planning about 450 miles per day. This gives enough time to sight see a little and still make distance down the track. Our route for the day is I-40 to Oklahoma City then I-44 to Tulsa:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0070.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0070.jpg.html)


One of my favorite things about I-40 is the effect of the prevailing wind from the south. Many of the trees and bushes have a permanent tilt to the north:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0210.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0210.jpg.html)




As we approached Amarillo, TX we saw a team repairing a high voltage power line using helicopter access:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0250.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0250.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0261.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0261.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0262.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0262.jpg.html)


Continuing on, we stopped at the Cadillac Range, six vintage Cadillacs half- buried in a field:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0400_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0400_1.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0377.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0377.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0313.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0313.jpg.html)


There is a tradition the people add paint to the Cadillacs. We didn't have any spray cans but we did have Lyndi's acrylics so Lyndi Painted a tribute to our two Kitties:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0352.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0352.jpg.html)


Who ever built this water tower is probably looking for a new job:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0454_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0454_1.jpg.html)




I-40 in Oklahoma parallels the original US-66. We stopped in the town of Shamrock to see two fine examples of the vintage Route 66 attractions:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0508.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0508.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0546.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0546.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

A little north of Oklahoma City, we had the great privilege to visit Jerry and Karen Downey and the Inner Sanctum of Jerry's Gaskets.


Thank you Jerry and Karen for a wonderful visit and for showing us the new house you are building.


After visiting Jerry's Gaskets, I can heartily reassure all ZR-1 owners that the future of our hobby is in good hands. Jerry has a very complete inventory of parts and gaskets that we need and a very robust program to develop and manufacture replacement for parts that are no longer available.


Jim

[gbrtng]

Did Jerry tell you about the goofy "filling station" on RT66 that you will be passing?
You just have to stop ... there are more varieties of soda pops ... beyond your imagination. It will be on your right ...

TGF

[QB93Z]

Day 30 - We drove from Tulsa, OK to Greenville, Illinois, (east of St Louis). From Tulsa, we stayed on I-44 and crossed into Missouri:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0687.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0687.jpg.html)


Lyndi spotted a sign for The Precious Moments Chapel so we had to take a slight detour to visit the home of the se collectible figurines. I found a relevant example:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0699_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0699_2.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0715_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0715_1.jpg.html)




In Springfield, MO, we successfully navigated to the World's Largest Fork:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0745.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0745.jpg.html)


to be continued....

[QB93Z]

For Phil, in Springfield we saw the Grizzly Tools store. Unfortunately we didn't have time or storage space to stop and shop.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0754.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0754.jpg.html)


We visited the Springfield Art Museum:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0858_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0858_1.jpg.html)




For a small art museum, the SAM has a nice collection and we enjoyed the two current exhibits. The American Impressionists collection was interesting. We found the American Watercolor Exhibit wonderful. The still life is a watercolor!


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0789.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0789.jpg.html)


As we passed through Sr Louis, Lyndi got a picture of the Arch:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0960.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0960.jpg.html)


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 31 - We drove from Greenville, IL to Jackson, OH. We crossed, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.


We stopped in Terre Haute, IN to visit the Swope Art Museum. The interesting feature of the Swope is that it is a museum of American Art. One of the current exhibit focuses on American Impressionism, our favorite style of art. The Swope is in a vintage building that has wonderful Art Deco design features:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0033.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0033.jpg.html)


The collection includes works by Thomas Benton, one of Lyndi's favorite artists. This image is Threshing Wheat:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0105_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0105_2.jpg.html)


I like this oil painting by Oliver Grover, an Illinois artist painting in the Victorian Romantic style. It is titled Harem Girl:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0037_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0037_1.jpg.html)





We enjoyed Terre Haute. The streets were easy to navigate and the people were friendly. We were very impressed by the Vigo County Office Building:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0163.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0163.jpg.html)






As we were driving around, Lyndi wanted a photo of the ZR-1 in front of Indiana State University. She had me make a right turn and as she was composing the shot I discovered I was facing the wrong way on a one- way street:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0145.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0145.jpg.html)


to be continued.....

[QB93Z]

On the streets of Terre Haute we came upon a horse drawn wagon that was part of a down town festival:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0007_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0007_1.jpg.html)


After I passed the wagon, Lyndi got a picture of the wagon trying to keep up with me:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0011_2.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0011_2.jpg.html)


Back in Las Cruzes, New Mexico we saw the Big Chile Inn and Dom wanted to know if we were in South America. Well, now I am not sure:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0187.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0187.jpg.html)


In Ohio, we drove through some very productive looking farm land. Since we live in a farming community in Carroll County, Maryland, Lyndi enjoyed taking farm pictures:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0245.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0245.jpg.html)


Jim

[Jagdpanzer]

Great photos Jim.
Back in the day on the farm I would have got my a$$ kicked if I planted rows as crooked as those four in the middle.

[gbrtng]

Great photos Jim.
Back in the day on the farm I would have got my a$$ kicked if I planted rows as crooked as those four in the middle.
The Amish farmer's GPS wasn't working that day ...

;)

[QB93Z]

Day 32 - We drove from Jackson, Ohio to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland is just a few hours from home but we wanted to stop and have dinner with one of my daughters.


First we drove west to The Serpent Mound in Adams County, Ohio:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0078_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0078_1.jpg.html)




The Serpent Mound is the largest effigy mound in the world. The mound was built by Native Americans about 1000 years ago, although the dating is not considered exact. The piled earthwork construction is about 1300 feet in length if it was straightened out and is a snake form with an oval/egg at its mouth. The head of the serpent is aligned with the position of the setting sun at the summer solstice.


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0111.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0111.jpg.html)


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0112_1.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0112_1.jpg.html)


We enjoyed visiting the Serpent Mound. It provokes thought and we will probably visit more mound sites throughout the central US.


Also in Adams County, OH, there are some Amish farmers. The Amish do not use motorized vehicles and driver caution is required to avoid their horse drawn buggies;


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0167.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0167.jpg.html)


I guess the conventional farmers demanded a sign also:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0171.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/2017%20SW%20Trip/DSC_0171.jpg.html)


Jim

[QB93Z]

Day 33 - Home again! We arrived in Westminster this morning. Everything is fine and the cats were glad to see us.


The 2017 Road Trip to the Southwest was a great success. We visited 16 states and 16 National Parks and National Monuments in 33 days. We drove 8,837 miles. The Purple Z ran perfectly with no problems.


While we were on the road, I made reservations at two of the Lodges in Glacier National Park for next summer. I will get busy planning the 2018 ZR-1 Road Trip to the Northwest and Canada.


See you on the road......


Jim

[Paul Workman]

Congratz on a safe return and a great trip! Thanks for taking us along, Jim and Lyndi!

As always, I (we) enjoy your trips very much - and look forward to the next, and for inspiring some us to "See the USA, in our Chevrolet!" :dancing:cheers:

[PhillipsLT5]

Thanks for the ride along, looked forward to your pics daily

[A26B]

A little north of Oklahoma City, we had the great privilege to visit Jerry and Karen Downey and the Inner Sanctum of Jerry's Gaskets.
Jim

Very happy that you had the time to stop & visit. Only wish we had more time! Congratulations on another incredible trip. Wouldn't it be cool to make a map with each of the trip routes marked in a different color, just to show the vast extent of your ZR-1 trips? WOW! I think you & Lyndy would definitely be alone at the top of the ZR-1 charts for road trips. Heck, GM should be interested in making a commercial to represent the ZR-1 Corvette Legacy when they roll out the "new" ZR-1.

Thanks again for stopping by. So glad you did......
Jerry & Karen

[QB93Z]

Very happy that you had the time to stop & visit. Only wish we had more time! Congratulations on another incredible trip. Wouldn't it be cool to make a map with each of the trip routes marked in a different color, just to show the vast extent of your ZR-1 trips? WOW! I think you & Lyndy would definitely be alone at the top of the ZR-1 charts for road trips. Heck, GM should be interested in making a commercial to represent the ZR-1 Corvette Legacy when they roll out the "new" ZR-1.

Thanks again for stopping by. So glad you did......
Jerry & Karen



I do have a map with pins in it in my garage:


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/File%20Jun%2011%2016%2000%2008.jpeg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/QB93Z/media/File%20Jun%2011%2016%2000%2008.jpeg.html)


The latest trip has white pins that are a little hard to see in the photo.


Jim

[Arctic91]

Welcome home, Jim! Congrats on another successful journey!

Scott

[tnova]

Glad you arrived safe and sound. Following your daily blogs became a morning ritual. Great to meet you in San Diego. Tony - tnova