February started with our annual pilgrimage to Park City. Though the snow wasn’t much to speak of in 2012, 429-a-palooza never disappoints for stories and fun. This year was no exception. New comers Dana and Dave (and Lulu!) added our spark of spontaneity. From Canyons to Alta to Superbowl Sunday, we made sure that 7.0 was one for the record books. By Monday the 6th, we were tired, exhausted by our vacation.
World Cup Aerials
Jimbo, Chic, Mel and Keiran
I got this, honest
Apres at the Canyons
Huh?
Advil - Life Saver
Sweet Sweet Sunny Skiing
PBR the drink of ski champions everywhere
Snow Dance
Baggin' the Bag
Self Portrait on a perfect day
The whole crew!
But Monday brought a surprise. A broken pipe at Vertical Media’s Teton Cabins in Driggs meant we were headed north for more winter. 5 days of Idaho cold was enough for us. Friday we got back into Frank and started driving towards Spring.
After a pit stop in Salt Lake to see Jimmie and Keri, we bolted for St. George for new tires for Frank then a stop for RV supplies in Las Vegas.
Here we had an impromtu Vegas Valentines Day (at Pepis Mexican) and a shiny new chrome City Water Valve. Our next stop was Scottsdale where we arrived just in time to say hello to Minnie who came to visit Ann and Scott with friends Martha and John. Together we all celebrated a local tradition at the Tonto Grill in Cave Creek.
Tacos and Champagne for Valentines
After one last trip to a repair shop for Frank’s heater, we were off to Chandler for a day of water and family. Dad and Lisa drove from Prescott for the Arizona Senior Olympics. Impressed, we watched atheletes from ages 50 to 87 swim lap after lap. Brett, Peg, Brittany and Timmy drove up from Tucson and we all counted laps, caught up and had a great day in the sun. Dad racked up medals for his 200 yard freestyle and MILE LONG 33 lap swim at the end of the day. I was tired just watching.
Arizona Senior Olympics
We wore our coats while Dad swam in the unheated pool
Even Lovey needs an extra layer
Brett chats with Dad prerace
Lining Up
and he's off!
Coming down the stretch
Dad on lap 25 of his mile swim
DONE!
Collecting well deserved Bling!
We ended the day with pineapple martinis and lemonades at the Firebird Grill. Tim and I then drove the last hour to our goal. Outside of Tucson, we have returned to our favorite campsite in the West. Off Willow Creek Springs road, we set up camp within sight of a cell tour and 25 miles of singletrack.
Back where we belong
Painter Boy Trail - Beautiful Sonoran Singletrack
Yucca Plant - Ready for Spring
Our evening view
And here we’ve stayed. With a few trips to town and one side trip to Golder Ranch for some more riding, here Tim and I rode and worked and relaxed in the desert. After 34 hours and 2000 miles of driving in the first 15 days of February, we were ready to go nowhere. Now we’re off to TX, but after a good dose of desert mojo, we’re ready for our next 1000 miles.