Chiricahua National Monument – Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Chiricahua National Monument - Golden hour views from Sugarloaf Mountain trail

Might be a few days behind schedule but I finally made it to Chiricahua National Monument for actual hiking & exploration. To start the afternoon I slowed down a bit and just cruised through the park getting a lay of the land & soaking in the amazing scenery.  Eventually I booked a campsite and then … Read more

Chiricahua National Monument – First Attempt 2019

Storm clouds forming over Chiricahua Mountains

Spent the night in Sierra Vista, Arizona hanging out with my Dad who was on his own mini motorcycle vacation. Headed out in the morning with intention of visiting Coronado National Monument but it was windy, drizzling, and threatening rain all morning. Instead I decided to spend most of the day driving east-northeast. Passed through … Read more

The Dells Mill & Museum

The Dells Mill & Museum

Made a quick stop in Augusta, Wisconsin to see The Dells Mill & Museum, a historic site and a top scenic destination in the state. Built in 1864 as a grist mill it was in continuous operation until as recent as 1968. Sadly I arrived too late for any tours or views inside the museum … Read more

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam - Front/Side View

Back in Vegas for the final full day of exploration.  Decided to visit the engineering marvel that is the Hoover Dam and take the tours.  Parking at the free lots above the dam I walked across and like most tourists stopped first to stand across the Nevada-Arizona border. Outside the structures are several art pieces … Read more

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Down the highway from Sunset is the Walnut Canyon National Monument.  This site preserves the early cliff side dwellings of the Sinagua culture dating back to about 1100 CE, near the same time of Sunset’s eruption.  Can you imagine what they saw in the distant sky from their caves on that day?  Crazy to imagine. … Read more

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

I spent a good portion of last night trying to determine my next destination, and still haven’t decided.  So instead, I am winding my way through some local monuments.  First stop near Flagstaff is the Sunset Crater Volcano.  Last erupting about 1,000 years ago, it blanketed the surrounding 800 square miles in ash changing the … Read more