So Petrified Forest was very cool, and we got lots of pictures that (as usual) will be put up at a later date...cause that's how we roll! Unfortunately once we got out of NM and the "high desert" and came down to the Arizona "burn your face off desert" (as Rob so endearingly dubbed it) my northern temperate heritage could no longer handle the heat. After only about 15 minutes out of the car looking at the awesome petrified logs, I started noticing signs of overheating that set off my personal warning bells (I imagine them as the kind that go "woooop woooop woooop") letting me know that I was in trouble. Back in the air-conditioned car I drank 2 full nalgene bottles and we drove straight through the rest of the park, enjoying the amazing scenery from the car. We also got to look at the car's outdoor temperature sensor (which is surprisingly accurate) and got to see it hit a whopping 107*!
Despite hanging out in the visitors center for a bit and getting some cold water in me, the damage from getting over heated was done. The stress on my body set off my anxiety and after dinner we decided to get a hotel for the night. Rob was excellent, managing to get us a room (and me inside it) while making sure not to do anything that would make my anxiety worse. Not as simple a task as it may sound like folks!
So after waking up this morning feeling much better, we checked the weather and saw the massive heat wave headed this way (130* forecast in many areas!) we have sadly made the decision to start heading toward Califonia, and leaving the many amazing sites out here for another trip, preferably in late fall! So stay tuned for further unexpected adventures of Miriam and Rob, Road Trippers!
-Miriam, The No Longer Overheated
Hey Road Trippers!
ReplyDeleteI thought the main idea of your travels was to "go with the flow". Stopping & staying wherever & for as long as you wanted...no real or strict itinerary. It is always sad to have to pass up certain things, but you guys made the right decision, as usual. Unlike the popular saying, "It is better to look good than to feel good", you know the truth. It's ALWAYS better to FEEL GOOD! Then you can do almost anything!
A trip back sounds like an awesome thing to look forward to. I have actually stopped "going away", b/c it makes me too sad when it's over & I have to leave & wind-up ruing my last few days instead of enjoying them..stupid, huh?! When you go back, you guys will be pros at it then. Just think, right now, all the knowledge you guys have given to us out here, so far, that will benefit someone else's visit to where you've been. There's really nothing like the info anyone can receive from someone's first-hand experiences. You know,..."been there, done that"!
Hope your stay in a motel is a welcome comfort & you get to stay a little (as long as finances allow) & enjoy any amenities they offer...hot showers, AC, soft beds, pool, wifi, electrical outlets for charging, and not mention TV!
So, just HAVE FUN, be safe and continue to take care of & enjoy each other...you have all the time in the world!
Love,
Ma
P.S. Pop says he's been watching the weather in your neck-of-the woods & the temps are ALMOST record breaking. There's a BIG HEAT WAVE! Said in AZ the record of 135* was back in 1859! Hey, Rob--wear sunglasses, so you don't burn your retnas out!! hahaha
Love you both!