After exploring the Bearizona drive-through park, Graham and I ventured to Flagstaff for some cool, fresh air. We returned to Forest Road 420, where we’ve camped before. We even took our Christmas card photos there a couple of years ago.
We found a camping spot just off the road and set up the hammock. We decided not to pitch a tent this time. Graham put together a sort of truck tent by leaving open the back of the Jeep and putting the tent’s rain cover over the opening. (More on that later.)
| The dogs love running around our campsite. |
Later, we went on a short stroll, where we came upon this view.
I love how little you need to do to have a good time outdoors. Later we made dinner and talked before heading into our truck tent. We blew up the air mattress and placed it in the Jeep. I must say, it was the most comfortable bed I’ve had while camping. But, as you can imagine, it was chilly that night. The temperature dropped from about the 70s to the 30s. We couldn’t use the heater because we weren’t in our tent and there was no place safe place to put it, so we cuddled each other for warmth. In the morning we turned on the Jeep for a while to warm up while packing up our stuff.
We started our Sunday by driving to Arizona Snowbowl Road to see the Aspens. While getting out to snap photos, I turned around and spotted two deer. Then three more crossed the road to join them! Sometimes it pays off to wake up at 5:30 a.m.
The view from the end of the road is always impressive. We didn’t quite summon the energy to climb to the top of Humphreys Peak again, like we did in 2011. Maybe sometime soon!