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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 9, 2019 - 10:19am PT
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I still have to mid April to get back to NY, but I'm heading out of Quartzsite as soon as I get offline.
The van had no problems on the way west, although after being in Q a while, I had the *Flat Tire Fiasco* where I had three repairs within a week's time. And then the brakes needed work. These things happen to everyone, and I bet many of my naysayers have had much more serious car issues when they have been on the road.
I really missed Joshua Tree and felt kind of weird for not going. Though I plan to return to Quartzsite again next year, I also need to take some time to be in JT. Just wish the camping there was more doable.
I learned a LOT about rock cutting, and met many people in the rock-shaping and selling network. My plan for back east is to join the local rock club in NY, which also has a lapidary shop, albeit a much smaller one, and continue to develop my skills. It's just been such a great feeling to be making pendants with stones I cut. In my time here this season, I purchase only 2 cabochons, both of which are very nice examples of their type and in stone too soft and pricey for a beginner like me to screw up on. I probably shaped 100 stones this season, but haven't counted yet, and I have some nice material ready to go when I get back to NY.
Quartszite is an odd town.... but for me the benefits really outweighed the negative aspects.
So - on to Prescott for a few days, and it's supposed to be cold and snowing for a few days. Then, a visit to Jerome, and a stay for another several days around Sedona. Then, Flagstaff area and north into the beautiful state of Utah for some time. I hope to visit Monument Valley formally this time, rather than just eyeing its majesty as I drive through. Will spend some time around Canyonlands and then Moab, and then want to spend some time near Grand Junction, before....time to get headed back east for family visit and then work. I just hope it's not snowing still by then!
As usual - a spam announcement for two reasons. To peeve certain people, and to raise funds for gas money.
 Chalkbags - http://www.ClimbAddictDesigns.Etsy.com
Stone Pendants & Jewelry - http://www.TalismanToo.Etsy.com
Hair Accessories - http://www.TalismanStudios.Etsy.com
Images from on the road, on Instagram at http://www.Instagram.com/TalismanToo
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Yeah, Quartzite is weird. Happie trails, Happie!
BAd
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 9, 2019 - 10:47am PT
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Weird, but ya get used to it.... I actually found myself looking at a cowboy hat in a vendor's booth... No, I didn't buy it.
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originalpmac
Mountain climber
Timbers of Fennario
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Happie, enjoy your trip! I moved to Prescott from rural VA with some friends when I was seventeen. I learned to climb there. There are some great spots around there, weather permitting. I mentioned Sullys Canyon in another thread as a place you might escape the weather. Its near Chino Valley. If the weather is good, Thumbe Butte has some great routes on it, Groom Creek is awesome bouldering, and Granite Mountain is just perfect.
The Haunted Hamburger in Jerome has a great burger and a banging view. 'The Mace' in Sedona is one of the coolest routes I've ever climbed.
There is a place east of I-17 near I believe where 89a puts you back on the highway called 'The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek' (seriously) Its a 3.5 mile hike in to one of the prettiest swimming holes ever. Might be too cold to swim but a special place nonetheless.
Hope your trip goes well!
And cowboy hats are great if your in the sun. I prefer straw hats or felt.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 9, 2019 - 01:50pm PT
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Thanks for the great suggestions! John M- maybe next year I can go through Kingman/Bulkhead City on my way in or out. I used to go through Kingman every time, but after seeing Utah, my oath has been drawn that way. And on the way down this time, I had such an urge to visit Medulla and eat at La Posta that I detoured quite a bit south to do it!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, terrie! happy trails, happy trip!!
wow, this is great:
It's just been such a great feeling to be making pendants with stones I cut
:)
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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If you find yourself on I70 through Missouri, between Columbia and St. Louis is Grahams Cave State Park. It's far enough off the road but not far at all. Great camping and showers to boot for $8. And a camp host. It was my stop every time commuting from Denver to W.V. and back. Exactly halfway 10 hrs.
Just sayin'
Happy trails!!!
S....
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, Bozeman, the ocean, or ?
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Be safe Hap.
I’ll be shopping! :-)
Susan
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 9, 2019 - 05:51pm PT
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Hahah - I just sold a pendant to a guy I was chatting with at the Starbucks here in Prescott. We chatted for a looooong time and he kept asking questions and just as I was thinking "Well, how do I tell this person I'm done talking..." he says "Do you have your jewelry with you?"
I had also bought new display cases and display pads while in Quartzsite and this was the first time I have sold out of them. Was much more professional looking than my old storage box, which is better suited for inventory storage on supplies.
Can't expect that to happen too often, but it was pretty sweet that it happened today!
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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I dig the seasonal migrations that you pull off! Happie Roads indeed.
Good call passing on the cowboy hat...it can seem like such a good idea but then...
Keep us posted Happie, I'd love to share tea and check out your craft items if we happen to be in the same place-time. I will be in Moab/GJ area again next week and then back on the Front Range; if we line up you definitely have safe harbor with us in FoCO (parking & free wifi/Lucas-friendly indoor space/shower, any or all) if you'd like. Shoot, it might be warm enough that we could go enjoy a nice moderate multi-pitch at my home granite Grey Rock.
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Pennsylenvy
Gym climber
A dingy corner in your refrigerator
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Happie !
If your in Jerome, I may be able to get you a sweet place to stay. Have a couple vouchers left from a historic hotel I worked on . LMK
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2019 - 08:21am PT
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I'm in Prescott for the next few days - will be in Jerome on Tuesday. Thanks for the parking tip - last year I came through and there was not a single spot I could find. Admittedly, I am not about to do a squeeze job that involves backing up in a parallel parking spot but I was shocked at how full the place was.
Pennsylenvy - If they allow doggies that could be cool, but most places don't, and I wouldn't want to impose my dog to an establishment that prefers not to have them. I'm hoping this rainy weather coming is going to be lightweight rain and not real rain....
Moab arrival isn't for at least two weeks.
My plan is to leave Grand Junction about April 1st, so Moab will be probably March 20th-25thish.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2019 - 07:52pm PT
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Got to Sedona yesterday. This afternoon Lucas and I hiked a section of the Soldiers Pass trail. Not that I've been on so many of the trails the few times I've been here, but this has been my favorite. By far.
Tomorrow the plan is to get up early and get a parking spot at a trailhead. Any suggestions for a half day hike(for me and Lucas that becomes a full day with all the sniffing and picture taking). Moderate to strenuous is fine.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Mar 16, 2019 - 07:55pm PT
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safe travels happy!
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Mar 16, 2019 - 11:46pm PT
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To peeve certain people
😀😀😀 that’s the spirit!
Happie Trails, I’ll watch for you in Moab.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 20, 2019 - 07:53pm PT
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It took me about 45 minutes to get from the trailhead at Thunder Mountain to the end of traffic heading up 89A towards Flagstaff. But here I am, on my way again - kind of.
The forecast ain't so great for the next several days. Going to stay in Flagstaff Thursday and go to a movie, get a shower and get some orders sent out. But then what....
I WAS going to leave Friday and stay Friday night in Tuba City as a travel stop, and then head to Valley of the Gods on Saturday.
But I see that it's really not that long to get to Tuba City. But kind of long(for me) to go from Flagstaff to Valley of the Gods in one day.
So...I'm thinking to detour up around Page and then come back south to 163 and on to Valley of the Gods.
So - what's to do in that region around Page - besides Antelope Canyon(too much a hassle to deal with). Been to Horseshoe Bend. Been to the Visitor Center by the Glen Canyon Damn. I'm more interested in scenic hiking. However - it is rainy in the area, so don't want to get on roads that could be potentially soupy.
And then - I've never been to Valley of the Gods, although have been in the area(went up Moki Dugway to Cedar Mesa and hiked there once).
Questions:
By Saturday/Sunday, should I be concerned about the roads with the rain that's in the forecast?
Any special spots people would recommend?
I'm not sure how many days I will spend in there, and then would like to stop at one or two other places between there and Moab. I'd like to do two overnights in VoGs, and two more nights before getting into Moab, but not sure if I can handle internet withdrawal for that long.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 21, 2019 - 07:05am PT
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Okay...great suggestions!(kidding).
I decided what to do. Will head out tomorrow at a time that makes a walk around Tuba City and rest there for the night timely. Then, on to Monument Valley. Hopefully camping won't be too expensive there, but if so, then will continue to VoG area to sleep on BLM.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 25, 2019 - 10:51am PT
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I'm in Blanding.... Going to camp one more night before Moab. Already planning for a more Utah-centric return next spring. Just, as usual, don't have disposable cash for entry fees, anddidnt buy a National Park Pass due to dog restrictions.
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