Whenever the month of May comes around, Dave gets antsy. The mountains are calling. He calls it a longing—to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and return to his roots.
And so the trek begins. I have to admit, we have this down to a science. Two 12-hour days, from Phoenix, Arizona to Canmore, Alberta. The Jeep is expertly packed and filled to the gills, with art supplies, hiking gear, mountain bikes and musical instruments. What else does one need? Oh yes. Golf clubs—check.
Dota is ready to travel before we are.
Puccini is not so sure
Our pups, Dota and Puccini are experienced travelers. It takes them about 30 minutes to realize that they aren’t going to the veterinarian. Then, they settle in and it’s smooth sailing.
We leave early. Really early. The sun is rising just as we reach Flagstaff. Then we travel north, up through Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam to Utah. We spend the night in Pocatello.
South of Flagstaff, Arizona
Downtown Flagstaff, Arizona
The Colorado River, Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona
Day two, up at 4am. The sun rises in Idaho, then it’s off through Montana. Doggie stops and photo ops all along the way. With any luck we reach the border by noon.
Early morning, outside Pocatello, Idaho
On the road near Dillon, Montana
Just outside Canmore, Alberta
We are home free. We travel through Lethbridge (where my Dad was born), Fort Macleod and Calgary. By late afternoon, we have reached our destination. Our home away from home.
Happy Summer.