Raejean & Tessie's Photographic EV Road Trip

June 8th Hotel (1 night): Residence Inn by Marriott. The temperatures cooled delightfully on the drive North on Route 17. I connected with longtime family friends, Becky, Marin and Porter Gewald at Pie Pan for pizza and gelato. We had a fun time chatting. Afterwards, the kids wanted to see the Tesla. We all dissolved in giggles at the "Emissions" part of the toy box--a diverse range of farts as I pressed the turn signal. With a little bit of circling around, I finally found the supercharger at a Marriott Courtside. Typical of in town chargers, it was not the speediest charger I have visited. However, I have plenty of time, so not a problem. Unfortunately the historic home in town is closed due to Covid and the Museum of Northern Arizona on limited hours--is closed today. Got a couple of nice shots of historic Flagstaff waking up in the early morning light. I will pick up a couple of supplies and head up to Page, AZ on the way to Zion. A great start, to a great adventure!

Hotel (2 nights): Fairfield Suites, Virgin, Utah Wednesday, June 9th, 5 hour drive,
Out of Flagstaff about 40 minutes is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. One of the tips from my Road trip guru friend (VP of Electric Auto Assocation), Elaine Borseth, is to be observant of my Tesla's map, watching for any interesting places to stop spontaneously. I found such a place in Sunset Crater Volcano National Park. Not far off the highway, there is a nice visitor's center where you can be treated to a little education on how this volcano blew its top, over 1,000 years ago. A large crater was created which looks spectacular at sunset. The night sky is also excellent here, I'm told. It is also the story of the Native Americans who lived here off an on. A quick stop, but nourishing.

Charging Stop: Page, Drove to Virgin. Settled In.

Thursday, June 10th Woke up at 5:45 am to get to the Zion Visitor's Center to catch the shuttle. Very crowded, 1 hour line. Took the free Shuttle to the River Walk hike, which was lovely. The contrast of the soaring red cliffs with the river below . . . I was in "awe". Back at the visitor's center, I attended a ranger talk on the patio--Geology. Explained the many layers of rock, through millions of years. Zion is the 3rd most popular park, nationally, and I see why. The scenery is so dramatic, it has to be seen to really experience its unique beauty, and to feel the sense of time in all the layers of rock.

There were two Clipper Creek chargers, both occupied--one of them by a gas car. I filled out a comment card for the ranger. We need MORE chargers in our national parks, especially in these remote locations, where it is quite a distance to a supercharger.

Next time I will definitely stay in Springdale. Remind me to never stay at a hotel without a destination charger to give me a full tank in the morning. It's not so much fun to chase around to find hotels to beg for a a few hours of charge when you are far from a supercharger.

Friday, June 11th, 1 hour drive Hotel (1 night): Town Place Suites Activities: Dinosaur Museum, Native American Petrogylphs Up early for this short drive to St George and a supercharge. Then off for a nice walk and visit to Pioneer Park and Red Hills Desert Garden. Photographs in the early morning light. Then, a visit to the Dinosaur Museum. They love their dinosaur tracks, and do an excellent job of educating us all on prehistory. I then took a drive to Ivins, Utah, a lovely town on the edge of gorgeous Red Rocks. Think Sedona, without the crowds. I found an artist's center with a charming luncheon cafe. Afterwards, I browsed five lovely galleries with Native American crafts, gourds, and paintings created by local artists. This area is called Coyote Gulch Arts Village in the Kayenta area. I loved it! I next took a ride to the nearby Snow Canyon State Park. Breathtaking red rocks, lava beds and petroglyphs. It was too hot to hike, unfortunately, but I would definitely return for a couple days of hiking in this beautiful State Park. Oh, forgot to mention, Tessie complained that she hadn't had a bath in awhile and the bugs on her windscreen really were annoying her. So, we found Fabulous Freddie car wash, a not to be missed attraction if you visit St. George.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday, June 12 - 14th, 5 hour drive, Bob and Marnie's Beautiful Home Activities: Hiking, Eating. Saturday Arriving at 5 pm, just in time for a quick dinner, then off to the neighbors for a well-attended driveway concert. The band--guitars, sax, drums, playing blues, rock, Grateful Dead--playing foot tapping tunes in the fresh mountain air (7,000 feet). Loved it! Sunday A most beautiful 5,000 sf home overlooking the Jordanelle reservoir--FIVE stars! Best of all was reconnecting with Bob and Marnie. I was treated to a beautiful day out at Teapot Lake in the Uinta's--but first a stop at Samak (Kamas spelled backwards). They had the most delicious Sticky, trail bar. Bob and Marnie love the Big Foot sandwich. We hung out at the lake, and capped it off with a walk around the lake for the full views. Saw a very surprised 5 year boy old catch a tiger trout--big one, about 8 inches! In the evening, we headed up to Stein Erickson lodge, a gorgeous and delicious place to sit out on the deck around a fire pit with long time Dallas friends, Carl, Joanie, Debbie and Steve. Monday Shopping trip to Park City with Marnie

Tuesday, June 15th, 5.5 Hour drive Hotel: (3 nights) Knob Hill Inn,Ketchum, Destination charger, Activities: Scenic Overlook via Bald Mtn. Trail and Fox Creek Trail. Heading down the mountain from Hideout around 8ish, I stopped for supplies and realized I needed some breakfast. Checking out YELP, I found the Old Fashioned Pancake House in Salt Lake City. It's not far off the 15, so I would highly recommend stopping here if you are passing through. A four page menu offers one of the most comprehensive variety of pancakes, including German, Swedish and crepes. They boast a secret buttermilk recipe. I chose pumpkin. My last supercharge spot of the day was Twin Falls, Idaho. An excellent find, as it turns out. It's located next to a visitor center overlooking the Snake River, that carves deeply down into a canyon. The interpretive signs tell the story of Evil Knievel attempting to jump across in his motorcycle in 1974 (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2961). Are you old enough to remember that? It's quite the story. Wednesday, June 17th - Ketchum "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." John Muir. Up early to hike the Scenic Overlook Via Bald Mountain Trail. It was a good cardio, and I was pleased to do 4 miles, with tons of elevation, through a largely shaded single track trail. Thursday- Ketchum Fox Creek trail today. A beautiful 6.9 mile loop trail heading up 1020', giving expansive views of the mountains and meadows. Encountered just a handful of hikers/bikers. The only sounds were singing birds and the rustling of the the aspens. Dusting off the trail, I treated myself to a massage at the beautiful health spa, Zenergy. Lunch was at the go-to spot, Big Wood Bread--not to be missed. Kale and quinoa salad with apricot dressing--yummy! Leaving tomorrow for Stanley--this boutique hotel, the only one with a Tesla charger, has been delightful. Although I didn't get a chance to eat here--they have a very popular restaurant, where I overheard guests ordering fresh trout.

Friday, June 18th, drive 1 hour Hotel (3 nights) : Stanley Vacation Rentals, Kitchenette (Not the Stanley RV Camp--as pictured on Roadtrippers.) Activity: Photography Workshop by Dan Ballard Sawtooth Mountains Dan's photography workshop promised lots of individual attention with only 10 participants, and that proved true. Due to the northerly location and the timing near the solstice, we rise early for our group call at 4:55 am in 36 degree weather. Dan stakes out amazing locations, one on an easement through the private lands of a ranch near a stream. The Sawtooth mountains prevailed over the entire area--jagged, snow-capped and simply stunning. Rivers, creeks and lakes are plentiful. Do stop in at the Gerheim Gallery. You will meet artist/photographer Thad Gerheim. The photographs are stunning. Thad prides himself in showcasing only the Stanley area. He states that he has no need to travel to international iconic photographic sites. He has all the beauty and mystery that he needs in Stanley and surrounding area. The Bakery Cafe has amazing breakfast and lunch fare as good as anything in San Francisco or Portland. I stayed in a 1 bedroom overlooking a meadow and awoke to a chorus of birds. While there were folks coming into the dirt-paved town of 70 residents to begin their fly-fishing and Salmon River rafting adventures, it was not overcrowded. My accommodations adjacent to the Sawtooth Spirit retail shop had a 110 outlet that I used to top up my batteries each night to get ready for my trip down the mountain to Ontario. The owner promised he would talk to the town council about getting public charging. And down the mountain it was. I gained miles from the regen and it took about 50 less miles than anticipated on arrival in Ontario. On the workshop--I learned so much and ended up with amazing photo images. Most importantly, I gained new ways of looking at beauty, drama and the mystery of nature and how best to attempt capture it in a photo. I signed up for Dan's workshop in Moab, Utah in November. He is a great photographer and dedicated teacher. The experience exceeded my expectations in every way. (danballardphotography.com)