A new adventure

Found a good route home that included a quick stop at Petrified Forest.  Unfortunately,  all of the main wood formations were about 25 miles south of where I was.  I just wasn't feeling like the extra hour and a half of driving,  so I skipped this part and headed to the painted desert area.  Very pretty colors and a really interesting old inn that was a nice historical building. I am feeling anxious to be home, now that I have made the decision to be there.  Will be a couple of days of hard driving, but I can rest when I am back home.  Looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up.

The north part of the park is so amazing with all the rock formations and climbing routes. Took the rangers advice and summited Ryan Mountain.  Great views of the entire area.  Felt like standing in top of the world! Another nice warm night in the desert.  I am sleeping so much better with out the cold making me bundle up.  Cold feet keep me up at night! I am starting to realize that I am feeling a little burned out.   I am not appreciating this park the way I should be.  I think it is time to head home and take a rest.  Will sit down and plan out a route and see what is between here and home.

Took a break at a hotel for the night before heading to the valley.  Big, beautiful place.  Did realize that there are actually two different valleys.  Big, vast open areas.  Lots of beautiful colors and mountains.  Nice to be in a little warmer place.  Camped in the Valley.  Amazing night, so I left the rain fly off and enjoyed looking at the stars.  Temperature was perfect and I slept with my sheet and a fleece blanket.  First night on my new sleep pad.  Pretty comfy.  Exploring the rest of the park tomorrow,  the heading down through the Mohave Preserve on my way to Joshua Tree.