Leaving the Tucson area and Oro Valley behind, our RV took us north to Dead Horse Ranch State Park. The name isn’t my favorite, but its location just a short drive from Sedona, a place we adore, made it a great stop.

We embraced a bit of adventure with a bike ride to Tuzigoot National Monument from the park. It wasn’t a simple ride, requiring some effort and map-reading skills!

Sedona

A day trip to Sedona called for a hike to the iconic Devils Bridge. Finding parking further down the road added an easy mile to our trek. The climb itself, however, presented a rocky challenge, but the panoramic views from the top were our reward. We soon discovered a lengthy line to actually walk onto the bridge. Despite our usual aversion to lines, we decided this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience – exactly the kind of thing this trip is about! While Sam confidently ventured onto the bridge (he said it wasn’t bad!), my fear of heights kept me firmly planted. Let’s just say I had some vivid dreams that night!

Even though we’ve visited Sedona before, this was our first real taste of its hiking trails, and I’m already hoping to return to explore more. We even skipped the shops this time!

One evening at Dead Horse Ranch, we relished the simple pleasure of cooking over an open fire. Opportunities for campfires have been scarce lately, so our steak, corn, roasted garlic, and all the fixings felt like a true celebration. We’re hoping for more fireside meals as we head towards cooler climates.

Lake Havasu

Our next destination was Lake Havasu State Park, where we snagged a fantastic campsite right by the water. Surprisingly, it turned out to be the loudest lake I’ve ever encountered, and the relentless 90-100 degree heat made outdoor relaxation difficult, even by the water. It was far too hot for kayaking, and the constant boat traffic didn’t seem safe.  Annie was in heaven though, enjoying swims and endless ball chasing! A definite highlight was a relaxing sunset cruise with Lake Havasu Sunset Charter and Tour Company – a great option if you’re without your own boat.

And now, the big leap – we’re heading to California! Driving (and riding) across the country still feels surreal, but here we go!

Have you ever embarked on a cross-country adventure? Share your stories in the comments!