For those of you that follow us on our Instagram account (@sailorsomen) or our Facebook page, you know last week my mom and I took some time off our busy schedules to do some exploring in the mid-west. It was really nice because we usually only see each other one or two times a year since she lives in my home state of Pennsylvania and I live in Florida. Some days its just too far.
The first day we deemed a travel day. We flew into Las Vegas and spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool (with drinks, of course!). I think it was the second flight of my life where I had a direct flight. Thank you Southwest Airlines!
The 2nd day we drove out to Joshua Tree, CA
to see a friend's band (Flagship Romance) play at a home benefit concert that night. The show was at a beautiful Airbnb named Home of the Heart owned by Valerie Brightheart. She had multiple domes called 'temples' with different healing themes and the local community was loving and inviting.
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| The view from our airbnb studio |
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| Natural Sisters Café: a great little café in the heart of Joshua Tree, CA! |
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| Just outside the Temple Dome at Home of the Heart |
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| Flagship Romance! |
The next day we spent touring Joshua Tree National Park. It was breathtaking seeing the bleached boulders against the clear blue sky, and there were so many different kinds of plants and cacti! Plus, there looks like there are a few fun climbing routes (although I don't think I'll attempt the one called "A Cheap Way to Die") It is now my goal to return and spend at minimum a long weekend exploring!
Thursday we met up with a guide who led us on a 12 mile kayak tour down the Colorado River from the Hoover Dam into Arizona. That is a place you MUST go! And if you do, hire Mojave Expeditions. Scott Morris (the guide) is one of the best. I had hired him roughly four ...maybe five years ago to do the same trip and I knew he wouldn't disappoint. He is full of knowledge of the history, flora & fauna of the area and makes you feel comfortable even if you aren't the most experienced paddler.
During the trip, we saw big horn rams quenching their thirst along the riverside, coyote, birds and fish. We explored emerald caves, jumped off cliffs and scoured ruins from the construction of the Hoover Dam. We hiked through canyons, soaked in natural hot springs, and conversed with Indian spirits in a sacred Indian sweat lodge. It was a fun filled day that really lets you connect with a beautiful place.
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| My mom enjoying one of the natural hot springs |
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| Big horn ram family enjoying a refreshing drink from the river |
Friday morning we got an amazing breakfast of tomato slices, the most ideal avocados ever, and bacon at the resort we were staying. My mom had a conference to go to in the morning, so I stole away to the spa. After an hour massage, some yummy fruit lemonade and a solitary 20 minutes in the wet sauna room with cucumber slices, I was feeling rested and relaxed - something I haven't felt in a loooonnng time.
In the afternoon we made our way over to the Vegas Strip. We spent the day shopping and eating dinner at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. It's a tradition. I recommend the Island Sangria and the Seafood Mac & Cheese, but plan on splitting the meal because its filling. Saturday we hung out by the pool, split a pitcher of white sangria and I taught my mom how to make bracelets.
Overall, the trip was too short. I am happy we did a lot and saw many things few people that come to Vegas rarely do, but it is never truly enough, is it?
