We made it back to Saint Paul on Monday evening after a grueling four day drive from Arizona. I learned a new word on our first day of the journey back home, Haboob.
These pictures were taken during some of the better driving conditions when I could actually take my hand off of the wheel for a second. Haboobs aren’t as fun as the word would imply, they’re basically sand blizzards and we drove through one most of the way between Flagstaff, Arizona and Guymon, Oklahoma.
Winds were gusting at near hurricane levels and blowing clouds of sand and dust. Visibility was down to just a few feet at some points in the drive.
Despite the ice storm on the way down to Arizona and the haboob on the way back the two months away were cleansing, recharging, and inspirational.
Here is a montage of photos and video clips we took during our stay in the gorgeous Southwest.
On the brighter side, we made some great memories in Sedona this year. We enjoyed our time there. My brother and I also found a very peaceful spot in the red rock desert to spread our Father’s ashes. My Dad would have loved Sedona and now, when we return to visit in the winter time we can go visit his resting place as well.
I find myself missing the beauty, the nature, and the wide open space of Sedona. Although everything here in Minnesota is still brown, cold, and dirty spring will come soon and we’ll have the good fortune of experiencing Spring twice.
Life now beckons and there are many goals to achieve in 2022 and I’m ready to get busy. This trip was a good reminder that we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse of the American Southwest!
Eric
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(Photos are original.)
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