On the Road Again: Scout Summer 2025
We've officially kicked off Scout Summer 2025 - our 6th summer on the road. So far we've explored Eastern Arizona, Western New Mexico, and yesterday we crossed the border into "Colorful Colorado". Our first night was spent on the Rim and we were welcomed back to the road with a fiery Arizona sunset and views for days.
Although I spent many summer weekends growing up exploring the Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, and playing in the Ponderosa Pines, this is the first year we've driven this route. Exploring a new part of the state together was a reminder that there's so much to enjoy in our own backyard. I'm always amazed by the sheer abundance of public lands we have in our state (and this week, even more grateful for it).
I'm also amazed by the sheer increase in activity our bodies get once we're back on the road. Our first weekend kicked off strong with a somewhat accidental 7.5 mile hike (Nick also biked 18 miles this day), followed by a 12 mile day on Mt. Baldy. I've never seen Rona so pooped or covered in dust. We actually had to carry her a bit because of the heat, which we've never done before.
We took a brief (and much needed) rest day, and then Nick biked 26 miles from Big Lake to Alpine, AZ on what he describes as "the best downhill ride of his life". I followed in the truck and scooped him before we crossed the state line.
In NM we found ourselves once again running from the heat we'd been seeking to escape in Phoenix. We weren't the only ones - we also met a solo female cyclist biking from Mexico to Canada on the Continental Divide. We were able to offer her water, a cold Gatorade and some clementines, but no A/C. We're wishing Brenna luck and safety on her journey North!
By the time we'd driven through Gallup and Farmington, it's safe to say we were very, very grateful to say "hasta la vista" to NM and greet CO. Instantly we felt called home by the snowcapped peaks and plentiful summer brewery patios.
After making a quick stop at Ska in Durango, we ventured North to what I hoped would be an accessible and scenic spot. On CO dirt roads the later is almost guaranteed, but the former most certainly is not. We took a road leading behind Purgatory and, after some sunset chasing and our first moose sighting of the summer, found what we've officially ranked our #2 campsite in the state (Crested Butte is the long-time #1 spot holder).
We'll spend the next few days here with the chipmunks munching on dandelions, giant yellow swallowtail butterflies, and the steady babble of the creek to keep us company. It feels right to be settled in here for a few days to soak this place in. Slowing down gives us the chance to stretch our legs out, both literally and figuratively (this is the most "set up" we've maybe ever been at camp).
Ending this first week feeling grateful for the balance these few months bring to our normally busy life and the reset that only living amongst nature can offer.
Keep on roaming on,
M
