Back in the Saddle - Mexico and the Southwest

First blog post in over a year! For many Americans there is an overwhelming feeling that the pandemic is over. Time to get back on the road. But first a look back at some of the more local travels in the past year.

So what hasn't already been said about 2020? At the beginning of the year I'd planned a few jaunts to Europe, a trip to French Polynesia and a run down to South Africa. Then 2020 really started popping and travel was abruptly off the table. I spent most of February, March, April and May at home - the longest I've gone without travelling in 7 years. It was weird, not planned or wanted but also peaceful. There was no fear of missing out, no pressure to get going anywhere and nowhere to really go anyway. We got a chance to reflect and appreciate what we've been able to experience in life. Honestly I really can't say it was all that bad.

Once business started to return and strategies for safe traveling emerged, things began to slowly open and travel was back on the table. For years I've wanted to reacquaint myself with the American southwest and it seemed as if now was the perfect time. I dug out my favorite all denim outfit and threw on my wannabe Indiana Jones hat and we hit the road.

Nevada was our first stop. After seeing an empty Las Vegas and renting a couple of classic cars, we went out to the Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon. The geological formations and desert sunsets synced up perfectly with the beautiful old school cars. I got to take the new drone on her maiden voyage. Shooting was fun and easy. Pure Americana. Manifest destiny got even less popular this year but it's a vibe that shouldn't die. Plus I got to pretend that an all-denim outfit was in again.

If you've read our blogs or scene our posts, you know that renting classic cars has become a favorite of mine for those places that require a set of wheels. There are a growing number of apps and businesses looking to cater to the gradually increasing demand and if this kinda thing appeals to you, it's surprisingly easy to arrange.

After Nevada was the great state of Utah. The Bonneville Salt Flats never fail to impress. A 60 square mile chunk of salt desert used for drag racing, camping and all sorts of car commercials. We hit the oasis of white with a modern car to pick up some speed. Be careful with how much salt you track. We vacuumed out at least a few pounds of the car before returning it.

B was nauseous from the speeding car so she wanted to sit in the salt for a bit of quiet time. I hate to admit it but we hauled ass outta there so fast that we lost her on the horizon in seconds. It took about 20 minutes to find her after we were done. Sorry B...

Heading south into Utah, we hit up most of the big name parks: Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Canyonlands was the run away favorite. It's most popular attraction, the Mesa Arch, didn't fail to impress. Get here at sunrise (pandemic or no pandemic) and you'll be joined by dozens of other photographers and visitors huddled around trying to get the same shot. Forget social distancing. But give it about half an hour after sunrise and you may just have it all to yourself like we did. Its popularity is partially due to its immense beauty but also the incredibly short hike to it.

Getting off the beaten path in Canyonlands yields all kinds of unexpected gems. A few feet off the road may just take your breath away or prompt a unique photo. Exploring the park yielded unexpected views and some fresh takes that weren't extremely popular. Definitely my favorite park in Utah.

Next up was likely the most popular of tourist spots in Utah, the Delicate Arch. It's on the license plates after all. All day and even into the night, visitors come here to get that shot of them jumping, doing a yoga pose or throwing the peace sign under this giant beauty. I think the arch looks best from a nice low angle or from the little known (or little noticed) window arch, which is off to the right as you make the final curve to get to Delicate Arch.

Capitol Reef offered some roads less travelled and we headed out to the Bentonite hills, technically outside of the limits to Capitol Reef. These strange and surreal mounds offer varying shades of red, purple, pink and even a bit of blue. Another place almost all to ourselves. We were joined by a photographer and a completely nude model posing spread eagle. I guess Bentonite HIlls really excites some people.

I'm doubtful this place will stay secret for long. A nearby site has recently blown up on the Instagram scene and it's only a matter of time before the Bentonite Hills are crawling with photographers as well.

Next stop was across the border in the desert lands of Baja California. The terrain is exactly how you want it to look. The giant Mexican cactus reach for the starry skies. A cowboy paradise.

Cabo, the gringo capital of Baja California, offers much in the way of leisure, golf, ocean excursions and high end accommodations. This is the natural start for Our stay at the Pueblo Bonito Resorts fit the bill perfectly for B. Hard to say if she liked the private dinners, private pool or her very own butler the most. The private cabana was also next level. Pueblo Bonito arranged a tour for just the two of us out to El Arco at Land’s End and handled all the transit. From the boat I launched the drone and shot one of my most popular photos. Come during the winter and take a whale spotting tour. Highly recommended.

Perhaps my favorite place in Baja California is just south of Todos Santos along the coast of Playa Cerritos. When I picture a quiet Mexican desert escape, Playa Cerritos is what comes to mind. This little fishing town with big waves offers up some epic surfing. My advice is to hit the waves first then fill up on the shrimp tacos at Barracuda Cantina. Thank me later.

The road less travelled took us to the town of La Paz. After another fish taco binge, we continued north into the rocky desert slopes and iconic cactus fields I craved. Playa Balandra is the local beach of choice but with a 200 person capacity, you need to arrive early or by boat. The surreal colors off the calm bay water may make this the most relaxing and interesting beach in the Sea of Cortez. And if you’ve always dreamed of swimming with whale sharks or sea lions, the Isla Espiritu Santo is a short day trip away.

Here at the edge of the western world, you can still find a quiet beach to escape it all. Wherever your 2020 took you, I hope you can get back in the saddle and on the road in the year that comes.