Fool Hollow Lake, Arizona - Part 2 - May 7, 2026

 As is my usual habit, I awoke in what most humans would consider to be the middle of the night. It was 2am, very dark and very cold. I cursed myself silently in the dark as I felt around for the literal pen light I'd scored in the swag bag at a recent trade show I'd attended in my road bag. I was able to read awkwardly for a few hours whilst I listened to the night birds, insects, and nocturnal animals forage in the darkness.

The night progressed into day as the sun began to rise. After a short time of quiet stillness, the diurnal world started to wake. This is my favorite and most productive time of day. It was about this time I was thinking about starting my day. In the close confines of the van, this is nearly impossible to do without disturbing one's partner. 

Several years ago, we scored a small one cup coffee maker with branding from a Vegas hotel that is no longer in existence. A relatively new relic just before one-cup pod coffee makers appeared everywhere. The percolating sounds of the small machine were loud in the van in the stillness of sunrise. I continued to read as I sipped hot coffee as I waited for the facilities to be unlocked for this stinky, weary camper in serious need of morning ablutions. 

The room I'd entered was freshly cleaned. Mildly disturbed at the shocking level of the lake, I washed my face properly but freshened up and put on fresh clothes. I hiked uphill both ways back to the van. Damn rheumatoid arthritis! By this time Mike was awake and about. We tended to the dogs and packed up again, ready to hit the road. I was a little anxious to get back on the road as my Book of the Month Club selections waited in the mailbox. I am an avid reader and love my big books. I cannot lie. Mike surprised me with a Fool Hollow Lake sticker for the van. I had already purchased a Woods Canyon Lake sticker and I carefully applied both stickers. 

We came back the same way we'd come. The exception being that we made a side trip to Mike's favorite place. I am not going to reveal where it is, but I will post a couple of pictures of this truly beautiful and pristine place. The people who care for this land wish to keep it pristine. I agree and feel it would be most tragic if tourists got wind of the place. Nothing destroys pristine natural beauty like tourism. The place is remote and is only accessible by primitive roads. So nerve-racking that once the tires hit pavement I most certainly didn't want to go banging over another one. It was on that dirt road that brought on a rare bout of motion sickness.

We stopped at Payson again to get some special treats for the dogs for being so good on their first-ever camping adventure. Mike had a bite to eat while I hydrated a little to calm my stomach. We talked about the experience and where we would have our next adventure. He surprised me with a set of headlamps so I could read in the dark. I think we may just be ready for the Grand Canyon. As long as we don't forget the lights.