Thanksgiving 2025: We pack up the van and get started a bit later than expected. We meet up with Evan, Mia, Elliott and their dog Hermes at Angel’s Peak. After a short but beautiful hike, Paul, Billy Goat and I settle in the van for a Thanksgiving dinner of sorts(lots of stuffing). Scrabble game, some vino, and though its cold outside we are cozy in the van.

In the morning I do a short walk with Billy Goat, brrrr. After breakfast and packing up I run to the exit of the BLM park(6 miles). We back track on 550 to Chaco Canyon. After checking out the visitor center and having lunch in the van, we do a longish hike. (7m) Penasco Blanco which is mostly flat till the end. We were the only ones out there or crazy enough. We make it back to our campsite#31 to a dark sky, stars galore, warm bathroom is a plus. Eat leftover stuffing, read, game and sleep.

Day three we hike in the morning to Wijiji around 8am. Sparkly frost on everything. Again, only ones out there. Breakfast and another Visitor Center stop. Buy some books, gifts, and check out the Una Vida complex. The next hike I think was our favorite, Pueblo Alto Complex Loop hike. Stunning views that overlook Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Keti. You are also able to get up close to the Pueblos on top. A bit challenging navigating Billy Goat through a small slot canyon, but he did great. After a quick lunch in the van we do the last hike from Casa Rinconada Community to Tsin Kietsin and back. Too many goat heads or prickly weeds so Paul ended up carrying Billy Goat through a large field section. Back at camp, dinner, read and sleep

We do a short hike in the morning on Canyon Trail. Great views for a short hike and right by the camp ground. Clean up, pack up, finish reading Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Head north, Farmington, Page, camp on BLM land Forest Road 508 before Kanab.

Day 5: arrive in Las Vegas. Meet Evan, Mia, Elliott and Hermes at Red Rock Canyon and do some hiking with them. Babysit Elliott in the evening and park outside their hotel behing the super 8.

Day 6: Walk Hermes in the morning. Breakfast at sunrise cafe. Hike at Anthem Hills Park while Mia does some work. Meet up in the desert for a photo shoot. Pioneer Saloon for a reception, the oldest bar in southern Nevada. Paul and I take the doggies back to the desert to sleep.

Wedding Day! Not feeling super great so I run 6 miles with Hermes across the desert. I believe I sweated it all out. Visit 7 Magic Mountains the bop around for awhile, dog park, shopping center. Dress in van and meet up at the Litte White Chapel. Elvis is officiating and he does a great job singing too. A small reception at the Oasis with champagne. Take Evan and Mia out to dinner at La Mona Rosa. Surprisingly delicious food which was much needed. We end up on Freemont Street and meet up with the Martier gang. Back in the van by 12:30, walk doggies and sleep.

Day 8: Walk Hermes and then drop him off. Head out of Vegas and go on a hike to hot springs. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is harder than you expect. It is challenging but if you have over 3 hours to hike(7 plus miles) and soak a bit, I recommend. Billy Goat was a champ! We headed to Flagstaff afterwards and slept in our usual National Forest spot.

Uneventful rest of the ride home, slight traffic but glad to be back.