Cop Encounters

We had our first run-in with the cops this morning. Although, when I say run-in, I actually mean a really friendly and cordial conversation, which included recommendations for nearby climbing areas. We had done some research, and found that specific casinos in Phoenix allowed free overnight parking. Our first night, we drove around the massive parking lot and saw a slew of semis parked in a gravel lot off to one side. We made an understandable assumption that this was where the overnight parking was, and continued to sleep there for the next 10 nights.

This morning, however, we were woken by a pounding on the side of our van. Two cops asked for our information and proceeded to tell us they had received ‘multiple complaints’ and that we were parked on private land. After a friendly conversation, we drove around and saw a very obvious RV and semi parking area in the back corner, well labeled with signs. Whoops.

Otherwise, our stay in Phoenix has been pretty uneventful, and has involved lots of work on our van and a few breaks for fun activities like hiking:

Hiking: Last weekend, we got the opportunity to meet up with John’s newly married college buddy (his wedding was the reason we came to Phoenix in the first place), and hike up the tallest of the Four Peaks – Brown’s Peak. The hike was a blast, with steep sections that were a little nerve wracking even with all my rock climbing experience. And the view would have been incredible if we could have seen anything. Unfortunately, there was a dense fog preventing us from seeing more than 30 feet that – naturally – cleared about an hour after we left the peak. We did, however, go for a scenic drive afterwards that provided some spectacular views.

The beautiful *cough* view from the top of Brown’s Peak

The clouds started to clear… after we are almost back to the bottom

View during our drive along the Salt River

Van Work: In terms of the van, we continue to slave away at it, but we are almost done (and then our trip can really begin). We completed the side shelving unit, installed a fan, re-insulated the walls and ceiling, installed lights, installed a rotating base on the front passenger seat, and much more.

Me using the ShopBot to build the shelves (although in this picture, I’m really just cleaning up after)

Starting to put the shelf unit together

Our cluttered – but almost complete – van

Our cluttered – but almost complete – van

Bird Rescuing: The other day, a baby pigeon fell from its nest about 25 feet above us. He was still alive, but he couldn’t fly yet, and we couldn’t just leave him there. So John rigged up a contraption on a pole that deposited the pigeon on the rail when he pulled a string (while standing at the top of a ladder). While he still might not survive, we’ve at least given him a better chance.

The poor little bird

Contraption John rigged up to return the bird home

Where We Want To Go Next: We’re hoping to complete the rest of the work (or enough to at least head onward) in the next few days. Our plan is to head to Northern Arizona and hit up places like Sedona, Jacks Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. Then we want to hit a little bit of Southern Utah before crossing into Colorado. I can’t wait to get started.