Roaming with Brave Sixties
Backpacking in Southeast Asia
Discover the vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine of Southeast Asia while backpacking on a budget.
Cycling the Danube River
Cycle along the scenic Danube River, passing through charming towns and experiencing the rich history and culture of Central Europe.
Horseback Riding in Mongolia
Ride through the vast Mongolian grasslands on horseback and experience the nomadic way of life.
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest
Trek through the dense Amazon Rainforest and discover the incredible biodiversity and unique culture of the region.
Sightseeing in Japan
Experience the bustling cities, tranquil temples, and unique culture of Japan.
Safari in South Africa
Embark on a safari adventure in South Africa and witness the iconic wildlife of the African savannah.
April 8 and 9, 2026
My Brave Sixties Travel Adventures
Yesterday was driving 200 miles through deserted desert. I was a bit worried about that, no cell coverage, etc, but all was well. I even stopped at the international car forest in Goldfield. Sadly, I had no spray paint to add my own artistic touches.
I arrived at Great Basin national park just in time for the visitors center to be closed. I already had my newly-issued lifetime senior pass - the one with the bighorn sheep on it NOT the one with Donald Trump. I would rather have one with the backside of a sheep, covered in crap, than that alternative.
My hotel was in the same town, so I just went ahead and explored the park. Spoiler alert - it only took an hour. If you aren't planning to go hiking, there is not much there. I am less than a month away from the first of two total knee replacements, so me hiking would just have invited all the animals in for a feast.
No worries, I thought, I will go get something to eat at that little restaurant across from my hotel. Turns out it is permanently closed. The only other options for food were the national park cafe (also closed) and a taco shed - literally a garden shed with a picnic table (pass). I settled for hummus and crackers from a camp store.
This morning, I was at the NP visitor center and cafe when they opened at 9:00 a.m. only after climbing two flights of stairs did I reach the sign that they were both closed today. Why they couldn't put the sign at the bottom of the stairs, I don't know.
Not every adventure can be a winner. OK, on to the other visitor center, and then I hit the road to head for Zion NP, figuring I could eat on the way.
But, at the edge of the foodless town of Baker (population 41 - literally), the sign said "next services 73 miles". That's when I remembered the package of jerky I had bought at a gas station a couple of days ago. That stuff was NASTY! I choked down one and just couldn't do any more. I was left wishing I hadn't had that one, because now the inside of my mouth was coated in grease that was just as nasty as the jerky. I drank my entire supersize bottle of water trying to wash that taste out of my mouth. Which was its own kind of mistake about 40 miles down the road. When they say "no services", that includes bathrooms. You could literally see for miles in every direction, so I stopped and "watered" my new favorite plant. Then I sat in the car with the windows down, listening to the nothingness.
The road stretched out forever, with ZERO traffic. Again, I had a whole new appreciation for the desert. I had the road basically to myself, with the windows down, and loudly singing "wide open spaces". So much for that quiet I had been enjoying. 😊 In the 70 miles, I saw 11 cars come from the other way, and two behind me. Not one large truck. It was GLORIOUS. I also saw two (only!) houses, and one mailbox that I suspect had a house somewhere over the hill. I saw lots of signs warning about deer, cattle, and horse (I assume wild) crossings. However, all I saw was two crows and one used-to-be cow that was now just a pile of hide and bones on the side of the road. My windshield found several bugs.
I could have driven like that all day (after I found some food). The closer I got to the next town, the slower I went because I wasn't quite ready to give up the open road yet.
But eventually I got to a town, and food. I got to my hotel just outside of Zion NP in the late afternoon and decided to wait until morning to head in. I do have a lovely view from my balcony and nice cushioned chairs for reading in, so that is where I have settled. And I believe I will be able to see the sunset on the rocks across from my balcony.
