Quote Originally Posted by Frog1387
..this trip was about escape.
Since you already have too many destinations... I will share another possible one with you -- one of the places I go when I need to re-boot my brain. The Chiricahua mountains are located in the extreme southeastern corner of Arizona. They were the once the refuge of Geromino & his band and a whole host of refugees continue to go there seeking an escape from the pressures of the civilized world. In particular, I like to hike in the upper drainages of Cave Creek canyon. There is an awesome dirt road from Portal to the Chiricahua Monument (it is graded and a normal passenger car can make it) -- from the road, you can see Silver Peak (where I was a fire lookout in 1976) and there creatures living in those mountains that simply don't exist elsewhere in large numbers... (oh, and a few thousand rattlesnakes as well)... Also in the area is Tombstone -- a fun place to check out and Ft. Bowie!

Actually, I could probably create a list of a 500+ such places of refuge I have found in my travels. But one more --- Eagle Nest Lake in New Mexico -- good vibes there.

You are going to love the, hot, dry winds of the American southwest. A good place for inflating that balloon!

Happy Planning!

Mark