{"id":10,"date":"2021-01-10T23:20:10","date_gmt":"2021-01-10T23:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.buyuchen.com\/?p=10"},"modified":"2021-12-23T07:49:55","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T07:49:55","slug":"my-christmas-southwest-solo-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/?p=10","title":{"rendered":"My Christmas Southwest Solo Road Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"923\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-1024x923.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-1024x923.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-300x270.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-768x692.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Total of 5200miles travelled for a length of 3 weeks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bing.com\/maps?osid=b1935634-48a4-44a2-a2f3-e33fb8d1a078&amp;cp=38.912543~-109.390539&amp;lvl=6&amp;v=2&amp;sV=2&amp;form=S00027\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bing.com\/maps?osid=b1935634-48a4-44a2-a2f3-e33fb8d1a078&amp;cp=38.912543~-109.390539&amp;lvl=6&amp;v=2&amp;sV=2&amp;form=S00027\">Bing Maps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>National Parks (9):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Arches National Park<\/li><li>Canyonlands National Park<\/li><li>Mesa Verde National Park<\/li><li>Great Sand Dunes National Park &amp; Preserve<\/li><li>Carlsbad Caverns National Park<\/li><li>Guadalupe Mountains National Park<\/li><li>White Sands National Park<\/li><li>Grand Canyon National Park<\/li><li>Death Valley National Park&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>National Monuments (3):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Chiricahua National Monument<\/li><li>Casa Grande Ruins National Monument<\/li><li>Montezuma Castle National Monument<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>States Travelled (10):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Washington<\/li><li>Idaho<\/li><li>Utah<\/li><li>Colorado<\/li><li>New Mexico<\/li><li>Texas<\/li><li>Arizona<\/li><li>Nevada<\/li><li>California<\/li><li>Oregon<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expenses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Category<\/td><td>Sum of Amount<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Food &amp; Drink<\/td><td>-624.19<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gas<\/td><td>-445.65<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hotel* Exclude Points<\/td><td>-912.34<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shopping<\/td><td>-21.48<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Travel<\/td><td>-121.9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grand Total<\/td><td>-2125.56<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>Travel includes all the entrance tickets and parking. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hotel Points spent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Chain<\/td><td>Points<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>IHG<\/td><td>10000 + 2 Certificates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hilton<\/td><td>72000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>I value the above for about $250 for IHG (0.5pp) and $288 for Hilton (0.4pp)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In total I consider lodging expense is about $1450 or roughly $85 a day for total 17 days. Note In Austin I stayed with friends for 3 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why did I travel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I guess this can be a summary of me lacking friends or families in the USA. I&#8217;ve stayed for holidays in the past years, it almost always got me depressed. I could blame on the weather, the lack of motivation when workload is low and sky is always gray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve been to the USA for more than 11 years by now, I&#8217;ve been only taken less than one every 2 years thus out of the 50 states I was only able to see a handful. USA is big, I guess the pandemic forced me to focus on my second home country more. It was rather sad that I have only been to 3 out of 58 national parks in the States before this trip and all of them were in Washington. I simply had seen too little. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Itineraries <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I got up at around 6am to do some last minute loading and ready for the road. Days before I went to REI to get a warm cloth and winter gears for the road. I even got an Autosock as an alternative to snow chains. None of those turned to be actually needed, as the weather was as cleared at it can be and it was warmer than I anticipated even in snow zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_171534262-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_171534262-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_171534262-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_171534262-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_171534262-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Snowy maintains on I90, this is at a rest stop just after Snoqualmie Pass<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_201932570-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-53\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_201932570-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_201932570-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_201932570-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_201932570-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Some grassy areas in Eastern Washington before branching off to I84<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_223739502-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_223739502-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_223739502-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_223739502-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201219_223739502-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>At a rest stop right before Boise. Enjoying a bit sun break. I remembered the temperature being around 50F. Quite warm for the time being<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_000815908-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_000815908-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_000815908-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_000815908-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_000815908-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>American BBQ at a restaurant next to the Hotel I was staying at in Boise. Indoor dining was enjoyable since I haven&#8217;t had it for quite some time due to the lock downs in Washington. The server was quite friendly and chatty, despite there were moderately amount of customers in the restaurant it felt there were just more servers who were desperate for work. I left a decent tips.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_204910795-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_204910795-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_204910795-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_204910795-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_204910795-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Started early in the beautiful Boise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_210610445-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-57\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_210610445-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_210610445-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_210610445-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_210610445-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Passing through some Snowy mountain backs towards Utah. I&#8217;ve been on this road a few years back in my way back from Minneapolis before I left for BCT, driving the opposite direction gives you different angle of views.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_222758458-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_222758458-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_222758458-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_222758458-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201220_222758458-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Last rest stop before Moab, UT. Quite clear and sunny, though a bit cold but nevertheless it&#8217;s good spirit. The stop was quite but you can sense during summer seasons this would be popular among tourists.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Day 1 &amp; 2 are mostly just driving, I have enjoyed the route both in Utah and from Washington to Idaho. Though I probably didn&#8217;t do a good job documenting the job. After all it was for me to enjoy the solidarity. <br>I had Thai for dinner, great food and service. It was a bit pricy (I think I ordered a fried rice, it was $16 pre tax and tips. I somehow had the impress that Utah was a bit more affordable, I guess not)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arches day<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_153939749.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-59\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_153939749.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_153939749.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_153939749.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_153939749.MP_-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Even just the entrance of the Park was just stunning. Crystal clear blue sky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154418159-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154418159-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154418159-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154418159-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154418159-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>First Arch stop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154428576-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154428576-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154428576-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154428576-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154428576-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>I think the pictures definitely don&#8217;t do enough justice to the majestic view of those natural formations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154620508-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154620508-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_154620508-1568x2091.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_155220937-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_155220937-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_155220937-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_155220937-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_155220937-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/BMdM5B6ia8xRdoFHvtuouwb_SUhbQrwCniOM3c3F7QTyW2VYYPxH-PV_T285d_UD1S4d58dBZOLIjEJSj6g7ZaQVYNd679nFJ1L4Uw5TLSC9g6udzxegGGjx11C160ahDUcTfW_h2nM7mPuO8YsdrDMEl_V2oaQpV5tw4d3gxW_VkzKJHo32me7atPNmFC2Kzm7DfuX3LTA9JNB7yFDIukSYKlfA2qzQhn8u0oCVnFxFmJREbkzg34e6tsvhEbixK5Du9BY4VdOoPKPzaD03IaKbKcmAmRVCXKNeLZCFUHKtvYL281f0WdwroEdKGaWgA4Mu5eTRWz5NxsytlaVs8FgurH_SewehMl4Rlm0EPm-1DCeugwwdhVFrRtAR5SrcmpHGx_xQW4ZqFRKaKeFF7pHIQVWacZZ4av2fzzo9QUdldrEfpxSOAU8XivAbcJuiCQyZIIxwMkF-Dew2MdGXZ-s9OK6GGFHKR56mPttOikbO2XeRwyVdBkYDD_KjDeJhq2GYW_yZzUzD0cd5ooVFfkSUF4pmqfQzkQKkzSOppgsgPohLiGHxmrmlLDg8M_-9wH2CyRD5iUGUpmxGsiJAGK-Tu-qpM6yYzQXq7aZW6jcsN82ows-tz6VnJR4PC0lF09wZiOA7tMdjnrKdguX9XQi6SzmxffA9sDqSkyyEZeeL43r2YrOzUb4MKyGKIA=w1200-h1600-no?authuser=1\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_160839834-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-64\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_160839834-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_160839834-1568x2091.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_160922190-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_160922190-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_160922190-1568x2091.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/IQWhZCceLA8JRx8jFS2tTx3O2fjrbR9-AKKBuGq96bBuEX8NA3_YIl2c796V06Th0fB9jpdrPaPdDq7On9kNVQCq-w3Av6-LKoGvdgS3rMYJPEPodIZ7GmsTLUzwviBBunjpsbtZ6GnooqgqGkFsM_H_ScflWcDVZ17nY8my_T-bWpg34RhextCUFYrZmsL-r2GJGe9K9AK6cBtWHJ6UNFIRqo8Art-Kh3hTscHu2kvYxGDwGFgsHAjIOHd2H5C-80JlPgwT8rF14ZchlTG4mSOKp11woniNjwEe63ANBHereU6g3sCvm7_7kaSH4rx4xpKRWDWvIjM6yEsaE8Vpvq4vV_gSbUeOtUJME57zT82yhWPPIHgRIc0zFy_a4IcXWG9PhGz8IGuBUgLs-GIABkRmJcfZt85Cyqn28SAsJW13EZe20FTRVe3ihqPxdRV2cIIMoTnGfN4CLp6-LZmHIdOm6S4CC7Eh_aZglpaVCQjEBUmKJYtHssjZ_zLFVbjX0FFa6YUDcTsjZ6lOVrsRaYPq4pLUUPSTQuLBPSuNK42FzgJb9PFGv0CULwxEsXSXjew9TAqaGyeJAEYrGhz-gNJbaJVyEmIj_R4c7BRNY6yHK9FqJPdqFurDQDHgJy37Cd3KsuouBngtRCGYlHrxhYqScyOai8fsHsrCnIxuAhX9_6G9QYOXdIspPTzNkQ=w1200-h900-no?authuser=1\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163600232-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163600232-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163600232-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163600232-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163600232-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163756373-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163756373-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_163756373-1568x2091.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Had the entire Arch myself, hearing my own echo while stepping under the Arch was just mesmerizing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_170349995-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-68\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_170349995-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_170349995-1568x2091.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>I am guessing it was for Asian tourists. Though at the time I didn&#8217;t see any.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_172500615-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_172500615-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_172500615-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_172500615-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_172500615-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Dedicated Arch from distance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_182453755-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_182453755-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_182453755-1568x2091.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>I am guessing this is the most important picture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>My phone magically died right before I was my turn to go under the Arch. Nevertheless, the hike to the Arch was quite nice. Enough to get your legs worked out but not long enough for total exhaustion. It was a nice introduction of my beloved hiking activity again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_194957581-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-72\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_194957581-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_194957581-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_194957581-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_194957581-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Landscape Arch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There were quite a few trails I would love to more but couldn&#8217;t get to all of them due to time constraint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon after the Arches, it was almost late afternoon and time to head to the nearby Canyonlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_215409307-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_215409307-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_215409307-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_215409307-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201221_215409307-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>I only managed to snap one picture as most of the spots were closed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was definitely a bit longer drive that I initially thought from Arches to Canyonlands. My final stop for the night was Cortez, CO. Just outside of Mesa Verde.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I arrived the town quite late, I quickly checked in to the Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez and had a quick dinner and drink next to it (the Hotel staff gave me a 10% off coupon). It was quite busy the restaurant (Destination Grill). Unfortunately, I didn&#8217;t sleep that well due to that I had chosen a room close to the elevator and the Ice machine was waking me up every half an hour at night. For $68.88 a night with taxes I shouldn&#8217;t really complain. The only thing was that there Texan family who drove an Volvo SUV did not wear masks in the hotel lobby ignoring the clear signs. I don&#8217;t think the staff said anything. I feel bad and also a bit irony in those people&#8217;s mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_144601411-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_144601411-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_144601411-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_144601411-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_144601411-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>I had a really early start (I think left the hotel right around dawn)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_152816802-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_152816802-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_152816802-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_152816802-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_152816802-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>It was an impressive dwelling done by the Pueblos. The large part of the trail was closed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_164718782-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-76\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_164718782-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_164718782-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_164718782-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Some view points in the park. Again, the my camera doesn&#8217;t quite do the justice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mesa Verse was pretty quiet in that morning, and the closure of almost all the major spots didn&#8217;t help either. I quickly made a descent and continued East towards New Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_184041188-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_184041188-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_184041188-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_184041188-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p> Random Colorado town, quite scenic. I chose this route partially to avoid shutdown situations in New Mexico. It turned out not to be as bad as I thought in the end however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_192257684-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-78\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_192257684-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_192257684-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_192257684-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A prime truck park along the rural highway, was not expecting finding one there. I am guessing even in rural America people still stop on Amazon?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_204656754-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-79\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_204656754-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_204656754-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_204656754-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The major reason why I took the detour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_210335627-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_210335627-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_210335627-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_210335627-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Ice and Sands. In summer it would be quite difficult to ascend due to the heat trapped in the sands.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_231822663-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-81\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_231822663-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_231822663-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_231822663-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A random old train station in Trinidad.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I stopped in Trinidad to get food and gas before heading to Raton, NM for my night of staying. I wish I stayed in Trinidad for the night though, the downtown was lovely to explore over sunset time. It felt lively and walkable. I chose to stay at Raton largely due to the cheaper hotel and also closer to Texas for my next day long drive to Austin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_234133336-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_234133336-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_234133336-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201222_234133336-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Sunset and entering New Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201223_135941118-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201223_135941118-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201223_135941118-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201223_135941118-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Started my day before Dawn due to the 10+hour drive plus timezone difference.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201223_145943387-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-85\"\/><figcaption>Had to stop for this very famous sign. Welcome to Texas!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Didn&#8217;t take many pictures zig zagging through rural Texas from NM all the way to Austin. It was definitely convoluted route that Google Maps was able to derive thankfully. The temperature was just progressively gets warmer and warmer. It was probably low 20s in Raton and by the time I passed by  Lubbock, TX it was already above 50F. Approaching Austin, I could have the windows down in my car already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My first impression about Texas was 1. Gas was incredibly cheap, which explains why everything can be big. Though there were also plenty of EVs visible as well. 2. Drivers aren&#8217;t crazy as I was imaging how people drive there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At night, I ordered Texan BBQ to treat the family that hosting me for the next 3 nights. It was delightful with the Margaritas<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Christmas Eve! The reason I was quite in a rush is to get to Austin by the 24th, Dec. Turns out, Hispanics do their Christmas dinner on the Eve instead of the Americans do the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_200717041.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_200717041.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_200717041.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_200717041.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_213732118-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_213732118-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_213732118-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_213732118-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_221010852-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_222802737-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_222802737-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_222802737-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_222802737-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_224003758-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_224933100-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_224933100-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_224933100-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201224_224933100-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What a lovely day. I don&#8217;t celebrate Christmas normally but it was nice to be with friends. Thanks to Stephanie and Oscar for hosting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think one thing I learned is that Hispanics are quite similar to their fellow Americans when comes this type of traditions despite how media portray them differently. I guess it was more of less a surprise as someone coming from Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_170141593-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93\"\/><figcaption>There&#8217;s many things I enjoy in life, but nothing beats in a December out with just a T-shirt. I had my first run in park in probably a few month.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_171039478-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-94\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_171039478-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_171039478-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_171039478-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Texan ducks?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_214951449-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-95\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_214951449-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_214951449-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_214951449-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A park on top a hill in Austin. Was really really busy that day, but nevertheless the view is stunning.  This was in Mount Bonnell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201225_215256503-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-96\"\/><figcaption>River view in the same park, I think I should really just stay in Austin over the winter months. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_004219572-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-97\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_004219572-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_004219572-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_004219572-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Got some Asian from Austin 99Ranch for dinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was just a peaceful day to enjoy my 2020 Christmas. Something I definitely would not have had I just stayed in Washington<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Today I finally got the chance to go out and explore Austin downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_195835854-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_195835854-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_195835854-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_195835854-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_195843349-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\"\/><figcaption>My hair? haircut?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_202447399-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_202447399-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_202447399-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_202447399-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>People do water sports there too!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_212024597.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101\"\/><figcaption>Downtown Austin is a mix of the past and new.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_212903274-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_212903274-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_212903274-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_212903274-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Yeah, even Seattle doesn&#8217;t get any of those<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_213333561-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103\"\/><figcaption>Random street sign<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_213812847-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_214313940-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_214313940-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_214313940-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_214313940-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Look, I found some Trump protesters too<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_214524996-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106\"\/><figcaption>Me at the state Capitol<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s quite a few things I learned about the Texas history, perhaps unsurprisingly it&#8217;s close ties to its motherland Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_221530649-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-107\"\/><figcaption>Even enjoyed a good Belgium beer in town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_232041047-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-108\"\/><figcaption>One last picture of the lovely park in Austin downtown before sun goes down<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_235914393-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_235914393-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_235914393-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201226_235914393-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>I did some shopping at the HMart in Austin, quite large and impressive. I used to think Seattle has good Asian scene, this trip has really taught me to look outside of the box. I am fully committed to find a winter home next year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leisurely got up in Austin and said goodbye to my good friends who hosted my throughout Christmas and made my way to San Antonio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_191344033-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_191344033-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_191344033-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_191344033-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first stop was the Botanic Gardens. It was more of less a tourist trap. Nevertheless, the lake there was nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_200802828-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_200802828-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_200802828-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_200802828-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Up next was the Japanese Garden, again it wasn&#8217;t bad but with the amount of crowds it just didn&#8217;t meet the bar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_215455517-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113\"\/><figcaption>Finally got a chance to walk through the San Antonio river walk. Again, incredibly touristy. More of so it was probably me out of a place being a solo traveler.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_215615602.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-114\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_220534252-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_220534252-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_220534252-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_220534252-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Alamo. It was fully booked that I wasn&#8217;t able to get in either.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_233803211-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_233803211-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_233803211-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201227_233803211-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Had a nice dinner at the local Hispanic market. Good meal for sure, but it was also $50. But hey, you have to spend money to have a good time right?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 10<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time to leave Texas and head back to New Mexico!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_152854038-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-117\"\/><figcaption>Cheapest Premium gas I had ever gotten in my life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_173518403-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118\"\/><figcaption>Random rest stop in Texas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_190444802.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_190444802.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_190444802.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_190444802.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>85MPH is probably too slow for the road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_203957341-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_203957341-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_203957341-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_203957341-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Stopped a random Vietnamese restaurant in TX before heading to Carlsbad. I normally don&#8217;t eat lunch, the reason I got lunch was again trying to avoid contacts in NM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_224525158-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_224525158-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_224525158-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201228_224525158-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>My gorgeous hotel (Candlewood Suites Carlsbad South) room in Carlsbad. I got a suite upgrade I think. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 11<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Woohoo, Carlsbad!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_143917413-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_143917413-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_143917413-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_143917413-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>My signature ugly face again.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_145102298.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_145102298.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_145102298.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_145102298.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Morning scenery while waiting for the cave to open<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_155044331-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_155044331-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_155044331-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_155044331-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Hello cave!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_155115515-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-125\"\/><figcaption>It&#8217;s deep!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_155939150-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-126\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160027602-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160027602-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160027602-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160027602-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160257564-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160257564-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160257564-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_160257564-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_161337920-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_161337920-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_161337920-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_161337920-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162148752-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-130\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162258799-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162258799-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162258799-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162258799-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162305873-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162305873-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162305873-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162305873-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_162611426-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-133\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_164949132-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-134\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165257229-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165257229-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165257229-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165257229-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165514071-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165514071-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165514071-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_165514071-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_170254643-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-137\"\/><figcaption>The most floors I&#8217;ve seen? It was nice to walk one way down and take the elevator up!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After Carlsbad, and it was time to hit to Guadalupe Mountains<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_185250252-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_185250252-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_185250252-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_185250252-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>I didn&#8217;t really get to do much other than snap a picture since it was just on the road to White Sands.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_215343528-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-140\"\/><figcaption>I thought it was upgraded to National Park status.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201229_221747094-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141\"\/><figcaption>It was getting late hence I didn&#8217;t get to take many pictures.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_014702664-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142\"\/><figcaption>A first rest top in Arizona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_045119787-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-143\"\/><figcaption>And a big beer to calm me through the night. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I stayed at Holiday Inn Express in Willcox, AZ for only 10k IHG points, what a steal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 12<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I was in Arizona! First step was to see Chiricahua National Monument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_172254285-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_172254285-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_172254285-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_172254285-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_173314985.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146\"\/><figcaption>Found this random Germany car parked by the Visitor Center for some reasons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180219913-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180219913-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180219913-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180219913-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>First image of those rocks. It was a rather cold morning<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180339405-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180339405-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180339405-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180339405-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>It&#8217;s magical to see how the rocks just lay on top of each other<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180506886-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-149\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180703373.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180703373.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180703373.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_180703373.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_200051501-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_200051501-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_200051501-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_200051501-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Did a little hike to find my favorite rock!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_200622577-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-152\"\/><figcaption>Another angle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_201055625.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-153\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_215421713-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_215421713-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_215421713-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201230_215421713-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The landscape there is amazing too<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I drove to Tucson and stayed there for the night, it was much warmer than the mountain top for sure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 13<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s last day of the year, while waiting for the Ball to drop I decided to spend some time with the cacti and the Sonoran desert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_153429659-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-155\"\/><figcaption>It was hovering around 30F or below. Quite cold in the early morning. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I guess either I was just very energetic and decided to get up uber early or rather followed those summer guides which all recommended going to the desert in the early mornings to avoid the heat.. Except there&#8217;s no heat in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_160151963-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-156\"\/><figcaption>I was semi-surprised that Arizona, a state Biden carried, actually has pretty strict social distancing rules.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_163535186.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-157\"\/><figcaption>Javalina &#8211; they call it Desert Pig.. it&#8217;s not even close to a hog at all.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_171103111-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_171103111-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_171103111-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_171103111-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Longhorn. I learned this word back in the Windows Vista days. Nevertheless it is a majestic animal, very handsome!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_180212048-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_180212048-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_180212048-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_180212048-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Probably the only NP that&#8217;s so close to a metropolitan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_183309602-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-160\"\/><figcaption>They say it&#8217;s my new hat. I like it<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_205734204-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_205734204-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_205734204-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_205734204-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Getting ready for the new year!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the afternoon while there&#8217;s still warmth in the desert, I decided to tour Pima Air &amp; Space Museum. I was surprised how big this place is. I wasn&#8217;t expecting much coming from another Airspace stronghold state. This Museum is hands down the best even for a casual aviation person like me<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_214049576-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-162\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221223516-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221223516-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221223516-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221223516-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221540094-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221540094-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221540094-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20201231_221540094-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Yes, this is a dreamliner!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 14<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s the New Year! It also means it&#8217;s time to move to Phoenix <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_174313298-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-165\"\/><figcaption>Did a short hike in a state park in between Tucson and Phoenix. The parking lot was full for the longer trail due to being a holiday. I opted to enjoy solitude over the easy route.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_191514056-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_191514056-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_191514056-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_191514056-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Another NM!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_192614949-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-167\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After the NM, I decided to go see the Heart Museum<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_204507508-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_204507508-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_204507508-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_204507508-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>I am not an artistic person, it&#8217;s also interesting to learn some history where those sort of &#8220;White Men&#8217;s Burden&#8221; happened in repeat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, I moved my way to Scottsdale, a hippy neighborhood to enjoy some good food and beers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_224614357.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-169\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210101_235947464.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-170\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_003500580-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-171\"\/><figcaption>The ribs and fries are delicious. It was a German beer hall, I felt a bit guilty in ordering American generic food.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I stayed in a Holiday Inn in the neighborhood, partially due to I wanted to be walkable. It wasn&#8217;t quite as walkable as I would like. I think probably in the summers it&#8217;s just not very pleasant to walk around with over 100F degree desert heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had originally planned to see if there&#8217;s any camping oppurtunies, but seeing how full the state park was on my way to PHX, I quickly dispersed my wish. For some reasons, I thought being from PNW has a better chance in beating perhaps-not-so-active Arizonians?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 15<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I got up relatively leisurely since I decided on just staying in the city for one more night than fighting space in a more touristy Sedona where I planned on visiting next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_164250163-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_164250163-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_164250163-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_164250163-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>North Mountain Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I enjoyed the quite Saturday morning while overlooking greater Phoenix. It was very relaxing enjoying the sun slowly getting up and warm the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Too bad my first planned stop @ Camelback Mountains didn&#8217;t work out due to the parking lot was complete full at 8am \ud83d\ude41 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After that, I decided to head to Phoenix Mountains Preserve<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was again, jam packed but I was very lucky to secure a spot at very end of the park where someone&#8217;s leaving. I say very lucky was indeed that when I saw a steady inflow of cars circling the park lot throughout the afternoon while I was with the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_190536206-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_190536206-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_190536206-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_190536206-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_201059596-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_201059596-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_201059596-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210102_201059596-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>I was really amazed how many good hikes were out there in the PHX area. Totally transformed my views on deserts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While I was relaxing (it wasn&#8217;t super difficult of a hike, just a bit over 1mile and 1k elevation gain. Being in hibernation mode probably totally destroyed my fitness level), there&#8217;s a Christian follower chatting with Turkish guy with the intend to convert. The Turkish guy was much older and just listened and replied in line with something like aren&#8217;t religions the same? Basically one Truth vs. another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I went back to my hotel early after exhausted from the hikes. I initially wanted to go to another restaurant. After stopping by a Safeway to get some water and discovered the delicious looking BBQ wings, I decided to just get wings and ate with my leftover food from my previous night. I could afford a fancy meal, but wasting food isn&#8217;t probably a good thing regardless. As I always quote, people in Africa are starving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some soju and proteins in my stomach I quickly fell in my deepest dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 16<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Last Sunday before back to Seattle again. This means I will have to start driving north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_152517290-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-175\"\/><figcaption>Pinnacle Peak Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One last hike to warm up before heading to the red country!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_170540053-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_170540053-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_170540053-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_170540053-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Enjoyable AZ highway!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I decided to take the advise from the book and took AZ87 instead of interstate to stop by Payson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_182225949-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-177\"\/><figcaption>Tonto Natural Bridge State Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Much of the State Park was closed, still great to see the Bridge however. The Park ranger gave me a coupon that I can come back again for free until June or something. Who knows, maybe I will go back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_182420824-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-178\"\/><figcaption>More desert pigs!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_193804633-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-179\"\/><figcaption>Montezuma Castle National Monument<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stopped by a few NP sites on my way to Sedona!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_201823618-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_201823618-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_201823618-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_201823618-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_202343756-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_202343756-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_202343756-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_202343756-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Montezuma Well (Montezuma Castle National Monument)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And boom!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_210247273.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_210247273.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_210247273.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_210247273.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Sedona!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_212130057-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_212130057-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_212130057-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_212130057-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_215232530-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_215232530-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_215232530-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_215232530-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232312092-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232312092-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232312092-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232312092-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Airport Mesa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For some reason was so motivated to even do another moderate trail<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232316990-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232316990-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232316990-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_232316990-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Cathedral Rock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_234501048-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_234501048-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_234501048-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_234501048-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The peak<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210103_235557992-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-189\"\/><figcaption>It&#8217;s the rock climbing in reverse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t know how I got that much energy in a day, maybe the red rocks are just motivating? No wonder I lost to much weight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had a delicious Thai curry that night and went to sleep in the Holiday Inn. The receptionist was so friendly, he recognized my address home as he&#8217;s from the Greater Washington area too. What a small world, since I was the only 3 guests home, he gave me a Suite upgrade! In for a treat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 17<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_162807095.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_162807095.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_162807095.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_162807095.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>More RedRock Arch? &#8211; Devil&#8217;s Bridge&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_181918111-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_181918111-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_181918111-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_181918111-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Boynton Pass Vortex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There were a student teacher couple that sat on top of the Vortex playing instruments. Before the each play the instructor always said his prayers. I thought it was pretty cool<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_193930823-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_193930823-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_193930823-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_193930823-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>After saying goodbye to the Red Country I made my way to Slide Rock State Park. It was $10 for the entrance fees. A bit pricy for such a small park, nevertheless it&#8217;s enjoyable and relaxing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After that I took continued the Sedona &#8211; Flagstaff Scenic route north. Though too bad, West Fork Trail was packed and not allowing more cars. I decided to check in to my hotel in Flagstaff early. The reception was friend and asking me how I liked Washington that she had a friend that lived in Bellingham but too bad she didn&#8217;t get to visit before the friend had to move to Colorado for a new job<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_223145234.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-193\"\/><figcaption>There&#8217;s Amtrak that stops here. You can come either from Chicago or LA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210104_224650643-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-194\"\/><figcaption>A beer to watch trains passing by. The brewery was quite tech savvy. It&#8217;s not just menu online, it&#8217;s fully automated. You put your payment online and the food are drinks are brought onto your table! Very cool<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I ended the day early figured I&#8217;d just get up early the next day. Besides vacation means relaxation too, no need to torture myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 18<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Grand Canyon day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_162053367-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_162053367-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_162053367-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_162053367-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>First stop is the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was quite cold, so I didn&#8217;t do a hike. It was part of  a scenic route to get to Wupatki National Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_170351855-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_170351855-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_170351855-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_170351855-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, it was quite a detour I had to take due to the fact that the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon was closed. I was really hoping it would open, but yeah too bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_200412238-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_200412238-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_200412238-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_200412238-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Mather Point<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_200527889-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To be honest, I didn&#8217;t enjoy the first part of the Canyon that much. It was just so overly crowded. Especially the trail was icy and snowy, that made it harder to dodge crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second part which is the drive to Desert View was much better<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_211024075-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_211024075-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_211024075-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_211024075-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_223409714-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-200\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_223811022-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_223811022-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_223811022-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210105_223811022-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Not sure why my eyes were so brown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_000310901-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_000329358-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-203\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was getting quite dark due to I wasted so much time taking detours earlier. I quickly descended towards Williams, AZ<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe I was tired or just frozen, I went to the bar next to my hotel. For some reasons I didn&#8217;t go in from the front entrance. Thus made me waited for 15 mins without service and I had to make an angry inquiry about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 17<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vegas, baby, Vegas! To be honest, I wasn&#8217;t too excited since I don&#8217;t find casinos or strip clubs interesting even to a slightest bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_190815111-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_190815111-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_190815111-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_190815111-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>View point on NV93<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_193829443-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-205\"\/><figcaption>here comes the Hoover Dam!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The security there was quite intense, seems to be back in the Cold war era again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_202051224-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_202051224-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_202051224-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_202051224-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Lake Mead<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210106_211354685-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-207\"\/><figcaption>Historic Railroad Hiking Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A nice flat trail. Tons of locals enjoying the day. Though I probably walked a bit far than I planned. I kept bumming to the same people and were offered advises on what other trails were good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The campground was open, since I purposely hadn&#8217;t booked my hotel stay yet and hoping something spontaneous would happen. Then, I decided I should give Vegas a chance since I am already there practically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I checked in to my hotel, cracked a beer open and waited for my delicious Pho to arrive. After a short break, it&#8217;s completely dark and ready for Prime time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_020414365-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-208\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_020532201-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_020532201-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_020532201-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_020532201-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_021618991.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-210\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_022953422.MP_-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-211\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_023009210-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_023009210-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_023009210-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_023009210-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_023701633-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-213\"\/><figcaption>Fountains of Bellagio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything was quite commercial. With bars and restaurants mostly stayed closed on a cool Wednesday January night I didn&#8217;t stay long before heading back. I guess I have to come back for the buffets next time around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 18<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bitter sweet, it&#8217;s time to the last major stop &#8211; Death Valley. I have definitely underestimated how magical that place is. Probably the only place I want to say that I wish I had more itme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first stop is the Nevada&#8217;s Red Rock Canyon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175830625.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175830625.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175830625.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175830625.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175858617-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-215\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175908483-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175908483-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175908483-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_175908483-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_181049736-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_181049736-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_181049736-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_181049736-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_184710230-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_184710230-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_184710230-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_184710230-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Even downtown Vegas is insight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Red Rock is definitely amazing, but it&#8217;s also time to get to Death Valley<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_215225263-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_215225263-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_215225263-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_215225263-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Dante\u2019s View<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_223909716.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_223909716.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_223909716.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_223909716.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Zabriskie Point<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_224048436-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-221\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_224048436-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_224048436-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_224048436-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_231133824-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_231133824-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_231133824-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_231133824-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232508176-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-223\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232508176-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232508176-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232508176-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232628634-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232628634-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232628634-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_232628634-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_235226375-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_235226375-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_235226375-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210107_235226375-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_000654752-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_000654752-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_000654752-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_000654752-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Artists Dr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_010110162-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_010110162-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_010110162-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210108_010110162-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I didn&#8217;t get enough time to do any hikes. Just quickly sped through the famous stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I stayed in a motel in Beatty. There&#8217;s very delicious BBQ joint in town which I enjoyed profusely. The motel wasn&#8217;t bad, water pressure was good and the heat was on when I checked in. Unfortunately, I didn&#8217;t sleep as well due to the loudness of the AC. The bedding was bit moldy smelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Started in Nevada desert and heading towards Oregon. I didn&#8217;t take any pictures and stopped at all. For one thing it was 8.5hrs drive, another thing I hit major construction that already put things behind and then snow storm approaching Central Oregon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, I didn&#8217;t arrive too late in town of Burns, OR. I checked in @4pm, and thinking it&#8217;d be another motel. The Best America Value Inn really surprised me. It was clean, organized (key card access) and even has breakfast provided. Bedding was pretty nice, not upscale per say but definitely nice and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 20<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Last day before home. I started relatively early so that in case another snow storm again I&#8217;d have time to spare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_161206171-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_161206171-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_161206171-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_161206171-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>It&#8217;s probably the coldest day I&#8217;ve ever experienced after Minnesota<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171318097-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171318097-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171318097-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171318097-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Approaching Mt. Hood was beautiful<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171718954.MP_-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171718954.MP_-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171718954.MP_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/PXL_20210109_171718954.MP_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mt. Hood drive was both beautiful and also busy. All those weekends snowshoers. I didn&#8217;t take pictures since there was no rest stop along the way for some reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving back through I5 was uneventfully. After reached in Bellevue I was hoping to get some Asian groceries. The line quickly cancelled my last hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I got home before dark. It was warmer than I imagined, less cloudy. Spring was almost here it seems? Maybe I carried enough sunshine with me back. Who knows. The first stare at my computer screen again after 21 days was strange. The fonts seemed smaller than I remembered, I needed more time in search the icons I wanted to click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Back to my regular life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Afterthought<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I quickly rejoined my old life. Work to exhaustion, eat some food and drink to go to bed. USA is so beautiful and vast and yet I am hiking in a corner trying to ever beyond reach corporate ladder. Often time, I think I am very jealous of my coworker&#8217;s wife Azami. A campervan is all that&#8217;s needed. She might not be rich, but she&#8217;s surely free. Yet, I continue to bury myself in the glory-seeking. Earning money to make myself feel good about numbers in my bank accounts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have thought about taking a gap year. Pandemic happened. All God&#8217;s plan it seems. Is He calling me to just get a house and settle down and learn to enjoy happiness of family life that everyone around me is doing? Maybe, I am not just adventurous enough where the most consistent part of all my failures is still me, and only me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Closing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Special thanks to friends who hosted me in Austin. Friends didn&#8217;t forget asking my whereabouts whilst I am on the road. Friends that inspire me to travel and take risks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Bing Maps National Parks (9): Arches National Park Canyonlands National Park Mesa Verde National Park Great Sand Dunes National Park &amp; Preserve Carlsbad Caverns National Park Guadalupe Mountains National Park White Sands National Park Grand Canyon National Park Death Valley National Park&nbsp; National Monuments (3): Chiricahua National Monument Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Montezuma&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/?p=10\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">My Christmas Southwest Solo Road Trip<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10"}],"version-history":[{"count":46,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":235,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10\/revisions\/235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}