Note: This post covers July 6 – 11.
Our first three days of living in our camper (full-timing, they call it), were spent in an RV park in Williams Arizona.
It was hot and my campsite was in full sun. Nonetheless, it was productive time. I wanted to spend a few days settling the camper, and preferred to do it near civilization in case I needed to make any purchases. Good thinking – one stop at Camping World and two trips to Ace Hardware were in order. A hook, some magnets, and a riveter. Call me Rosie.
On Sunday, July 9, we headed north to Jacob Lake, Arizona. Destination, ponderosa pine trees and cool blue skies.
Our first stop on 89 North was at the Cameron Trading Post. 
This trading post was established in 1916, shortly after the suspension bridge was erected over the Little Colorado River. The post served as a location where Navajo and Hopi could barter their wares for dry goods. Today, other than being an obvious potty break between Flagstaff and Page, AZ, the Cameron Trading Post also offers thousands of square feet of merchandise – from touristy t-shirts to lovely Native American artworks. There is also lodging and a full-service restaurant. It’s quite impressive and I always stop.
Jacob Lake National Forest Campground was to be a spot to start to decompose decompress. Lots of cool cloud formations accompanied us all along the way.
We were in the Jacob Lake National Forest Campground for two days. On the first day, I sat in my chair and watched this group of ponderosa pines until it got dark.
On the second day, I turned my chair in the other direction and watched this lone ponderosa pine until it got dark. 
Maybe “decompose” was the right word after all.
Next post…some goodies and leaving the pines for the water.
So… what were the last-minute things you had to go to Camping World and Ace Hardware for. I figured you had thought of *everything*!
1. Hook – I knew I needed it, and the style I wanted is available at Camping World. 2. Magnets. I will give a tour of the camper in a future post and you can see them in action :-). 3. Riveter. Broke a rivet in one of the overhead compartments.It was indeed a riveting emergency.
How are the babies doing? Has Traxs realized this is his new life?
They are doing just fine. I think they are settling in quite nicely. They both like all the new smells 😊🐶
What great photos and stories, makes us feel like we’re along for your journey! Sitting in a chair watching the pines sounds like a wonderful way to relax.
Yes, it was quite relaxing. 🌲
Your pictures are wonderful. I like to watch trees grow!! All the new smells for the kids must be wonderful. Glad u r out of the neighborhood. Big storm lsat might. Trees down. Not your problem. Freedom on the road!! Keep the posts and pics coming. Bugs
Thanks, Dede. I read about the storm. Also read about the horrific incident in Payson on Saturday. Nature is such a powerful force.
We stop at Cameron every year on our way to Lake Powell. Good food and shopping!
So beautiful up there! Love the photo of the drive to Jacob Lake.
Love the shot of Sally.
Beautiful country. Love the historical tidbits. Has it remained dry and storm free or are you dodging any weather up north?
Keep trucking. A Grateful Dead tune comes to mind.
The last few days it has been rain free but the first several days there late afternoon storms. I love that but I think I’ve driven out of that type of weather for a while.
Love the pics!!! also love watching the trees and clouds…my kinda dream day