When it comes to traveling along old country roads, I think I may have the badge of honor.

We often travel off-road in a Jeep.

It is not my grocery getter, in case you are curious. I have a Gramma-mobile that works well for that. The Jeep is for play dates, and if you follow my blog, you know I love the outdoors, so it is perfect for us.

We live in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, and while we have lived in many places, this is the first time in the southwest. And just like any place we land in life, we take time to adventure and discover this beautiful place we call home.

Sometimes that means going the back way.

It is true what they say, not all who wander are lost. Sometimes we take a turn just because we can, other times we follow books that direct us us to old mines, caves or summits. Wherever it is, we know tomorrow is not promised, and a turn onto dirt is just what we need.

What I Love About Old Country Roads

  1. You don’t have to just think outside the box, you can go in it. (Box Canyon, Florence, AZ)

The fun begins when the pavement ends. Yes, seeing a canyon from a viewpoint is beautiful, but driving through it is a unique experience, with a completely different story.

2. You can push the boundaries of what modern life has tamed us to do.

Whoever said it is necessary to color between the lines never met a Jeep. They kind of go where they want. Of course that is relative to the driver. I just have one rule. If I want to get out, he has to let me.

You see, I don’t necessarily get out of the Jeep, just for photos. Sometimes it is best that way, because I think maybe the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason.

Thankfully his knowledge of the Jeep’s capabilities, is part of the journey.

3. There is less traffic. (Canyon de Chelly, AZ)

Ok truth. There is traffic just like anywhere else. It just looks a little different.

4. You aren’t just in touch with nature, you are in it. (Wildflowers season, New River, AZ)

Most of us know nature is a good place to find solace. What that solace is looks like is different for everyone, including us. He finds great pleasure in in flying through mud puddles, and navigating obstacles.

Me? I wait until we land.

5. You meet wildlife close up and personal. (Lake Pleasant, AZ)

Because we are often in remote areas, it is not uncommon to come across wildlife. Since they don’t see people that often, we find they are just as curious about us, as we are of them. I often say the wild burros near the lake belong to me. They always seem glad to see us.

6. You can satisfy your sense of adventure.

Many of us love the thrill of the unknown. Back country roads allow us to drive through a variety of terrains while seeing what the landscape introduces to us.

And I do admit, it’s fun to woohoo through a mud puddle.

7. There are plenty of places to wash the car.

8. You slow down, disconnect from technology.

Outdoor recreation takes us away from a lot of things. Noise, idle minds, scrolling newsfeeds, schedules, and even phone calls often consume our days. Off road travel can also take away reception to the outside world.

Trust me. It doesn’t take long to get used to.

9. And finally, no dinner reservations are ever required. Welcome to fine dining at it’s best. (Sublime Point, Grand Canyon North)

Wind Kisses, Donna

Inspired by Wandering Dawgs, at Lens-
Artists

#WQWWC

Traveling to Arizona or looking for ways to get off-road? This is our go to book. The author has written one for Moab, Utah as well.