Taking Off for Places Known

To those of you whom I swore to secrecy, I'm spilling the beans now. A month ago we decided to take a few days of vacation and head to Flagstaff to visit my dad and the Grand Canyon.  We've been to the South Rim on several occasions, but never the North, although we have had lunch at the Jacob Lake Inn several times. What better place to show off Jóhö than the Grand Canyon, eh?

Being a procrastinator, it was only last week that I put together the itinerary and made reservation. We have one night in Kanab, and from the looks of the place, we'll be wishing it was more (very fun and funky?).  The drive through Utah (I-89) and into Arizona is one of my favorites, as the scenic views just can't be beat.   It's so remote, so quiet, so different (desolate yet alive) and quite amazing.  I can't wait to share the desert landscape with you, and I will, when we return late next week.  As an added bonus and because of this wonderful place we call Blogland, I'll be meeting up with Rachel (who knows a couple of nice yarn shops).

I've packed several knitting projects (almost all are new) and now need to work on packing some clothes.  Traveling by car affords so much knitting time that I'm going to tackle a big new sweater.  I've had the yarn for the Ribby Pulli since late last winter when Scout dyed it to my color specs. I can't wait to dive in and look forward to not only knitting this beautiful project but wearing the sweater this winter.  I'm starting with a swa-leeve and it looks like the gauge is right on.

Rather than take the second sock of Monkey's the Third, I decided to take a new sock with me and kick off Socktoberfest with a perfect fall colorway.  STR Tigers Eye (medium weight) is a little funky (as in bright) for Mr. Smith, so the pattern will be a simple 2x2 rib. (He promises he'll wear them.)  Simple socks will be nice when lace or a bigass sweater just aren't appropriate.  A wide variety of projects insures a knitter will always have something to knit in any situation or circumstance.

It just doesn't seem right to hit the road without a lace project on the needles.  While visiting Anne's booth at the Great Basin Fiber Arts Fair, I saw this gorgeous Kid Mohair/Silk (appropriately named American Beauty) and couldn't put it down. It grows even more beautiful as it becomes a Portrait Scarf from Véronik's book Knitting Classic Style.

   

From the looks of it I won't run out of things to knit.   The blog will be quiet until my return.  See you on the flip.

Comments

[Cathy-Cate]

I'm glad you're packing so well! It would be *terrible* to run out of the right thing to knit at any time or place. Sounds heavenly, have fun knitting and enjoying the amazing landscape.

[Manise]

Sounds like you are all set! Have a most wonderful time and can't wait to see the photos from your trip!

[bellamoden]

Enjoy your trip! Looks like you've got plenty of knitting, and whew, what a setting for Joho!

[Carole]

I'm going to miss you! Have a great time and drive safe.

[Kim]

Have fun and safe travels!!!

[Laurie]

A grrl who has her priorities straight! Nice selection, from concentration, to big and small, to mindless. Have a wonderful time. Can't wait to see the photo shoot. Just remember the old joke about the photographer telling you to take one more step backward.

[DebbieB]

"Swa-leeve" - Heh.

We're going back to Grand Canyon in April and planning to hike to the bottom. I can't wait!

[Lucia]

Fabuloso! We'll be env... er, thinking of you. Swaleeve! Is that yours?

[Cara]

Drive safe. Have fun!

[ruth]

And, because you're driving, you can take the entire project collection! When I fly, I'm stuck with a sock or two. I only do carry-on, so now room for other goodies.

[Theresa]

Have a great trip. The North Rim is wonderful.

[Loribird]

Have a great vacation, looking forward to the great photos you're sure to have on your return!

[Chris]

Have a fabulous trip! The Grand Canyon is one of my favorite places on earth, so I'm very much looking forward to your photos.

[Sarah HB]

Have a great trip. I have never been to the North rim either...just the sout rim.

Good think you are not going to Flag since their only yarn shop closed last year.

Safe driving.

[norma]

Have a WONDERFUL trip! It somehow warms my heart to hear that your interstate highway has the same number as mine...Someday I will see the Grand Canyon...

[Wool Winder]

Have a wonderful time, Margene!

[marie in florida]

i'll be glad to see some knitter's pictures of the Portrait Scarf. i have a feeling it's one of those projects that is more interesting than the professional pictures show.

[Marcia Cooke]

That sounds like just about the right amount of car knitting. I hope you have a great time with wonderful weather, but mercy, what am I going to do for a week without your blog first thing in the morning?! No, I'm serious......!

[Lizzy B]

Have a safe and beautiful trip. We'll miss you!

[mishaele]

you are such a tease about Joho!!! How can you have waited this long to reveal??? Have a great trip.

[Heather Joins The Round]

Bon voyage!

What hotel are you staying at in Kanab, btw? Small possibility we might need a Kanab hotel when I pick the men up at the end of their trip.

Enjoy your trip!

[Birdsong]

I am so envious! I am sure we would love that drive and some of the places you are going to see... Glenn has told me about Jerome and we may make it down that way later this winter. Have a blast!

[Margaret]

Have a wonderful trip! Isn't it great to take all the knitting you want when traveling by car?

[Janet]

Have a wonderful trip! I can't wait to see the photos. It was so funny to hear that you picked which knitting to take before you decided which clothes to pack ;-)

[Cheryl S.]

Hope you have a fabulous trip! I love the beginning of your Portrait Scarf - it will be gorgeous.

[Tonia]

Have a great trip. It always makes me laugh, that we knitters pack our knitting first then the clothes. Who needs clothes, now knitting I can't live without. LOL

[Meadow]

have a great time! I look forward to the pictures you'll show off upon your return :).

[Danielle]

Nice choices! You make me want to cast on something new too.

[Wanda]

Have fun on your trip, sounds like a good time and lots of good projects rounded up for the drive.

[elizabeth]

Have a fabulous time! Can't wait to see the pictures (drink lots of water!)!

[Teyani]

have a safe and relaxing trip - looks like you have some great new projects going :-)

[ann]

have a great trip Margene!!

[Annie]

Wonderful projects to take. I love car knitting. I also love long car trips. Have a great time!

[Annie]

Wonderful projects to take. I love car knitting. I also love long car trips. Have a great time!

[tiennie]

Have a great time!

[Jennifer]

Have a good trip!

[Rachel]

Beautiful projects! Have a safe trip and a great visit to the North Rim it is a beauty! See you Sunday :)

[Amy Boogie]

Have a good trip!

[Ruth]

"swa-leeve" ... hee.

Have a good trip ... I'm looking forward to the full report (with pictures) on your return!

[Anne]

Can't wait to see the travel photos! Safe, enjoyable, fun trip wishes for ya. :)

[sprite]

The projects look like solid ones. Have a great time and don't forget to post the photos when you get back. Those of us who aren't vacationing want to live vicariously!

[--Deb]

Have a great time!!

[Stephanie]

Have a wonderful trip! It sounds like you are well stocked on knitting projects for the drive. I just have to ask - is that a sock on a circular needle I see? When did that happen? I thought you were a die-hard dpn girl.

[Cookie]

Have a safe good trip!

[Dianne]

Have a great trip..One of our most favorite trips was to The Grand Canyon..We flew to Vegas for an anniversary 20+..then took the day trip/flight to the Canyon..nothing better than a fearless pilot on that trip..I have pictures that will give you chills..from the plane!!

[Sharon]

A road trip! A road trip! Oh, do have fun.

[beverly]

Enjoy your trip!

[Vicki]

Have a great time, Margene!

[Pat K]

Wish I'd known you were heading this way! Have a great time!

[Kristi aka Fiber Fool]

Have a great time!