Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Spring Break - Day 11 (17 April 2011): The Long Drive Home
Where did the time go? It seems like we just started the trip and here we are, back in American Fork, getting ready for work and school tomorrow. Sometimes vacations are just not fair; this one was a good vacation but went by way too fast.
The kids both agree that the clubhouse at the Villas was the best part, although the Grand Canyon and being with Mom and Dad was also good (added after the fact, when Dad looked sad). My favorite part had to be the Monument Valley tour; even with the vehicle breakdown and getting sunburnt it was still quite the tour.
Today we started out in Blanding (Corwyn says it is called that because it is bland). I was glad to get away from the Super 8, it wasn't bad for a place to sleep but the breakfast was crappy. But not far out of town was Natural Bridges National Monument; a quick trip around the loop for a view of the three large bridges and a last chance for the kids to walk a little out on a trail. It was peaceful, smelled of pinyon pine and red dirt, and sounded like happy birds. There is a under-the-rim hike that you can take from Sipupu bridge around to the other two; that sounded like a fun hike.
Once we left the monument we headed up via Hite to Hanksville, and just like in Blanding, ate at what was probably the best place to eat in town, Stan's Burger place. On the way out, though, we saw another place that said they were better; who's to know? From then on we were on familiar roads; up to I-70 and then up US6 to Price and over Soldier. The rest of the drive was uneventful, just time consuming and boring. I was glad to be done with the drive (for today, not for the vacation).
This was a good trip; one of those that hopefully the kids will remember years from now. Hopefully we'll be able to pull off a few more of them in the future (the near future, please!).
The kids both agree that the clubhouse at the Villas was the best part, although the Grand Canyon and being with Mom and Dad was also good (added after the fact, when Dad looked sad). My favorite part had to be the Monument Valley tour; even with the vehicle breakdown and getting sunburnt it was still quite the tour.
Today we started out in Blanding (Corwyn says it is called that because it is bland). I was glad to get away from the Super 8, it wasn't bad for a place to sleep but the breakfast was crappy. But not far out of town was Natural Bridges National Monument; a quick trip around the loop for a view of the three large bridges and a last chance for the kids to walk a little out on a trail. It was peaceful, smelled of pinyon pine and red dirt, and sounded like happy birds. There is a under-the-rim hike that you can take from Sipupu bridge around to the other two; that sounded like a fun hike.
Once we left the monument we headed up via Hite to Hanksville, and just like in Blanding, ate at what was probably the best place to eat in town, Stan's Burger place. On the way out, though, we saw another place that said they were better; who's to know? From then on we were on familiar roads; up to I-70 and then up US6 to Price and over Soldier. The rest of the drive was uneventful, just time consuming and boring. I was glad to be done with the drive (for today, not for the vacation).
This was a good trip; one of those that hopefully the kids will remember years from now. Hopefully we'll be able to pull off a few more of them in the future (the near future, please!).
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Spring Break - Day 10 (16 April 2011): Monument Valley
That was a short night; it seemed that no sooner had I gone to bed than Leslie was turning on the lights in the room at the View Hotel. At first I wanted to rebel; but sunrises over Monument Valley are the reason for booking a room there so I did drag myself out of bed. After a quick shower and getting dressed in some warmer clothes (in the 40's) we went out on the balcony and watched as the sky got lighter and lighter, with colors from the rainbow shimmering around the outlines of West and East Mittens and Merrick Butte. It was cold but well worth the early hour and shivering on the balcony. Note: Room 230 at the View has an outstanding view; the balcony is extra long and extends out from under the 3rd floor giving you 270 degree views of the surroundings. And with nothing above you there is a clear view of the sky and the stars.
We stayed outside watching, taking pictures, and videoing until the sun came out from behind the East Mitten (the right one from the View). Once the sun was out the sky hazed up and the colors all went away, except for the red of the rocks and cliffs. That signaled to us that it was time for breakfast; the breakfast buffet at the hotel was very good; they got their spices just right. We then got packed, checked out, and waited in the lobby for Miesha from Navajo Spirit Tours to show up. Larsen showed up first and chatted with us while we waited and then helped us get loaded up in the truck. It was a brown pickup with benches welded in the back and open to the sides. A nice way to view the valley. Down the road from the hotel, with stops at a couple of vantage points until we were climbing the hill up to John Ford Point. Hmm, that smells like radiator fluid.
We had a extra long stop at the Point while a replacement vehicle could be arranged; that gave us the opportunity to talk more with Miesha and take pictures of the kids on the horse. Once the new vehicle had arrived we found another guide with a better truck and switched and then it was back on the tour. We went out past Thunderbird Mesa, saw the petroglyphs and pottery shards way out around the back, saw the Eye, the Ear, and the Hogan, the Totem Pole, heard Miesha play the flute and sing at the Hogan (wow), saw Navajo families having picnics in their park, saw tourists driving around the allowed roads and finally, after about 4 and 1/2 hours ended up back at the Hotel/Trading Post.
Both Devyn and I got sunburned; I cannot forget to put lotion on my legs! We ate a good lunch around 1600 at Gouldings and Leslie got to do some Native American jewelry shopping at the Navajo Market at the junction. Since it had gotten so late we decided to forgo out side trip to 4 corners and headed straight to Blanding; we didn't get in until 1900 anyway. After some burgers and fries at the Patio Drive-In we retired to the room where the kids got some baths (if you roll in the red-dirt at the Monument, what do you expect?) and we got ready for our last day - the drive home via Natural Bridges and Hanksville. ZZZZzzzzzzzz.
We stayed outside watching, taking pictures, and videoing until the sun came out from behind the East Mitten (the right one from the View). Once the sun was out the sky hazed up and the colors all went away, except for the red of the rocks and cliffs. That signaled to us that it was time for breakfast; the breakfast buffet at the hotel was very good; they got their spices just right. We then got packed, checked out, and waited in the lobby for Miesha from Navajo Spirit Tours to show up. Larsen showed up first and chatted with us while we waited and then helped us get loaded up in the truck. It was a brown pickup with benches welded in the back and open to the sides. A nice way to view the valley. Down the road from the hotel, with stops at a couple of vantage points until we were climbing the hill up to John Ford Point. Hmm, that smells like radiator fluid.
We had a extra long stop at the Point while a replacement vehicle could be arranged; that gave us the opportunity to talk more with Miesha and take pictures of the kids on the horse. Once the new vehicle had arrived we found another guide with a better truck and switched and then it was back on the tour. We went out past Thunderbird Mesa, saw the petroglyphs and pottery shards way out around the back, saw the Eye, the Ear, and the Hogan, the Totem Pole, heard Miesha play the flute and sing at the Hogan (wow), saw Navajo families having picnics in their park, saw tourists driving around the allowed roads and finally, after about 4 and 1/2 hours ended up back at the Hotel/Trading Post.
Both Devyn and I got sunburned; I cannot forget to put lotion on my legs! We ate a good lunch around 1600 at Gouldings and Leslie got to do some Native American jewelry shopping at the Navajo Market at the junction. Since it had gotten so late we decided to forgo out side trip to 4 corners and headed straight to Blanding; we didn't get in until 1900 anyway. After some burgers and fries at the Patio Drive-In we retired to the room where the kids got some baths (if you roll in the red-dirt at the Monument, what do you expect?) and we got ready for our last day - the drive home via Natural Bridges and Hanksville. ZZZZzzzzzzzz.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Spring Break - Day 9 (15 April 2011): It's a long way to Monument Valley!
We sure tried to get away early this morning; it just wasn't to be. And with an unscheduled (but rewarding) stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook we were even later. After saying goodbye to Sedona and the Oak Creek Canyon we quickly passed Flagstaff and headed East on I-40. After playing "Take It Easy" by the Eagles we drove through Winslow, Arizona, to see if anybody was standing on the corner (nope). Then on to Holbrook for a bite to eat and an exploration of the rock shop (we like kids; they keep us in business!).
Petrified Forest National Park is made up of two parts; the petrified forest to the south and the painted desert to the north. We started from the south end and looked at rock logs and helped the kids get their junior ranger badges, before driving north. After a few overlooks including seeing the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock we crossed over I-40 and past the Painted Desert. Nice colors for a desert.
Leaving the park we headed East for 20 miles then turned northwards for the drive through the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley. The trip surprised me; the first part for the green hills (bushed and scrub trees) and the second for the A&W in Chinle. Even the Indian Road #59 turned out to be a good highway, cutting some time off the run to the North.
We arrived well after dark at the View Hotel, inside the tribal park, and found out that our King Suite (#230) was excellent! An extra long balcony lets you step back and see the stars and look around a 270 degree arc. And with an almost full moon we could see the monuments beckoning out in the valley; can't wait for sunrise tomorrow (6:45, another early morning I guess).
I'm typing this in the hotel lobby (wireless) and in the background there is Native American flute music playing; sounds wonderful! I will miss the southwest; it always puts me in a very enlightened state!
Petrified Forest National Park is made up of two parts; the petrified forest to the south and the painted desert to the north. We started from the south end and looked at rock logs and helped the kids get their junior ranger badges, before driving north. After a few overlooks including seeing the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock we crossed over I-40 and past the Painted Desert. Nice colors for a desert.
Leaving the park we headed East for 20 miles then turned northwards for the drive through the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley. The trip surprised me; the first part for the green hills (bushed and scrub trees) and the second for the A&W in Chinle. Even the Indian Road #59 turned out to be a good highway, cutting some time off the run to the North.
We arrived well after dark at the View Hotel, inside the tribal park, and found out that our King Suite (#230) was excellent! An extra long balcony lets you step back and see the stars and look around a 270 degree arc. And with an almost full moon we could see the monuments beckoning out in the valley; can't wait for sunrise tomorrow (6:45, another early morning I guess).
I'm typing this in the hotel lobby (wireless) and in the background there is Native American flute music playing; sounds wonderful! I will miss the southwest; it always puts me in a very enlightened state!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Spring Break - Day 8 (14 April 2011): Loop from Sedona
We set out today to visit Montezuma's Revenge Well and Castle. First, though, on the way out of town was a stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross just south of Sedona. I think what is the most impressive thing there is the fine view: across to Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock next to Courthouse Butte, the 2 Nuns and Yogi Bear, and the huge mansion just below the chapel. Someone had money and used it to get past a few local ordinances, I think!
I forgot how quickly the scenery changes when you head south out of Sedona; in just a couple of minutes all of the red rock is gone and it is again desert. As we approached Montezuma's well it looked like we were in the middle of nowhere; but once to the top of the rim of the sink hole you realize that with just a little water there is a lot of life in the desert. The trail down to the ruins by the well was steep but worth it; it was quite nice down next to the water and the cottonwoods. Of course Devyn didn't want to hike down the trail until after Corwyn and myself were back to the top; because I'm such a great guy I took him down as well. I think the air is thinner there at the well; I was sure puffing...
Down by Beaver Creek where the outlet from the well flows is also an incredible place; you can hardly believe you're in the desert. Cool, trees, water, buzzing bugs, poison ivy; everything you'd want in paradise (okay, maybe not the trees).
Montezuma's Castle was actually the shorter of our two stops at ancient sites; a quick walk down the path and some photos and video of the castle up on the wall of the cliff. It is pretty amazing that people lived in those structures; too bad they don't have a bed and breakfast there!
Up to Jerome for lunch. The place we stopped was perched (as is most of the town) on a narrow ridge with stilts and posts to give you some level ground for walking and driving; it was the Haunted Hamburger Bar and Grill. No ghosts came to take our order, but we had a nice view out over the hazy dry desert. The food was outstanding. Afterwards we backtracked a little and headed for Sedona, there to do laundry and listen to a local guy (from Guam) play homemade bamboo flutes and make animal noises with them (listen to the CD).
Tomorrow morning it's up early, pack, and hit the road heading to the North East, towards Petrified Forest and Monument Valley!
I forgot how quickly the scenery changes when you head south out of Sedona; in just a couple of minutes all of the red rock is gone and it is again desert. As we approached Montezuma's well it looked like we were in the middle of nowhere; but once to the top of the rim of the sink hole you realize that with just a little water there is a lot of life in the desert. The trail down to the ruins by the well was steep but worth it; it was quite nice down next to the water and the cottonwoods. Of course Devyn didn't want to hike down the trail until after Corwyn and myself were back to the top; because I'm such a great guy I took him down as well. I think the air is thinner there at the well; I was sure puffing...
Down by Beaver Creek where the outlet from the well flows is also an incredible place; you can hardly believe you're in the desert. Cool, trees, water, buzzing bugs, poison ivy; everything you'd want in paradise (okay, maybe not the trees).
Montezuma's Castle was actually the shorter of our two stops at ancient sites; a quick walk down the path and some photos and video of the castle up on the wall of the cliff. It is pretty amazing that people lived in those structures; too bad they don't have a bed and breakfast there!
Up to Jerome for lunch. The place we stopped was perched (as is most of the town) on a narrow ridge with stilts and posts to give you some level ground for walking and driving; it was the Haunted Hamburger Bar and Grill. No ghosts came to take our order, but we had a nice view out over the hazy dry desert. The food was outstanding. Afterwards we backtracked a little and headed for Sedona, there to do laundry and listen to a local guy (from Guam) play homemade bamboo flutes and make animal noises with them (listen to the CD).
Tomorrow morning it's up early, pack, and hit the road heading to the North East, towards Petrified Forest and Monument Valley!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Spring Break - Day 7 (13 April 2011): Help, a Vortex has swallowed my mind!
I told myself not to sleep in 'cause of all the things that we wanted to do and time was running out but I still stayed in bed. Luckily the kids help wake us up and we were able to finally drag ourselves out and about before too late in the morning. I decided that one of the reasons that I was sleeping in so much was that my psychic batteries were running low - planned on two things to get my recharged: 1) a round of golf with the kids and 2) a visit to one of the local vortexes (or is that vortices, I don't know).
Leslie's Dad and I played 9 holes with the boys at Canyon Mesa Country Club, a short par 28 course in Oak Creek. The views were wonderful, the golf was so-so, the boys did pretty well (didn't pound their clubs into the green this time, a victory!). In the end I came away feeling tired, warm, and happy that I didn't let out a string of cuss-words at some of my errant shots.
Dinner was at Cafe Elote, well recommended by guide books and locals. Mexican food done in a more authentic manner; tasty and varied. I also recommend it but agree with the books; plan on showing up right before it opens or you'll have to wait a while for a table!
On the way back we stopped at the Airport Mesa Overlook and watched the sunset. Sadly the sky was really clear so there were no bright colors. But it was pretty anyway. And then on the drive back down we pulled off at the lower trailhead and walked up with the boys to the saddle which is where the Vortex is supposed to be. Now I normally consider myself somewhat attuned to things of a psychic nature, but either my karma was too purple or someone forgot to turn it on. I'll have Leslie check tonight to see if I glow in the dark...
Leslie's Dad and I played 9 holes with the boys at Canyon Mesa Country Club, a short par 28 course in Oak Creek. The views were wonderful, the golf was so-so, the boys did pretty well (didn't pound their clubs into the green this time, a victory!). In the end I came away feeling tired, warm, and happy that I didn't let out a string of cuss-words at some of my errant shots.
Dinner was at Cafe Elote, well recommended by guide books and locals. Mexican food done in a more authentic manner; tasty and varied. I also recommend it but agree with the books; plan on showing up right before it opens or you'll have to wait a while for a table!
On the way back we stopped at the Airport Mesa Overlook and watched the sunset. Sadly the sky was really clear so there were no bright colors. But it was pretty anyway. And then on the drive back down we pulled off at the lower trailhead and walked up with the boys to the saddle which is where the Vortex is supposed to be. Now I normally consider myself somewhat attuned to things of a psychic nature, but either my karma was too purple or someone forgot to turn it on. I'll have Leslie check tonight to see if I glow in the dark...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Spring Break Day 6 (12 April 2011): That's a pretty big hole!
The first morning that we didn't just sleep in: the alarm went off at 0600 and it was dark! And the bed was still inviting. But we dragged our butts out of bed and got ready and told the kids it was time to get ready for school (Dad, you're kidding, right?). On the road at 7:30 and a straight drive up to the Grand Canyon. The kids had never been there and it had been 11 years for Leslie and me, so the impact was incredible!
We left the car at the Visitors' Center by Mather Point and took the shuttle bus over to El Tovar and the Hopi House. From there it was an easy walk downhill to the Bright Angel lodge (lunch, overpriced) and the Hermit's Rest shuttle stop. Along the way there was some illicit squirrel feeding; the little scamps are pretty cheeky around the Rim Lodges.
We didn't stop at all the stops on the way to Hermit's Rest but we stopped at a lot of them and the kids seemed happy. But by the time we got back to the Visitors' Center it was just passing 1700 and it closed. Also out at Desert View the museum and center closed at the same time, so we didn't even go out that way. Instead we headed straight for Flagstaff, and by the time we had dinner and headed down into Oak Creek Canyon it was almost 2200 when we got back to the timeshare. The kids went right to bed with no complaints and we're deciding right now whether we should follow suit.
We left the car at the Visitors' Center by Mather Point and took the shuttle bus over to El Tovar and the Hopi House. From there it was an easy walk downhill to the Bright Angel lodge (lunch, overpriced) and the Hermit's Rest shuttle stop. Along the way there was some illicit squirrel feeding; the little scamps are pretty cheeky around the Rim Lodges.
We didn't stop at all the stops on the way to Hermit's Rest but we stopped at a lot of them and the kids seemed happy. But by the time we got back to the Visitors' Center it was just passing 1700 and it closed. Also out at Desert View the museum and center closed at the same time, so we didn't even go out that way. Instead we headed straight for Flagstaff, and by the time we had dinner and headed down into Oak Creek Canyon it was almost 2200 when we got back to the timeshare. The kids went right to bed with no complaints and we're deciding right now whether we should follow suit.
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