Sunday, September 21, 2008

Back from the West






We had a great time on our Road trip out west!  We flew to Phoenix, rented a car and drive to Denver stopping at many wonderful sites along the way.  Our fun really began in Jerome, AZ, where we explored the House of Joy, art galleries, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Flat Iron Cafe. Then we drove on to Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff.  We decided to take in Sunset Crater and the Wapatki  Ruins before sleeping . The next day, we were up early driving to the Grand Canyon South Rim where we spent the whole day.  There are not words to describe the sites there - the changing light, the wind, the spectacular views everywhere! The next morning we got up to watch the sunrise which was a bit subdued by clouds but still beautiful.  We ate a fabulous breakfast at El Tovar and then hit the road for Chinle and Canyon de Chelly.  We had Hopi Tacos at the Hopi Cultural Center and enjoyed them, but felt overstuffed most of the afternoon.  When we arrived in Chinle it was 3:30 where the guide said that would be a great time to hike to the bottom of Canyon de Chelly so we did.  Some knees did fine, others did not!  But fears were conquered boldly by some and whining and complaining by others (me) was ignored!  It was a great day finished off by some good burgers at the Burger King in the rain and dark.  The following day we headed to Mesa Verde in Colorado.  We all four hiked down to Cliff Palace again conquering fears and pushing our knees beyond where they wanted to go!  At the end of the hike there was a big climb up several tall ladders.  Another challenge but we made it.  We met Frances and Ivan  at a scenic overlook of the Balcony House.  They were Native Americans from Tuba City, AZ, where we used to live.  It was fun to chat with them!  The next day we drove through Utah to Arches Nat. Monument.  We loved it too.  We hiked to landscape arch and really loved all the arches and land formations we saw.  Moab was a fun place to visit.  Our next to last day we drove through the abandoned town of Cisco and then on to Dillon, CO.  We could not make it to the Rocky Mountain National Park as the roads were closed because it snowed, but the snow was lovely in Breckenridge.  Our last night we stayed in Denver and had a wonderful Thai meal at a small family restaurant.   Birdie Doc's brother, Chirpsy, my sis-in-law, Birdie Doc and I had spent a week in a minivan and had a great time!  The only thing that could have improved the trip would have been a little O2!   These are a few of my favorite photos from the trip.   

1 comment:

thehappyheather said...

Aunt Jean you take such beautiful pictures!! Can't wait to see more! :D

Heather