Hurricane, Utah
I awoke to thunder.
Hubby was not feeling well at all the previous night, had another rough night trying to get good rest. Everyone was sleeping, I slipped out, grabbed the computer, found coffee, and checked the weather forecast. Yep, rain. Smart, aren't I?
Hubby arose feeling lousy and just wanting to go home. Can't blame him. We had thought to drive north to Idaho then over to Yellowstone to see Old Faithful then home. We decided that this was just not the time of year for Yellowstone. The GPS unit said 1500 miles to home. But first Zion National Park.
We gathered our stuff and made our way to Zion National Park. Ohhhhhh how beautiful, even if clouds were covering the mountain tops. It rained, it was gloomy, it was cold. We stayed on the shuttle bus most of the time. But hubby being so sweet, even sick, did a few short hikes to water falls. I love water falls. He really should not have been out in the damp, cold. But he keeps repeating... I am here. We finished driving through the park which includes a trek through a mile long tunnel. Out on the other side.... was Road 89. Several hours to I70. Not much for food, lots of scenery, mountain driving, dropping temps, oh, and it started to snow. At one point we saw a beautiful rainbow - laying on the mountain. Very cool - - couldn't get a picture of it.
We searched maps, the GPS unit, the AAA books to figure out our next step. Not much in Utah going east. A whole lot of well.... nothing. We finally reached Richfield, ate a Wendy's where I think they had to butcher the chickens and cows prior to preparing our food. I took over the driver's seat. Ummmm... that turned into one interesting drive.
About 10 miles down the road was the next town - Salida? Salina? Something like that. The sign said - last services for 108 miles. I once thought I lived in the middle of nowhere. Not a chance. I decided to pull over for one final potty break - after all I had just eaten dinner and had a big glass of Diet Coke to sip on. Back on the road. When they say last services they mean it! Nothing for 108 miles! Not a town, radio signal, or cell phone signal. But the scenery - amazing! Hubby serenaded us with Toby Keith and Taylor Swift songs from the back seat (he had his own personal ipod at that moment). There's a reason he's not been invited into the choir :)
We reached a beautiful juncture driving through the mountains/canyons. It looked as we were going through two sinking Titanic ships. I got a little apprehensive when the sign said - 'Brake test 1 mile.' Exactly what was I in for on this drive? I had driven 'up hill' for quite a ways in buffeting cross winds. It could only mean that now I was going to go down. Yep - that was it - - 6.5 % downgrade for 5-6 miles. Love those signs that say 1 mile to run away truck ramp. I think of them as 1 mile of sheer terror for the run away truck driver ... :) :)
Hubby talked me through mountain driving which was actually pretty easy compared to what he drove through in CO last week. My heart really got pumping as I was passing a semi (after the down grade part) who began swearing as I was next to him. Took a few deep breathes and prayers of praise and thanksgiving to stop the adrenaline. I have now been fully initiated into mountain driving. Thankful for a wonderful teacher in the backseat. Didn't mind the backseat driver that day. You just don't get sleepy on these roads. It was overcast and spit rain every once in a while otherwise decent driving conditions.
At one point, hubby finally figured out what we should do - - it was getting late and the towns are sparse. We were tentatively aiming for Grand Junction CO. Which we would have reached around 10pm. But then, as I said, my sweet man, said let's go to Moab, and since we are in the area - there's another neat national park to check out - - Arches. Okay..... new destination plugged into the GPS- arrival eta 9:00pm. After leaving I70 to go to Moab it was decidedly dark. The road is 2 lane, pitch black, and it began to rain persistently. By dark, I mean, no lights other than the other vehicles traversing the road with you. No traffic signs, towns, just inky black, dark. I kept driving, remember, not too many places to pull off and hubby needed the rest. DD#1 turned on Praise and Worship .... wonderful for the soul and perfect with all we have been seeing. "Lord of all creation - - - You are Holy" 30 miles later.... we are there in Moab.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Grand Adventure: Day 9 What day is it?
We lost track of days of the week, city, hotel room numbers, & time zone We left Flagstaff after 3 nights. It was good to stay put for a few days.
Hubby awoke full of energy and was practically perky. If you know him at all you know what an anomaly that is! He was bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready to go. I, however, was dragging. Two nights of fitful sleeping was not helping. Hubby slept well last night but his congestion has raised the decibels on his snoring - - thus making it challenging for me to sleep well. The girls seem to be tolerating it okay.
We took off in the, once again, bright sunshine, for Nevada. Destination: Hoover Dam. We arrived late morning. I was surprised by the amount of people, and again the number of languages spoken around us (we have been impressed all week), and the wind. It was very windy!! Those of us with hair - it was blown straight out.
We pulled in to find out that all tours were canceled -- elevator is broken. (58 flights down) I felt bad for hubby, he was looking forward to this particular destination. The 'one' on his list. We walked around, took pictures, bought souvenirs, and departed.
Hubby does not like Vegas. He was in the city 15 years ago for a conference and has NO desire to return. However, we had to drive through the city after Hoover Dam to continue on to Utah.
Hubby humored us and drove right down the strip so we girls could see it. It was middle of the afternoon, I was a bit disappointed as I know the place is spectacular after dark. We talked about staying until after dark.... but decided it was not a place for the girls. Once we drove through I was rather content to leave. Not sure I would have enjoyed it other than to see the lights - but I've seen those from an airplane *grin* Seriously - - - NYC Times Square last year was great! I can live without Las Vegas. Besides it was too crowded with people for me LOL.
We made our way to Utah. Destination: somewhere near Zion National Park. The drive through Virgin River Canyon was amazing. Hurricane, Utah is where we stopped.
Not enough time to tour the parks so we are lying low. Hubby and DD#2 played mini-golf, DD#1 and I rested and caught up on email. Unfortunately - evening time, hubby went 'down hill'.
This trip has been one big adventure. The landscape is so varied. The distance so great from home. I think the GPS told me today it is over 2000 miles to home. This country is very large - - we are covering just a small section.
Hubby awoke full of energy and was practically perky. If you know him at all you know what an anomaly that is! He was bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready to go. I, however, was dragging. Two nights of fitful sleeping was not helping. Hubby slept well last night but his congestion has raised the decibels on his snoring - - thus making it challenging for me to sleep well. The girls seem to be tolerating it okay.
We took off in the, once again, bright sunshine, for Nevada. Destination: Hoover Dam. We arrived late morning. I was surprised by the amount of people, and again the number of languages spoken around us (we have been impressed all week), and the wind. It was very windy!! Those of us with hair - it was blown straight out.
We pulled in to find out that all tours were canceled -- elevator is broken. (58 flights down) I felt bad for hubby, he was looking forward to this particular destination. The 'one' on his list. We walked around, took pictures, bought souvenirs, and departed.
Hubby does not like Vegas. He was in the city 15 years ago for a conference and has NO desire to return. However, we had to drive through the city after Hoover Dam to continue on to Utah.
Hubby humored us and drove right down the strip so we girls could see it. It was middle of the afternoon, I was a bit disappointed as I know the place is spectacular after dark. We talked about staying until after dark.... but decided it was not a place for the girls. Once we drove through I was rather content to leave. Not sure I would have enjoyed it other than to see the lights - but I've seen those from an airplane *grin* Seriously - - - NYC Times Square last year was great! I can live without Las Vegas. Besides it was too crowded with people for me LOL.
We made our way to Utah. Destination: somewhere near Zion National Park. The drive through Virgin River Canyon was amazing. Hurricane, Utah is where we stopped.
Not enough time to tour the parks so we are lying low. Hubby and DD#2 played mini-golf, DD#1 and I rested and caught up on email. Unfortunately - evening time, hubby went 'down hill'.
This trip has been one big adventure. The landscape is so varied. The distance so great from home. I think the GPS told me today it is over 2000 miles to home. This country is very large - - we are covering just a small section.
Grand Adventure: Day 8 Sedona & Jerome
Well, this day was just one of those unplanned, unexpected, just kinda happened days.
Hubby had a very rough night, which means, I also had a fitful night. In the morning with some gently, wifely urging... he went to the doctor. While he was out seeking medical attention, we girls had a leisurely morning in the hotel. The lobby is big with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, sofas & a tv. The diagnosis is a sinus infection. Now on a high dose of amoxicillin we are looking forward to hubby feeling better very soon.
11:00 ish or so when hubby returned, we decided he needed a day to rest, sleep, get better. Thankfully, the night before we decided to spend another night here in Flagstaff. The decision then was .... what we girls should do for the day. We determined to do what was planned... go see Sedona. Off we went - just the girls. A beautiful drive through Oak Creek Drive. Ummmm I mean a rather tricky drive of 7.5 % down grade. It was very lovely however. Sedona is quite a tourist town. The landscape is very red - 'Red Rock' region. We got some information from the visitor center and set out to see the scenery. We saw Holy Cross Chapel - a building built into the rock designed by Wright. Then on to see other rocks. We could have done some hiking but we 'girls' were not much interested in turning red again today and we were tired from the Grand Canyon. Red dust was everywhere. We then went on to Jerome and an old, deserted mining town. Many of the original buildings and saloons still stand today. Now gaining in popularity with some of the 'artists' it is becoming a nice little tourist town. From Flagstaff to Sedona we dropped about 4,000 feet; to Jerome, we climbed about 2,000 feet. The scenery was beautiful and seeing the old buildings and town was fascinating.
It was time to return.... hungry as lions, we made our way back into Sedona. We picked up some dinner... eating quickly as I realized sunset was about an hour away and I needed to go through the canyon again to return to Flagstaff. I was not interested in driving it in the dark.
We returned to find hubby feeling slightly better. Good thing as then next day was a traveling day.
Hubby had a very rough night, which means, I also had a fitful night. In the morning with some gently, wifely urging... he went to the doctor. While he was out seeking medical attention, we girls had a leisurely morning in the hotel. The lobby is big with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, sofas & a tv. The diagnosis is a sinus infection. Now on a high dose of amoxicillin we are looking forward to hubby feeling better very soon.
11:00 ish or so when hubby returned, we decided he needed a day to rest, sleep, get better. Thankfully, the night before we decided to spend another night here in Flagstaff. The decision then was .... what we girls should do for the day. We determined to do what was planned... go see Sedona. Off we went - just the girls. A beautiful drive through Oak Creek Drive. Ummmm I mean a rather tricky drive of 7.5 % down grade. It was very lovely however. Sedona is quite a tourist town. The landscape is very red - 'Red Rock' region. We got some information from the visitor center and set out to see the scenery. We saw Holy Cross Chapel - a building built into the rock designed by Wright. Then on to see other rocks. We could have done some hiking but we 'girls' were not much interested in turning red again today and we were tired from the Grand Canyon. Red dust was everywhere. We then went on to Jerome and an old, deserted mining town. Many of the original buildings and saloons still stand today. Now gaining in popularity with some of the 'artists' it is becoming a nice little tourist town. From Flagstaff to Sedona we dropped about 4,000 feet; to Jerome, we climbed about 2,000 feet. The scenery was beautiful and seeing the old buildings and town was fascinating.
It was time to return.... hungry as lions, we made our way back into Sedona. We picked up some dinner... eating quickly as I realized sunset was about an hour away and I needed to go through the canyon again to return to Flagstaff. I was not interested in driving it in the dark.
We returned to find hubby feeling slightly better. Good thing as then next day was a traveling day.
Grand Adventure: Day 7 A Grand Day
What goes down must come up!! Hee Hee
Hubby had a miserable night - he was really congested. He is a trooper though! The day was stunningly beautiful - could not have planned for nicer weather. In fact it was almost hot. Upper 60s to 70 degrees and sunshine.
We reached the park and found, like in many other areas during this off-peak time, that there is construction. Oh well - - We also found lots of people. I can't imagine being here in the middle of summer.
Our first glimpse of the canyon was breath taking. Again, pictures just don't give it any justice.
We packed up water, trail mix, granola bars, had a bathroom break and headed out to discover the canyon up close and personal.
Our chosen path Kaibab Trail, thanks for the recommendation Pastor. It is National Parks week - which means entrance into all parks are free (we bought our pass the day before not realizing this event). I am not sure but it seemed like it is drawing people - maybe it is always that busy. I have no way to judge as this is my first visit.
Our goal - - Cedar Point, the second vista on the trail. It is listed as 1,140 feet down and 3 miles. We were to allow 2-4 hours round trip. As we entered the trail head, a group of Asians were coming out...some rather elderly. I figured if they could do it - so could I. :)
We began our descent - I wondered if we were mistaken in leaving our sweatshirts behind. A cool breeze off a few patches of snow. As we descended we were met by hikers going up, huffing and puffing, red faced. Hmmmm I began to seriously wonder if we should stop at the Ooh Aah Point - the first point about a 1.5 mile round trip. A little further into the canyon I was thankful we left the sweatshirts behind, they would have just been added weight on the hike. Without the wind, it was quite warm.
The views were spectacular. A whole different perspective as you go down. Early spring - the greens are just popping. The canyon looks covered in a fine green grass. Being mid-day the sun was quite high and warm. We took a slow pace but I could feel the altitude affecting me.
We continued to meet hikers coming up - huffing and puffing. But some who looked as if they were in (or out of) shape like me, and others - more couch potato. Well... I encouraged myself, they can do it, so can I. We continued along the limestone, stopped and oohed and aahed at the first point. Looked down to see the path continue - looked up to see the path we had come. The top looked far away and the people were starting to look small.
We stepped aside a couple of times for mules to pass on their way up. Those creatures covered in sweat, continued their pace.. slow and steady. Down we went, my anxiety about returning up starting to creep up. We entered the red area of the trail. By the end our shoes, socks, and pants turned colors as well.
Step by step down we went and we reached our destination - Cedar Point. Wow! A very different perspective from lower in the canyon. Through the binoculars we could see the top of the trail head - oh those people looked like ants even through the binocs! Drinking water, eating trail mix and granola bars, we rested under a few small trees. We viewed the canyon, took our pictures... then began the trek back UP! What goes down must go up :)
DD#1 set a nice slow, steady pace. It was quite warm down in the canyon and we appreciated any shade we could find along the trail. We made a few acquaintances on our way up. Finally we reached the upper third - out of the red dust and cooler air. More shade too.
We made it to the top!!! Hubby was amazed that we did the round trip in about 3 hours. At the moment we could not decide if it was worth it. But it was worth the effort!! Our water supply was depleted and were were anxious to return to the visitor complex to find some more fluids.
Hubby had a miserable night - he was really congested. He is a trooper though! The day was stunningly beautiful - could not have planned for nicer weather. In fact it was almost hot. Upper 60s to 70 degrees and sunshine.
We reached the park and found, like in many other areas during this off-peak time, that there is construction. Oh well - - We also found lots of people. I can't imagine being here in the middle of summer.
Our first glimpse of the canyon was breath taking. Again, pictures just don't give it any justice.
We packed up water, trail mix, granola bars, had a bathroom break and headed out to discover the canyon up close and personal.
Our chosen path Kaibab Trail, thanks for the recommendation Pastor. It is National Parks week - which means entrance into all parks are free (we bought our pass the day before not realizing this event). I am not sure but it seemed like it is drawing people - maybe it is always that busy. I have no way to judge as this is my first visit.
Our goal - - Cedar Point, the second vista on the trail. It is listed as 1,140 feet down and 3 miles. We were to allow 2-4 hours round trip. As we entered the trail head, a group of Asians were coming out...some rather elderly. I figured if they could do it - so could I. :)
We began our descent - I wondered if we were mistaken in leaving our sweatshirts behind. A cool breeze off a few patches of snow. As we descended we were met by hikers going up, huffing and puffing, red faced. Hmmmm I began to seriously wonder if we should stop at the Ooh Aah Point - the first point about a 1.5 mile round trip. A little further into the canyon I was thankful we left the sweatshirts behind, they would have just been added weight on the hike. Without the wind, it was quite warm.
The views were spectacular. A whole different perspective as you go down. Early spring - the greens are just popping. The canyon looks covered in a fine green grass. Being mid-day the sun was quite high and warm. We took a slow pace but I could feel the altitude affecting me.
We continued to meet hikers coming up - huffing and puffing. But some who looked as if they were in (or out of) shape like me, and others - more couch potato. Well... I encouraged myself, they can do it, so can I. We continued along the limestone, stopped and oohed and aahed at the first point. Looked down to see the path continue - looked up to see the path we had come. The top looked far away and the people were starting to look small.
We stepped aside a couple of times for mules to pass on their way up. Those creatures covered in sweat, continued their pace.. slow and steady. Down we went, my anxiety about returning up starting to creep up. We entered the red area of the trail. By the end our shoes, socks, and pants turned colors as well.
Step by step down we went and we reached our destination - Cedar Point. Wow! A very different perspective from lower in the canyon. Through the binoculars we could see the top of the trail head - oh those people looked like ants even through the binocs! Drinking water, eating trail mix and granola bars, we rested under a few small trees. We viewed the canyon, took our pictures... then began the trek back UP! What goes down must go up :)
DD#1 set a nice slow, steady pace. It was quite warm down in the canyon and we appreciated any shade we could find along the trail. We made a few acquaintances on our way up. Finally we reached the upper third - out of the red dust and cooler air. More shade too.
We made it to the top!!! Hubby was amazed that we did the round trip in about 3 hours. At the moment we could not decide if it was worth it. But it was worth the effort!! Our water supply was depleted and were were anxious to return to the visitor complex to find some more fluids.
Grand Adventure: Day 6 Astronomy Day
Hubby awoke this day feeling tough but wanting to go sight seeing with us. Off we went. First stop: Petrified National Park.
We pulled in, showed our newly obtained national park pass bought the previous day. We were told that it was National Park week and that admission is free to all parks for the week. Arghhhh! LOL
Petrified forest is full of giant logs petrified and full of gems. We didn't take a lot of time to explore the trails. Apparently, there are lots of dinosaur fossils and such in the park. The short amount of time we did walk the trails, we all turned a little red, not realizing the sun's intensity. It was a lovely day, quite warm and sunny.
The park also includes some of the Painted Desert. This is a stunning landscape. One can see for a long distance. One mountain peak was 120 miles away. The clouds cast shadows over the stripped, painted landscape. Similar to the Black Hills of the Dakotas but yet unique in it's own way.
Onward we went to Meteor Crater. DD#1 loved this place. A giant hole in the desert floor where a meteor hit at some point. This is where the Apollo astronauts trained for their moon missions. In the exhibit area there is a meteor piece made mostly of iron weighing over 1,000 pounds.
We then made our entrance into Flagstaff, AZ. We located a hotel, had dinner at Salsa Brava, a wonderful Mexican place. Then to Lowell Observatory. Here we were able to view Mars and Saturn through the Clark telescope which was built in 1898! Very cool. Saturn was incredible!! WOW!!! We could clearly see the rings around the planet and its moons. DD#1 entertained us and those around us waiting in line by pointing out many stars and constellations. They also had a 16" telescope viewing the moon and M3 globular star cluster.
A very full day. The cool night air at the observatory did not help hubby.
We pulled in, showed our newly obtained national park pass bought the previous day. We were told that it was National Park week and that admission is free to all parks for the week. Arghhhh! LOL
Petrified forest is full of giant logs petrified and full of gems. We didn't take a lot of time to explore the trails. Apparently, there are lots of dinosaur fossils and such in the park. The short amount of time we did walk the trails, we all turned a little red, not realizing the sun's intensity. It was a lovely day, quite warm and sunny.
The park also includes some of the Painted Desert. This is a stunning landscape. One can see for a long distance. One mountain peak was 120 miles away. The clouds cast shadows over the stripped, painted landscape. Similar to the Black Hills of the Dakotas but yet unique in it's own way.
Onward we went to Meteor Crater. DD#1 loved this place. A giant hole in the desert floor where a meteor hit at some point. This is where the Apollo astronauts trained for their moon missions. In the exhibit area there is a meteor piece made mostly of iron weighing over 1,000 pounds.
We then made our entrance into Flagstaff, AZ. We located a hotel, had dinner at Salsa Brava, a wonderful Mexican place. Then to Lowell Observatory. Here we were able to view Mars and Saturn through the Clark telescope which was built in 1898! Very cool. Saturn was incredible!! WOW!!! We could clearly see the rings around the planet and its moons. DD#1 entertained us and those around us waiting in line by pointing out many stars and constellations. They also had a 16" telescope viewing the moon and M3 globular star cluster.
A very full day. The cool night air at the observatory did not help hubby.
Grand Adventure: Day 5 Colorado to Arizona
We arose to another beautiful day, the view of the mountains from our room was beautiful. I could look at that everyday.
This day we visited our first National Park - Mesa Verde. We ran into road construction so it took a bit to get up the mountain. It was windy and chilly. A lot of trails in Mesa Verde leading to ancient dwelling places of the Pueblo people. We signed up for a tour of Cliff Palace. Our tour guide, Clyde, is a Navajo Indian. He mostly discussed the Indian culture and beliefs. I would have liked to have learned a bit more about the cliff home - oh well. The depth is about 900 feet, with structures of 4 stories. It was a tight squeeze through the rocks to get back to the top. Incredible to think that people made their homes in a cave of a cliff.
We returned to Cortez for lunch then settled in a the drive to Four Corners where Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado meet. Driving through the Indian reservation of Colorado - - not much to see. We arrived to find the monument closed for refurbishment. Disappointed, we decided to pretend we stood in all four states at once since were within a few hundred feet. We have great pictures of the closed sign.
Then we got in for a long drive - down through New Mexico into Arizona. Again, I was in the driver seat - hubby will let me drive across flat lands. A dull land through Indian Reservations. Saddened me to think this is what we, Americans, 'gave' the Indians. It is a flat, barren land, the color of puce. DD#1 said it was the color of the Crayola crayon 'golden rod' which she and her sister used to call 'poopy color' as small girls.
We drove through a few small sand storms and saw thunderstorms of dark clouds and lightening in the distant mountains.
As we drove, I did not realize that as hubby rested he was actually going down hill physically. By the time we reached Holbrook, AZ, he was quite miserable. Achy, feverish, congested. It seemed he caught the crud the girls had the week before we left. We pulled into a hotel, tucked him into bed. We girls went in search of meds and a case of water. Once we had him settled we found dinner and hung out in the hotel's small lobby to give him a chance to rest.
Holbrook, AZ is on the old Route 66. As we drove around this small town, we quickly identified some similarities to Radiator Springs of the movie "Cars". We even found the cone motel! A hotel with wagwams. I had a very nice conversation with a gentlemen that could have been 'Doc'. It was really quite funny.
This day we visited our first National Park - Mesa Verde. We ran into road construction so it took a bit to get up the mountain. It was windy and chilly. A lot of trails in Mesa Verde leading to ancient dwelling places of the Pueblo people. We signed up for a tour of Cliff Palace. Our tour guide, Clyde, is a Navajo Indian. He mostly discussed the Indian culture and beliefs. I would have liked to have learned a bit more about the cliff home - oh well. The depth is about 900 feet, with structures of 4 stories. It was a tight squeeze through the rocks to get back to the top. Incredible to think that people made their homes in a cave of a cliff.
We returned to Cortez for lunch then settled in a the drive to Four Corners where Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado meet. Driving through the Indian reservation of Colorado - - not much to see. We arrived to find the monument closed for refurbishment. Disappointed, we decided to pretend we stood in all four states at once since were within a few hundred feet. We have great pictures of the closed sign.
Then we got in for a long drive - down through New Mexico into Arizona. Again, I was in the driver seat - hubby will let me drive across flat lands. A dull land through Indian Reservations. Saddened me to think this is what we, Americans, 'gave' the Indians. It is a flat, barren land, the color of puce. DD#1 said it was the color of the Crayola crayon 'golden rod' which she and her sister used to call 'poopy color' as small girls.
We drove through a few small sand storms and saw thunderstorms of dark clouds and lightening in the distant mountains.
As we drove, I did not realize that as hubby rested he was actually going down hill physically. By the time we reached Holbrook, AZ, he was quite miserable. Achy, feverish, congested. It seemed he caught the crud the girls had the week before we left. We pulled into a hotel, tucked him into bed. We girls went in search of meds and a case of water. Once we had him settled we found dinner and hung out in the hotel's small lobby to give him a chance to rest.
Holbrook, AZ is on the old Route 66. As we drove around this small town, we quickly identified some similarities to Radiator Springs of the movie "Cars". We even found the cone motel! A hotel with wagwams. I had a very nice conversation with a gentlemen that could have been 'Doc'. It was really quite funny.
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