The Grandest Canyon
10/01/2010
82 °F
Our time in Flagstaff turned into a much needed breather from the driving. Our campsite was in a restful, quite and almost uninhabited county campground outside of town. Our only neighbours were a fun couple who are full time RV-ers with a couple of cute dogs. They provided us with some great tips for camping in southern AZ and hopefully we’ll be able to connect later this winter. We had fun utilizing the local aquaplex, Payton learning to rock climb, Chase and I enjoyed the pool and Jeff showed his stuff on the b-ball court. We were also lucky enough to take in some Hopi culture as they hosted a cultural fair in the town square, the dancers we’re fantastic! (and the Indian tacos...YUM) We also took the opportunity to visit the Lowell Conservatory where CHase was able to complete most of her space unit for science and we were all able to see some things you can onnly see through a huge telescope!
Hopi Dancers in Flagstaff
Enjoying some freeze dried ice cream!
A little under a week ago we decided it was time to drive to the Lee’s Ferry area as the daily fishing reports were amazing. So into the desert we went. Now I’ve heard of the Painted Desert in the past but nothing prepared me for what we have seen...the colors are endless and as vast as the landscape, stretching for as far as you dare to look. And I say dare as you won’t want to miss anything up close as you look into the distance or in the distance as you look next to the highway.
Rocky Formation
Rocky Formation in the Dessert
Balancing rocks
I seemed to feel an overwhelming need to absorb my surroundings which (along with the unbelievable fishing, cheep camping and happy kids) has led to our decision to remain in the area for another week. Our campground at Lee’s Ferry overlooks the Colorado River as well as the Marble Canyon area and the views from sunup to sunset are breathtaking. There is a little sand beach down by the river within easy walking distance that is great fun and mostly unoccupied and as mentioned above, Jeff is having some very successful fly fishing adventures (he’s caught the largest rainbow trout he’s ever caught). We have also done the day trip to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and once again nothing can prepare you for the awesomeness! We were excited to be there, eager to take it all in but as we approached to lookout paths we were also extremely aware of the potential dangers and we’re thus a bit fearful of getting to close to the edge. And perhaps the LARGENESS of this creation lent a sense of awe that translated into the same sense I get when I look into the ocean... “I am insignificant, THIS is power and beauty”. On our return from the Grand Canyon we stopped at a place called Cliff Dwellers where there were some Navajo women selling their jewellery. I had brought some Dene Crafts with me in hopes of trading and these ladies were eager to oblige. I can’t believe the beautiful jewellery I now own and they are I think equally excited about the crafts they have in return.
Payton checking out a crevace in the canyon wall
Payton and Denia (and Chester) on our hike
Grand Canyon
Baltzers at the Grand Canyon
So here we are once again in Flagstaff, getting supplies, updating the blog and now heading back into the desert...
Posted by baltzers 10/01/2010 17:30
Awesome- looks like you guys are having a great time!!! Enjoy the Painted Desert, sounds like you guys have found your nirvana for a little while!
10/01/2010 by Becky