Well, that was not the best night’s sleep nor the cleanest hotel room we have every stayed in – and the property is almost too large and is in disarray. These choices happen when we wait too long to find a place to stay. We must have been in a Death Valley coma!
The sun is out and we start off for the Grand Canyon! A great way to start the morning with views of Lake Mead!
As we cross this bridge we wonder about the wisdom of hanging this sign on this particularly windy day!
We see more signs for Route 66 as we travel back towards Arizona.
The road is very curvy through this part of the state. Route 40 – our favorite rough road again.
There is no mistaking the Native American influences in the region. Really? McDonalds at the Grand Canyon?
Still trying to get there! Although Nancy is not too sure she really wants to go – too high!
We must be getting closer with all this Grand Canyon signage – something for everyone.
We do notice the temperature going down. Not sure how warm this abode will be in the snow.
The reports have indicated snow already at the Grand Canyon but today looks okay.
Okay – maybe not so close as we think if there is a cattle ranch nearby.
We didn’t expect to see this here – Planes of Fame!
A roundabout takes us into a small village with lots of souvenir and touristy shops.
Smoky the Bear and the Visitor Center signs greet us – we must surely be there now!
Yes – we have arrived! It is quite cool here – 44 degrees. People are not spending a lot of time in the Visitor Center where there is a lot to see and process about this place.
We go to pay the entry fee and find that with our Senior Adventure Passes we can get in for free. These passes worked for us in Death Valley also! Sweet!
The cloud cover descends it looks like it could snow at any moment. Time to experience the Canyon and let the photos speak.
The clouds are getting lower and lower and soon we can see almost nothing in the Canyon. It is also getting colder and colder and much windier.
Time to leave for now – but we will be back – really! There are no words to describe our feelings about the sheer awe of the Canyon.
Snow in the parking lot! Really time to leave!
As we make out descent the snow is non-existent and the sky clears a bit. Time to head south towards Phoenix. Does that mean Flagstaff again?
And snow once again in Flagstaff.
The bugs are really bad again – so we need to gas up and scrape and wash the windshield.
The skies are a bit eerie here. It strangely looks like something from Roswell. Are they searching for us?
The scenery changes quite dramatically. So very green and beautiful.
As we get closer to Phoenix – we are hearing Glen Campbell singing “By the time I get to Phoenix ” but only in our heads. The sunset is strikingly pretty and we see several hot air balloonist enjoying it as well.
Time to call it a night and from some lodging. We find a nice place in Peoria, AZ and then dash out for a quick supply run.