An Arizona Thanksgiving

Here is a little glimpse into Arizona and our time with some good friends.

We left Jackson Wed. morning and headed south through Star Valley, Bear Lake, and over into Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah. We stopped for the night in Cedar City. The boys did well and here is a picture taken the next morning on a high plateau looking down into northern Arizona. It was gray, cold, and rainy, but beautiful none-the-less.
A rare moment, when the boys decided to nap simultaneously!


We arrived in Flagstaff Thur. afternoon and met for Thanksgiving dinner at this lovely couples home - absolutely wonderful to meet each one there. The workers from Las Vagas were staying there, and with Virginia's help, a delicious gourmet feast was served and enjoyed by all - complete with pecan and cherry pie, and pumkin cake roll! Needless to say, we "rolled" out of there, stopped to visit some more friends, and then headed to Brad and Virginia's for the night.

Friday morning we drove up to catch some views of "The Other Grand." These pictures don't begin to do it justice as it was truly breath-taking. I can't imagine the first explorers coming across this high dessert country and stumbling upon this gaping expanse of canyon.

Our wonderful hosts and tour guides!


There is a south rim and a north rim to The Grand Canyon. We were only able to make it to several lookout points on the south rim. The north rim is actually closed in the winter as it is 1000ft higher and recieves more wintery weather. There are several popular trails leading down into the canyon. At the bottom, you can cross a foot bridge and spend the night at Phantom Ranch at the mouth of Bright Angel Canyon. There is a camp area, guest cabins and food. You best make reservations a year in advance though. It is a very popular place.

There is a huge difference in climate between the top and bottom of the canyon. This was my first time to see real cactus growing in the wild. The bottom of the canyon is about 30 degrees warmer than the top, so the leaves on the trees were just starting to change color down there.

Here's a little mountain lion cup we found climbing around in the rocks!

We took a short hike down the Bright Angel trail - one would go on this trail if they were headed down into Phantom Ranch.

One tired little hiker.

Sunset on The Grand Canyon.

Then, we spent Sat. relaxing, playing, hiking, napping, and visiting. Keith visited Brad at the hanger. Then he took a drive down to Sadona, which is similar to Jackson, but very southwestern in style. He took pictures on a disposable camera, so maybe I can post those later.

These are views of rural Flagstaff taken from a hill we hiked up.

Saying good-bye. Thank you, Brad, Virginia and family for sharing your Thanksgiving weekend with us, for your warm hospitality, and for all the delicous meals!

Pointed back north again. The long road out of Flagstaff.

And here are some scenes from the trip home.