Today we woke up bright and early and said goodbye to The Grand Canyon. We left the National Park via the East Rim, and boy are we glad we did – the views on the east are really spectacular!
Also on the way out was the historic Desert View Watchtower, which was definitely worth the stop.
You can climb up to the top for really great views and the inside is pretty neat – twisty and Native American inspired.
After leaving the Watchtower, we had a long drive through miles of open nothingness. There were red rocks all around, old shabby Navajo Trading Posts and more picturesque scenery than we could ever describe. It was a quiet drive for the two of us, just trying to take it all in.
However, we lightened things up a bit and headed out to the Meteor Crater – a stop that Ed was especially looking forward to! We had fun checking things out and absorbing the kitsch that goes along with the visitor center there. Here are a few shots:
Ed’s interpretation of the impact!
Say what?
The awesome 80s looking reenactment of the meteor hitting the earth
Happy Ed on site
After leaving the crater, we were headed off to Sedona, where we’ll be staying the next two nights. But we did make a brief stop in Flagstaff for a yummy lunch downtown. We didn’t get any pics unfortunately, but the downtown area is really cute – very liberal feeling with lots of college students. It sorta feels like Davis.
The drive to Sedona via Flagstaff was easily the most scenic and magical yet! It is amazing how the landscape changes here in Arizona – earlier that day we were surrounded by canyons and dust, but this route was cloaked in Pine Trees!
This was our first hint we were about to arrive in Sedona:
This is the view we have about 20 steps outside of our hotel:
Tomorrow will be another day of hiking and taking in the great outdoors. So far, this vacation has been VERY different for Ed & I, but we have to admit we sure are being wowed by Mother Nature!
See ya tomorrow!
Just wanted you to know I checked in and can’t wait to see what’s to come over the course of the next week. Trip is looking ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! This is a trip Laurence and I considered taking a couple years ago and ended up in Oregon instead. We’re living ViCARRIEANDEDiously thru you Cool Kims! Great pics! Farts! I just realized we had a book we should have given you called “Road Trippin’ Route 66”. Dang! Although, seems you two are doing just fine without it!
Oh my, that crater is so gigantic! I totally missed out on the watchtower when I was there. Absolutely amazing and amusing creation… Looking at these landscape makes me want to drop everything, get in the car and head off to a long roadtrip covering the entire western states!
Wow, so glad you are having a good tiem.
I remember the Watch Tower so well.
Have a great time in Sedona, here it is very spiritual??
Ricky and sophia say \"Hi\"
Love ya,
Mom
So many memories from our trip years ago. I remember stopping at the Crater and taking pictures. We had to read all of the signs and go over every detail with you and Eric. You are building many fabulous memories. Continie to have a great time! Just caught-up our blog site too from the week. Will continue checking you out for the rest of the trip. Sophia & Ricki just looked at me yesterday when I went by…like don’t disturb my nap!
LOL, Dad