Day 1 in Arizona

We flew into Phoenix last night and after a little trouble in Houston made it in to the hotel. Isabelle was beat but we got a good night's sleep in even with the time change. In case you haven't heard Jane has another stamp show and we are along for the ride, this time out west. We have a little less than a week in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and maybe a little corner of New Mexico.

My goal this trip is to try to post every day. Three paragraphs and whatever pictures look good. It is easier than trying to remember and figure it all out when I get home. Anyway, here goes.

First day was driving north from Phoenix (after a quick detour to Trader Joe's for some snacks) with a stop at Montezuma Castle. This site was pretty cool but very busy. Isabelle did the Junior Ranger program. We had a snack and then hit the road for the Grand Canyon. The weather here is pretty variable with warm spots and cold ones. In Phoenix it was a beautiful morning. One the south rim of the Grand Canyon it was very windy and cold. There is some snow here and there, especially at the higher elevations.

The canyon was absolutely amazing. I can't say anything else. Everyone simply need to see it to appreciate it. There is slots of culture and history here too. The second part of our day was driving to Page, AZ. It is at the bottom of Lake Powell. It was neat to see how dark it gets here. There is simply no light pollution from cities and street lamps. Sometimes we felt like we were the only people for miles and miles - simply amazing.

And now for a few pictures.

Montezuma castle

 The girl at the Grand Canyon

 The Colorado River that runs through the Grand Canyon

(This picture is from several miles away so you can imagine the size of it. We could hear the rapids.)

 A panorama of the canyon itself.

 

A decent picture, I think.

 Another panorama

Tomorrow is Zion National Park and hopefully Bryce Canyon National Park. Stay tuned.

Remember you can click on the picture for larger image.