This morning we packed up our Grand Canyon campsite, waved goodbye, and headed south to Joshua Tree via Sedona. I will definitely miss Arizona and the GC especially.
Yesterday after we finished up our laundry, Kt and I hiked down South Kaibab Trail. It was such a beautiful and, at times, intimidating hike. We literally hiked into the canyon on a path that was at times no more than 3 feet wide without a rail. Due to some mapping issues, we miscalculated our distance and didn't go quite as far as planned, which was probably a good thing considering how steep the climb back up was. Remember that invincible feeling I mentioned? Imagine looking down and seeing birds flying below you. Make a little more sense now? The hike trumped our bike ride and was equally as intense, though I didn't urge Kt to leave me behind this time.
Last night as we lay in our tent waiting to fall asleep, we heard wailing that turned to howling and barking about 100 yds from our tent. Kt and I froze as we realized it was coyotes. Definitely gave us goosebumps (I had to hold Kt back from trying to get a picture). I got a little nervous because I hadn't planned on a coyote attack, but luckily they didn't come closer.
This afternoon after passing through the truly jaw dropping red rocks of Sedona we decided to head on to Prescott for lunch. Based on a recommendation from our friend Eddie, we stopped at the Prescott Brewing Company. By far, best meal yet. We also drove through the small mountain town of Jerome that sits on the top peak of a mountain. Though tiny (I guessed 35 people lived there, but I guess it's closer to 350) it houses multiple artists and wineries and was voted the "wickedest town of the west" in 1903.
From there, we drove out into the desert and into the 111 degree heat as we crossed California's state line. We are now tucked into our motel in Joshua Tree (ditched camping when we realized how hot it would be) and will check out the park tomorrow before we head to San Diego.
As promised, here is a sprinkling of pictures. Between the 4 cameras Kt and I have, these are only mine. Once we get more settled (or back home) we will try to consolidate, but for now, enjoy!
New Mexico Campsite KOA
Kt outside Carlsbad National Park after we went into the caverns.
The Indian Reservation we accidentally drove through.
First stop: Petrified Forest
Painted Desert=Beauty
Grand Canyon Site 148
The dog sized ravens attacked our water jug, pecked holes in it and drained it.
Kt cooking....or sitting by the stove.
First look of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon at sunset
Psalm 68, Hermit's Rest (where we biked)
Kt hunting elk...
...found one.
Our bikes.
Hiking Kaibab. At the top.
Looking down Kaibab.
Made it to Ooh Aah Point.
Looking back up. I'm in red (the dot) in the middle of the picture.
Great pictures! You are seeing some incredible things, I'm going to have think hard as to how to impress in Colorado!
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