Mozzies on the Move

Stared the day with another of Skip's favourite breakfasts haunts. He has a knack of finding great homegrown authentic places to eat. We left there and headed off into the desert like country and then over a range which is called Sitgreaves Pass. This is still part of the original Route 66 but would have to have the most spectacular views of the trip. Very unexpected. Skip once again let us go at our own pace and we met up again at a place called Oatman. Oatman is a very unusual place as it has wild burros ( donkeys) roaming the streets. They don't care about anything and just walk up and down the street and the footpath, lie in front of the shops and at times try to go into some of the buildings. Very pretty markings but we were assured that they would bite and kick so you had to be careful. These animals are descendants of the originals that were used in the mines around the area. Lots of great leather goods shops as well so bought myself a nice belt . Still very hot as we a...

Today we had a late start as our tour leader Skip had scheduled time for anyone who wanted to do a helicopter ride. No takers but some decided to do the IMAX theatre about the Canyon. We then headed out to the Grand Canyon sign for a group photo and then headed off for another hot day across Arizona following some of Route 66 for some of the way. I think most of us are over it as it was really not the focus of the trip. Stopped at a quirky little place called Seligman which is part of Route 66 and is the centre for a lot of large ranches in the district. Lots of little shops selling all sorts of memorabilia but I think I am at the stage where I have collected enough "novelty stuff" Once again had lunch at the local diner Westside Lilo's - great food as usual.The area is a seems to be a major route for the trains and we saw lots and lots going both directions just at the back of town. S. Continued along Route 66 ( still hot) and stopped at the Hackberry store which is li...

Today was a quick breakfast at the hotel and then a run down the highway to the Grand Canyon. Stopped at Cameron Trading Post and then we could just travel independently through the park and go to the motel whenever we wanted to. There was some storms around so one moment it was rain hail lightning and thunder. The next it was sunshine. Made for some great photos. There were so many people there. Everybody else decided to get on the bus to the end of the rim to see sunset. Unfortunately so did everybody else at the park. Russ and I went to our accommodation unpacked, walked around and had early tea. Grabbed a bottle of wine and 2 glasses. Went back out to the Canyon and sat, had a small glass of wine and watched the day disappear. Waited for everyone to come back, bus after bus rolled in and still no sign. We were just about to leave and was riding the bike out when we saw them coming back. We were like the North Star - showing the way home. Still a very spectacular place. 

Today was a fantastic day. Today we made our way through Monument Valley and visited the Navajo Tribal Park. Started the day with breakfast at the Durango Diner. Very traditional and even had a go at " biscuits and gravy". Bit like a scone with peppery white sauce over the top. Bit strange.  Headed out into the heat and made our way through Indian country dropped into Utah and visited Twin Peaks rocks at Bluff . Onto the valley and into familiar territory from our last trip. Stopped where Forrest Gump ran to and watched a heap of tourists nearly get run over. Onto the park as Skip had arranged a very special tour with the local guide to have a look at all there’s amazing rock formations as the sun slowly set. Very special. It was just on dark when we headed into the small town of Kayenta. Quick bit and fell into bed. 

Rest day for most today but Col and our truck driver Doug headed off on a ride to Silverton which was about 13000 feet above sea level. One of the Top 10 rides in the world but most choose to have a day off and wander around town. There is a train does the trip but it was booked out.  It was a day to catch with laundry and check out the sights of town. Russ bought a beautiful cashmere sweater on sale and I bought a new pair of boots.  Great to relax and recharge and now sitting having cheese and wine.