That's better!!!
Those "Beware of Falling Rocks" signs always amuse me no end. What the heck is the motorist supposed to do about it??
Great pics...thanks mate.
You're making me a little nostalgic, Dave. My best road trip was from Berkeley to L.A. to Boston by way of New Orleans. The year was '69, on my beloved Norton 750 Commando (The Snortin' Norton), wearing custom full leathers from North Beach Leathers and no helmet. ('69. remember?)
Bet you had a blast...
OEF
Wow, Ron. I didn't know you were such a rebel!
To be honest, if I had a larger garage (and a MUCH larger wallet) I would have many motorcycles of many different brands and types. A Norton, or two, would definitely be among them. I've always loved the look and the performance for that time period was spectacular.
BTW, 1969 was a great year. I don't remember much of it, but I'm sure it was great. I'm sure my parents would agree.
Thanks very much for the email showing all the pics.I thoroughly enjoyed looking through them.I've saved them for another look.I really love the motorhome.I'd love to spend a holiday in one of them but I doubt that the roads in Northern Scotland would suit something that size.Anyway,thanks again!
Thanks for the pictures Dave, they are awesome. You really captured the whole trip. It takes me back a few years when I drove route 66! Thanks again.
Val M.
Welcome back Dave. Happy to see you're one of a few who document their trips with pictures (and are willing to share). One thing I could not resist was taking (or have someone talk) pictures of myself and the highway number and town name. Great way to remember the pics later on, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
[size=200:2mvid3he][color=#FF0000:2mvid3he]Day 5 - June 20th[/color:2mvid3he][/size:2mvid3he]
[size=150:2mvid3he]Flagstaff, AZ to Williams, AZ[/size:2mvid3he]
Since the Williams campsite was not available on the evening of the 19th we stayed in Flagstaff. As a result our travels today are only a mind boggling 55 miles!
Waking in the morning I was greeted with this wonderful example of nature's beauty. OK, it took me a full cup of coffee and a few minutes to notice these...
[img:2mvid3he]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2020/GrandCanyonJune20-MED01.jpg[/img:2mvid3he]
[img:2mvid3he]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2020/GrandCanyonJune20-MED02.jpg[/img:2mvid3he]
Our intentions for the day were to move to the Williams campground and attend the Grand Canyon Cookout Experience in the evening. Since we had (or so we thought) plenty of time to break camp and travel 55 miles to the new campground we were in no hurry. The coffee was plentiful and relaxation was a priority!
Leaving Flagstaff I see this highway information sign. Hmmmm. Don't know what it is. Don't know how far away it is. But, golly - it's handicap accessible!
[img:2mvid3he]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2020/GrandCanyonJune20-MED03.jpg[/img:2mvid3he]
Actually, it's another of those closed rest stops that Arizona is known for.
I'm not sure if this is rainfall, or a swampy area. I do know that there isn't much rain in the area, so this may be a result of recent rains that the soil is unable to absorb. Either way it looked out of place.
[img:2mvid3he]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2020/GrandCanyonJune20-MED04.jpg[/img:2mvid3he]
We're getting closer...
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Directly across from the campground. Notice the blackish coloring on the mountain to the left. I suspect that is some type of lava deposited by volcanoes, but I'm not certain. Neat.
[img:2mvid3he]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2020/GrandCanyonJune20-MED08.jpg[/img:2mvid3he]
Williams was also experiencing a forest fire - No, I didn't start any of them. The air was calm and the smoke looked as if a distant volcano was erupting.
[img:2mvid3he]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2020/GrandCanyonJune20-MED09.jpg[/img:2mvid3he]
We wanted to use Williams as a "base camp" while we were here, as it is only 55 miles to the south rim of the canyon and centered around many other area adventures. Once we setup camp it was time to plot a course for our Grand Canyon Cookout Experience. What we didn't realize is the cookout was actually at the lodge on the North rim of the canyon. While the North rim was only 65 miles from where we sat it was over 250 miles by car!! There was no way we would make our scheduled reservations with a 5 hour drive added to the mix. We called to cancel our reservations and set out toward downtown Williams were we noticed a sign for [url=http://bearizona.com/:2mvid3he]Bearizona[/url:2mvid3he]. We decided to take a look...
Bearizona is a new Zoo in the Grand Canyon area that has only been open for a few weeks. The facility isn't fully completed and that won't happen for a few more years, but what they have is well thought out and maintained. We talked to several employees who told us about the parks master plan - Let's just say there is a lot more to come from this zoo! The entrance price is very reasonable. The mode of transportation? Your car. Yes you drive through the enclosures and the animals can get as close to you as they wish. It takes about 20 minutes to drive through.
[img:2mvid3he]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2020/GrandCanyonJune20-MED10.jpg[/img:2mvid3he]
First up is the Bison, or Buffalo. That is the road you see in the pic. We're about 15 feet away from them and they are BIG!
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White Bison. Not nearly as big, but I wouldn't want to be on the "horn" side of one that is upset!
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Next is the bear cage. Roll up the windows. Don't feed the bears!
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I need a drink!
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This guy was literally laying on the road about 10 feet from where we were driving. He didn't seem to mind.
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The darker bear came over to join him.
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They have a couple cubs on display. Very cute!
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Baby wolves too. I wanna pet the doggy!
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That's it for Day 5. Day 6 coming soon - Be sure to subscribe to this thread!
[size=200:1wh4gtyj][color=#FF0000:1wh4gtyj]Day 6 - June 21st[/color:1wh4gtyj][/size:1wh4gtyj]
[size=150:1wh4gtyj]Train ride to Grand Canyon[/size:1wh4gtyj]
For today we planned on riding the [url=http://www.thetrain.com/:1wh4gtyj]Grand Canyon Railway[/url:1wh4gtyj] ([url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canyon_Railway:1wh4gtyj]Wikipedia[/url:1wh4gtyj]) from Williams to the Grand Canyon. This is the actual rail line that allowed tourism to flourish at the Grand Canyon. Train service to the "Canyon" began 1901 and a one way trip took 3 hours. Prior to that visiting the canyon required an 11 to 12 hour stagecoach ride each way.
We loaded everyone in the car and headed for downtown Williams. I like trains. I think they are mechanical marvels and let us not forget the huge impact they had (and continue to) on our country, and it's economy, in the late 1800's. I think this will be a neat trip. Not only because of the ride, but also because of the history of this line.
Approaching the exit you can see what must be the railway's storage/work area. Looks like they have some spare parts!
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Arriving at the depot. They have a nice little hotel here.
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Until recently the train was operated by an actual steam locomotive, which is a rarity, however the environmentalists won out and they have switched to diesel locomotives for the train. I do believe they still run the steam locomotive on Memorial Day, at least that is what we heard. Here is the steam locomotive.
[img:1wh4gtyj]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonJune21-MED06.jpg[/img:1wh4gtyj]
The old caboose.
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Look what's pulling into the station...
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A closer look at the lead diesel engine (actually a diesel engine that powers a generator to run electric motors connected the the wheels).
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I'm sorry I didn't get any pictures of the actual cars or interiors. They were immaculate! Beautiful! Straight out of the 1950's. We sat in a car with an observation deck. First rate view and service.
Arriving at the station at the Grand Canyon.
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Up 50 or so steps and we see the historic El-Tavor Lodge.
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Directly adjacent is the historic Hopi House.
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A short 50 feet away you are greeted by this...
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Pictures just don't do this justice!
That little clump of trees way down there is where you would find the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_ranch:1wh4gtyj]Phantom Ranch[/url:1wh4gtyj].
[img:1wh4gtyj]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonJune21-MED19.jpg[/img:1wh4gtyj]
The wife and father-in-law venture toward the edge. I'm a chicken!
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Proof I was there (I'm the handsome one on the right).
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Awesomeness!
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Massive!
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Panoramic 1 - Full size version [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonPano1.jpg:1wh4gtyj]here[/url:1wh4gtyj].
[img:1wh4gtyj]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonPano1MED.jpg[/img:1wh4gtyj]
Panoramic 2 - Full size version [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonPano2.jpg:1wh4gtyj]here[/url:1wh4gtyj].
[img:1wh4gtyj]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonPano2MED.jpg[/img:1wh4gtyj]
Panoramic 3 - Full size version [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonPano3.jpg:1wh4gtyj]here[/url:1wh4gtyj].
[img:1wh4gtyj]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonPano3MED.jpg[/img:1wh4gtyj]
We were running out of time because we ate at the El-Tavor, so it was time to head back to the train. We boarded and this is what we saw out the window.
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On the way back to Williams... Hey, what's that? Oh no! Our train is being robbed!
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Luckily we were all unharmed, though they did take my gold teeth and $1 as their loot!
Back in Williams I saw this neat gas station on the way back to camp.
[img:1wh4gtyj]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2021/GrandCanyonJune21-MED38.jpg[/img:1wh4gtyj]
More days coming soon. Stay tuned!
[size=200:2b8adgv2][color=#FF0000:2b8adgv2]Day 7 - June 22nd[/color:2b8adgv2][/size:2b8adgv2]
[size=150:2b8adgv2]Pink Jeep Tour[/size:2b8adgv2]
We had arrange another trip to the Grand Canyon through the [url=http://www.pinkjeep.com/:2b8adgv2]Pink Jeep Tour[/url:2b8adgv2] company. Since we were only going to be there for a few days we thought using a tour company who does this on a regular basis would be a good idea. They could show us the important places and we could skip the less scenic spots. Of course, having a pink vehicle as the touring platform really kept the wife's attention during our discussions!
We were instructed to meet the tour in a parking lot at Flagstaff. This is seen in the parking lot, a tell tale sign of the nearby forest fires.
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Promptly at 8am the pink jeep and tour guide arrive (OK, not really a jeep).
[img:2b8adgv2]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonJune22-MED01.jpg[/img:2b8adgv2]
It's about an hour and a half to the Canyon, during which time the driver/guide offered up some very good info about the canyon and local area. Very informative and entertaining! Once we arrived at the canyon the group split up, with another family deciding to eat lunch at the El Tovar. We took this opportunity to jump out a take a few more pics.
The El-Tovar sign
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A pic from the same location we were at yesterday on the train visit.
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We decided to eat lunch at the Bright Angel Lodge. I little more casual than the El-Tovar, and we had already eaten there the day before.
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After lunch we headed to the back of the lodge for ice cream and a trip through the souvenir shop!
We about died laughing when we saw this book! I guess I know what I'm getting for Christmas!
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Gray squirrels right on the ledge behind the Bright Angel Lodge.
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Look closely. There are two squirrels about 12 inches from me!
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We got back in the pink jeep and headed for the Watchtower.
The Watchtower, also designed by Mary Colter.
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The wife showing off here "desert landscape pose".
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Cactus flower.
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Views from the Watchtower.
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Japanese tourists... I mean another view.
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You can actually see the Colorado river miles off (both distance and depth) in the distance (upper right of pic).
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The scope and beauty are breathtaking!
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Next we went to Grandview Point. This is the location of the first hotel at the canyon in the late 1800's.
A little flora.
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WOW! This is truly a grand view!
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That was it for the day. Time to load up in the pink jeep, er truck, and head back to Flagstaff.
Hey look! My shirt matches the truck!
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Another sign that the fire in Flagstaff is still burning.
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We had some time left before dark so we decided to try to get to Sedona and see what everyone is talking about. We only made it from Flagstaff to downtown Sedona before turning around. If, no when, I go back I will definitely explore this area further. Remarkable views and the road to Sedona would make any motorcycle rider smile!
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Panoramic pics for the day...
Pano 1. Full size version available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-1.jpg:2b8adgv2]HERE[/url:2b8adgv2].
[img:2b8adgv2]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-MED01.jpg[/img:2b8adgv2]
Pano 2. Full size version available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-2.jpg:2b8adgv2]HERE[/url:2b8adgv2].
[img:2b8adgv2]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-MED02.jpg[/img:2b8adgv2]
Pano 3. Full size version available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-3.jpg:2b8adgv2]HERE[/url:2b8adgv2].
[img:2b8adgv2]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-MED03.jpg[/img:2b8adgv2]
Pano 4. Full size version available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-4.jpg:2b8adgv2]HERE[/url:2b8adgv2].
[img:2b8adgv2]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2022/GrandCanyonday2Pano-MED04.jpg[/img:2b8adgv2]
[b:2b8adgv2]Something VERY Special coming for Day 8...[/b:2b8adgv2]
[size=200:7u8zzmon][color=#FF0000:7u8zzmon]Day 8 - June 23rd[/color:7u8zzmon][/size:7u8zzmon]
[size=150:7u8zzmon]Colorado River Rafting[/size:7u8zzmon]
Things were moving slowly as we awoke at 5am because today's adventure required that we catch a bus at 7am. Jump in the car and head 56 miles to the Grand Canyon Airport to meet the bus.
Along the way we are witness to a beautiful sunrise.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED01.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED02.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Then it's off on a 3 and a half hour bus ride to Glen Canyon - "are we there yet?".
We arrived at the designated meeting area in Page, AZ where we had 30 minutes to make sure we had everything in order (Hat? Check! Sunscreen? Check?). Promptly at 11am our bags are searched for explosives, weapons, etc as we are going to the actual Glen Canyon Dam. You know, Homeland Security and all that! We load into different buses for the short 3 mile trip to the dam.
What's that down there?
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED04.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Arriving at a nondescript guard post we are granted access to the "secure zone". We drive a short distance and enter the 2 mile tunnel to the bottom of the dam. It's dark!
This is what the inside of the tunnel looks like! Yes, it's that dark!
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/tunnel.gif[/img:7u8zzmon]
Out of the bus. Put on a hardhat and down the long ramp to our raft. We shove off and this is the view behind us.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED05.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
To put the above picture into perspective the top of the dam is 580ft above the river!
The [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Canyon_Dam:7u8zzmon]Glen Canyon Dam[/url:7u8zzmon] has a storied environmental history. I won't go into too much detail about the impact of a dam on the environment, but I will tell you that a dam affects the downstream water in many adverse ways. One of those is water temperature. Here we are on the Colorado river and the temperature is 100 to 110 degrees, while the water temperature is 46. Why? The downstream river water comes from the bottom of the dam, where it doesn't receive any warmth from the sun. The result is drastically reduced water temps. Another affect is the Colorado (meaning red) river was named because of its' red tinted water. The water is no longer red, but a brownish green color. Now back to our regularly scheduled program...
About 3/4 of a mile from the dam you can still see seepage in the rock faces. The high pressure of Lake Powell behind the dam forces water through the porous sandstone where it seeps out on the downstream side of the river.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED06.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
To put this picture into perspective the top of this rock wall is over 400ft.
Let's turn around and look downstream.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED07.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
One more look back at the dam and bridge.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED08.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
You really have to experience this in person. Amazingly beautiful in all directions!
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED09.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Notice the blue dots on the right side of the river? They are other rafts. That should show the scale of the river and rock face.
Natural sculptures abound. Notice the dark coloring on some of the rock faces? That is desert patina(or varnish) and is caused by a natural bacteria interacting with minerals in the rock. It is then baked by the sun and polished by the wind.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED10.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
A little waterfall. Surprising in this arid climate.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED12.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Beautiful.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED15.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED16.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
More beauty.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED18.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED19.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED20.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
This is the beginning of a natural arch.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED21.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Petroglyphs.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED23.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED24.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED25.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
The tops of the rock faces here are probably 700ft.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED28.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Some of the local wildlife.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED29.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
A natural amphitheater.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED30.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Neat rock formations.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED31.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
More. Around 900ft in height.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED35.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
We stopped to eat our box lunches and I took some interesting pics to show the color and texture of the rock formations. Feel free to use the larger originals for desktop wallpaper, or whatever you would like.
Pic 1. Full size copy available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-36.jpg:7u8zzmon]HERE[/url:7u8zzmon].
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED36.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Pic 2. Full size copy available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-37.jpg:7u8zzmon]HERE[/url:7u8zzmon].
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED37.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Pic 3. Full size copy available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-38.jpg:7u8zzmon]HERE[/url:7u8zzmon].
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED38.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Pic 4. Full size copy available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-39.jpg:7u8zzmon]HERE[/url:7u8zzmon].
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED39.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
I thought this was interesting. The rock has separated between layers and vegetation has taken root.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED40.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
More perspective. The rock face at the far end of the picture is over 2 miles away!
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED42.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
This is the actual location the government wanted to locate a dam. Unfortunately there is a real live fault line right there, and I hear that earthquakes and dams do go well together!
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED43.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Sand blows off the plateau and collects here. This is around 1000ft high.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED45.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED46.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Beautiful. What more can I say?
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED48.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED49.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
The vertical layers of this rock face caught my attention.
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED50.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
The trip ends 16 miles later at [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee%27s_Ferry:7u8zzmon]Lee's Ferry[/url:7u8zzmon], which is another important location for the Grand Canyon area.
Here is a picture of the river from Navajo bridge on our return trip (notice the lack of red color in the water).
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED52.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Here are a few panoramic shots for the day!
Panoramic 1. Full size version is available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GlenCanyonBridgepano.jpg:7u8zzmon]HERE[/url:7u8zzmon].
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GlenCanyonBridgepaMEDno.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Panoramic 2. Full size version is available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-22.jpg:7u8zzmon]HERE[/url:7u8zzmon].
[img:7u8zzmon]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2023/GrandCanyonJune23-MED22.jpg[/img:7u8zzmon]
Of all the things we did in Arizona this was my favorite. A relaxing raft trip on the mighty Colorado river through some of the most beautiful scenery known to man! It doesn't get much better than this!
[size=200:7sxfmypr][color=#FF0000:7sxfmypr]Day 9 - June 24th[/color:7sxfmypr][/size:7sxfmypr]
[size=150:7sxfmypr]Visiting the Hoover dam[/size:7sxfmypr]
Our original plan was to leave our camp in Williams and travel to the Hoover dam before heading North into Utah. Fortunately, for us, plans changed and it was decided to visit the dam on the 24th, return to camp in Williams, and leave for Utah on Friday morning. Why so fortunate? Follow along!
Why do we want to visit another dam? Well, Hoover Dam is the big brother of the Glen Canyon dam. It is both larger and older. It is also a tourist attraction for the Las Vegas area. The final reason? You can currently drive over the actual dam, but after November of this year a new bridge will open and traffic over the dam will be restricted. Basically, it's now or never!
The [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoover_Dam:7sxfmypr]Hoover Dam[/url:7sxfmypr] is truly a marvel of engineering! Constructed between 1931 and 1936 Hoover dam is the main source of drinking water and electricity for southern Nevada and California. It also built a strong foundation for a city known as Las Vegas!
The dam is 726ft high and waters held by the dam create Lake Mead. Interesting fact: Curing concrete creates a ton of heat as chemical reactions take place. Uneven heat can delay the curing process and cause a weaker final product. The incredible amount of concrete used in the dam construction would have resulted a curing process that would have taken 100 years - Yes it would still be curing today - if it even held water do to the contractions and uneven curing. Using good 'ol ingenuity they devised a plan to keep the concrete evenly cool during curing and prevent contraction. 1" steel piping was add to each concrete form. Water from the Colorado was pumped through the pipes to keep the heat evenly distributed during curing. Once the concrete in that section cured the forms were removed, the pipes were sawed even with the concrete and filled with grout. Problem. Solution!
Approaching the day you can see the approaches being built for the new bridge.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-01MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
We came around the bend and this is what we saw. Traffic slows to a crawl at this point.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-02MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
I took the picture above from a viewing point above the dam. It was HOT - 115 degrees!! I'm not talking "average hot". I'm talking "burn the soles off your shoes and set your socks on fire" hot! We decided the rest of our visit would be conducted from the car!
Looking back at Lake Mead. Seems the water level may be a little low.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-03MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
A picture of the soon to be open bridge. Once this opens there will be no more driving across the dam!
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-04MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
Here are two of the water inlet towers. Note the time.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-05MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
A better look at Lake Mead.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-06MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
Here are the other two water inlet towers. Yup, we're now in Nevada.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-07MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
Large, and beautiful, bronze statues at the base of the flag pole.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-08MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
Another bronze statue, this one dedicated to the workers who built the dam.
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-10MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
Here is a view back at the dam face. I wish I could have viewed it from the new bridge!
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/GrandCanyonJune24-12MED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
Here is a panoramic from the upper viewpoint. Full size copy available [url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/HooverDamPanoramic.jpg:7sxfmypr]HERE[/url:7sxfmypr].
[img:7sxfmypr]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2024/HooverDamPanoramicMED.jpg[/img:7sxfmypr]
Truly a beautiful structure. It definitely had that 1930's look, but well cared for. Almost as if it had been constructed recently. Lot's of brass and ornate fixtures.
Next up - Back on the bikes as we head to Utah!
Excellent pics Dave...thanks mate. Tiz a real education for me in Oz to see them. Some truly spectacular scenery!!!
Just one minor criticism, there were no more shots of that really good sort....the good looking sheila.
Cheers mate....Jim (the old perv)
[quote="ozbloke":vs9v7xlk]Just one minor criticism, there were no more shots of that really good sort....the good looking sheila.
Cheers mate....Jim (the old perv) [/quote:vs9v7xlk]
Some things I just have to keep to myself!
[size=200:3bk3i4am][color=#FF0000:3bk3i4am]Day 10 - June 25th[/color:3bk3i4am][/size:3bk3i4am]
[size=150:3bk3i4am]Williams, Arizona to Cedar City, Utah[/size:3bk3i4am]
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/Returnday1.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
Today we begin the trip home. We chose a different route home so we could see a few more states on the way back.
We left Williams in the morning and headed toward Flagstaff. Of course, there has to be a picture of Grand Canyon Harley Davidson!
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-01MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
50 miles later we entered Flagstaff and headed North. On the North side of town you can see the damage from last week's forest fires. This side of the mountain looks like charcoal.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-02MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
A little further and we enter Navajo Indian land and the outskirts of the painted desert. Nice scenery, but I'm sure it would have looked better had the sun been shining.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-03MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
Abandoned motel. This was actually a pretty large one.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-04MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
You can see the colors begin to increase on the distant landscape.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-06MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
Elevation changes more frequently.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-08MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
Further out from Flagstaff nice rock formations begin to appear.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-09MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
It was getting close to lunch, so we stopped at [url=http://www.camerontradingpost.com/:3bk3i4am]Cameron Trading Post[/url:3bk3i4am] for food and gas. Cameron Trading Post is Indian owned and on Navajo land. They have a hotel, excellent restaurant, fuel, and a wonderful gift show containing everything from real navajo woven rugs to the normal touristy trinkets. It is well maintained and looks exactly as you would expect. If you're in the area you should stop by and check it out!
We went around the buildings to see the view afforded those who stay in the hotel. From here you can see the ornate iron bridge. Unfortunately this bridge serves to transport coal over the river in a slurry. Not exactly a top notch environmental method is such an arid climate! Beautiful none-the-less.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-11MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
We make a friend - hungry little critter.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-12MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
We then head into the restaurant were we have the best Navajo tacos ever! Excellent service and food! I really enjoyed the intricate details in the pressed tin ceiling.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-13MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
As we left you can see the colors in the distance and a few formations.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-14MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
Here is a perfect example of the makeshift stores the Navajo erect by the roads to sell the wares they make in their homes.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-15MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
Now we're talking.
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-17MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
[img:3bk3i4am]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/deputy963/2010%20Pictures/GC%20June%2025/GrandCanyonJune25-20MED.jpg[/img:3bk3i4am]
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A few more.
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If you're going to pull out in front of me, at least do the speed limit and stay in your own lane!
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Another Indian market.
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Here is a [url=http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/houses/hogan.html:3bk3i4am]Navajo Hogan[/url:3bk3i4am], or home. This is the "new" style build in a hexagonal fashion. The number of Navajo who know this method of building is said to be under 50.
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The road moves closer to the scenery.
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We had better slow down or we will run right into that! OK, it just looks that way.
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Beautiful.
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Approaching Lee's Ferry. This is where our rafting trip ended earlier in the week.
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If you look to the right in the above picture you can see another bridge (where the cars are parked). This is the old Navajo bridge and is strictly a pedestrian bridge now.
We stopped at Lee's Ferry for gas and a beverage. we could see a storm off in the distance, but it is hard to tell which way the road is going to travel with all of the mountains. We decided we would get a sprinkle, but in this heat it would be a good thing! Unfortunately we were wrong!
As we began to ascend we were heading right into the storm. When I say storm I mean torrential downpour and very high winds! As we approached the summit (7800ft, or so, above sea level) all hell broke loose. At one point I pulled to the side of the road to allow my wife to catch up. It was all that I could do to keep from being blown over by the winds. Did I mention there are no guardrails and the drop off is several hundred feet? As the road traveled through cutouts in the rock the wind would funnel through the cutout also. I've ridden through most everything including snow and hail. This was the only time I've ever been concerned.
We stopped to put on rain gear, but always too late it seems. Note: If you want the rain to stop - put on your rain gear! Note 2: Weather at elevations is a crap shoot - be prepared for anything! The only good thing about the rain is being wet combined with traveling at speed sure helps you cool down! Needless to say I have no pictures during this time.
We crested the mountain and headed toward the Utah state line. The sun came out to finish drying us out and the landscape changed again. This time to a more rugged looking terrain.
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Still beautiful!
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The sun begins to set as we approach our destination for the nigh...
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Casting a magnificent red glow on the mountains...
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Tomorrow we'll stay in Cedar City to explore Kolab and Zion. Stay tuned...
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