23rd November - Grand Canyon - Phoenix , AZ, USA

We headed out this morning bidding a fond farewell to the Grand Canyon. Whilst it had been a three hour flight from Vancouver and an 800 km round drive from Phoenix, it was well and truly worth it to see one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. We headed out to Williams for our first stop. We stopped for coffee and to take a few photo’s but mainly so we could proudly say that we have driven a small section of the historic Route 66.

Next along the drive on Highway 89A with the start of being the Oak Creek Canyon. We hopped out and had a look at the Canyon, which really, after the Grand Canyon, appeared quite average. A quick stop and then we continued on with our drive heading towards Sedona. The drive itself was absolutely beautiful with the Canyon being at its narrowest and changing colours from deep reds, oranges and gold limestones. We also headed past the beautiful Slide Rock State Park. Every corner was a photo opportunity and we stopped many times. We finally made it into Sedona. Whilst the township surrounding it was beautiful the town it self was purely tourist driven and perhaps just a tad tacky. Anyhow, after lunch we continued on.

Whilst photographing one area, we had a couple pull up in their car and then proceed to bring their cat out the car for a walk. We thought it was hilarious. Whilst we had seen many children and dogs, not one single cat. I had to take a photo of “The Cat at the Canyon”. We then stopped off at Montezuma’s Castle. Which the native Indian people had built their house into the side of limestone cliffs in 1400 AD. It was quite amazing to see and how the people lived and a bit of a mystery as to why and where they had gone. However we couldn’t stay for too long having to head back to Phoenix.
One the drive back to Phoenix, we stopped off and got some photo’s of the huge cactus’s that dot the countryside. They were in huge clusters on the side of the road and also single cactuses. They came in all shapes and sizes. The sun setting over Phoenix made it quite beautiful. We finally made it back to town, ready to call to start the next leg of our adventure in Mexico.

Oh, a word of warning, never, ever eat Cinnamon Tic Tacs.... yuk.