Day 3 - Gallup to Grand Canyon

Well folks, we're back! I apologize for not updating more recently, but the Grand Canyon was not exactly conducive for blogging. While gorgeous and breathtaking, it was not exactly Internet capable! Anyway, here's a recap of our travels!

Starting on Sunday, we had an early morning (after a cold evening!!) in Gallup, NM to head out into Arizona and make our trek to the Grand Canyon. Quite soon, we passed over the Arizona border!

We had read about the time change here, since AZ folk (apparently except the Navajo nation) do not subscribe to Daylight Savings Time, so we all had to change our clocks back. This will inevitably help us transition into California much better, so we were glad for the extra time! After the quick sign photo-op, we got right back on the road (through Lupton, a town comprised mostly of trading posts) to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. This had to be our first real glimpse of the amazing Southwest landscape. We were greeted with the wide open spaces, great red and blue colors, and incredible views of the Painted Desert. Below are some of the highlights:

 After a bit of a drive through the Park, we were greeted with the fallen logs and greener spaces of the Petrified Forest. It was a sight to see such crystallized wood and we were all amazed with how large some of them were (not to mention heavy!) - it was definitely worth the drive through the entire park and the terrain and elevation change were incredible.

After this morning trip, we headed out onto I-40 and eventually Historic Route 66. Our first stop was Holbrook, the home of the Wigwam Motel - have you stayed in a Wigwam lately?

After Holbrook, we headed out onto a bit of rough terrain (aka a very unkempt stretch of road) to get to the Jackrabbit Trading Post in Joseph City. With much anticipation (mostly from Amy and I) from stories and many road signs showing us the way:

We arrived to the trading post to find it CLOSED. Since it was around lunchtime, we decided to stay parked in the lot, have lunch, and wait the hour the sign posted the owners would return. While we waited, we took some pictures with the Jackrabbit:

Much to our relief, just about noon the owner arrived back and opened the store. We headed in and purchased our shot glasses, t-shirts, and magnets and were on our way. Absolutely worth the experience (and the excuse to take a rest!).

After this stop, we headed further down the road to Winslow - famous for its Corner (from the Eagles fame) - "Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona..." and it was definitely worth a photo-op, especially for its Route 66 sign in the street:

After Winslow, we made the executive decision to skip the Meteor Crater for its expense and in the favor of time, so we headed directly up to the Grand Canyon. From I-40, the Grand Canyon (through the Kaibab National Forest) is up about an hour and a half north. As we pulled into our campsite, we were quickly greeted with the sad news that the showers were in the campground over (and cost $2 for 8 minutes!) and there was no Internet connection to be found. We did get over this soon when we took the shuttle (PS - the shuttle system at the Grand Canyon is GREAT. The drivers are incredibly helpful and while the map is confusing at first, it's a great way to get around the South Rim area.) to the South Rim for our first glances:

After the initial oohs and aahs, we headed back to the RV to get ready for Chris and Kathy's birthday celebration dinner at El Tovar Hotel. I had asked for a window seat upon request and we were lucky enough to receive one next to a great picture window. The food was wonderful and the lodge was great - a wonderful place to celebrate!

We enjoyed some dessert and headed back to the RV to relax for the night. Chris, Kathy, Amy and I played Bonkers! (nighttime is game time, of course) and then retired for the night. A great first day at the Canyon and birthday celebration!