Home is Wherever I'm With You {Southwest Trip Part IV}

HOME BOUND! We left on 2 day journey home on Thursday 1/21/10. A storm was chasing us east, so in order to avoid snow and rain, we didn't have much of a choice. I don't know if you recall but that week California (which is only 2.5 hours away from Phoenix) had major flash flooding, thunderstorms and even a tornado in Orange County. Crazy! (Check out this link for videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwUP_NZ_9rI&feature=related )It had been drizzling in AZ but it was only a matter of time before it really got hit. (Arizona ended up having the worst flash flooding and rainfall in 17 years). We had to take the "southern route" (mind you, way out of way) because directly east of Phoenix the mountains in "Rim Country" were getting feet of snow.
Below are some images of southern New Mexico. We were majorly out of our way on route 54 (one lane each direction). We were so far south we actually went through border patrol. They have places on the highway were you have to pull off in order for them to verify whether or not you are an American citizen. I thought that was cool!
We eventually got back on track (on I-40) and hr. from Tucumcari, NM. We stopped there for the night. The next day I did most of the driving, therefore there are no images.

Home is Wherever I'm With You {Southwest Trip 2010} Part III

Below are some shots of the San Fran Peak. You can see this peak from the Canyon...absolutely fascinating. We came to a screeching halt on the way back from the Canyon because there was a clearing in the pines and we could get this spectacular view. These photographs are sort of generic, I know but it's about the experience that's linked to them that makes them special to me. It was a beautiful day, lots of people where skiing; of course we were soaking all the views in and taking lots of "picture pit-stops". My favorite kind of day!

The next day (after yet another grand-slam breakfast at Denny's) we headed SOUTH! Going south from Flagstaff to Phoenix is quite the experience. If you ever get the chance to take the 2 hr. drive, I highly suggest filling up your tank, checking you breaks and enjoying the ride down. You go from 7,000 feet above sea level, to 1,117 feet in central AZ. Below are some shots of Sedona, AZ coming down the mountains. It was a BLAH overcast day, so maybe next time we'll spend some more time there hiking and photographing.

Here are a few clips on our way to Sedona. (I apologize, in advance for the poor quality; good thing I didn't decide to become a videographer...hehe)

We got to WARM Phoenix in the nick of time! The mountains were calling for feet of snow. We stayed with my ever so generous Aunt Anne and Uncle Dave. We are so thankful to have had the time with them. We spent a few days there enjoying the beautiful Salt River Valley or "Valley of the Sun", 60 degree weather, good wine and food.

"Hole in the Rock" natural geological formation in Papago Park (above)
I Spy a Hummingbird (above)

Home is Wherever I'm with You {Southwest Trip 2010} Part II

SCALE

In some areas, we saw footprints in the snow, right up to the edge. It's called gravity people and they have warnings...IN MANY DIFFERENT LANGUAGES!

In summary:
From Flagstaff, the road to the canyon was "far out". There wasn't even electric; we only saw a few homes, all of which were solely powered by solar panels. Levi was in a completely relaxed state. I don't think I've ever seen him spontaneously listen to classical music and drive at an ungodly slow speed. The locals that passed us (every few minutes, mind you) didn't even seem to faze him.

After an hour and a half of pine trees and dirt, we got the the south-east gate, paid our $25 bucks and were minutes away from the grand view. It was a perfect morning!

For me, seeing the canyon for the first time, was quite frightening actually. I was moved almost to the point of tears; I was overwhelmed and felt extremely small. I know that sounds dramatic, but this is coming from a girl who just 2 years ago knew only of the east coast. Mountains and canyons were only in books and pictures, not something I figured I'd see in my twenties. I certainly wasn't taking this unexpected reality for granted. Every second was a thought or a photograph. It was quite an all-consuming experience, one that I'm extremely thankful for.

Even though the canyon is mostly lifeless rock, it's so unique that it seemed to have a life of its own. As you can see above, it was cold, snowy and icy; not conditions for unprofessional hikers (although some crazzzzys were attempting it). We'll have to go back and stay for a week. Mark my words, I WILL GO TO THE BOTTOM SOMEDAY.

Part III "Going south" to come!