Today began quite well with a 7.00 am departure from Phoenix. Had no trouble getting out on to Interstate 17 and heading north (didn’t even use the GPS).
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| Montezuma Castle |
As we travelled north we gradually moved away from the arid, barren countryside surrounding Phoenix and away from the varieties of cactus being the dominant vegetation.
Our first stop was at Montezuma Castle – the remains of an early Indian residence/village built into the side of a limestone cliff by the Sinagua people about 900 years ago. It was amazing how they were able to construct their homes high up on the cliff-face with the only access being by a series of ladders.
We had heard a lot about Sedona and the surrounding red rock cliffs so decided to take a detour and pass through this section of Arizona on our way to the Grand Canyon. It was very beautiful but unfortunately we didn’t get to see much as we found ourselves stuck in a massive holiday weekend traffic jam. It’s the sort of place that really needs a day or two to do it justice.
From there we went to nearby Fort Verde State Historic Park. Four buildings remain from the days of the Indian wars but unlike the movie versions, Fort Verde never had a wooden wall around it. Apparently it wasn’t needed and in any case there were no trees from which timber could be obtained.
As we came further north the countryside displayed more appealing vegetation – grasses, shrubs and trees - and was obviously more fertile and better watered.
Here I must pay credit to the GPS. We had used it to locate all our stops and it made navigating so much easier.
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| Allan in the Cavalry! |
As we came further north the countryside displayed more appealing vegetation – grasses, shrubs and trees - and was obviously more fertile and better watered.
Filling up with petrol in Flagstaff was an experience. Credit card pumps!! Eventually worked it out. Then the GPS wouldn’t take us the way I wanted to go but how can you argue with a machine that won’t give enough options. We eventually gave in and arrived at the Grand Canyon about 4.30 pm – the GPS did get us exactly to our accommodation however so all was forgiven.
First impression of the Grand Canyon was a little disappointing but it was late in the afternoon and the smog was pretty bad. Yes, smog! Apparently the air quality around GC is strongly influenced by pollution from California (ie Los Angeles). Amazing but true!
Despite this the awesomeness, majesty and size of the canyon is just overwhelming. Pictures can never prepare you for the real thing. (I recall having a similar feeling in 2004 when we saw Uluru “in the flesh” for the first time.)
First impression of the Grand Canyon was a little disappointing but it was late in the afternoon and the smog was pretty bad. Yes, smog! Apparently the air quality around GC is strongly influenced by pollution from California (ie Los Angeles). Amazing but true!
Despite this the awesomeness, majesty and size of the canyon is just overwhelming. Pictures can never prepare you for the real thing. (I recall having a similar feeling in 2004 when we saw Uluru “in the flesh” for the first time.)
One thing which stood out to us was the complete absence of fences or barriers of any kind. You could literally walk up, sit on a rock and dangle your legs over the side. If it was back home we would have a two metre high fence to save fools from themselves.
