We're On The Road Again!

May 23, 2017
J & H RV Park
Flagstaff, Arizona


We were in danger of broiling in the heat before we got everything wrapped up so that we could leave for the summer.  It was 106 the day we left Casa Grande.

We headed north to higher elevations and were greeted by pleasant 70 degree temperatures in Flagstaff and snow still on San Francisco Peak.  We enjoyed the afternoon visiting the Walnut Canyon, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments.

While we were hiking one of the trails at Walnut Canyon we met a man wearing an unusual T-shirt.  It sort of looked like a rock band tour shirt.  On the back was a list of dates throughout the summer and places corresponding with each date.  On the front it said "Johnson Summer Tour" and had a photo of his fifth wheel RV.  If you plan ahead for you summer travels it's much easier to be cool.


Sunset Crater Volcano was more of a challenge because I forgot to change shoes before we left the RV and I had to walk through lava fields in flip flops.  I blamed my lack of coordination on my shoes.

Even though I was footwear disadvantaged, I challenged Dave to a race to the top of the volcano cone.  It was a good thing I saw the "Trailed Closed" sign before I issued the challenge or I might have been in trouble.







May 23 & 24, 2017
Jacob Lake Campground
Jacob Lake, Arizona

 On our way from Flagstaff to the north side of the Grand Canyon we drove by the Vermillion Cliffs.

After we settled the RV in the campground, we drove over to Pipe Spring National Monument so Dave could get another stamp in his National Park Passbook.  It ended up being so interesting that we stayed for the entire afternoon.
 
The next day we drove down to the North Rim.  We have lived in Arizona for several years and visited the Grand Canyon several times over the years, but we have never visited the North Rim.  With 90% of all visitors going to the South Rim it is a welcome change from all the congestion on the south side.  Naturally, the best views weren't from the road, so instead of the 45 minute scenic drive we ended up spending the entire day there.

Everytime Dave found a wide spot in the trail, he stopped for a quick drink and an extra breath.















Meanwhile, I was on my way to the top.

Here's Dave sitting down again.













May 26-28, 2017
Elks Lodge #2498
Page, Arizona

We decided to stay at Page over the Memorial Day weekend to avoid some of the crowds.  It wasn't a very wise move since everyone seemed to be spending the holiday at Lake Powell.  It was very difficult to navigate Walmart with all those extra shoppers.

While we were here we toured the Glen Canyon Dam.

 Tomorrow we are heading towards Colorado.