Grand Canyon and Sedona

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July 1, Wednesday

Another very early wake up - this time at 5 am, and we were on our way eastbound along Route 66. Coffee stop in Seligman, and then on to our planned stop in Williams AZ. This was another little piece of advice gotten from the visitor center guy in Kingman. He told me about a great little National Forest campground just off the highway, on the west end of Williams called Cataract Lake campground in the Kaibab National Forest. $14 per night, and it was perfectly placed for a two day stay. After setting up the tent at about 9 in the morning, we climbed aboard Bear and headed north to the Grand Canyon. For those of you who've been there, you know what we saw. For those who haven't been there, and this was my first time, you must go at least once. I was truly awed by the immensity. Pictures do nothing to prepare you. I have decided to return with backpacking gear, and to try some back-country activity. Just seeing some of the trails wind around the rock outcroppings got my hiking genes stirring again. On the return trip we flirted with several thundershowers. In fact the first one got us while we were still at the canyon. Once back at the campsite, we had some supper and headed for the mattresses. Another thundershower came through, then for some reason it continued to rain most of the night. Temps were perfect all day, as we were many thousand feet higher in WIlliams, and it was even very pleasant at the canyon.

July 2, Thursday

Leaving Big Agnes up, we suited up and took off through Flagstaff and down 89A to Sedona. I'd heard lots of neat things about the area, but this is another place that I'll have to return to with hiking gear to explore with more time. We visited lots of the shops, took a ride on the free trolley, and basically did the tourist thing. Back to Williams and Big Agnes, another night without a shower. Oh yea, I forgot to mention the only drawback to these great little National Forest campgrounds - no showers or running water except the "fill your water bucket" faucets.

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Comments

[Margie Ledgerwood]

Mule Ride
Rick.....You must go to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by Mule....The experience is awesome and you can camp in the bottom or get dorm style sleeping or a private cabin. At least think about it. I promise you will not be disappointed.