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Published: July 11th 2009
Outside of Flagstaff
heading towards the North RimJust got finished updating the blog at Starbucks. While using their wireless and drinking my latte, I was eavesdropping, which I love to do. My son Josh and I would always eavesdrop wherever we were. I once heard a man break up with his wife at a restaurant. She was begging him and he was saying it was over, while eating his pasta and drinking his wine. It was very sad. Anyway, I could hear a conversation between this young kid and a female worker—she was probably around 34, he looked around 28. He first was talking about the fact he was leaving on vacation tonight with his girlfriend—they’re going to Vegas—‘and she’s paying for it,,,ha, ha,ha, he said. Then he started complaining about his child support for his two kids. He said he thinks it’s too much and his ex doesn’t spend the money on the kids. Well, the female worker pretty much let him have it (in a soft voice, but loud enough for me to enjoy). She said, they’re your kids, your responsibility and you don’t know how she spends the money unless you are with her all the time. It was great; she probably has some experience
Outside of Flagstaff,
heading towards the North Rim in that department. I wanted to stay to hear more, but Ken said time to go.
By the way, we didn’t post all of the pictures because in some of them, we look like sausages…….we didn’t want to scare anyone and wanted you to keep reading.
The drive through Flagstaff is beautiful, we climb to over 7000ft, lots of pine trees. We stop to top off our gas tank before taking route 89 to the North Rim. It is noticeably cooler. I go to the RV to use the bathroom (so much nicer than the gas station bathrooms) and as I close the door, I slam my thumb in the door. I’ve got it in ice now and it hurts a lot.
Out of Flagstaff, the landscape changes dramatically---it’s kind of flat with mountains in the distance. It looks like we will drop off the edge of the earth up ahead. The views are panoramic. The land has a light green grass covering it, with round pine bushes everywhere. I see a sign advertising a colt sale at a ranch, didn’t catch the name; it’s tomorrow.
We pass a couple trading posts and a school, miles and miles from any
Outside of Flagstaff
heading towards the North Rim houses.
A sign- WHOA—Cameron Trading Post ahead. We come upon some houses that look like shacks, very poor area….we are on the Navajo Indian Reservation. We cross a bridge over the Little Colorado River; it’s dry.
We pass another Trading post; painted in big letters: Chief Yellowhorse Loves you! This is good news for all of us; we all need to be loved. Ken says this is especially good news for all of the ‘unlovables’. These trading posts are 10 feet off the road, and traveling at 70 mph, it’s dangerous to try and stop.
We take the turn off route 89 to 89A to the rim. You can tell we are getting close; the red canyon walls are beautiful. We pull off the side of the road to make a sandwich. Turkey breast, swiss cheese, fresh sliced tomato, horseradish mustard on dilly rye bread. We should be there soon!
Wow, I’m awestruck…we just crossed over Navajo Bridge, over the Colorado. So, so amazing. You must take this drive before you die!!
Just passed Lee’s Ferry Lodge just on the bass of Vermillion Cliffs..it’s a very old motel, kind of looks like The Bates Motel.
Gas is 2.89 at the
Outside of Flagstaff
heading towards the North Rim Cliff Dwellers Lodge.
As we were climbing the hills, Ken noticed that the truck didn’t have the full power it should, not enough ‘umph’ as he said. Perhaps some bad gas or a catalytic converter. Anyway we called Larry Busboom and he found us a Ford Dealership in Page. We called and got an appointment on Monday morning.
OK, we’re here; we arrived around 2:30. Once you get in to the park, there are acres and acres of meadows, with wildflowers and pine trees. We pass a bunch of buffalo, right next to the road. You’ll see the pictures.
We get to the campground and…..things can’t be perfect, right?....things can’t always go the way you planned,,,even if you reserved your site 3 months ago???? ?The ranger tells Ken the people who had our site (#23) last night---their truck broke down and they can’t move…so they have another site for us which is not nearly as nice and close to the bathrooms. Ours was within steps to the rim. I am pissed and aggravated. Time to calm down and not let it ruin our time. We drove past our site (#23) and we see the RV AND the truck, but
Outside of Flagstaff
heading towards the North Rim no movement on packing up. We go back to the Ranger station and the guy was there asking if he could stay another night. The nerve of him! The ranger said no, you have to move because the guy standing next to you has #23 reserved for the next two nights. So he is packing up and we are waiting for him to move. I think it’s time for my martini. I’m taking offers on what I should name it. Send me a message if you think of a name.
It is beautiful here, nice and cool.
The guy who had our spot came over and told us he was ready to leave; he apologized and was very nice. We moved our RV and set up camp. As we were doing so, a deer came up to our camp, eating the grass. He was not afraid of us at all. We took some pictures.
I took a walk through the park, it is so pretty. We are within a few yards of the rim, we can hear the wind going through the canyon every once in a while; although it is not windy at all. It is 82 degrees right
Outside of Flagstaff
heading towards the North Rim now but dropping quickly as the sun goes down, going to 48-50 tonight. The camp is booked solid—stays that way all season. It is only open from April-October; closes because of snow after that. Each campsite has lots of pine trees and I think white birch, although I am not sure. The sites are pretty big, you’re not right next to your neighbor. There are lots of people tent camping. There are bathrooms, showers, and a camp store.
We are sitting outside now enjoying the cool breeze, drinking wine and grilling tilapia. We are using the decanter and glasses Lori and Rich got us: Sardonje & Co. They are so nice!
After dinner we take a walk to the rim…it’s so beautiful. It was a beautiful sunset and of course I did not bring my camera.
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Josh
non-member comment
drink name
The "Marann" Margie-Ann. I don't know, trying to think of something better.