A Canyon Type Day

To continue our Flagstaff adventure we visited Walnut Canyon, home to abandoned cliff dwellings of the Hopi Indian over 800 years ago.

This is Mark's "dwell" pose.

The change in habitat from one side of the canyon to the other is remarkable, sunny desert to a greener mountain. The entire hike I wanted to see a walnut tree since it is the namesake of the place. When we finished a helpful park ranger pointed out how we had missed well marked ones, oh sigh.

To visit yet another biome of Arizona, we went to the Snowbowl home to Humphrey's peak, the tallest in the state at 12,666 feet. This was a 20 degree difference and home to the spectacular, white barked aspen tree. How did we visit? By ski lift!

The bottom: elevation 9,000 feet.

The slightly scary journey to the top.

The top: elevation 11,500 feet.

The even more exhilarating journey downward. I really didn't want to let go, but the need of this photo overcame my fear.

Our last stop for the next 3 nights is the Grand Canyon. We made it here in the afternoon for an orientation of the mule journey tomorrow. We read a few pages about how equine are dangerous and unpredictable. Then how important it is to hydrate in the 100 degree temperatures and were handed these.

Ummm, I hope there are refills!

The Bright Angel Lodge reminds me of a Disney resort true to its theme! Rustic all around.

With a swell location on the canyon rim!

 We had a relaxing dinner overlooking this  view with the sun setting, changing the colors of our surroundings.