More canyons! Go figure.

7/23

There will be a post about our mule trip at the Grand Canyon once we get some wifi, but for now...

Last stop in Arizona, Lake Powell. An artificial wonder of the world for sure. It is turquoise body of water surrounded by desert monoliths and canyon walls. 

Here is the Glen Canyon Dam of Colorado river, it's creator.

You will find house boats with slides of the back and people swimming like a day at the beach. We definitely have our best campsite view so far..

Our adventure of the day was exploring Antelope Slot Canyon as well as a Navajo hoop dance, that's 13 hoops.

We rode in these safari jeeps for another exhilarating experience. Full speed through sandy bumps which jostled us around and even caused us to be airborne at times.

 

This canyon is a work of wind and flood. It is constantly changing, last year it was 12 feet deeper that it was today.

A real work of art.

The floods can raise the water level to hair feet from the top. Here is evidence of  materialist behind from one.

We saw profiles of George Washington and Abe Lincoln, though we think they are at every national monument.

After our adventure, we took a dip in the lake. The water felt so soft, as well as the mud at the bottom, but Ina good rejuvenating type of way.

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.

Burros, Akitas, and Beers...Oh My!

So Lauren's trip may be over. We reached Oatman, Arizona this afternoon, aka donkeytown. When we arrived Lauren was doing nothing but squealing. You've all heard the noise I'm talking about, but probably not to the level it reached today.

I took a video of her approach and will upload it on Facebook. She at one point said, "This is the best day of my life." I reminded her that she said this also at our wedding. Insert me being like an ass joke here.

Below is Duke. He was described as a "lover" because he had impregnated most of the females in town. Lauren is meeting him below.

We walked the town feeding the donkeys and avoiding the urination and defication. Cute! We purchased donkey food and fed many an ass. Apparently Fritzy would be very happy here. They have a steady diet if alpha hay cubes, carrots (which make them very aggressive), and salt licks. 

There was even a 5 day old donk that literally made Lauren cry as she exclaimed, "It's so beautiful!"

We fed the donkeys and watched a "gunshow". It was entertaining. By entertaining I mean, awkward. The town was the most stereotypically southwestern we have been to with many a cigarette lit and many a tooth missing. Somehow I think this town is voting for Cliven Bundy in 2016.

As the smell of donkey sprinkles, the name I can only assume Lauren has given to the animal's droppings, became too much, we headed off further east to Flagstaff. On our way out we saw even wilder donkeys on the cliffs.

We arrived and were greeted by an Akita which made us both smile. We checked into our hotel and started a self guided walking brewery tour. Woozle!

Glitz and nonsense

Sadly, we must announce the passing of Tentle Wentle. Given to me by my grandparents, he has housed us temporarily for about ten years in the best of nature and sometimes the side of a highway on a bluff (most recently). A cheerful red and airy tent finds a day when his pole splits. We did use duct tape to secure it, but the pressure of the bent pole then affected the seams and other poles. When we arrived back to our roadside home it was in disarray from the wind. Unfortunately after more research we found a second cracked pole and a ripped tent. 

We would proudly like to announce a new addition, Tentalina, a blue Coleman. 

After finding our new temporary home, we found Santa Monica. The end of route    66.

A more commercial beach than those of San Diego county. You may even channel a bit of the Jersey shore spirit in its boardwalk, but with gorgeous water and views.

And finally we hit traffic, human and car. Approximately 5 minutes per mile is needed to move about Los Angeles and area.

We did conquer Hollywood in about an hour. Even that may have been too much time. The crowds of Times Square with the random people trying desperately to give you their free CDs and a tour. We couldn't even bare touring around downtown LA.

Angels Baseball tonight! Giveaway: Mike Trout gnome (a NJ native)

The happiest place on Earth

Just had to visit the original Disney dream!

Not that anybody wants to read about our visit to a theme park, but I'd really love to share the highlights and comparisons to Disneyworld.

1. Though the castle is not as stunning, you can tour through Sleeping beauty's digs.

2. Some of the old classics that have left Disneyworld are still alive for example Mr. Toads Wild ride and Snow White.

3. I felt the Small world was pretty nifty, in an ornate castle and hidden Disney characters were fun to find.

4. A few extras, Alice in wonderland ride, Indian jones ride, Star Tours and Pinochio. I know, I know, Pinochio is my least favorite, but we had to go on.

I closed my eyes at the creepy fox and wolf part.

5. Still have Toontown, hurray Minnie's house!

6. A more snuggley Eyeore!

#disneyloverforlife