I know what you’re thinking….. Isn’t that the title of my new (and long overdue) historical masterpiece? Well, yes, but it’s also a fitting title for my recently completed exploration. I just had the good fortune to spend a couple of weeks out West, touring several of our magnificent national parks. Our great adventure began in Scottsdale, where we stayed at the lovely Westin Resort Hotel and treated ourselves to a Mexican fiesta at La Hacienda, a culinary gem inside the Fairmont Hotel. It took two full days to absorb and digest the prickly pear margaritas, but “agave” they were worth it!
My only complaint about the Westin were the soft, fluffy towels they offered to guests. (They were very difficult to stuff into our luggage.) Day one of the official trip brought us to colorful Sedona, and then it was off to the Grand Canyon, a modest little crevice in Northern Arizona. The word “spectacular” doesn’t even begin to describe this spot. Believe it or not, the canyon is 277 miles long, 10 miles wide, and over one mile deep! (Which makes the canyon bigger than two of our states, Rhode Island and Delaware!)
After a scrumptious dinner at El Tovar Restaurant on the South Rim, we spent the night at Kachina Lodge, then left the following morning for Glen Canyon Dam and an evening dinner cruise on Lake Powell. The next day was spent on the Navajo Nation, where we hiked through an incredible “slot canyon,” a long, narrow channel with sheer rock walls that are typically eroded sandstone. While we were meandering around a tribal village, my wife discovered a jewelry shop (surprise, surprise) and forced me to buy her an “authentic” turquoise trinket. (At least I “Hopi” it was authentic, but you “Navajo!”) To tell you the truth, I had “reservations” about those joke!
At this juncture, I would like to reiterate that the best part of any trip are the new friendships you make — and this trip was no exception. We met wonderful folks from Nebraska, Florida, California, North Carolina, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and New Mexico. They were all terrific companions and we will remember them for years to come. (Especially Harry, who took over 700 photographs during our trip!)
The remainder of our adventure will be discussed in next week’s blog, so be sure to revisit next Sunday. (Or the Sunday after that) In the meantime, keep smiling and remember what St. Augustine said about travel: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Don’t forget to scroll down and check out some of my photographs. (They are all “grand!”)
Love to all,
Doc Yanoff