Day 3 - Page, Arizona to Home

As usual when we travel, we were up way too early. I don't know what it is, but we just seem way too anxious to get on the road. Bags packed up, room checked, card keys turned and we were ready to find breakfast. Unfortunently the motel did not have a breakfast, so we were on our own. McDonald's being only a 1/4 mile away that's we ended up. Not the best way to start the day, but it worked.

The plan today was to meet friends in Rimrock, Arizona for lunch. Yeah, I'd never heard of Rimrock either. Anyway, Page to Rimrock was a 3-hour drive and we were about an hour and half early. With practically no traffic, I drove the speed limit and increased my miles per gallon. Plus, it's amazing how much more of the scenery you see when driving slowly. On the down side, it's a lot longer between rest stops.

In order to use up time we took the long route through Flagstaff and were rewarded with a Starbucks and the ever-important restrooms. I think we must have hit just about every red light through town, which helped us use up even more time.

Back on Interstate 17 it was speed limit all the way to Rimrock. The plan was to meet Steve and Sally (good friends in Redmond, Oregon, before we wised up and moved to Arizona) at the El Patio Bar and Grill. And what timing the four of us had; we pulled into the parking lot within minute of each other. Not bad considering they had over an hour drive.

As you might have guessed from the "El" in El Patio and Grill, it was Mexican cuisine and while I can't/won't speak for the others, mine was quite good. Steve and Sally live about two hours from us, so we don't get to see them too often. The hour plus we spent was a good time. 

The rest of the drive home was unremarkable. Well, except that Barb get the first Saguaro cactus. For the years we came to the Surprise area (before moving) the challenge was to see who spotted the first Saguaro. I usually win, but not this time. And here she is, the Winner

Well, it was great to finally get out for a drive. Not quite the 10-to-30-day road trips we have done in the past, but fun.

Day 2 - Page, Arizona to Zion NP to Page, Arizona

We were up early and anxious to get started for Zion. Our plan was to have a quick breakfast at the motel, however once again our meal plan went south. Last evening, we saw two large yellow buses drop off tourists for an overnight at the motel and it appeared most of them wanted breakfast at the same time. The only Starbucks in town was at the Safeway, so off we went for a mocha and a couple of pastries.

Back on State Route 89, we stopped briefly for our drink and pastries at the dam.

SR 89 generally heads West to Kanab, Utah, before turning North to Mt. Carmel Junction. That drive took about 90 minutes. Along the way there are many spots deserving investigation if we just had more time and were 20 years younger. If those two requirements were met, we would explore Blue Pool Wash, the Birthday Arch, and the Toadstool Hoodoos.

For those that don't know, this is a Toadstool Hoodoo. I didn't want to walk miles to take a photo to show you what a Toadstool Hoodoo was, so in the interests of education I stole this one from the internet.

Every sign of civilization between Page and Zion is nothing but a wide spot in the road, except for Kanab, Utah. With a population of roughly 4,800, it is an oasis with things like restaurants, motels, an airport and more. We stopped at Glazier's Market for a little walk-about and a snack bar. There was a really nice-looking Hampton Inn, which would probably serve our needs should we want to see more of this country.

Continuing on 89 North for another 19 miles brought us to Mt. Carmel, Utah. If one is into hiking, this stretch includes the Dinosaur Tracks trailhead, Red Canyon Slot trailhead, the Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon trailhead and the Belly of the Dragon trailhead. Slot canyons are very plentiful in this area. As the name implies, they are narrow and where you don't want to be in a flash flood.

Mt. Carmel is an extra wide spot in the road, with a couple of gas stations, one restaurant and a pretty decent looking golf course. Running generally West out of town is Highway 9, which takes you through Zion National Park. The East entrance is where the government takes $35 per carload for the 11-mile trip. Fortunately, I purchased a Senior Pass in 2004 for the bargain basement price of $10. The National Park Service, knowing seniors are among the wealthiest in the country, now charges $80.

I had explored Zion on Google Earth for over a year and had high expectations. I was a little disappointed by the colors. I had expected to see more shades of red and yellow in the rocks. It wasn't quite there for me. However, I was blown away by the rock formations. There is no way to describe the variations in that short 11-mile journey. Even now I look at the photos and they just don't do justice to what I saw. I will post a few phots, but to really see the beauty here, you must visit.

The drive through the park is slow, on a narrow road, with sufficient pull-offs for taking photos and general walking around. We had already decided to see the park in both directions, so didn't stop on the East to West drive. There are two tunnels on the drive. The longest is 1.1 miles and has windows cut in the wall, so the passengers can get a short view outside. Drivers should pay attention, as its narrow and dark.

We thought about lunch after exiting the West side, but the crowds and traffic quickly got us turned around and headed back through the park. This was the time for us to stop for photos, which as I said really don't tell the story of the park. I think maybe 6 or 8 trips might be a start on getting to know Zion.

We headed back down Highway 9 to Mt. Carmel and I made a left toward Kanab. After a few miles Barb suggested I was going the wrong way and I assured on course. After miles of not recognizing anything, I stopped, checked the GPS and sure enough was headed the wrong way. I admitted the mistake hoping that would be the end of it. It wasn't. Once in Kanab, we stopped for what I think was the best ever Subway sandwich. The drive back to Page was uneventful.

That evening we headed back to the Dam Bar and Grill for dinner. The waiter was the same from lunch yesterday and he remembered what beers we both had. I felt like a regular.

Back at the motel we both turned early. Driving/riding seems to tire us a little more than in years gone by. Probably because of all of those years that have gone by. Anyway, it was a great day. Zion is really worth seeing. May have to do it again sometime. Tomorrow we head back home.

Day 1 - Home to Page, Arizona

Well, it seems like forever since I’ve had a chance to post something. Two plus years of Covid-19 travels restriction meant a lot of trips cancelled. So, when we had a chance to take a whole two nights on the road, we jumped at it. Pretty simple plan. Day One drive to Page, Arizona, Day Two drive through Zion National Park and Day Three Day drive home.

On a Tuesday morning it was up early, light breakfast, throw some stuff in the car and take off. What fun to be on the road again. First stop was in town for gas, then onto the 303 and finally North on Interstate 17 headed toward Flagstaff. Those who know us will not be surprised that second stop would be for a Starbucks.

There is quite an elevation gain on I 17 between where we live and Flagstaff, which means driving through cactus, then juniper and finally pine. All that in less than two hours. Although a nice drive, many spots on I 17 need work and fortunately crews are working in several areas.

Rather than drive through downtown Flagstaff we took a little jog on I 40 and picked up State Route 89 East of town. Our plan was to have lunch at McAlister's Deli in Cameron, Arizona, but the best laid plans of..well you know the rest. Yup, closed. Too bad because it's a good deli and there really isn't anything else until our overnight stop.

The rest of the drive to Page was a real mix. First, this was probably one of the best drives ever from a driving standpoint. A great road with no traffic. Most of the time there was no car in sight either behind me of in front. I have no idea why there were so many passing lanes. Second, the scenery was great. Mountains, rock formations, colors it was all there. Third, this is Navajo country and Navajo country is big. The Navajo reservation is the largest in the country, covering 27,413 square miles in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. That's a lot of land and with that much land they must be doing well. Well, they aren’t. The median household income is $20,005, with 42.9% of the population living below the poverty level. So, great drive and wonderful scenery surrounded by poverty. Along the highway there were numerous stands with Navajo selling their traditional crafts. What I like best is what they do with silver and turquoise, although they are also known for their weaving. The stands are really no more than shacks that would leave a viewer wondering how they remain erect. It is an absolute shame that the indigenous people like the Navajo, along with homeless military veterans are treated so much worse than those that cross our borders illegally.

For its size, Page must have more motels than any other city. Every brand is represented and they are everywhere. The big draw for Page is Lake Powell and all the water adventures that are available. Our first night was a freebie at the Courtyard. Of course, it wasn't really free, as we had to stay so many nights to earn it. But from a financial standpoint it was free and that's a very good price. First thing was lunch and we ended up at Dam Bar & Grill. We shared the Nachos, which had more jalapenos than I have ever seen in one place.

After lunch it was too early to check in, so we drive over the bridge to take a look at the lake. Or what's left of the lake.

As you can see, the water has dropped a lot. Don't know how that has affected the Page economy, but it can't be good.

After a day of driving, we elected to eat at Pepper's restaurant, which is part of the Courtyard.

All in all, a good day and now looking forward to visiting Zion National Park tomorrow.