Grand Canyon

Sunday, March 7, we left Winslow about 7:00 for the Grand Canyon. We had some rain overnight and the threat of rain and/or snow today. When we got to Flagstaff, it had snowed a bit and the plows were out clearing the roads.

As we headed north on route 180 out of Flagstaff for the Canyon, we encountered more snow as we got higher in elevation. The snow on the trees was absolutely spectacular, a real Winter Wonderland. Eventually the sun came out a bit making the scenery even more fantastic. The road was covered with snow in some spots and there was a little drifting. However, we made it to the Canyon by 10:30. As we walked up to the Canyon at Mather Point, the sun came out illuminating the rock and snow. We got some great pics which, I promise, I will upload soon.

As we traveled to the different viewing areas at the Canyon, it began to snow, heavily at times. Eventually, you could not see very far into the canyon. We headed back to Grand Canyon village, did a little shopping and and started back to Flagstaff. As we went down in elevation the snow stopped, but before you come down into Flagstaff, you rise back up to over 8000 feet. The snow started up again and there was a strong wind, which caused the snow to drift in the open areas. At one point, we could hardly see due to the near white-out conditions. The road was covered in snow and was getting a bit slick. Still, being an 'excellent driver', I had little problems navigating the winter conditions. It was definitely an adventure and one we will talk about for some time to come.

We dropped down into Flagstaff and found our way to a Cracker Barrel, where we got permission to spend the night. We had dinner there and afterwards found our way to Brenda and Dave's 'winter' home here in Flagstaff. (They summer in Sitka, AK) It took a while to get the Tracker unhooked since every thing was full of ice and frozen solid, including the windows and doors. We had a nice visit and got back to the moho about 10:00.

We just came back from breakfast. So the 'free' camping cost almost $50.00. This morning we woke up to a fresh dusting of snow, about an inch or so, and will be leaving for Phoenix in a short while. The free internet is courtesy of a Super8 motel just down the street.

Anyway, got to do some chores and then we'll be on our way. Talk to you soon.

Ron & Barb