Day 61 : August 26 ARIZONA (RVs)
From Kayenta we headed south west on US160 where the countryside was quite flat and rather greener. A good resealed road led us past another formation, the Elephant’s Feet, very aptly named. A morning tea stop allowed time to check out a Navajo Trading Post where many interesting items of Indian culture are stocked.
The road continued into Cameron on 89 then 64 to Desert View where hills have again changed colour, this time to a very light shade. A stopover at the Little Colorado Scenic Lookout gave us our first view of the canyons and another opportunity to check out local wares. Then it was on to our destination for the day, the Grand Canyon. After a rather hot day, it was decided to leave the sightseeing until the morning and it was nice to relax at the Trailer Park and make arrangements for the next two days’ activities.
Day 61 : August 26 UTAH - NEVADA (Tractors )
We left our camp site at 7.05am passing through Duck Creek Village which took our interest with the whole village being made up of log cabin type buildings.
Highway 14 is advertised as a Scenic Bypass and we all agreed with this wholeheartedly – it was beautiful. The grades over the mountains varied between 4 & 8% . Along the way we came across miles of volcanic rock areas which changed the scenery markedly. At the edge of this site was Navajo Lake which was the crater of the volcano and fed into Duck Creek. We arrived in Cedar City at 9.30am ready to do Banking, get some computer information and do some general provisioning.
At 12.30pm we departed Cedar City on US56 to make our way towards Las Vegas. The first part of this run took us through open plains then up though a lovely mountain pass again. At 3.15pm we stopped at the border of Utah and Nevada (photo time) then continued on Highway 319. We took a break at the small town of Panaca just on 3.30pm when the local school students had just finished their day. We were a real attraction to them and had some pleasant conversations about our ‘trek’ and Australia. Some of them also took the opportunity to get cameras and take photos of the tractors.
Continuing on Highway 93 we enjoyed a lovely steady climb which took us to approximately 7000ft then began the decent which brought us another site to behold – cactus as far as the eye could see.
Each day brings such great new sights. Today was also another day of wildlife sightings.
After the cactus was a stretch of desert plain and grass land. At the end of this we came to the intersection of Highway 93 and 318 where a local gentleman at Cedar City told us of a tree lined camping area – we found it, his advice was very good.
We are now ready for our run into Las Vegas tomorrow.
 |
 |
| Keyena, overnight stopover |
The Elephants Feet |
 |
 |
| Beginning of Canyon country. |
First view of the Grand Canyon. |
 |
 |
| Another angle at Bryce Canyonb |
Peter & Nev Hiking Bryce |
 |
 |
| Wildlife |
Aussie too in Red Canyon |
Day 62 : August 27 ARIZONA (RVs)
There are days when one can tick an item off the list of ‘things to do before departing this earth’! This was one of those occasions – the Grand Canyon was high on the wish list and has not disappointed.
In order to be at the airport for the planned helicopter flight, it was necessary to be up at 5.45am to arrive at the airport by 7.30am. This was achieved comfortably and the 8.00am start to the adventure saw everyone excited and ready to go. The flight took us over the northern end of the Canyon which was absolutely spectacular. To see the Colorado River so far below which looks like a stream but can be a ranging torrent, was quite fascinating.
Once back on solid ground again, it was time to visit the inevitable gift shop and they really do stock very well priced prints of the Canyon as well as the photo to prove you really have made the flight.
Next it was off to the Imax Theatre to see a National Geographic film entitled ‘Grand Canyon Movie’. This theatre has a screen seven stories high and the photography was so amazing that you could feel seasick just watching the white water rafting, and felt like ducking when the film crew flew so close to the towering cliffs. Having just flown over the Canyon, the film had very real meaning for us all.
After all that excitement, it was time for a bit of R and R, chores etc before catching the local shuttle bus to Hopi Point to watch the sunset. The day was cloudless but the sunset was still amazing and the colours very much accentuated with the late afternoon glow.
This has been a day our group will not forget.
Day 62 : August 27 ARIZONA ( Tractors )
Our 5 9Gs rolled out of our overnight campsite at 7.05am heading through the Pahranagat Valley – an area of green pastures and many cattle.
Now being in the Arizona desert – real desert – it began to warm up and warm up it did!! At this point we all expressed our sentiments that we are so thankful that so many folk along the way have told us what a mild summer it has been. The mildness has certainly made our travels so much easier – thanks USA!
As we turned into highway 168 we were intrigued by the infrastructure on our left, this turned out to be a new town/city being established – Coyote Springs. Streets were in place, as well as water supplies established, underground power and sewer ready for use, a golf course was already built (what would be the priorities when building a new town!) and there was a massive nursery centre full of many thousands of plants and trees ready to be placed around the development as it is takes shape. No doubt we imagine that within a couple of years this town will have the appearance of having been established for many years.
During our travels today two of the tractors had flat tyres almost at the same time – one large back tyre and one front tyre. Good fortune shone on us though because both were at a very large road house. Given that it was estimated by staff that it was 130+ degrees outside those not involved in the changing and repairing of the tyres of course had the pleasure of the air conditioning inside the road house. Speaking of the changing and repairing of the tyres, again there were many hands, not only the tractor owners but the locals who came from all corners. We thank everyone for their assistance. It wasn’t too long before our tractor train was on the road again.
On the path taken we had the good fortune of passing through the Valley of Fire in the Lake Mead National Park. This was not really an area that any of us had researched or basically knew much about but yet again we can only say it was beautiful. As hot as the day was what a wonderful site it was to behold. In the park we called into Echo Bay where some of the party took the opportunity to have a cooling, refreshing dip in the lake, we then continued on in to a campsite at Callville Bay. Both of these bays were on the lakes edge and are very tourist orientated with house boats obviously being a preferred mode of accommodation in the area, there were a very large number of them for hire.
The day was hot and the same can only be said for the night!!!
 |
 |
| Heading into the helicopter |
A bird's eye view of the Grand Canyon |
 |
 |
| Pockets getting empty GC Gift Shop |
Visitors to RV Park, G.Canyon |
 |
 |
| Sunset colour at the Grand Canyon |
Sun sets on a perfect day |
 |
 |
| Entry statement to one of the vast numbers of ranches |
Hoodoos Bryce Canyon |
|
