1. Vacation Travel • Поездки

Arizona (12.2010)

We took our chances traveling West in December for a holiday break, and the weather gods weren't on our side, but Arizona's marvels have a magical lure even under gray skies & snow. When not fogged in, the dramatic views of Grand Canyon under a dusting of snow & heavy clouds are intensified. Always magnificent, the canyon sparkled when the sun appeared. There's a reason why almost 6,000,000 people visit the Grand Canyon each year - for it's beauty & vastness are unrivaled.

From the Grand Canyon we headed south to Red Rock Country & Sedona's vortices. Nestled amongst the red rocks, this town of 11,000 is a spiritual mecca and artistic enclave, a haven for hikers, New Age followers seeking enlightenment, and aging hippies. Often called one of the most romantic towns in the USA. Gray skies and drizzle didn't deter us.

Our last stop was Paradise Valley and Scottsdale described by the NY Times as "a desert version of Miami's South Beach". Again, gray skies and rain, but it's a pleasure to stroll this upscale town, and the vanilla brown sugar massages we had at our resort were a treat.

Yes, Arizona is a 'red state', so it's best to leave the politics behind. Someone on the Internet wrote asking, "is there anything to do in Arizona beside look at rocks?". There is, of course, but it's the 'rocks' that are the main attraction, and what tremendous rocks they are.
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An omen of things to come? Stuck in Palm Beach International Airport. A 3 hour delay before taking off for Arizona.
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An omen of things to come? Stuck in Palm Beach International Airport. A 3 hour delay before taking off for Arizona.

Palm Beach Airportrusurusu photography

  • An omen of things to come? Stuck in Palm Beach International Airport. A 3 hour delay before taking off for Arizona.
  • By the time we get to Phoenix, it's evening. Our 1st stop - a Fairfield Inn just off the highway in north Phoenix.
  • Too tired to go out, we walk across the parking lot and have an incredibly unappetizing late night dinner at the 24 hour Waffle House.
  • Simple, but with a dependably comfortable Marriott mattress.
  • This can't be Moscow - not with a sunrise such as this.
  • Heading out of Phoenix - the long & winding road...
  • On the road from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon - about a 4.5 hour drive. Before reaching the canyon, we'll climb to an elevation of 10,000 feet (more than 3,000 meters).
  • Our rental car at a pit stop along the highway.
  • Arizona - The Grand Canyon State. (License plate of our rental car.)
  • Truckin' - what keeps America moving.
  • Rustem at a stop along the highway.
  • Susan at a road-side overlook.
  • Arizona landscape on the road headed north.
  • Painted Arizona landscape.
  • Before entering the Canyon, we stop to view the Imax Canyon movie.
  • Tusayan Plaza horse statue with the U.S. & state flag of Arizona flying overhead.
  • Arizona, the American West - a 'red' state - where firearms are something of the norm. A sign indicating no firearms are allowed in the restaurant. A month later, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head in Tuscon. A sad commentary on America.
  • Lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Tusayan, Arizona.
  • Ah, some real Tex-Mex!
  • Our first view of the canyon as we arrive at Bright Angel Lodge on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
  • nelli

    on July 23, 2012

    exquisite shot ! Hope you had a good flight to Arizona!

  • God's Child

    on July 23, 2012

    Very picturesque! Thanks for commenting on my "Curly Bud" photo yesterday. I miss your daily posts and comments on mine; come back soon:)!

  • Chuck Beehner

    on February 19, 2011

    lol.....best seat in the place i bet ;=)
    pb

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