More From The Grand Canyon

With it being hazy, the pictures are not as crisp as they could be... double click then again for larger pictures. Try to find the people in the background climbing out on the rocks for a picture.

This Ain't No Donkey Ride

I left early this morning for the Grand Canyon, about 75 miles from where I'm staying in Flagstaff. I was hoping that I could stop at the Grand Canyon Airport (where the tours fly from) and sign up for a last-minute helicopter ride. I walked in and she booked me on the next flight, 30 minutes later... which was great since I had no time to talk myself out of it. When I lived in Vegas, I did a trip where we took a bus to the airport in Henderson, got on a prop-job and flew to the west rim airport, got on a helicopter and flew to the canyon floor, got on a pontoon boat and went down the river a bit, flew out, had lunch at the Indian reservation then did the reverse to get back. Awesome trip. This one, was at the airport at the south rim and was 55 minutes of just flying in and over the canyon.  $250 and 30 minutes later, I'm getting in the helicopter hoping I don't make a sissy in my sandblasted underwears (from the dust storm in Phoenix).

Somehow, since they weigh you to balance the helicopter, I was fortunate enough to get to fly shotgun next to the pilot in front. Good and bad.... good because the pilot was so cute and adorable and we were able to chat it up while flying... and good because I got a bird's-eye view... and bad because I got a bird's eye view... complete with glass bottom floor. And my barf bag is where?... just so I know. I had butterflies, but I wasn't sure if it was because of the anticipation of the flight... or swooning over the pilot. There's something about a hot guy with your life in their hands that is sooooo appealing. Bonus if they don't kill you in the process. I'd call that a good 'date'.  I thought about faking anxiety and grabbing his leg, but figured we'd take a nose dive at the cost of my gayness.  I miss him already... true story.

We took off from the pad and headed across the forest fairly close to the ground, so I was doing ok.  For those who have never been to the Grand Canyon, it pretty much just sits there... with no railings practically anywhere.  If it were nighttime, you'd have a good chance of walking right over an edge to your certain death.  In the distance, you can see the rim coming up fast.  You can't imagine the feeling of being in a glass bottom helicopter and have the earth drop 4,000 feet out from under you. I almost lost my free buffet breakfast of eggs, Canadian bacon and diced potatoes, but I held it back because I didn't want to appear like a pussy in front of my new boyfriend.

What I've always found amazing about the G.C. is that, unlike other canyons like Sedona where you enter on the canyon floor... the G.C. has you approach on the highest level... where the dirt used to be before it eroded away.  The first time you pull up, about 25 feet from the edge, and park your car... it's surreal walking right up to the edge... again, with no railings and people climbing out on rocks for a picture.  Created over millions of years of wind, sun and rain erosion, you can see every layer marking the time period in warm Autumn colors like burnt umber, sienna and Cherokee red... all colors that go well with the hues of my Mediterranical skin.  Everywhere you turn, the next vista is more brilliant than the next.  Unlike the humidity at home that smacks you in the face, the heat of the desert wraps it's arms around you, comforting you in a mysterious way.  Difficult to convey in pictures, you just can't capture the height and depth in pictures with no points of reference... it's just that big.  The canyon is the perfect example of what I always say about the desert... it's not what's there now that's truly amazing... it's what used to be there.  Once under water... once home to the prehistoric... moody and mysterious with a spiritual presence... the desert is a truly special place unlike no other.  The other thing you notice is that this wonder is of the world... not just for us in the states.  Evidenced in the various languages you hear spoken around you, you know that someone is handing out pamphlets at Ellis Island (the entry point in the U.S. for immigrants) for this place... and people are flocking in from everywhere.  You definitely get a united sense of appreciation for the convergence of ecology, biology and nature, to name a few.

After the helicopter ride, I went into the park and walked along the rim.  There were people climbing out on rocks trying to get that awesome picture (see picture to the left to view the idiots), risking life and limb... people reading books and just gazing out upon it... dogs and tame squirrels... there was much going on, including the approaching storms.  I decided to head out after that and had a nice peaceful ride back to Flagstaff in the rain, going from 90 degrees at the canyon down to 58 back in Flagstaff.  Tonight, I plan on walking around in the downtown historical district, full of hotels with large lobbies that you could just feel were the receptions places for people riding up on horses.  The district is very healthy... one of the most vibrant I've seen, loaded with great little stores and restaurants and people all around.  Truly the most successful one I've seen, and right  smack-dab on old Rt. 66.  I leave for Vegas tomorrow morning.

As mentioned in previous posts, double click on the picture and then again to see the huge version... and I'll be posting more with a better internet connection... I took 186 today and did 4 videos in the helicopter.   Here's the video I shot of the approach to the canyon rim and going over the side... if you listen closely, you can hear me saying "Ohhhhh.... shit!".

More of Sedona

More of my day in Sedona... click and double click pictures for large size.

D@vid: 2 Mother Nature: 0

Day Two:  I got up pretty early and had a nice buffet at the hotel, washed the car again (after the dust storm) and hit the road for Sedona. 

First stop, Montezuma's Castle... built in the limestone hillside around 1100 CE (common era) by the Sinagua people.  This 5-story, 20 room dwelling perches 100 feet above the valley floor.  (Click and double click for larger pictures)

From there, I entered into the Sedona area, stopping at Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.  The most incredible thing about these monuments is that it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that they are what's left... in fact, where you're standing around them is the result of erosion over thousands of years.  As I've said before about the desert, it's not about what's there... it's about what used to be there.  The pictures don't do their size any justice... they're huge.   You can't help feel a sense of prehistoric existence.

After that, I went to the Chapel in the Rocks.  Built in between the red rocks, this is a functioning chapel designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.  It's situated right in the middle of a neighborhood, as are most of the formations.  Imagine looking out your kitchen window seeing this stuff.

That brings me to my last stop... Devil's Bridge, a natural bridge carved by erosion high up off the desert floor.  This hike was one of the more strenuous, especially considering that you can't drive a regular car anywhere near it because of the distance from the surface roads.  Having a 2012 Ford Focus rental, I knew it was going to be rough.  I parked the car on the side of the road and started walking.  The terrain was littered with loose rock and the trailhead was about a mile and a half away.  As I walked, it was one of those things where you think about turning around, but then you get so far and you figure you might as well press on.  Having a huge fear of snakes, I have to admit that it was a stretch for me to keep the anxiety down.  After all, I was the only person around for miles out in the middle of nowhere... if something happened, I'd be screwed.  It didn't help that seeing the movie 127 Hours was still fresh on my mind... so many things went through my head including getting stuck there in the dark (it was around 5 o'clock) or facing a wild boar.  Anyway, I finally got to the trailhead and started up the rocks.  My fear of heights came into play as I pressed onward and upward.  Fortunately, it was overcast, or the 80 degree weather would have been more of a problem.  At a point when I was over it... and was about to turn around, I looked up and there it was.  I went back to the fork in the trail that led to the top and there it was.  I was so high up, I could see the whole valley.  It was beautiful.  Spectacular even.  I felt a nice breeze start and was so overwhelmed with the beauty that I sat down to take it all in. 

That's when the dust storm bitch, Mother Nature, came after me.  Before I knew it, the nice breeze turned into a darkening sky, as I realized a storm was about to hit.  I tried not to panic, but knowing how slippery the rocks I climbed up would get... and how this area flash floods almost instantly, I thought that Mother Nature came back to finish me off.  I quickly got down the .7 mile trail just as the wind started to pick up and the rain started to pour.  I literally ran the mile and a half back to the car, pelted by dirt and rain.  Really?  Two days in a row... some sort of weather episode?

I'm in Flagstaff for two nights and tomorrow I'm supposed to head to the Grand Canyon.  Despite the weather scare, I had a fantastic day.  The ride through the rest of the the park was also unbelievable... and I'll talk more about Flagstaff tomorrow.

I took 164 pictures today and 5 videos... my internet connection is not strong, so I can't upload more.  I'm looking at other alternatives to getting them online.



Dusty Aftermath Isn't That Country Girl You Sat Behind in Home Ec Class

Not to belabor the whole thing, but I am still shocked at the dust storm last night.  EVERYTHING in the city is COVERED in dust... it's in the air, and you can still taste it.  It's something that I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around, especially after seeing the photos of the 15 mile high wall of dust below from some of the local news shows. 


With all the ruckus, I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, plus I was on eastern time... so I didn't get much sleep.  They have a great breakfast buffet downstairs... and I'm getting myself cleaned up and ready to go onto the next adventure.  I'm back at this hotel next Monday before I fly out... it's amazing for $47.00 a night.  Clean, modern and great customer service.  If you're ever here in Phoenix, I'd highly recommend the 3 Palms Hotel... just not during a dust storm.

I'll probably switch days from what I planned... instead of Sedona, where there is so much to see in every direction and I have to figure it out... I'm going to just head to the hotel in Flagstaff, unload and drive to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.  There, I'll take some pictures and do a car tour of the entire south rim.  Tomorrow, once I've had some time to figure it out and with it being right near the hotel, I'll get up early and check out Sedona.  I'm not in any hurry today... I'm looking forward to getting in the car with the desert in front of me and just see what's out there.

Meeting Spo Spurs Dust Storm

I got all settled in to my hotel and then went to meet Michael and Someone for dinner.  It was the first time that I've ever met a fellow blogger/reader since I started blogging... so it was interesting to get someone else's perspective on the ins and outs of blogging and it's effects on your life.  Sporting his signature bow tie... both he and his partner were absolutely charming.  We had a great meal... with wonderful conversation and the night was a total success.... until....

I got in the car (that I almost didn't take the additional bumper-to-bumber insurance coverage out on, thinking what could possibly happen?)  after we left the restaurant and started driving.  My phone was beeping with messages and mail, since I had it off during dinner.  I pulled into a parking lot and looked up and saw the sky was growing dark.  It was a very forboding darkness... something that I've never seen.  As I sat there, it became clear that something was coming towards me.... a huge wall of dust.  I pulled up my weather.com application and saw that there were storms coming... and they must have pushed this dust storm out front.  After taking a few snapshots with my phone and got in my car and started driving the 5 or so blocks to my hotel... right into it's path.  It got dark so quickly... I could barely see with all the dust flying by, along with trees and other debris.  I got to the hotel and had to get out and instantly got a mouthful.  I made it into my room, and it began to rain, spattering the dust all over the cars.  The internet was down in the room, so after waiting it out, I left the room to go to the McDonald's to post this.  I had to take the car to the carwash to be able to see out of the side windows.  There's dust all over EVERYTHING.  I've never experienced anything quite like it.

It's Nano Your Business What I'm Listening To...

After a basically non-eventful morning/flight, I arrived in Phoenix... it's about 105 degrees outside... sunny and gorgeous.  I picked up a quick bite to eat at the Del Taco (my favorite fast food place in the west that I used to eat at all the time when I lived in Vegas).  My hotel, The 3 Palms, looks really nice... especially for $47.00 a night booked on Expedia... but the room wasn't ready yet, so now I'm at Starbucks down the street.

Tonight, I meet up with Michael from Spo-Reflections and his partner, 'Someone', for dinner in Old Town Scottsdale.  This will be the first blogger friend that I have actually met face-to-face since I started blogging over two years ago.

Tomorrow, It's a two hour drive to Flagstaff, where I'll be staying for two days, hitting Sedona one day, and the Grand Canyon the next. 

Stay tuned for pictures each day.

Happy 4th of July!!!!

As usual, I'll be working on this holiday... it's nice because the hotel is usually empty and I can get my work done without tripping over people or having the parking lot full.  Today is the last checkmark on my list before I leave tomorrow morning.  I'm heading out to cut the grass while it's cool outside.  Of course, with it being 118 degrees in Phoenix yesterday, I don't think 85 and humid here should be my concern right now.  I'm going to melt.

I hope everyone has a great holiday... don't eat too many weiners... and don't blow your hand off with firecrackers!!  And let's hope it's a day filled with rememberance of those who came before us and accomplished what they did... and also a day of humility... for although we are a great nation, we have some work to do to be what we once were.  Let's honk the horn less on our big fat Hummers... and try to remember what our forefathers stood for and act upon that in a way where we don't act like jackasses.

Baby Steps

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been trying to check things off my 'To Do' list with the ultimate goal being my trip out west Tuesday.  Getting the Marriott all done... getting the deck project all done... getting my grass cutting client's done... two graduation parties... getting through my two bar shifts and finally, cutting the Marriott's grass tomorrow.  After that, I'm free and clear... and clear headed... for my trip.  It's been a series of accomplishing steps to get to this point.  I'm so excited to get out on the open road... with the vast desert before me... seeing some beautiful sights... and maybe a cute ranch-hand or two, working outside in the noonday sun.... body glistening with beads of sweat... big manly-muscle arms.... (snap)... ok, I'm back now.

When we're kids, we were so proud of our age.  "I'm 7 and a half", I'd say.  But as we get older, we tend to make a shift backwards.... "I'm 29... again... for the 15th time", I now say.  You don't rush things and you ignore your birthday, unlike when younger when you get excited months before.  Then, there's a point where reaching that half-year-boasting comes back into play... "I'm 90 and a half", I heard my Aunt Mary Jane say yesterday at the graduation party for a third cousin that I'm sure I've never met before.  It becomes an accomplishment that you look forward to again because, let's face it... we're happy to wake up every day.  You don't think about how precious life is until you get older... taking it for granted that you won't always have youth on your side when you have youth on your side.  Being older doesn't even enter your mind at that age... and being that age is all that's on your mind as you're older.

Yesterday, as I sat with my Dad at the party, I got to see a lot of relatives that I don't see much.  With living in Philly for 12 years through my 20's and early 30's, I missed a lot of happenings and missed my cousins growing up... and Aunts and Uncles getting older.  It was a total mind-fuck for me to sit there... first of all, growing up, I never left my Mom's side during a gathering... and it always feels strange to me now that she's been gone (for 17 years now).  I don't have that safety blanket... I had to talk to people... I couldn't hide behind her leg.

It was also difficult to realize that, despite my memories of  running around at a gathering, that wasn't me any more.  I wasn't the one that jumped out of the car to join my cousins in mischief... I was the one that drove my Dad to this so that he could sit with his remaining siblings, possibly for the last time.  I was the one that made him sit down and got him water after he overheated playing horseshoes with my Uncles.  I was the one that said 'ok, time to go, make sure you go to the bathroom' and then drove him home while he passed out in the passengers seat, exhausted from an exciting day.  This is who I am now, and it's hard to wrap my head around it at times.  While I still act and dress young... it suddenly hit me that, despite having a lot of boyfriends in their 20's... I wasn't sitting at the kids table any more.  That time had passed and my memories are all I have now.  There's a new generation or two now... it's their turn.  My cousins that I looked up to were my age when I was young.  It's a totally different perspective being on this end.

I'm 44 and a quarter... life has changed... but life is still good.  Still taking one (baby) step at a time.

YUM !! (Rodeo Studs)

In honor of my trip out west next week...