Painted Desert Nat'l Park 7/27 part II

* Monday 7/27/15
After the Canyon de Chilly trip, headed south to Hy 40 which is a two hr drive.  Then to the Painted desert Visitor center.  Had lunch.  Then out to find two geocaches.  Normally no caches are allowed in Nat'l Parks but these were created by the Headquarter Staff.  The second cache I had to hike about a mile to get it.  Hiking along the rim.  Then a stop in Holbrook for some DQ ice cream .

The Painted Desert encompasses over 93,500 acres and stretches over 160 miles. It begins about 30 miles north of Cameron, Arizona near the southeastern rim of the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest about 26 miles east of Holbrook, AZ. Along the way, it grazes the backyard of the Wupatki National Monument Indian Ruins. The Painted Desert derives its name for the multitude of colors ranging from lavenders to shades of gray with vibrant colors of red, orange and pink. It is a long expanse of badland hills and buttes and although barren and austere, it is a beautiful landscape of a rainbow of colors.

geocache behind sign

Hike to the juniper tree (right) then along the rim to get the 2nd geocache

quick stop for this cache

Canyon de Chelly 7/27

Monday 7/27/15
Canyon de Chelly (d'SHAY)

Spent the night at the Best Western in Chinle. Up early and worked on the computer then headed over for some Breakfast. Packed up and drove over to the Canyon. Stopped in the Visitro center. Then to first look out called Antelope House overlook.

The Canyon Nati\'l Monument was established in 1931 to preserve this record of human history. Embracing nearly 84,000 acres within the Navajo Reservatin, the monument is administered by the National Park Service.

Four Corners (az,ut,co,nm) 7/26

* Sunday 7/26/15
The Four Corners National Monument is the only place in the United States where you can be in four different states at the same time. Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. The monument is located in the desert on the Navajo Indian Reservation. There is a small visitor center, some Navajo arts and craft booths, picnic tables and portable toilets. There is a small fee charged per vehicle.

Left Meteor Crater around 10am. Wanted to leave earlier but we had a well water problem. Once on the road it took 4 1/2 hr to get there. Interesting but kind of disappointed. Purchased a T-shirt. There was a waiting line to stand on the 4 corners plate. Fun watching the people taking their pictures. Back on the road again. Was planning a stop in Gallup NM. Happy to see Best Western motel in Chinle which is the gate way to Canyon De Chelly. Long day. Time to turn in.

Grand Canyon 7/25

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Saturday 7/25/15 Grand Canyon Trip

Went to Flagstaff to have the oil change in the Truck. From there headed to Williams for the Grand Canyon. A electric sign in the town of Tusayan (about 5 mi from the Gate entrance) indicated limited parking at the Canyon. So I took the shuttle bus from the IMAX. Smart move. Hiked the rim trail enjoying the great views. One nevers get tires of the views. Some shopping. Snacks & drinks at the El Trova hotel. So many people from around the world. Back to Tusayan and went to the IMAX - movie on the Grand Canyon.

Oh yes some goecaching before getting to the GC. Returned home by 9pm.

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A couple of geocaches

 

geocache at the base- cute

Wiliams 7/20

Monday 7/20/15
Trip to Williams this morning. Did some geocaching & hiking. Stopped at the Visitor Center. Then lunch at the Pine Country restr. Good home made food. Back to Flagstaff at 330p to see a movie - Ant-Man . Good one. Some shopping at wal-mart before returning back to Meteor Crater. Fun long day.