The Canyon of Grandeur

Today was one of the best days I have had out west. I took route 180 west around the San Francisco peaks (an outcropping of tall volcanic mountains just North of Flagstaff). This road was one of the most scenic drives I have ever taken through miles of tall pine trees fading into small scrub forest before route 180 meets route 64 which takes you north to the Grand Canyon. The park itself was breathtaking, one minute you are searching for parking spots and the next you are looking over the edge of a 7000 foot drop. I have seen pictures and tv shows on the Grand Canyon for years, but none of them do any justice. I walked about 2 miles of the rim, but I wish I would of had more time to walk the edge or maybe even hike a little way down the canyon. Some day I may try to hike the entire thing, but that is years away. I grabbed lunch at one of the lodges and was able to eat a burrito and drink a beer right on the edge. Afterward I headed toward the desert view overlook and got a bunch of great pictures at overlooks along the way. At desert view there was an ancient 4 story watchtower which I was able to check out up top.

After I left the canyon I drove route 64 east. This road was perfect, mountains on the right and the grand canyon on the left. It was quite a ride. I then headed back to Flagstaff and went to the museum of Northern Arizona where they were holding a day of the dead celebration. It was a pretty cool stop, and I see why Dr. d'Oney recommended stopping there.

Tonight I am staying in a motel in Hollbrook, AZ. I decided to leave Flag early to head back towards the Petrified Forest National Park which I will hopefully be able to hike tomorrow. I really enjoyed Flagstaff and I will definitely be returning. The beautiful scenery and laid back atmosphere really made it a great place to visit. Tomorrow I am going to hike a bit then head back to Chinle and do my best to recover from this weekend. Next week I am in the off site clinic in Pinon one day and have journal club and grand rounds one day, but other than that its business as usual
-O