New Mexico

We crossed over today into New Mexico on our way to the Carlsbad Caverns.  The forecast calls for sun, but with a whole lot of WIND!  Today we had sustained winds around 15-20 mph and controlling the RV is a bit of a chore.  If the forecast is correct, we may be stuck in Carlsbad an extra night which will mean a mad push through Texas to get to Surfside Beach by Tuesday.  


We've traveled approximately 1600 miles in 8 days--I'm looking forward to the slower pace we have scheduled on the East Coast.  Tomorrow we continue east on I-40 which, in places, is also Historic Route 66.

As we entered NM

The Park- Oops--too lazy to go retake it. 

One of two vintage cars and campers on site

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is only about 100 miles south of the Grand Canyon, but Keith wanted to stop over since Flagstaff is home to Lowell Observatory.  We all enjoyed the short driving day.

We pulled into the Flagstaff KOA around noon.  This is our 2^nd KOA of the trip and I have to say, I’m not a big fan.  They have been the most expensive RV parks to date, and certainly not the nicest. 

We found ourselves an Albertson's and went shopping before heading out to Lowell.

More Mountains!

The observatory was a bit boring for the kids, but Keith was in heaven. Tomorrow, we are off to New Mexico!

Grand Canyon, Day 2

The visitors increased (it is still spring break) today and I was surprised at how few people actually walk the rim trail.  We took the shuttle bus to a stop about 2.5 miles out and started to head back along the trail.   The vast majority of people took the bus to a look out point and then boarded a bus to the next one. 

The rim trail isn’t paved where we were, but it’s mostly flat and a very easy walk.  It takes you right to the edge of the canyon and offers some incredible views. We had the trail to ourselves for the vast majority of the walk on both days.  Not bad for spring break.  

I was surprised at how close to the edge the trail took you.  I’m so glad that the kids are older—I cannot imagine I would have a good time if the kids had been younger. 

Day 2, South Rim Walk, 2.5 miles in the other direction.

I’d love to go back and really spend some time hiking.  What an incredible place.  

Where's Slippery Soap?

At the Grand Canyon, of course!

The Grand Canyon, Day 1

We pulled into the RV Park at the Grand Canyon around 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.  I was thankful that I had made reservations since the park was completely full.  Monday morning, however, saw many people pulling out and the crowds were minimal.  The Shuttle bus picked us up at the entrance of the RV park and off we went to the Visitor's Center to get our National Park's Passports stamped.  It was then a short walk to the rim!

There really isn’t anything to say about the Grand Canyon except that pictures do NOT do it justice.  

Day one,  South Rim, Rim Walk, 2.5 miles

It seemed that we were stopping every few feet to take a picture.  I don't think it's possible to take a bad picture of the Canyon.  It's unbelievably beautiful and vast.  

As we entered the campground from the shuttle stop, we were greeted by a small herd of elk grazing on the campground grass.

I’ll leave you with my favorite shot of the day (all the pictures we took are on Flickr).

Free Wi-Fi. A Mixed blessing?

I want to let everyone know that I'm reading all of the comments to the family even though I'm not responding to everyone.  :)

So, free wi-fi.  Every night we have had  free wi-fi.   Free wi-fi is great for the blog--not so great for trying to get everyone unplugged.

Take yesterday for instance.  Nevada has been the first place we've camped that the weather has been conducive to hanging out --outside. The *first* thing the kids wanted to do was to access wi-fi.

The attitudes were stinky when we declared the afternoon-the gorgeous afternoon-be spent outside. 

So, I'm actually hoping that we encounter a few internet free campgrounds--I think.

Ah, that's better...SUN!

Today was a MUCH better day.  The weather improved dramatically the further south we traveled.  We encountered a little bit of rain but NO SNOW!!  The view was spectacular through the mountains as we made our way into Nevada.

Today was also a much shorter driving day--we only went about 200 miles (and gained an hour back since we crossed back over to Pacific time) which saw us pulling into our RV park around 2:00.  

A Shadow!

Here, I would like to draw your attention to the shadow cast by the entrance sign.  The shadow means SUN!  It was a bit windy but when the sun is shining and it's 65, all is right with the world.

We spent the afternoon outside playing horseshoes (I won) and shuffleboard (I won one and lost one) and just hanging around.  In the sun.

A nice, relaxing afternoon.  Tomorrow we arrive at our first major stop, The Grand Canyon, where the weather forecast calls for SUN!

The Look

I figured since I didn't get to meet up with my SLC friend, I'd go ahead and post a picture of myself.

This is "THE LOOK" that I give my children when it's time to knock off whatever annoying behavior they have going on.

Just for you Bethany.  :)

The Look