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More than
one night in the same hotel for the first time since San Francisco!
However MOAers seem unable to rest and scattered across the vastness of
Arizona in search of even more unmissable scenery. Monument Valley was
visited by both car and plane, Lake Powell was sailed as far as Rainbow
Bridge – with a hot walk at the end due to the drought conditions and very
low water levels.
Not wishing to drive through Kayenta three times in two days (and having
been lucky enough to visit Monument Valley previously) I did our laundry!
This proved a highly sociable event and a non-MOAer told us about the
excellent Public Library with reasonably priced internet access – so Harold
went off to check our mail while I wished we had a washing line – it would
have taken seconds in the baking heat of Arizona.
Released once more into the sunshine we went up to Grand Canyon Dam. Aware
of security concerns I left my Swiss army knife in the car. This was not
enough - I was instructed to leave my handbag in the car. I returned
clutching my passport, driving licence and money as I had no pockets -
surely an invitation to any passing mugger. Audrey & Colin had similar
problems while we were there – Audrey decanted everything from her tiny but
inadmissible bag to pockets, while the security staff allowed similarly
sized but strapless clutches/bags in- these were classed as “wallets”.
We enjoyed the views of the dam and exhibits but did not have time for the
full dam tour as we had the raft float down the Colorado River next.
We experienced the comforts of a bus in the two mile tunnel drive down to
the water. This tunnel had no lighting and at one point a van going coming
up had to squeeze past. For security (again) all our bags had to go down
ahead in a separate truck.
The float was wonderful. Our guide Matt, a cheerful lad from New Zealand,
let the current move us gently along while he pointed out features of
interest and then with engines started we made swifter progress over the
really chilly waters. Part way we made landfall to see the Pictographs. A
sudden noise above and looking up we saw a crow skilfully avoid the talons
of an eagle. Back to the river and we saw rainbow trout swimming below us in
crystal clear waters.
On landing at Lees Ferry we drove past Marble Canyon, over the Navajo Bridge
and finally onto the main road for our return to Page. The comforts of an
air conditioned coach proved soporific!
Back at the hotel we heard news of all the various trips. After dinner
Elaine and Linda returned from their Country &Western restaurant and were
sorry we had not joined them; they had been treated as guests of honour
because of Linda’s car.
It was only at this stage we realised the sheer effort needed to keep this
MOA show on the road as on her day off, while Phil had returned to Phoenix
to collect his car, she had been getting the next batches of route plans
ready for the morning start. |
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