Day 4, May 6, 2009 Part 2

I have to say that the first part of Arizona was not up to par with New Mexico as far as the view, but it makes up for it on Day 5... I'm getting ahead of myself though. There are some really nice stops in AZ. I passed up the Petrified Forest, but couldn't resist pulling off here:





Meteor Crater rocks! It's hard to believe that a 150 foot space turd blew a hole in the earth big enough for 20 football games to be played simultaneously (I learned that during the 10 minute movie). Of course they didn't call it a "turd," it had a more scientific name... I fell asleep during that part.




You probably can't see the mountain in the distance well, but those are the San Francisco Peaks. It was hazy that day and they snuck on me in the truck, but I watched them for miles and even got a closer look when I turned onto 89 at Flagstaff and took the long way to the Grand Canyon.




A closer look at The San Francisco Peaks. I was very impressed... Until I saw this for the first time.




The Grand Canyon was mind blowing. I was short of breath and it wasn't just the elevation... Ok, I'm a little out of shape. How the sun would hit the rock from the different points where I stopped was wild.




You could even go to the same area at different times and get two different pictures of the same shot.




I camped at Mather Campground on the South Rim. I has no hook ups (no water or electrical) and no signal. So it was an early bedtime for me at my little campsite.




Oh wait, I did ride around and explore for the two hours of sunlight that I had left. I went back out to the Yavapai Observation Station and Mather Point. I found where they keep the mules for the tours.




I even saw some wild deer that probably look like lawn ornaments in this picture.






I found my way to the Market Place and then made my way back to my tent. I think I fell asleep about 8:00, and then woke up at 10:45p freeeeeeezing! I was shivering. The air had gotten so damn cold. I put my shoes on, ran to the truck to get my jacket and long underwear. I slept in both under my heavy sleeping bag.


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