Trip to Arizona - Days 1, 2 and Beginning of 3 - Live from Monument Valley
This is what I've been up to these last two days. Note that I might not be able to update in the near future as not all hotels offer computers with Internet (or computers period). I found the only one available in this here hotel and thought I'd use the opportunity to update. Sorry there aren't any pictures, the computer doesn't want to recognize my SD card. I promise I will share my photos with you as quickly as possible.
Day 1
- Left home at 5:45. Got to the airport, passed the security tests... Quick breakfast at Burger King. Had French toasts sticks.
- The plane took off at 9:36.
- Arrived in Las Vegas about 5 hours later, at 11:36 local time.
- Recognized most of the hotels in the background, such as the Luxor and New York New York (been there twice before, after all).
- Took the shuttle to an area where we can rent cars. Rented a black Subaru Impreza.
- Stopped by In-n-Out in Las Vegas. Had a double-double (double the cheese, double the meat). I wish we had those restaurants back in Canada.
- Drove about 5 hours until we reached Page, Arizona.
- Stopped by a Safeway store to buy some snacks, including a box of Twinkies. I've always wanted to try those and seeing Zombieland had only fueled my desire.
- Had dinner at Pizza Hut.
- Had my first Twinkie.
Day 2
- Got up at 6:30.
- Had a quick breakfast.
- Stopped by Horseshoe Bend. Had to walk about 15 minutes to get there. At an altitude of 4300 feet, you're out of breath very quickly.
- Stopped at Navajo Tribal National Park at 9:39. Bought tickets to go see Upper Antelope Canyon at 11.
- Stopped by Big Lake Trading Post to buy a postcard for a friend. Tried a Ruby Red Squirt soda (Citrus Berry Burst). Not sure what it tastes like, but it tastes good.
- Stopped by Wal-Mart, checked for stuff we might not be able to get back home. Bought “Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger” flavored Doritos. The concept amuses me. Might try the Taco-flavored ones next time. Also bought Cherry 7Up. Man, I wish we had these at home. I always buy some when going to the U.S., ever since I learned of their existence back during a short 2-day trip to Plattsburgh.
- Drove back to the National Park for 10:40.
- Embarked the truck towards Upper Antelope Canyon at 11.
- Slightly bumpy, very windy, ten minute ride.
- One hour tour. At this time of year there are not many people so it's perfect. Zack, our tour guide, was very nice and even offered to take beautiful pictures of the Canyon for us, including "The Heart of Antelope Canyon" and "Sunset on Monument Valley", which we would never have gotten otherwise.
- Back to rental car at 12:30. Now headed towards Monument Valley, about a 2 and a half hours ride to get there. Elevation of the route: 6000 feet.
- Tried the aforementioned cheeseburger-flavored chips along the ride. I really wonder how they manage to reproduce the taste so well. You can even taste the pickle. Still prefer the real deal, of course.
- Arrived at Monument Valley at 3 o' clock.
- Stopped by Goulding's Lodge. Bought some little souvenirs at the gift shop.
- Heading to check in at The View Hotel (reservations already made via Internet). Paid a $5 dollar fee to enter the Monument Valley Tribal Park. Won't have to pay again if we get out; the hotel will give us a pass.
- Drove through Monument Valley. Took some nice photos. Bought a handmade necklace shaped like a dreamcatcher from one of the natives' stands.
- Had dinner at the hotel restaurant. Got the slowest waiter ever. Ordered the chicken fried steak because I was curious. Turned out to be a paper thin steak with twice its size in breadcrumbs and trice its size in white gravy sauce. Couldn't finish my humongous plate.
- Went to bed early. Have to get up at 6:10 tomorrow.
Day 3
- Got up at 6:10 to watch the sunrise.
- Stared in awe as the sun rose through Monument Valley.
- Logged in my LJ account to update.
- Now preparing to head to Grand Canyon.
More updates coming when I can log on!