April 1, 2005 –

Although very stuffed up – Keelan slept through the night – and was feeling not bad this morning. We had a substantial breakfast – and headed north towards Sedona. Sedona is a beautiful town nestled between the brightly coloured canyon walls. The streets wind their way into the various canyons – going up and down in anything but a straight line. It is easy to understand why many people want to live here – it has the characteristics of the desert, with the painted canyons, and with enough moisture (irrigation) many types of trees and flowers are capable of growing in the area. It is also quickly becoming a destination area with many fancy hotels and resorts – offering everything. Almost everywhere you see Jeeps and Hummer’s offering off-road desert tours (Red ones, Blue ones, and even Hot Pink ones). It looks like quiet a successful concept. Stopped by a couple of yard sales on our way through town – and the boys were able to buy a couple of small things – as well as people giving them things.

Headed west into the Coconino National Forest and the Red Rock / Secret Mountain Wilderness area. The area is filled with colourful canyons and trails and beautiful views of Mescal Mountain. The Boynton Canyon Trail was recommended to us as a relatively easy and pretty trail – so we went in search of it. The trail is about 3 miles long and has an elevation gain of about 500 feet. Started out after a short lunch – figuring that we would see how Keelan would make out – given his cold.

The first part of the hike runs parallel to the Enchantment Resort – with its large Adobe buildings, golf course, tennis courts, restaurants, etc. Although the resort is supposed to be phenomenal – we were somewhat put off by the fences, video cameras, and signs that made it clear that the hikers were not welcome on the resort property. We had heard that the glass restaurant serves great food – but given the way their greeting had put us off – we decided that we would not eat there. However the resort was offering a native dance demonstration in one of their grass amphitheatres – so we had drums and chants to accompany us part of the way up the valley.

Once clear of the resort area – the trail drops down to the shady valley bottom and winds its way up Boynton Canyon. There were many medium sized bushes in full bloom with small pink berry like flowers and the number of butterflies, moths, bees and flies was amazing. The walls of the canyon were rugged and coloured in yellows, oranges and browns. Although the creek was basically dry (except during rains) the water runs close to the surface – giving enough moisture for the trees to grow large. You would have cactus growing right beside large ponderosa pines, and rivulets of moisture running slowly down the canyon walls. At one spot we all went under a small stream / waterfall and soaked our heads.

At another point – we rounded a corner on the trail – and found over 70 stone inukshuks set up in an opening. Some were very elaborate – some simple. This was just above an area where someone had built a stone circle – complete with tobacco and sage offerings. Another couple informed us – that there is an area on this trail where there is a “vortex” and that compasses go a little strange around the “vortex” entrance. Although we are not sure about some of this “New Age” stuff – it is definitely a special place. Close to the trail there are also reported to be a number of archaeological ruins – which have not yet been fully studied. It seems that the ancients also viewed this as a special area to trek up into – as well.

About a 1/4 mile and just prior to the steep climb – Keelan hit the end of his wind. The cold was running full force – and he was having difficult keeping going. Therefore he and Mom slowly headed back – while Mickey and Dad headed to the top. Sitting at the top of the valley – with a view of the canyon walls spread out below us definitely made it worthwhile. There were only a couple of other people up there – so it seemed like we had the world to ourselves. You could even hear the eagles screaming up at the top of the canyons – as the young ones wanted their food. On the way back down the light had changed and parts of the canyon went from a brownish orange to brilliant orange with deep rusts and yellow hues. Absolutely incredible colours!

Walked back down to the car and headed to home via Cottonwood. Stopped at a Sizzler for supper – feeling that a salad bar would hit the spot. However after getting our meal it seemed that mom was the only one that did the salad bar justice. Keelan was not able to make it through his meal – and Dad only had one helping. All made it back to the campground awake – but it was an early night for the boys.

April 2, 2005 –

Awoke to a bright sunny day – and varying degrees of colds affected Mom, Dad and Keelan. Went to the clubhouse for their $3.00 breakfast – and to check out their craft sales tables. Afterwards headed into Camp Verde – to go back to the Cowboy Corner and pick up an ancient grinding bowl that they had for sale. Mom and Dad have debated this purchase for the last several days – since first seeing it. Although it may not be as stunning as some of the artwork we have seen – it is unique and will definitely remind us of this trip.

Managed to find a flea market and a couple of garage sales along the way. Got an older second hand laptop for $30.00 – so that the Boys can use it for now to type up some of their assignments, and learn how to type, etc. It came complete with a case, some accessories, and a few basic programs loaded on it. It was missing the power cord – but this was not noticed until later – and when Dad went back – the couple immediately went out to the local Radio Shack and got another one for it. It seems to work well and in its day was a good machine. In the future it may get relegated to the RV as the unit we use when we travel – if we can get enough of the basic programs running on it – and that way were are not too devastated if something happens to it. Other finds along the way included a narrow width toaster; old national geographic maps of the US; hair drier (mom’s other one shorted out yesterday), silver and turquoise bracelets.

Headed back to the campground and spent the afternoon – organizing and packing up. The boys managed to get in another game of mini-golf and another couple of bike rides. With most of us fighting the cold – it was an early night for all of us.

April 3, 2005 –

Up this morning and on the road north again. Left Camp Verde at an elevation of 3200 ft. and within 50 miles reached the pass outside of Flagstaff – at 7500 feet. (So much for good gas mileage – but the old RV managed to keep a good speed – compared to the semis and other motor homes on the road). There are several snow-capped peaks to the north of Flagstaff – and some snowdrifts in the trees along side of the road. There were some good size pine trees growing near by – and the mountains looked very comforting. (It’s funny how it hit all of us, seeing the heavily snow capped mountains – feeling of home. However I am not sure whether I like the snow being that close). There were even a couple of cars going by with skis on them – heading to the one Ski Arizona resort.

From Flagstaff headed west for about 30 miles – before turning north towards the Grand Canyon. The scenery quickly changed back into more arid land – with limited small shrubs. There were advertisements along the way for inexpensive 10-acre ranches – and in places it looked like you were in the middle of nowhere.

Pulled into the campground in the South Ridge of the Grand Canyon. The campground is full so it was a good thing we had reservations. Hurriedly set up – so that we could go on a bit of a tour. Unfortunately, we broke the latch on the refrigerator which resulted in the door having temporarily coming off, so we had to spend some time jimmy-rigging it until we can get into a major centre with an RV dealership.

The Park Service run a series of commuter buses that takes you most places – so getting around is easy. Headed to the information centre – to pick up a copy of the local itinerary – and then walked back the 1 1/2 miles along the rim of the canyon. The colours of the canyon walls and its vastness are hard to comprehend. You look across the 10 miles to the North Rim – and down 5500 feet to the canyon floor. Only occasionally can you catch glimpses of the Colorado River at the canyon bottom.

Had a great supper of ribs and new potatoes – before mom and the boys hurried over to a presentation on the California Condor – while Dad did up dishes and got caught up on his journal entries and photo editing.

The story of the Condor is quite an amazing one, starting with the fact that they date back unchanged to the Pleistocene era (10,000 to 50,000 years ago) feeding on the carcasses of ground sloth, woolly mammoth and mastodons. However, they declined in numbers and even in the 1500’s had reduced greatly in both numbers and range. However, by the 1980s, with losses from hunting, lead poisoning and less large carcasses to scavenge they were down to a mere 22 birds. All were brought into captivity and a breeding programs were tried. Naturally condors mate for life, only lay one egg at a time and will not lay another until that bird has left the nest after 2 years. However, they discovered if they stole the egg and incubated it the female would often lay a second and on occasion a third. In 1996, they began to re-release some of the captive born fledglings into the wild. They had to teach them to find food and as condors find food by sighting other scavengers, they would place carcasses out at night and watch to make sure that they found them. If they didn’t, the carcasses were moved after two days. In 2001 they had their first wild egg laid but the parents were unable to hatch it. They have had a few fledglings hatch but have lost more than survive. Once they reach adulthood they have a good chance of survival but the first three years are very tough and have a high mortality rate. However, there are now about 50 birds in the wild in each of California and Arizona and over a hundred in captivity so although still not out of the woods, the breeding program has been pretty successful program.

April 4, 2005 –

Up to a cool and windy morning – with a prediction of winds up to 50 MPH and possibility of rain and/or snow showers. (The ranger that did the presentation on the condors indicated that because of the updrafts from the canyon it is always breezy here – and they do not talk about the winds unless it reaches over 30 MPH – at which case they indicate that there is a slight breeze). Mom has also come down with a sore throat – and therefore we figured that discretion was the better part of valour – and we should go and do some of the inside touristy things before committing ourselves to a longer hike in these conditions.

So after a healthy breakfast it was in to Tusayan (about 10 miles away) to see what they had to offer. Found a little gift shop and internet cafe – and so while we enjoyed mochas and hot chocolates – Dad posted the Web page and checked out e-mail. After finishing at the cafe – went to the National Geographic exhibit on the Grand Canyon and their IMAX theatre. This was definitely a full-blown tourist trap – with inflated prices – and all. Picked up a couple of minor things off the clearance table – and decided to forego the IMAX.

Our next stop was Valle – about another 20 miles down the road where we had passed the “Egyptian Pyramids” gift shop. We were curious as to how the pyramids looked inside as one appeared to be a gift shop and living quarters and another large greenhouse connected by a glass tunnel. Unfortunately, it seems to have fallen on hard times is up for sale – and its main business now appears to be managing the mini-storage. However we were able to find a native craft store that had an outstanding collection of leatherwork and native crafts. (There were a number of First nation people in taking pictures of some of the handiwork – with the one older lady indicating that she had not seen original weaving designs that big since she was a girl. The shop also carried a full line of fur pelts as well as taxidermy animals that were for sale (Ten foot high brown bear – delivered to your door for a mere $38,000.) The collection of their native crafts was incredible – with no reproductions – and very good quality. The owner was an old mountain man type – who wore a side arm on his hip – and although good-natured – made it clear that he had never been robbed – and did not believe in calling 911.

Started our return trip to the campground – with the winds picking up – and snow flakes blowing by. The clouds were dark to the West – however there did seem to be some clearing coming in from the north. Had to stop for gas in Tusayan – and ended up paying the highest that we have so far in the states on this trip ($2.79 per gallon). Thankfully it was in the Suzuki. News reports indicate that gas prices have gone up by 30% since February and continue to rise. Looks like it is time to head for home. However we have to put this in perspective – it is still less than we paid at home when we left – it is just that we have been spoiled for the last several months.

As the weather looked to be clearing somewhat – we decided to eat the lunch we had brought along and take a driving tour along the east end of South Rim Drive. Figured that we could stop at the viewpoints – and venture out to see what we could and then hop back into the warm car for the next section. As it turned out the weather was for the most part cooperative – and other than a cold wind – we managed to avoid the rain and snow whenever we stopped. On the up side, the storm did provide some beautiful misty pictures of the canyon, that we would not have been able to get otherwise.

In addition to the various viewpoints and vistas over the canyon – we also stopped at the Tusayan Museum and Ruins. The ancestral Puebloans (Kayenta Anasazi) built Tusayan in about 1185 AD. These ruins are unique in what we have seen to date in that no attempt has been made to reconstruct them and portions of the site were deliberately left unexcavated in the 1930’s – in order to preserve the integrity of the site. The design of the structure appears to have been U-shaped with a large central plaza. The living quarters were along the back wall with storage rooms extending up both sides. In the one corner was a large Kiva – a circular ceremonial room that appeared to be an expansion on the Pueblo pit houses. There was also a smaller Kiva that was separate from the main structure. In addition to the ruins on the south rim of the canyon – there is also evidence of ruins build in wider parts of the canyon bottom. These ruins such as the ones visible at Unkar Delta were occupied primarily in the wintertime – and there is evidence of both dwellings and rudimentary agriculture at these sites. (Dad picked up a T-shirt on sale today that says “My Life is in Ruins” – as it seems that we have been going to a lot of these lately – and Mickey has a couple more picked out on our journey home.)

Our next stop was to the Watch Tower at the East Entrance to the park. The tower itself was built in 1932 out of stone and is four floors high and an open deck on top. It is not a copy of any particular native ruin but rather a re-creation of strange prehistoric towers found scattered over the southwest. It was designed to show tourists some of the finest designs and masonry and artwork of Native American builders. It was constructed in conjunction with the Santa Fe Railroad – and gave tourists of the time (and now) a place to stop and view the canyon with an appreciation for the past. Shamelessly created as a tourist facility, it was amazing, educational and did not feel at all hokey. It was truly designed to provide understanding and appreciation of the native architectural skills and artwork. A free pamphlet explains the history and traditions behind the re-creation. Although as usual you enter through a gift shop and there is some glitch – most of it is very attractive, authentic and unique – an interesting “window shopping” experience. Up a few steps to the first floor, which is decorated with Hopi-style paintings complete with a snake altar in the center including a large sand painting on the floor. Sand paintings were used in healing ceremonies, started at dawn and destroyed at nightfall, it is only by special permission that this one has been allowed to remain — not entirely intact. The second and third floors have reproductions of petroglyphs and pictographs of various ancient southwestern Indians. The fourth floor is an observation area and is the highest point on the South Rim at 7522 feet. From the tower you can see down in to canyon to the West and the large plateau to the east that makes up part of the Navajo Reservation. The structure of the tower is incredible and with the high winds you could hear the canyon singing through the stonewalls.

Returned to our campground and started supper figuring that we would have an early night – both because of the cold bug that was going around – and that it is reported that temperature will be well below freezing tonight. At one point we looked out to see a fairly good snow flurry – only to be followed up a few minutes later with bright sunshine. They are predicting that tomorrow is supposed to warm up – and so we are hoping that we feel well enough to do a couple more hikes before leaving the canyon behind.

April 5, 2005 –

Up to a cool but beautifully clear morning with very little wind. Decided that after the boys picked up their special Junior Ranger badges that we would go for a walk down the West side of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

First stop was the original Santa Fe Railroad train station – that used to bring visitors to the park, starting in 1901. The increased use of the automobile put an end to regularly scheduled train travel in the late 1950’s – however special excursion trip in historic train cars still bring visitors up on a daily basis. Up the hill from the train station is the original grand hotel in the Grand Canyon – the El Tovar. The hotel was commissioned by the Fred Harvey Company, which operated many of the hotels along the Santa Fe rail line. It opened in January of 1905, with over 100-rooms. The cost for this luxurious hotel was $4.00 to $6.00 per day per person for a room without a bath, $1.00 for breakfast and lunch, and $1.50 for supper. In addition to the fresh food that arrived daily from Santa Fe – the hotel boasted its own roof top gardens, and solarium, as well as its own cows, chickens and greenhouse. The El Tovar is designated as a historic site and is still operated by the Fred Harvey Company. Given that this is the 100th anniversary of El Tovar – the hotel is closed and undergoing a major upgrade. Crews were busy – trying to get the grand hotel finished in time for their major holiday season.

Our next stop was the Hopi House, which also opened on January 1, 1905. This was the first of many of Grand Canyon Works done by the architect Mary Colter. The building was commissioned by the Fred Harvey Company to allow the Hopi Indians a place to display and sell their arts and crafts. The building itself resembles the larger Hopi structures that used to exist – and had a sales area and museum on the main floor and the upper floors provided housing to the Hopi families that worked there. Today the upper stories contain an art and jewellery gallery. Giving its traditional Hopi design – the doorways were all low – and Dad only forgot once.

Next we walked on to Lookout Studio (1914) – another Mary Colter building. This one was commissioned to directly complete with the Kolb Brothers Studio – located around the corner of the canyon. This building is made out of low, rough-cut limestone and blends into the natural landscape so well that it is easily overlooked from a distance. The Lookout has a number of stone terraces below it that offer panoramic views of the canyon. While the boys were down looking over the edge – a large squirrel peered down at them from a little ledge directly above them and seemed to be mimicking their every move.

The next stop on our hike was to go for a little walk down the Bright Angel trail that descends to the canyon floor. We do not have the time or the gear to do it all – so Mom and the boys settled for walking down a couple of hundred feet and have their picture taken under the natural archway there. This is the trail that when you see pictures of the Grand Canyon – you usually see mules heading down this path. There is also etiquette for sharing the path with the mules – in that you stop for them, do not speak to them or the riders, and do not start moving until they are 20 feet past you (something about the mules spooking and occasionally losing riders over the side – we found out later that although they have lost pack mules – they have not lost passenger mules as they are the more experienced ones). Keelan thought that the mules should have better etiquette as they all seem to “purge” themselves in the first 30 feet of the descent and he didn’t like the smell. (Mom thought it was more a matter of the mules taking a look down the hill and going “Oh S#*$, you’re not going to make me do this again.”

Moving on from here we had a choice – we could either take the shuttle bus – or see all the points on the West side of the south rim – or we could do the Rim Trail – a distance of over 7.5 miles to Hermit’s Nest. As the day was continuing to warm up – we opted to do the hike – figuring that we would walk out and then catch the shuttle bus back. The trail started off being paved and although close to the edge was wide and stable. However after a couple of miles it turns to gravel, and is poorly maintained – and in spots is difficult to follow. There are places were you can take a wrong side trail – and end up on some narrow ledges heading down into the canyon.

Walked about 3 miles to Hopi Point – where we stopped for lunch on a rock overlooking the canyon. It was pleasantly warm – with only a slight breeze to keep you from getting too overheated. Both boys were carrying “Camel Packs” with water as a way of trying to encourage them to drink more and not get dehydrated. The packs also carried one of their small snugglies each – and they got quite a few comments along the way. (However one older gentleman comment on how good hikers our “girls” were and was embarrassed to find out they were brothers – that’s what we get for them not having haircuts in the last 6 months. However each time the gentlemen caught up with us after that (as he was taking the shuttle bus) he made a point of calling them boys).

We were lucky enough today to see a solitary California Condor gliding overhead – in search of carrion. As the boys learned – there only about 100 Condor in the wild and we were extremely lucky to see one. However we could not zoom the camera in close enough to read the number on his wing – which disappointed the boys as they wanted to go back and research on the internet which bird it was that they saw.

The boys continued on to the Abyss – but were starting to get a bit tired (now up to 6 miles)- and were still suffering from the effects of the cold – so Mom and the boys took the shuttle bus by the longest hiking section (3 miles) while Dad continued to walk. The plan was for Mom and the boys to walk the last stretch (a mile) – it was felt that Dad would either catch up with them in that time – or would meet them back at the campground. Mom also discovered that part of Mick’s hurry to get to the end was the lack of washrooms along the way – I guess the camel pack did encourage him!

Dad’s plans to catch up however were thwarted by coming across a couple of hikers that were helping an older woman search for her husband. Apparently the two had become separated and the wife had not seen the husband in about 10 minutes. One hiker remained with the woman – while another was searching back. Dad chose to search forward on a lower trail that had split off about 100 meters back. This trail was narrow and a bit of a scrabble – but after about 10 minutes rejoined the main trail. At this point Dad encountered a man who was ambling back – and was asked if he was looking for his wife. Rather than answering yes or no – he asked what she was wearing – and once confirmed that it was his wife back a ways – did not seemed to concerned about her distress. He indicated that he was just enjoying himself – and why couldn’t she just relax and do the same. Dad pointed out that there were a number of hikers that had taken time from their day to help his wife and search for him and gave the “gentleman” the location of where his wife was waiting. With this, the fellow strolled off towards her without any other comment. Dad said that it took all his restraint not to simply “push” the fellow over the side – after all he was already missing anyhow.

By the time that Dad got to the Hermit’s Nest – Mom and the boys had already caught the bus back. However Hermit Nest had a nice little concession – where Dad picked up a well-deserved cup of coffee – and water – before catching the shuttle buses back to the campground. (The bus was packed and this only served to have your legs cramp up – after the nearly 10 mile walk – which means that when you try and get off the bus – you tend to collapse when you step out as your muscles seize up – really graceful).

Dad got back to the campground just in time to sit down to a steak dinner – before Mom took off to the canyon to try and get some sunset pictures. We all really enjoyed the beautiful day and the hike (as it would have been difficult and uncomfortable for us to do this yesterday in the wind and snow). However the biggest difficulty will be trying to sort through the 300 odd pictures that we took to try and decide which ones are worth keeping.

April 6, 2005 –

Up and on the road by 9:00 this morning (after a wrong turn and another tour through Grand Canyon Village) – and headed East through the Navajo Reservation. It was hard to see that majesty of the canyon pass into the distance – but think that we will be back when the boys are a bit older and able to manage the hike to the canyon floor. (Beside which they have to be big enough to carry the old man up the hill when he has his coronary). Once we passed outside the National Park it seemed that every roadside pullout had a number of temporary stalls – with people selling jewellery, fry bread, etc.

Stopped briefly in Tuba City for gas at a “trading post”. The place was huge – and included a grocery store, furniture and clothing store, jewellery and artwork, small restaurant, and pawnshop in addition to the gas station. Poked around the store for a few minutes – but did not see anything that attracted our interest.

Driving through the large Mesa that makes up the Navajo Reserve is really deceiving. It appears that you are travelling over flat land – where in fact you are climbing – up passes – and then down into stream valleys – and then back up again. The old RV really had to work hard – combined with the large number of bugs and butterflies in the air – the windows looked like one big smear.

Continued up to Monument Valley National Park – which the Navajo Nation runs as part of their national park services. Monument Valley is probably best known for its strange rock outcroppings that were the backdrops for many of the classic Western movies. John Ford – famous director and producer of the Western Genre is immortalized in Ford Point within the park. Admission to the park ($5 each) included a small interpretive center, gift shop and allowed you to travel a 17 mile gravel road that winds through the “rocks”. Just down the road – at a private enterprise – is a historic studio set – complete with a John Wayne cabin. The cost of the goods in the gift shop and gallery was considerably more than the artisans on the side of the road (or even than we’ve seen elsewhere). When we stopped to take a picture at the side of the road a 4 year old girl that approached Mom with a handful of necklaces for sale – actually her mom made them but the little girl was so cute that we couldn’t resist picking up a gift.

Also passed through the little town of Mexican Hat – at the bottom of a steep hill – with a tight corner immediately following a narrow bridge over the San Juan River. Mexican Hat is named for a rock formation that looks like and inverted sombre – balancing on the top of a rock sphere.

The friendliness of the Native people that we encountered in the gas stations, restaurants, etc. – was striking. Everyone was eager to engage in a conversation – and find out where we were from – and where we were headed. Would have enjoyed spending some more time in the area and sampling some of the foods.

Continued our way into Farmington, New Mexico – that we will use as a base while we tour around to some of the native ruins in the area. The campground that we found is a large level lot just off the highway – with not many amenities – but should serve our purpose. The lawn in front of the office is covered with a huge model railroad – which had the kids fascinated. The other advantage is that there is a Days Inn close enough that we can hook into their free WiFi service. (Checked with the hotel and they had no difficulty with us logging on and would not accept payment for their service – they were surprised however that their signal would reached that far.)

April 7, 2005 –

With being back in New Mexico – we are again running on Daylight Saving Time – so up to an early start – and headed off towards the Chaco Culture National Historic Park – about 90 miles away – 25 of that down a gravel road. As suggested we called the sight first to ensure that we could get in – as often the road is impassable – due to snow, flash floods, etc. – but were given the go ahead to come in.

Chaco Canyon is about a 15-mile rift in the surrounding Mesa that has upwards of a dozen ancient ruins in it. Some are relatively small structures while others like Pueblo Bonito are massive in size. We spent the better part of a day wandering the different ruins – including a 4-mile hike to take in some petroglyphs – and a short trip up to the top of the canyon through a crack in the rocks.

All in all it was a pretty amazing day – with the overall size and number of ruins. You were able to walk most of the way through Pueblo Bonito and with the three to five story structures and multiple (37) large circular sub-terrain Kivas. The structure is reported to have over 800 rooms. As the buildings were continued to be built upon until they were abandoned in the 12th century – they are an excellent example of how their masonry skills changed over time. There are five different types of masonry skills on display here – often with several styles in one ruin – as rooms and buildings continued to be expanded.

Chaco Valley is also one of the places that are frequently shown in regard to the “mysterious highways”. From Chaco “highways” in straight lines extended to other Anasazi centres – many miles away. One of the longest goes from behind the five-story structure at Pueblo Bonito to the ruins at Aztec – some 40 miles away. Others roads only seem to go a couple of miles before ending – and therefore seem to be more ceremonial in value. These roads were over 30 feet wide – and then the encountered a mesa – rather than going around it – they built step or ramps over the mesa. The “highways” although only barely visible from the ground – are still visible from the air – some 900 years later. (Says something interesting about Cranbrook streets that can’t last a couple of years).

Our short climb up the Pueblo Alto Trail followed the traditional route from Kin Kletso to the top of the Mesa and onward to a number of Pueblo sites. The route starts out winding its way between some large rock rumble at the bottom of the cliff, at one point you climb atop a large pointed rock with a drop off on either side. At this stage mom stopped but after being assured that was the roughest part of the path – carried on. The trail then quickly climbs through a split in the rock – two to three feet wide and 20 feet up on either side – to the top of the canyon. The view of the ruins below gave a great appreciation for the geometric design that went into the structures. Keelan – our mountain goat – scrambled up and down without a problem – and Mickey discovered that he was not as afraid of heights as he thought. Even Mom was pleased to have made the climb for the view it provided.

Headed back to home and a quick grocery shop. However while getting out of the car – Keelan managed to catch one of his fingers in the door. He handled it like a trooper – keeping a cold pop tin on it while shopping – however will probably lose the nail at a later date.

As we settled down tonight – to watch Survivor – the winds picked up and there are dust storm warnings for northern New Mexico tomorrow. We will have to see what tomorrow morning brings – and make our decision from there.