Phoenix to
Flagstaff, Wednesday February 12th
Normal morning. Took as forever to get ready and leave
(bad sign for our upcoming long journey). It is getting old to repeat
that it was sunny, blue sky and pleasant temperature. The rest of the
country is experiencing strange weather (snow, drought, frost …).
We basically took long and somewhat tedious drive to Grand Canyon,
almost four hours. Nothing really special – we were revisiting
Flagstaff area so nothing is really new. We were hoping (after we
secured an assignment in Phoenix) to visit Flagstaff and Grand Canyon
and experience winter wonderland. When we were in Flagstaff we were
told so many times that whole area gets so much snow and it is
magical. So, that was what we were looking for. Unfortunately there
was no snow in Flagstaff and the area was suffering one of the driest
periods in very long time. The experience of Grand Canyon was still
incredible. There was less people and we could drive all the way
along it (allowed only in January and February, the rest of the year
one have to take a shuttle). Several stops, enjoying the beauty of
this unbelievable natural wonder. Again and again, it is hard to
believe that it does actually exist. Even there was no snow it was
still great visit and we had so much fun. Anyway, who does not want
to visit Grand Canyon (several times in two years)? And limited
number of people made the visit even more pleasant. After all that
fun we drove to Flagstaff. A bit less then two hours, amazing views
of San Francisco peaks (at least there was some snow on the top). As
the days are longer and we had time before dark, we drove up to the
Arizona Snowbowl. The base of the area (almost 9500 feet elevation)
had no snow whatsoever (what the hell). There was some snow on the
sides of the mountains (higher up) but it was still so sad to see it
like that. With so many memories from our previous stay here in
Flagstaff, we drove through the town to have dinner (pizza) at
Fratteli. http://www.fratellipizza.net/
It is probably one of the best (if not the best one) pizza places
ever. And we were not disappointed. It was as good as we remembered.
At least something did not change (for now). Great day.
Flagstaff, Thursday, February
13th
The night was fine. We were just off historic route 66 and train
track, so it was a bit noisy. Slow and relaxed morning. Drove to
Sunset Crater National Monument. http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm
Again, we were just revisiting places that we have seen before. And
again, we were hoping for winter magic scenery. It was sunny, breezy,
and quite warm. It was just few minutes after nine o'clock when we
arrived at the visitor center. Talk. Map. Walk within the lava rocks.
Walk lava trail – no people whatsoever. Incredible views. It was
(even without snow) magical, quiet, San Francisco peaks prominently
displayed in the distance. It could hardly be any better. Continued
along the loop road to Wupatki National Monument.
http://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm
Walks to several ruins along the way. Walk on the top of smaller
volcanic hill. Same incredibly amazing experience. Back to Flagstaff.
We had lunch at Criollo restaurant. http://criollolatinkitchen.com/
Again, pretty much nothing changed. A bit of “goofing and
wandering” around the town. Walnut Canyon National monument.
http://www.nps.gov/waca/index.htm
No snow. Walk the trail. Enjoy it. Lazy and quiet afternoon and
evening.
Flagstaff to Phoenix, Friday
February 14th
Another nice day. Mostly sunny with few clouds – Flagstaff sky,
enormous and beautiful. Driving to Sedona. Still as amazing as we
remembered it. Driving down the canyon, steep sides and slowly
growing amount of red rock. Again, unfortunately, not snow. It was
still pretty. We did not make any plans for this day so we ended up
only driving through the town and enjoying the scenery. We stopped
few times along the road and soaked the landscape. As we did not
really do anything in Sedona, we figured out that we would try to
attend eleven o'clock Arcosanti tour. http://arcosanti.org/
Interstate 17 for a while and 1.5 miles of dirt road leading to
Arcosanti. Apparently they are making profit on bronze bells and wind
chimes. This profit partly pays for the whole complex. A bit of
waiting. Short movie – it was interesting piece about urban living
and architecture and Solari's visions (he started Arcosanti). How
current state of urban planning is flawed and impossible to sustain.
Walk through the complex of Arcosanti – according to Solari it was
supposed to be some kind of “urban laboratory”. Now it is kind of
community that is promoting his ideas and selling bells. Hard to say.
It was somewhat interesting, J. liked it very much, I was missing
more information about Solari and his visions and so on. Oh well …
Shortly after midday we were back on the road and heading home to
Phoenix. Nothing special along the road – unpack, eat, watch some
funny shows, errands, cleaning …. normal stuff.
Extremely fake holiday – Valentine's day (calling for strict
boycott!).
