Flagstaff - chill day

Saturday, August 14th

Chilled out day mainly characterized by not driving.

Woke up not feeling well (menstrual cramps, trembling).

Hostel had breakfast on offer, and we made it downstairs before the 10am clean-up deadline. Met Chekes, a petite Brazilian on her way to Sedona to check out yoga teaching opportunities there, having just spent a year in Spain. She's been a nomad for 8 years now, ever since finding her yoga teaching calling in the steppes of Central Asia.

Packed up and made it out by 11qam, just. Chatted in the lobby for another 1/2hr (Wren with Tyson, me with Chekes), before heading out to explore Flagstaff.

Wandered down W. Phoenix, photographed the old motel sign, dropped in at Red Thread, then photographed the corrugated iron studio (it was closed, as was the gassblowing studio across the street), dropped in at Revolution Bikes and were directed to the wheat-glue photographer (who pastes his B&Ws up on walls around town).

Thirsty by now, we stopped at Macy's, the European bakery cafe.

Restored, we called at the tourist info center adjacent to the train station and picked up a map of galleries, and made it to the closest one before W&I headed back to the hostel to book Imi's flight and do some laundry.

I had a nice convo with Paul and looked in on some galleries, then returned to the hostel.

Time by now (3.30pm ish) to get going to the Grand Canyon

Drove up 180(?) past the Univ of N Az and Wren's arm was hurting so we switched.

Very green, very wooded plateau; goes on and on. Condodino Forest, Kaibab Forest (more like bushes). Then an IMAX and motels and McDonalds shortly before the gate to the park. Entrance was free, lucky us.

Followed signs to the Visitors Center an entered a cavernous hall with maps and models of the Grand Canyon. Enquired about parking aty ttrail head, and were told the water pump was broken at Phantom Ranch so we should get a water filtration unit.

Off to the General Store at Market Plaza. (We've still not seen the Canyon). A filtration unit costs 99.99. We settle on some iodine drops, and pick up some bread cheese salami chocolate for the hike down.

Then race West to catch the sun setting on the Grand Canyon. Park the car and head up the rim trail, as the rocky chasm glows red. Make it up to the second bus stop, then catch the red line bus back. Imogen remarks I use 'one' a lot, as in: 'One could hike down the canyon'

Drive to Mather Campground, find Aspen 20, and pitch our tent. Then back to the Market Plaza for some dinner at the Canyon Cafe. I eat half a cantelope.

Then sorting and repacking our stuff for the hike, under a streetlamp in the parking lot. 'This is getting quite exciting' quoth Imogen.

10.30pm we're done and return to our tent, brush our teeth, and conduct a 5min search for the car keys (for the nth time, this is getting to be a routine) before we crash.