Stop 8: Arizona

We enter Arizona (though this sign was taken on the Arizona/Nevada border, not New Mexico/Arizona border)

We took a drive through the Petrified Forest as we headed towards the Grand Canyon.

 The scenery is changing. I love returning to red rock!

I couldn't put my Popsicle down for the picture or it would surely melt- it was HOT!

 Although we didn't really get rained on, we could look out and see a couple different rain storms. You can see below that one look out point was extra windy!

 Lots of layers in the rock. There were lots of similar scenes as we were driving through the park. It was very fascinating to see the parallel lines where the layers changed. 

A petrified log bridging the gap.

Some scattered petrified wood. Crazy that where once there was wood, there now is rock! We were informed that many people would come to the park and take the petrified wood. We drove passed a few shops that had hundreds of pieces of similar wood for sale. We're suspicious that they took some from the park, but they were right outside the park so surely their business is all legal.

Onto the open road again

 

We decided to stay the night in Sedona instead of Flagstaff on the way to the Grand Canyon, because I find Sedona to be really beautiful, with a fun atmosphere. It has a very fun downtown area with many shops and attractions. It's a tourist trap. We weren't disappointed, even though we couldn't spend much time there.

Mountains! 

We start the decent down into Sedona 

 Isn't it beautiful?! It's also the backdrop to most old western movies.

And we make it to the Grand Canyon!

 My hubby taking some pictures of the beauty all around.

 Some animal life: (above) a squirrel just tempting a bird of prey to catch him

(below) three California Condors spread out on the same cliff face and one zoomed in

(below that) an elk grazing 

 

and back on the road, to....

Kingman Arizona! 

 We decided we didn't want to drive all the way to Vegas that night, so we found a restored Route 66 motel to get a feel for Route 66

It sure had a lot of character! Including the couple (and their dog) who own it and run it.

We took the Audrey Hepburn room, which just had her pictures hung up around the room, but it was fun. You can also see that the bathroom was a bit small. The shower is behind Marc, you step down into it! It was definitely the most unique place we stayed on the trip. It was clean and fun, and possibly the most memorable place. 

The owner encouraged us to try this old fashioned diner, which we thoroughly enjoyed. 

 We had tasty food, with homemade rootbeer, and this delicious huge cake!

 On the road again! As we head to Vegas the scenery really starts to change.

Aww, salt water taffy. One of our favorite travel treats. Unlike chocolate the hot desert sun makes these soft and delicious!