After 3 unforgettable months, we have left Phoenix, heading to Lake Powell, in Page, Az. Phoenix is one big valley, surrounded by mountains...so coming out of the west valley, we headed toward Flagstaff through the hills. Its a slow ride in a big heavy RV. Since Flagstaff is at 7000 feet elevation, the road goes mostly up! The scenery was beautiful on this ride, so I thought I'd share it.
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| heading out of Phoenix....last of the saguaros for a while! |
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| lots of hills...slow going in an RV |
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| the red rocks of Sedona ahead |
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| Snowy Flagstaff in the distance |
We were originally planning on staying in Flagstaff for a few days, but the recent snow and cold weather scared us off. At the last minute, we changed our plans and hope to return at another time. The environment looks so refreshing, doesn't it? After living in the desert for a few months, it was a treat to see pine trees and snow. Don't get me wrong, we loved the desert and it has its own beauty, but it was starting to get pretty toasty.
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| what a change of scenery, eh? |
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| just refreshing! |
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| still snow along the road and under trees |
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| enjoying the drive |
Once past Flagstaff, the environment changes again. Its just gorgeous, no matter where you look. The road meanders through flat grassland, and up ahead, you can see a wall of pink sandstone. Beautiful!
We also started to see wildlife. Really, just horses and cows.
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| another complete change of scenery |
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| the road seems to go forever |
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| flat grasslands here-heading towards Page, Az |
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| lunchtime |
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| trying to capture the mirages on the road |
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| lots of cows out here |
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| oh good....cell service! oh...and a dirty windshield. They don't call RV's bugsmackers for nothin' |
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| meandering up and down small hills - heading to the pink rocks ahead |
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| looks like a painting, doesn't it? |
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| taking a lunch break at the rest area |
As we approached the Arizona/Utah border, the rock colors and formations were just glorious. Some of the pictures look fake, but that is really what it looks like! Its so amazing that in a matter of a few hours, the environments have changed so dramatically.
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| the landscape looks a little bit like the Badlands-but we are in northern Arizona |
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| pretty drive |
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| butte |
As we neared Page and Lake Powell, we drove through the Navajo Nation. There are many different "shops" along the highway.....Navajo jewelry, blankets and other items for sale. The scenery here is spectacular.
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| just a wall of sandstone |
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| nature's art |
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| Navajo shop |
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| almost in Page, Az |
After arriving at the campground, we were treated to a GREAT site. Our new backyard is unbelievable. We have a clear view of the lake right from our "backdoor", with no other campers in front of us. How sweet is that? Tom has a huge smile on his face that is not going away. We sometimes think we are dreaming....really!
The campground is only half full, since its off-season. I asked in the office, and the "season" is Memorial Day through Labor Day. That is also when the temps are the hottest! In the 100's! We are so happy we are here now...the temps are so pleasant, hovering in the 70's. The nights are cool (not as cool as in the desert though) and we are enjoying the warmth the campfire throws out as we stargaze. I know I sound like a big dork, but we just love this stuff. The night skies are amazing since its so dark here. (There is also no TV reception, so you might like stargazing too, just sayin')!
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| our new backyard at Lake Powell |
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| the view is awesome |
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| relaxing after the long drive |
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| the lake is right there! no campers blocking our view! |
We are now enjoying a new kind of sunset show, that lasts about 45 minutes. If you are looking out at the lake, different rock formations begin to glow. Then they fade, and others glow. All across the horizon. The finale is when the sky turns pink and all is "quiet". It is magnificent. I think I actually captured most of the "show". Without further ado......
Hope you enjoyed the show. Good Night:)
