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Tag Archives: Arizona
Our first backroads adventure: Zion, the finale.
We did not know it then, but 1997 was a great time to visit Zion National Park. We were able to drive into the park. It was not crowded on the trails, and at points, we were even able to … Continue reading
Posted in Travel Logs
Tagged Arizona, National Parks, Photography, Travel, Utah, Zion National Park
20 Comments
Our first backroads adventure, part eight: the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
As we were still gainfully employed and our vacation time was limited, we moved quickly on from Bryce Canyon National Park to Kanab, then through the beautiful high meadows of the Kaibab Forest to the North Rim of the Grand … Continue reading
Posted in Travel Logs
Tagged Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, National Parks, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Travel
8 Comments
Our first back roads adventure, part three: over the Lukachukai Pass to Canyonlands.
We could have driven straight north from Chinle after seeing Canyon de Chelly. It would have been a more direct road to the south part of Canyonlands National Park. But after 25 years, I forget why we chose instead to … Continue reading
Posted in Travel Logs
Tagged Arizona, Canyonlands National Park, New Mexico, Shiprock, Travel, Utah
6 Comments
Our first backroads adventure, part two: Canyon De Chelly
Leaving the Grand Canyon, we decided to head for Chinle and the Canyon De Chelly National Monument. A dirt road across the Navajo Nation seemed more direct than the Arizona and U.S. highways. We had gone a long way and … Continue reading
Posted in Travel Logs
Tagged Arizona, Canyon de Chelly, First Americans, national monuments, Navajo Nation, Travel
11 Comments
Our first backroads adventure. Part One
One should live in the present, but rule two above says one should take time to be grateful. We are very grateful for the many wonderful experiences we have had. So, I plan to reminisce for the next couple posts … Continue reading
Canyon de Chelly isn’t pronounced the way it reads.
It seems forever since we took a long drive. Coincidentally, we had long drives – up to 14,000 miles – around the U.S. and Canada in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. 2020 is a COVID bust. But I am grateful … Continue reading
Posted in Travel Logs
Tagged Ancient Puebloans, Arizona, Canyon de Chelly, First Americans, Kit Carson, Navajo, Travel
9 Comments
Beautiful but dangerous slot canyons
Western American slot canyons are spectacular. I have seen photographs; you probably have seen photographs. I wanted to see one myself. Canyoneering simply means exploring canyons. But to the adventurous, it often involves remote locations, rappelling and swimming as well … Continue reading
Posted in Travel Logs
Tagged Arizona, Lower Antelope Canyon, Page, Page Arizona, Photography, Slot Canyons, Travel, Upper Antelope Canyon
8 Comments
The misnamed Navajo National Monument
A sign says “Navajo National Monument.” It is barely twenty miles out of your way. Stop! Even though things appear similar to everything else you see in that area, you learn some things are different. The canyons along the way … Continue reading
Trader not traitor
Frank, a very distant relative, was an 1800s Indian Agent. Towns in Utah and Oklahoma bear his name. “Western” movies often had a villainous trader selling whiskey and guns to the natives. I don’t recall seeing the Indians pay for … Continue reading
RalieTravels 
Why Southwest United States cliff dwellers left their homes
The mystery is solved. I believe I know why the ancient Southwest cliff dwellers left their homes. We first visited Mesa Verde in 1981. There were many possible reasons given why these people, now referred to as Ancestral Puebloan People, … Continue reading →