Trip report - Arizona trip including North Rim
Aug 30th, 2006, 08:44 PM
#41
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Another tip - you are going to see CD stations in gift shops/ trading posts. BUY ONE. I can not tell you how much we loved driving through Red Rocks country, Monument Valley and the gorgeous SW territory listening to the perfect music. It's my favorite souvenir (that I bought for myself)
Aug 30th, 2006, 08:50 PM
#42
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I bought Mary Youngblood's "Under the Raven Moon". We listened to it for most of the trip. (My sister bought several to use while her students write. She has found it helps them relax and write better.)
Aug 30th, 2006, 11:05 PM
#43
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starrsville,
Thanks for topping your trip report - I hadn't seen it before and I LOVE the North Rim! We stayed at Cameron Trading Post and I too loved the rugs...but unfortunately couldn't afford the many thousands of dollars! Maybe someday...I did take a picture of the $95,000 rug in the rug room.
We stayed at Jacob Lake because we couldn't get reservations in the park (our trip was planned last minute), but it was really nice - comfy rustic cabins, and the drive into and out of the park was beautiful. I agree that the restaurant is something out of a bygone era - we really enjoyed our hearty breakfast there.
The North Rim is magical...we were there in late September and it was so quiet compared to the South Rim. Whereas sunset at the South Rim was a noisy, crowded affair, at the North Rim everyone was virtually silent and there was only a handful of people wandering around near the lodge. We sat on those big log benches in front of the lodge and watched the sunset, which definitely made up for the fact that we couldn't get reservations at the restaurant and had to eat hot dogs from the snack shop!
And I got my picture with Brighty - very special for me because as a girl I corresponded several times with Marguerite Henry, author of "Brighty of the Grand Canyon." I still have her hand-written postcards and letters!
Anyway, thanks for bringing back all the good memories!
Thanks for topping your trip report - I hadn't seen it before and I LOVE the North Rim! We stayed at Cameron Trading Post and I too loved the rugs...but unfortunately couldn't afford the many thousands of dollars! Maybe someday...I did take a picture of the $95,000 rug in the rug room.
We stayed at Jacob Lake because we couldn't get reservations in the park (our trip was planned last minute), but it was really nice - comfy rustic cabins, and the drive into and out of the park was beautiful. I agree that the restaurant is something out of a bygone era - we really enjoyed our hearty breakfast there.
The North Rim is magical...we were there in late September and it was so quiet compared to the South Rim. Whereas sunset at the South Rim was a noisy, crowded affair, at the North Rim everyone was virtually silent and there was only a handful of people wandering around near the lodge. We sat on those big log benches in front of the lodge and watched the sunset, which definitely made up for the fact that we couldn't get reservations at the restaurant and had to eat hot dogs from the snack shop!
And I got my picture with Brighty - very special for me because as a girl I corresponded several times with Marguerite Henry, author of "Brighty of the Grand Canyon." I still have her hand-written postcards and letters!
Anyway, thanks for bringing back all the good memories!
Aug 30th, 2006, 11:57 PM
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thank you thank you thank you starsville! I will call the tour company tomorrow.
I have been to Tlaquepaque but not at that dairy queen. I will be sure to make a stop. We're doing cathedral rock, slide rock, west fork and montezuma castle and well in Sedona. I've always been interested in taking the jeep tour but out of the last 4 times I was there, we did the ballon ride instead. I did look at the biplane info though but we just don't have enough time!
I too love Frye bread and looking forward to having that the night we camp out wiht the Dine' (navajo indians) in Monument Valley.
Been to Meteor crater before but my honey hasn't so I think that's a good idea if we're not running too late. However, I didn't really find petrified forest spectacular. The only part of PF I liked was the painted desert (I think that's what it's called) at the end.
I want to get some of those prickly pear vodka's though. I've had the prckly pair margaritas before but didn't know they had the vodkas. Is it everywhere is AZ or just specific areas?
Ok, Thanks again Starsville. I am reeeeeeeeeally looking forward to leaving this Friday!
I have been to Tlaquepaque but not at that dairy queen. I will be sure to make a stop. We're doing cathedral rock, slide rock, west fork and montezuma castle and well in Sedona. I've always been interested in taking the jeep tour but out of the last 4 times I was there, we did the ballon ride instead. I did look at the biplane info though but we just don't have enough time!
I too love Frye bread and looking forward to having that the night we camp out wiht the Dine' (navajo indians) in Monument Valley.
Been to Meteor crater before but my honey hasn't so I think that's a good idea if we're not running too late. However, I didn't really find petrified forest spectacular. The only part of PF I liked was the painted desert (I think that's what it's called) at the end.
I want to get some of those prickly pear vodka's though. I've had the prckly pair margaritas before but didn't know they had the vodkas. Is it everywhere is AZ or just specific areas?
Ok, Thanks again Starsville. I am reeeeeeeeeally looking forward to leaving this Friday!
Sep 13th, 2006, 03:52 PM
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Thanks goes to utahtea for STRONGLY recommending CdeC. What a treasure to this board 
I was going out for a business trip and sister needed a break. The SW is her very favorite place in the world - but can't get her European hubby to consider moving there. So, she visits as often as she can.
I was going out for a business trip and sister needed a break. The SW is her very favorite place in the world - but can't get her European hubby to consider moving there. So, she visits as often as she can.
Sep 18th, 2006, 02:03 PM
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starsville,
got back from AZ trip last Sunday. Canyon de Chelly was indeed exceptional. We only got to hike down to white house 4-5 years ago but this time, we did the jeep tour. It was fantastic. It was slightly chilly when we first got started but got warm after being under that sun. We did end up doing the shake and bake jeep tour but it was still wonderful. We saw wild horses in the Canyon and at one point during the first ruin stop (i think it's called first house?), the coyotes started to howl. It was incredible - I caught the sound on video. Beatuful sunny day, cool but just warm enough. They had a bit of rain in the canyon so it was muddy. What a wonderful place.
Maria
got back from AZ trip last Sunday. Canyon de Chelly was indeed exceptional. We only got to hike down to white house 4-5 years ago but this time, we did the jeep tour. It was fantastic. It was slightly chilly when we first got started but got warm after being under that sun. We did end up doing the shake and bake jeep tour but it was still wonderful. We saw wild horses in the Canyon and at one point during the first ruin stop (i think it's called first house?), the coyotes started to howl. It was incredible - I caught the sound on video. Beatuful sunny day, cool but just warm enough. They had a bit of rain in the canyon so it was muddy. What a wonderful place.
Maria
Sep 18th, 2006, 02:05 PM
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oh, and we did rainbow bridge hike too in Lake Powell. WOW. That kayak trip was great too. Because of the water being so low, the guide said there has been more narrow canyons to discover with the kayaks and we did one near lone rock. Incredible. I now am planning a houseboat trip with friends for at least a week there!
Oct 15th, 2006, 08:32 AM
#51
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"I think I'm talking to myself, but maybe this will be helpful to someone down the road..."
lol, starrsville! I feel that way, too, sometimes. ;-)
Yes, your trip report is most helpful! DH and I are thinking of visiting the GC for the first time next year but I am confused about North Rim vs. South Rim--there is so much information to weed through. Your report helped me a great deal.
lol, starrsville! I feel that way, too, sometimes. ;-)
Yes, your trip report is most helpful! DH and I are thinking of visiting the GC for the first time next year but I am confused about North Rim vs. South Rim--there is so much information to weed through. Your report helped me a great deal.
Oct 15th, 2006, 05:42 PM
#52
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lol, AnnMarie C. I wondered if I should continue, but decided that it may be useful down the road - and am glad it has been useful to you.
I'd been to the South Rim several times. It is wonderful. Majestic views of the canyon. Lots of places to stay, eat, etc. I haven't been since the shuttle. It handles the visitor traffic well and I do like it a lot.
But, ah, the North Rim is my idea of what a National Park should feel like. It reminds me of what the South Rim might have been like 40 - 50 years ago. One place to stay - although there are different types of lodging. One campground. 2 or 3 options for restaurants. Much smaller. Much more of a "wilderness" feel. I fell completely in love with the North Rim.
I have no idea which you would prefer. But, maybe those descriptions will help. Disclaimer if needed - those are only my opinions
I'd been to the South Rim several times. It is wonderful. Majestic views of the canyon. Lots of places to stay, eat, etc. I haven't been since the shuttle. It handles the visitor traffic well and I do like it a lot.
But, ah, the North Rim is my idea of what a National Park should feel like. It reminds me of what the South Rim might have been like 40 - 50 years ago. One place to stay - although there are different types of lodging. One campground. 2 or 3 options for restaurants. Much smaller. Much more of a "wilderness" feel. I fell completely in love with the North Rim.
I have no idea which you would prefer. But, maybe those descriptions will help. Disclaimer if needed - those are only my opinions
Oct 16th, 2006, 03:06 AM
#53
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Starrsville,
So glad that you responded as I had missed the whole thing earlier and loved reading this thread.
Thanks to you, now have another destination and it's not THAT far from where we live - couple of nights and we can be there.
Also I have a new respect for the Navajo rug that I "inheirited" (ended up with because noone wanted it!) that my parents purchased way back in the 1930's - but I'm sure it's not one of the $$$$$ one, anyway I never liked it because it has the reverse "swastika" on it - an old Indian symbol, but you get the drift.
I think it's great that you and your sister made such great memories and enjoyed each other's company.
Good on you.
Happy Travels,
Carol
So glad that you responded as I had missed the whole thing earlier and loved reading this thread.
Thanks to you, now have another destination and it's not THAT far from where we live - couple of nights and we can be there.
Also I have a new respect for the Navajo rug that I "inheirited" (ended up with because noone wanted it!) that my parents purchased way back in the 1930's - but I'm sure it's not one of the $$$$$ one, anyway I never liked it because it has the reverse "swastika" on it - an old Indian symbol, but you get the drift.
I think it's great that you and your sister made such great memories and enjoyed each other's company.
Good on you.
Happy Travels,
Carol
Oct 16th, 2006, 03:37 AM
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Hi starrsville,
Having never been before I'm intrigued by the north and south rims, however, by what you describe, the north rim sounds more appealing to me as well. Last night, I found lodging on the south rim at Thunderbird Lodge so we'll begin our GC journey there.
Thanks again for your great trip report!
Having never been before I'm intrigued by the north and south rims, however, by what you describe, the north rim sounds more appealing to me as well. Last night, I found lodging on the south rim at Thunderbird Lodge so we'll begin our GC journey there.
Thanks again for your great trip report!
Apr 20th, 2008, 02:56 AM
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Thanks for the great report, starrsville! I realise it's 'old', but I hadn't read it before. Must add 'handy dandy travel candle' to my packing list! Also, I'm curious as to what your survey on what Europeans wear in the SW concluded!
In June, it'll be our second trip to that area of Arizona. However, we will be just 'passing through' the top bit (from Mon Valley up to Zion) and, once again, we'll miss the Chinle.
In June, it'll be our second trip to that area of Arizona. However, we will be just 'passing through' the top bit (from Mon Valley up to Zion) and, once again, we'll miss the Chinle.
Apr 20th, 2008, 11:00 AM
#58
I just topped the survey thread, wildblueyonder, but here's a link also -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34847922
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34847922
