Well.. the weather couldn't be perfect forever. Today was cold and rainy. Just a very dreary day. We went back up to the Grand Canyon to take a peak.
We couldn't see a thing, so we turned around and headed back to Tusayan (that little town right outside the park) to see the National Geographic IMAX Grand Canyon film. Apparently, it is the most watched IMAX film ever. At $14 per person, somebody is making a fortune. I thought the film was pretty good; Angela thought it was hokey.
From here on out, it was a day of elevation changes. From 4,000 feet to 8,000 feet - back down to 4,000 feet - then 6,000 feet - then 3,000 feet... and so on. The Ghia was magnificancent. At these high altitudes and steeps grade, the car did great. Every time I open the engine compartment to check the oil, I look at that tiny engine and say "way to go little guy".
We took a scenic route back down to Flagstaff to go by AZ's highest peak at 12,633 feet. An incredible climb; and with this weather, it was mostly in the clouds. It was up this road that we saw our first coyote (sans roller skates and jet pack).
Flagstaff is surrounded by National Parks. In fact, 42.3% of Arizona is Federal Park, Federal Monument, military base or some other federal property (e.g., Yuma Proving Grounds). We know that over a quarter of the state is Indian Reservation (see yesterday's blog) and 42% is Federal property.... that leaves less than a third of the state for the rest of the population.
We passed through Flagstaff on our way to Sedona. We were retracing the bike route I took in 2009 and 2010. It was an incredible back road that, in one section, climbs about 1500 feet over a 4 mile stretch.
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| Check out the switchback to the right |
On a map, it looks like this:
Even covered in clouds, Sedona was gorgeous. I had been through the town twice before, but it was much bigger than I remembered. Very upscale.
From Sedona it was onto Cottonwood and then to Prescott - again, all along roads that I had biked. Angela took the wheel as we headed up to Jermone - a former copper mining town that has been converted into an artsy community. We couldn't see 50 yards in front of us, and the drop-off was lethal. There was a 5 mile stretch where it was impossible to get the Ghia up into 4th gear.
You have to appreciate something about this car... it is a bit older than you think. It was actually built in October 1970 (the date imprinted upon the frame). But the design is from the early 1950's - and it is virtually unchanged. Just look at the back of the car. It has fins! Seriously... what car in the 70's still had fins? For that matter, what car in the 60's still had fins? For such an underpowered car, it handles these roads like a charm. We're not the fastest car on the road, but we are the ones having the most fun.
We stopped in Jermone, and again in Prescott, to check out some art galleries. Very, very impressive. I wish we could do something similar back in Amelia. In Prescott, we stopped at The Palace - the oldest continuously open saloon in Arizona. We sat at the same bar as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday. There were a few characters there this evening obviously trying desperately to channel Wyatt or Doc, and to some extent they succeeded. Great food and friendly owners.
Tomorrow we head to Palm Springs.
Mike and Angela - thanks for the fun read. Sounds like you guys are having a great time. Take care, Steve
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