Day 3, June 3 - Rich

We soaked up the Grand Canyon like a sponge. If you like to see tourists in their native habitat, there is no better venue than the shuttle bus to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on a summer Saturday at about noon.

Charlotte kept her foot wedged in a crack for safety.

At an earlier stop a lady inadvertently left her phone in this bus. A Chinese tourist found it and ran up to the driver just as he was leaving for the next stop. (Note: he could have been Korean). Another lady correctly identified the phone's owner as she made her way away from the bus. Her attempts at hailing the owner of the phone failed. I stepped off the bus and yelled at her in a sufficiently loud voice to get her attention. She came running back for her phone. The bus driver held the bus and we got back on to applause from the other passengers. Saving someone from losing their phone is an international language.

The Elk are very shy. If you wait long enough you might get lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

I couldn't find my hat so I wore Charlotte's.

Day 2, part 2

We made it to our first National Park!

In response to several pre-departure admonishments Nana promised to pack light. Then she unironically broke out a necklace fan.

Day 2, June 2 - Rich

The second day improved upon the first. I'm really enjoying filling up my tank for less than $40, not paying sales tax and doing 75 while towing a trailer. Arizona should consider "Live Free of Unnecessarily Intrusive Government Regulations or Die!" as a state motto.

More Route 66. I'm pretty sure I'm not driving on it anymore. I'll miss the kitsch.

Grand Canyon Caverns. Privately-owned caves are so much better than state or federal caves, particularly if you're interested in spending the night in a semi-well appointed room 220 feet underground. They will not leave the lights on for you.

The collection of things people have dropped in the caves doubles as a flash photography history museum. There was also a pair of panties in this collection. I guess because of the hotel room?

Bearizona is a marvel. Part wild animal park, part Disneyland, part Bass Pro Shop and part Jurassic Park. The only things being exploited more than the animals are the customers.

Day 1, June 1 - Rich

After nearly a year's worth of planning my summer trip is underway. 

Black Mountain RV Resort. One of the few resorts without a spa, restaurants, showers or operable restrooms.