Arizona, Monday, March 20, 2017

Best plans from the night before don't always work out.  Our plan was to arise at 5:00, catch the shuttle bus to Yaki Point, the most eastern lookout over the canyon, and view the sunrise on this vernal equinox.  Some awakened, others didn't.  Therefore, without a full contingent, the plan went unfulfilled.  Oh well, maybe next year.  A good night's sleep was had. 

Over to the main lodge this morning for a late breakfast and then loaded into the chariot for the day's adventure.  We went to the Visitor Center, actually found adjacent parking and wandered around.  Ventured out to Mather Point for a last stunning look at the Canyon.  The crowds were rapidly convening and the Visitor Center was quickly becoming crammed.  We headed out and down towards the South gate of the park, bidding a farewell.  We resolved to come back, maybe next year, for a longer stay and some more rigorous hiking.

Headed out on AZ 64 south to Tusayan and onwards towards our eventual destination of the day - Phoenix. Stopped in Valle for a refueling and then down the road towards Flagstaff, arriving around 4:00.  Stopped for a picture opportunity at the Museum of Northern Arizona.  As we had assumed it was closed on Monday (we were wrong) and therefore we had not rushed our trip.  The establishment does close at 5:00 so, with less than an hour to spend, we opted not to spend the $24.00 but to wait for our next trip.  One more reason to return.

We arrived in Phoenix late in the afternoon, avoiding any seeming rush hour and pulled into Dell and Karen's just in time for cocktails.  Shortly we were into our bathing uniforms, and out to the hot tub, bubbles surrounding us and wine pouring down our parched throats.  Dell threw some delicious dead cow on the grill and we dined and talked (and some drank) till the wee hours.  A relaxing end to the day.