Flagstaff, ArizonaJun 27, 2008
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Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona
Our Cinder Hill site
Sunset Crater, Sunset Crater National Monument
6/27 – 7/1
A drive of 139 miles brought us to Flagstaff, Arizona. Along the way we stopped in Winslow, Arizona to check out “the corner”. Many of you remember the song “Take It Easy” made popular by the Eagles in the 1970s. The lyrics included “standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona”. There is a statue on “the corner” and Joan got the photo while Ken parked the house in the middle of the street.
Our campsite was Cinder Hills OHV (off highway vehicles) Area which is part of the Coconino National Forest and located about 15 miles north of Flagstaff. Great spot, a little noisy during the weekend when the ATVs and motorcycles are zooming around, but very quiet at night and during the week.
On the first day we toured the area. Our first stop was the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument which was only a mile away from our campsite. This park features a volcano which stands at an 8000 foot elevation, 1000 feet above the adjoining land. The last eruption of this volcano occurred in 1250. We hiked the one mile Lava Flow Trail.
Our next stop was Wupatki National Monument, about 20 miles from Sunset Crater. The Wupatki Pueblo, which was used in the 1100’s is partially restored. It is believed that the Pueblo was deserted after the eruption of the Sunset Crater. We checked out the Visitor Center and then took the loop trail to the Pueblo. It was hard not to compare the stone work to the construction of Machu Picchu in Ecuador (the Incas were far superior to the Pueblo Indians – heck, the Incas did not even need mortar).
We drove to Flagstaff to check out the town. We walked around old town Flagstaff checking out the art galleries and craft shops. A women at the Visitor Center recommended Charley’s for lunch so we gave it a try. Great choice, Charley’s (23 N Leroux, Flagstaff, Arizona 928-779-1919) is a 4 star restaurant. We can recommend both the beef burrito and the beef Navaho taco. Charley’s is located in the beautifully refurbished Weatherford Hotel. We toured the hotel along with its third floor ballroom.
Although we have both been to the Grand Canyon we decided to take a day trip to the park with a small twist. We drove about 60 miles to Williams, Arizona and hopped aboard the Grand Canyon Train. After a relaxing 2.5 hour train ride which included live musical entertainment and a running commentary from our car host, we arrived at the canyon. We had four hours to use the shuttle buses and visit an assortment of overlooks. We also walked a couple of miles on the Rim Trail. Another train ride (with the additional benefit of a train robbery) brought us back to Williams in time for dinner. Our train host recommended the Doc Holliday’s Steakhouse and Saloon (950 North Grand Canyon Boulevard (Holiday Inn), Williams, Arizona 928-635-4797). Good choice, they had 4 star prime ribs.
In June we put 361 miles on the house and 702 miles on the Jeep.
