Anyone Game? 2 Castles and a Road Trip TR! Last Day and TR Wrap Up! #2796; 10/01

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Horseshoe Bend (Finishing our Unfinished Business)




Our other unfinished business in Page was a bend in the Colorado River. We had already seen in yesterday when we were rafting down the river. You may remember me telling you about the spot where we went round and round and round.


In 1997, we had stolen time to spend in Page when we were driving round the Grand Circle. We were originally only just staying the night and pushing on. But a look in a window at some photographs had us jaw dropping in a big way. So even though we were really pressed for time, we had to see the wonders of nature for ourselves. Aside from Antelope Canyon, the other picture in the window was of the Colorado River curving almost back on itself around a mesa. Horseshoe Bend. So after we had gone early to Antelope Canyon, we headed down the 89A in search of the Horseshoe. Back in those days, there wasn't even a sign up. We were told to look for a sand flat to park the car about 3 - 5 miles along the 89A.

Even more than Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend was our unfinished business in Page. At least we got to see Antelope Canyon last time. We didn't even FIND Horseshoe Bend in 1997. We got lost. We doubled back three times trying to find the exact turn-off but couldn't see it. In the end, time was the winner and we reluctantly gave up the search and pushed on.



This time, we had the whole afternoon to find that sand flat. Yeah. 16 years is a long time. We couldn't miss it this time. There was a proper car park there. It certainly wasn't there in 1997!







It’s a ½ mile walk from the car park. We started walking.....up a sand dune.






When I got to the top, I thought that the gazebo was where the lookout was.







Ever the optimist! There was still quite a way to go.








Check out the steady stream of people heading to the lookout.







Forewarned is forearmed.








Or so they say.








I hope you appreciate that I wriggled on my belly and inched my way to the edge for this shot.








We floated round and round and round that riverbend yesterday.









I eventually wriggled back and let someone else take their turn at that spot. There was quite a line!

We found other points to take pictures from.








About 10 meters away from the belly crawl spot, I found this spot. I think we effectively finished off both pieces of unfinished business when I clicked the button on the camera at this lookout. I knew it the moment I took it and it felt like a sense of completion. This one is my favourite in my collection of Horseshoe Bend.







I think I could have happily stayed there all afternoon; a safe distance from the edge.








But it was very hot with temperatures in the 90's this day and the boys were keen to head back.








The walk back is definitely worse than the climb up the sand dune especially in the heat.
And for those of you out there interested - They do say it is accessible from the road; but I don't think it’s DA accessible at all!







Pretty soon we got back to the gazebo.








We could see Page from there.








It wasn't a far walk. But by the time we got back down to the car, we were all so hot that we needed to head back to the B&B to cool off.

 

[jedijill]

Wow, those shots were worth risking your life hanging over the edge! Glad you got your do-over!

Jill in CO

 

[dolphingirl47]

This is just so breath-takingly beautiful.

Corinna

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[zanzibar138]

So glad you got to finish your unfinished business

It is now my unfinished business

I think it is Antelope Canyon that it in all those pictures flying around the internet. But if it's that crowded, I think I'd prefer to just stick with the owl canyon instead, which I think was just as beautiful. As a photographer though I can see how you would have wanted to capture the light shafts in Antelope.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Such beautiful shots both of the cave and the river. I can imagine that many of these would make a beautiful canvas for your wall.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Very nice pictures from Antelope Canyon. Those pictures are just stunning to look at.

Great update.

 

[kmedina]

I am embarrassed to say I have never heard of Antelope Canyon. Reading your report is getting me excited for potential things to see and do in the future. It is also making me a little sad that you know more about the country than I do. Geography is not really my thing. It is absolutely stunning. Even though the picture with the ghostly looking guy will always remind you that he is rude and would not move, it is a fantastic picture. How cool! The place sounded like a zoo, but with the photography tour, I sense it was worth the visit. Hopefully, it was worth the 17 year wait.

The bend in the Colorado river is equally stunning. You are so brave for bending over that ledge to take that shot. I am way too clumsy to attempt that. On Friday, I fell down the steps in my front yard just walking. It took me two minutes to get up, so Connor was concerned. Luckily, nothing was broken. It still hurts, and I got pretty bruised.

 

[dgbg100106]

I am very appreciative of the belly crawl.... Beautiful shot

I am at a loss of words for the slot canyon, almost wonders was breathtaking!

 

[ACDSNY]

You're right, this update tops the Slot Canyon #2. Simply amazing! I've been keeping DH updated too.

 

[franandaj]

The Canyon shots were definitely beautiful. Amazing how rude people are! It's just awful that so many people have no consideration for others. At least it's only a percentage of the population and they are probably really unhappy folks with a tremendous sense of unfulfilled entitlement.

Those horseshoe canyon shots were great. I can't help but wonder how long it's going to take for the river to break through and divert the horseshoe. Just the geeky geologist in me!

I hope that your B&B had good AC!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Wow, those shots were worth risking your life hanging over the edge! Glad you got your do-over!

Jill in CO

Thanks. I was more concerned about dropping the camera than anything else. Most of me was on hard rock; but the camera was over the edge.

I'm glad we got our re-do too.

This is just so breath-takingly beautiful.

Corinna

It is an amazing part of the world. So much natural beauty there.

Great update!

Thank you.

So glad you got to finish your unfinished business

It is now my unfinished business

I think it is Antelope Canyon that it in all those pictures flying around the internet. But if it's that crowded, I think I'd prefer to just stick with the owl canyon instead, which I think was just as beautiful. As a photographer though I can see how you would have wanted to capture the light shafts in Antelope.

I'm pretty sure you'll tick this off your list.

As busy as Antelope Canyon gets, don't be deterred by the crowds. It really is worth the effort to get there.

Such beautiful shots both of the cave and the river. I can imagine that many of these would make a beautiful canvas for your wall.

I've been thinking the same thing. I just need to cull down to the ones I want to print out.

BTW - I added the link to your TR/blog at the front of this TR.

Very nice pictures from Antelope Canyon. Those pictures are just stunning to look at.

Great update.

Thanks Bret. As with everything, the pictures are no substitute for seeing it for yourself. I hope you get to plan a trip out here at some stage.

I am embarrassed to say I have never heard of Antelope Canyon. Reading your report is getting me excited for potential things to see and do in the future. It is also making me a little sad that you know more about the country than I do. Geography is not really my thing. It is absolutely stunning. Even though the picture with the ghostly looking guy will always remind you that he is rude and would not move, it is a fantastic picture. How cool! The place sounded like a zoo, but with the photography tour, I sense it was worth the visit. Hopefully, it was worth the 17 year wait.

The bend in the Colorado river is equally stunning. You are so brave for bending over that ledge to take that shot. I am way too clumsy to attempt that. On Friday, I fell down the steps in my front yard just walking. It took me two minutes to get up, so Connor was concerned. Luckily, nothing was broken. It still hurts, and I got pretty bruised.

Oh no! I hope you're feeling better and that the bruising is going away. Look after yourself.

I am very appreciative of the belly crawl.... Beautiful shot

I am at a loss of words for the slot canyon, almost wonders was breathtaking!

Thanks Brandi. It is stunning in real life.

You're right, this update tops the Slot Canyon #2. Simply amazing! I've been keeping DH updated too.

It's hard to believe anything can top the Slot Canyons.


Say hello to DH for me. Hope he's been well.

The Canyon shots were definitely beautiful. Amazing how rude people are! It's just awful that so many people have no consideration for others. At least it's only a percentage of the population and they are probably really unhappy folks with a tremendous sense of unfulfilled entitlement.

Those horseshoe canyon shots were great. I can't help but wonder how long it's going to take for the river to break through and divert the horseshoe. Just the geeky geologist in me!

I hope that your B&B had good AC!

I agree with you. It really is a small percentage of the population; but those few were really rude.

The B&B had excellent AC. It was definitely a great place to be able to head 'home' to as an escape from the heat.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

BTW - I added the link to your TR/blog at the front of this TR. .

Cool, although I've been a bit slack with my blog lately. My DH is also on holiday at present and has been busy doing work on the house. It just doesn't feel quite right sitting inside writing my blog while my husband is outside working so hard.

I hope you had a wonderful Xmas. I saw the temperature over there on the news tonight. It looks like you're in for some toasty summer weather tomorrow.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Cool, although I've been a bit slack with my blog lately. My DH is also on holiday at present and has been busy doing work on the house. It just doesn't feel quite right sitting inside writing my blog while my husband is outside working so hard.

I hope you had a wonderful Xmas. I saw the temperature over there on the news tonight. It looks like you're in for some toasty summer weather tomorrow.

It was a very good XMas this year. Hope it was the same for you too.

Yup. Close on 100 F tomorrow.

 

[declansdad]

 

[PrincessInOz]

Have you been taking lessons from Randall??

 

[PrincessInOz]

The Blair Collection




Heading back to the B&B turned out to be a great idea on this day. I had originally hoped to head back to Antelope Canyon and check the Lower canyon out; but on reflection, I'd already gotten a great collection of slot canyon shots.


It had been a hot day with temperatures way into the 90's and aside from AC, our hosts had one of those refrigerators that made ice and dispensed cold water. We spent a very pleasant hour getting to know them better; whilst DS got some more piano practise done. Did I mention that they had a keyboard in the B&B?


Whilst we were chatting, our host told us about a Trading Post in the township.








Apparently the family that owned the Trading Post had collected a whole heap of authentic museum quality artefacts and it was worth taking the time to go find and seek it. It's a deceptive building. You can't see it from the picture; but there is a second level. The bottom level contains your basic souvenir shop and whilst we did take a turn around the shop, there was plenty to look at but nothing that I wanted to buy. Certainly, it had all the standard hallmarks of the Wild West.







I was advised to ask if I could 'see upstairs'. The guy downstairs got on the phone and then told me to wait a minute. This man came down to get me.







I was to find out later that he is Elijah Blair, the owner and founder of the Trading Post. He's been in operation for over 60 years and has been trading with the Navajo and Hopi for quite some time. I'd like to think that for the duration that we were there that we formed a short-term favourable impression. Certainly, he was very impressed that I noticed the pin he was wearing. But really! How could I not?


There are quite a number of Navajo rugs on display at the Lake Powell Museum in Page. We didn't get the chance to visit the museum but I gather the rugs are on display until March 2014. I also understand that Elijah Blair took a number of valuable historic pictures which are also on display.







Based on what we saw upstairs, if you are in the area, I suspect it may be well worth the visit.


The collection upstairs?


O.M.G.







There were 3 rooms upstairs and there was amazing art everywhere!







Authentic, amazing beadwork.







Awesomely detailed baskets.







And rugs, rugs, rugs......everywhere.







They might be used as functional horse blankets and rugs, but there is no denying that these are works of beauty.







We'd been looking at modern day turquoise and silver since we arrived at Sedona. We’d seen enough to appreciate the pieces behind the glass.













For anyone interested, the Blair family are selling most of these items now. Aside from a couple of rugs that they will keep within the family, everything is up for sale.













In those days, the Navajo would come and trade their artefacts for food or money. Elijah Blair knew enough to keep pieces he treasured.







Pieces of history.













I was incredibly taken with this outfit.







The belt was amazing!







I noticed a piece of silver missing from the sleeve and remarked that it was a shame that it was missing to our guide. Turns out that missing piece has provolence! He told me that the woman who wore it came into the shop and wanted to trade. She pulled the silver off the sleeve and handed it over in exchange.







As I was looking through the collection, I noticed this piece.







Apparently, the Mother-In-Law bells were worn to warn the Son-In-Law of the MiL impending arrival. According to Navajo tradition and taboo, the two should never set eyes on each other. I'll leave it to you to ponder the sense of this tradition.






One more bit of the story to share. The only time I felt uncomfortable on this whole trip happened here. After we came down stairs again, I needed to go to the restroom. From our Slackers lunch yesterday, I knew the restrooms were on the other side of the 'square' and there is a breezeway just next to the Blair Trading Post going through to Slackers. These two guys were sitting on one of the benches in the breezeway. They stopped me for a chat. It took me 30 seconds to realise that they were drunk and not long after they asked for money. I refused and lucky for me, someone else came out into the breezeway at this point and I just scampered out to the Slackers side. I took the longer walk back to the Trading Post.








Aside from that slightly uncomfortable 2 minutes, this diversion to the Blair Trading Post had been an amazing experience. Whilst I'm not very au fait with Native Indian treasures, I suspect that it will be a very long time before we get to see a collection as beautiful as what we found here today. I'm so glad that we headed back to the B&B so that our hosts could tell us about it!


(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)



Looking towards Utah




Our hosts had also suggested that we take a short walk to a lookout at Page.







From here, we could see Lake Powell. DH and I did spend some time at Lake Powell in 1997; so it hadn't been on the agenda this trip. Standing here and looking out at it, I wondered if that decision had been a mistake and if we should have planned some time there. But that was just wishful thinking. Our time in Page had already been jammed-packed as it was. And there had been no time in our schedule to extend the stay here for another day.







I think we’re looking at Utah over there. It’s the Vermillion Cliffs National Park. The sandstone striations at Vermillion Cliffs are even more pronounced than what we saw today and it had been a close-run thing as to whether we head out to the Cliffs or whether we add-on the extra canyons to our photography tour today. In the end, I chose the easier option. But someday! I would love to spend more time again in the Utah section of the Grand Circle.






Despite having hydroelectricity generation at the Glen Canyon, I was intrigued to see a coal-fired power plant here. It's the Navajo Generating Station and it apparently supplies power to Arizona, Nevada and California. It employs mostly native Navajo workers on the plant and is one of the larger employers in the area.






We planned to watch sunset from this location.







But the mosquitoes were biting and DS was getting hungry. So, we abandoned the plan and headed back to the town.




(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)



Bonkers, Indeed!




Tonight, I felt like having steak for dinner. Apparently, the best place in town for that was Bonkers. It's located just around the corner from our B&B.






We were asked if we wanted to sit outside but we chose to sit inside because of the heat. Turned out to be a good decision. We loved the murals inside.






They certainly depicted the scenery to be found in Page.













Our waitress was dutifully attendant and we placed our orders with her.
I suspect that this was seafood chowder, which is why I would have ordered it.







DH ordered the house salad as an appertiser.







DS had the parmesan cheese with spaghetti bolognaise. It was delicious!







DH had the baked Salmon.







There was a selection of steaks on the menu; I decided on the Fillet Mignon.







It might have been one of the best steaks I had on this trip; but it came at a cost. There was no price listed on the menu; it just said 'Market Price'. I just assumed that the price was somewhat reasonable and didn't think to ask. Bear in mind that I live in Australia and food prices here are completely expensive compared to what you pay in the US. It takes a bit for an Aussie to suffer from sticker shock in the US.



O.M.G.


That steak was $50. We would pay $35 for it in Oz.
The bill for tonight's dinner was the most expensive meal we paid on this whole trip and it was all due to that steak. That'll teach me for not asking what the market price is.


BONKERS, Indeed!

 

[dolphingirl47]

That trading post definitely was a find. I love the jewellery and the rugs are very pretty, too. What a shame about the scary encounter though. I love the artwork at the restaurant, but the cost of the steak made my eyes water.

Corinna