Yesterday we certainly did the Grand Canyon. We went up to the East Gate entrance and stopped at all the points on our way to the Visitors' Center. Then we parked along the road and walked the rim from there to the resorts. It must have been at least four miles. We hadn't planned for lunch and eventually hopped on one of the shuttles to get back to our car. On the way we stopped at the market area at around 4:00 for sandwiches. So, we were in the park from 11:30 to 4:30.
After leaving by the south entrance, we connected and headed east on I-40. For most of the way through Arizona, it's possible to travel on old Route 66. We did for about a twenty mile section. Eventually, when it met back up with I-40, I decided to cover ground even faster. A steady 65 mph was possible on the old road as there were nearly no cars. Still, the limit on the Arizon part of the Interstate is 75 mph and so it was comfortable at 80 mph!
We made it to Kingman, AZ by about 7:30 and found an EconoLodge. It was easy as all prices were listed outside because of the competition. We also found a Chinese Buffet rather than just eating noodles in the room.
We were on the road by 8:15 this morning. I wanted to drive another section of Route 66 to the California border. It was quite an amazing experience out in the desert without another car to be seen. We saw no wild burros near the town of Oatman. Once in California we heading south on highway 95, then to 62. I chose that road as it was a bit scarey out there in middle of nowhere. We stopped for bit out on the edge of the Mohave and when we went to leave, the car seemingly was stuck in the soft shoulder. I hadn't seen a car in a half hour and envisioned being stranded for a while. I put a chunk of tar under the tire and we sped away. For this reason alone when the branch for 177 was visiable, I steered that way. I longed for the comfort of I-10.
Anyway, I'm here by the pool and the world seems perfect.