Day 4: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon to Canyon de Chelly

Of course we planned our earliest morning after our latest night; good thing coffee’s readily available. We had a long drive ahead of us consisting of straight-aways through the desert. When there wasn’t much to look for, we were grateful to have an iPod and listened to a road mix compiled by a good friend (thanks Megan!).

After passing a few signs for the Grand Canyon, we decided to alter our planned route; really a few extra hours wouldn’t put us back. How could we pass up the opportunity to witness one of the natural 7th wonders of the world (we should have titled the blog 4169 miles plus a few detours). We drove along the rim, seeing a few deer nearby and travelled to some of the overlooks. As we looked down into the canyon, all we could think of was vast. Our personal cameras could not capture the depths and layers on the canyon. I had expected it to be more red; but looking back on the pictures I understand why Becca made fun of me, it was red.

We made our last stop close to the exit of the south rim and continued back to our planned route. We approached the Petrified Forest entrance and drove through. The drive began with views of the Painted Desert, for what I assumed was named because of the vibrant red color that it displayed. We stopped a along the route to see petroglyphs, logs that had been replaced by stone through a long process and appeared crystal like, and mesas which are flat topped hill structures with cliff like sides (we had to look up the meaning). The forest was unique, but we’re glad we didn’t miss the Grand Canyon to get there earlier.

Before our next stretch of the day, we grabbed some dinner at a Mexican/American Family Restaurant. The people were nice, but being the only meal of the day we were hoping for something a little more authentic. Oh well, at least the margaritas were good.

On the road again, lightening began to strike down in front of us and soon enough we drove into a massive storm. After what seemed like hours, the down pour seemed to settle and we were able to relax into the groove of the road. With clouds still overhead, blocking any possible light the moon would shine, the landscape was nothing but blackness and we came to terms that nothing would be witnessed on this part of our trek. So I turned to my laptop to write down a few things as Becca drove. Then in an instant, I felt a jerk as Becca slammed on the brakes. My heart jumped through my chest and my eyes looked forward. Before us were wild horses crossing the highway and as quickly as they appeared they faded into the darkness on the other side. We have always wanted to see wild horses, but never imagine that we would almost hit them in our rental car. And to think we thought the night had nothing to offer.

661.2 miles