Visiting Arizona

Arizona was the final state on our trip and we were there about 36 hours. It was sunny, hot and filled with simple and bright beauty. The small slices of each state we visited previously all felt so remote and aside from the world. The slice we saw of Arizona was more populated with both tourists and residents. We'd also successfully escaped news of the presidential race and candidates during most of the trip, but once in Arizona, Trump joined us and caused controversy nearby. The peacefulness came to a brief halt! 

Horseshoe Bend in the northern part of the state was quite extraordinary. A 280-degree curve of the Colorado River, the half mile walk to the bend through sand with clear blue sky and strong sun felt like pure desert! The eighty-degree weather in mid-March was comfortable, I can't imagine the summertime!

The Grand Canyon was majestic! After exploration in many national parks in the previous days though, the Grand Canyon felt crowded and a little less extraordinary than the others. The changing colors on the formations throughout the afternoon were eye-catching as the sun shifted and it was still unlike anything we'd seen previously. I thought the National Park Service education was great, particularly the film offered and the information on geology. Still so worth a visit -- because we didn't hike/camp/explore in the canyon, I think we had more of a traditional tourist experience in just a couple of hours. If time allows, seek more in the canyon!

Sedona was great! Bright red and mystical and creative. We arrived late at night, shared some homemade chai tea with our airbnb host and the next day hiked the red rocks. The dry heat, small cacti and simple and beautiful scenery were all unfamiliar, as was the king snake we nearly stepped on while hiking. :) 

That afternoon we headed south to Cave Creek, Arizona, a little bit north of Phoenix. We loved seeing the saguaro cacti once we crossed into southern Arizona. We took a horseback riding tour with a small group where we saw coyotes (we were happy we were on horseback!) and rode among the saguaros. The sunset at the end was so, so beautiful and golden.

That night I headed east and woke up in Boston on the first day of Spring (although it was still winter for a little while longer...). The trip was an adventurous, full and exciting exploration out west.