The Great Southwest

Lake Havasu and Parker have many activities; but visit when the weather is favorable. From off road riding, boating, classic cars, and even taking a ferry across to the Casino, there are many things to enjoy. 

I enjoyed the company of my good friends and their dogs. 

I visited Grand Canyon twice on this trip.  I stayed one night at a motel in Tusayan and on the return trip, I stayed in the Mather Campground (easily booked at https://www.recreation.gov).  

I enjoy the camping better than hotels.  The Mather Campground is a large campground, the sites are positioned close to each other, and my campsite did not have water or electricity.  If was a little walk to the bathrooms.  My campsite was reserved with only 2 days advance notice.  The website and signs at the check-in say that there are no walk-ups, however, some people were taking advantage of cancelations at the last minute.  

Even with these downsides of the campground, staying in the park was nice.  There is a general store close by with food as well as camping gear.  The Yavapai Tavern proved to be a pleasant place to enjoy a few beers and watch sports while the evening rainstorm passed by. 

I approached Monument Valley from Kayenta, AZ.  While I have visited Monument Valley many times, this time felt like I was seeing this special place for the first time.  I arrived at mid-day, the lighting for photographs was not ideal.  I left Grand Canyon early to avoid traveling through the Cameron area during the heat of the day.  It might be possible to find nice Lodging in Kayenta to enjoy this part of the drive in the morning light.