tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45994844949672631432024-03-08T23:07:42.553+00:00American Studies Field Trip 2010This is a live blog for the American Studies Field Trip 2010. Each day on the trip I'll post a resume of the day and some pictures to keep people back home up to date on where we are and what's happening.Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-48197111500879785592010-04-13T17:25:00.002+01:002010-05-03T02:05:15.615+01:00All doneFinal day on the road. We travelled from Williams via Route 66 to Oatman, home of the stray asses... Then to Las Vegas via Chloride and across the Hoover Dam. These two so-called ghost towns provide very different pictures of off the grid living.<br />
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The weather turned poor for a while - rain and thunder and lightning - but it was clear enough later to go up the Stratosphere Tower and see the city by night after "All You Can Eat" at Circus Circus. At the Stratosphere a few brave souls - all girls! - go on the rides at the top. John and I have, of course done it so many times we don't need to prove ourselves again...<br />
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All well and in the morning we head for the airport and our return home. It has been a great trip.<br />
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Only when we get back do we learn of the volcano and that we missed being stranded for two weeks in Minneapolis by about half a day. <br />
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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94fnmFeqAI/AAAAAAAAAho/qa0vyyNUeMQ/s640/R0015440+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94fzj_5xaI/AAAAAAAAAhw/2caKxhZo0Qo/s1600/R0015474+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94fzj_5xaI/AAAAAAAAAhw/2caKxhZo0Qo/s640/R0015474+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94f8408vPI/AAAAAAAAAh4/9EuqeWSzW_c/s1600/R0015521+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94f8408vPI/AAAAAAAAAh4/9EuqeWSzW_c/s640/R0015521+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94gG4dCJ5I/AAAAAAAAAiA/MjS7e_zQJXA/s1600/R0015588+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94gG4dCJ5I/AAAAAAAAAiA/MjS7e_zQJXA/s640/R0015588+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94gPEe70II/AAAAAAAAAiI/VrYEcXGEHvE/s1600/R0015637+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94gPEe70II/AAAAAAAAAiI/VrYEcXGEHvE/s640/R0015637+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94gVyDhXAI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/VKQKIXWNKh4/s1600/R0015626+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S94gVyDhXAI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/VKQKIXWNKh4/s640/R0015626+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-65278613165109411722010-04-12T07:10:00.002+01:002010-04-12T16:39:47.421+01:00CanyoneroBreakfast at Smokies - huge - followed by the drive to the Grand Canyon, the final National Park of the trip and one of the traditional highlights. Last year we were bedevilled by rain and wind, but this year is clear, if a little overcast. We arrive and after a few alarms with the vans (JB's refuses to start for a while and I get into an identical van parked next to ours and wonder why the key refuses to start the engine - to be fair, the owner tries to get into my van too) we see the first overlook - dramatic as ever. We try a hike down to Horseshoe Mesa, but the trail is muddy and snowbound so we move on to the Bright Angel Trail which is wider and safer. Students descend quite far and enjoy the achievement of it, not least coming back up. Meanwhile, I have a beer with a student who has vertigo. We stay later than usual and see the sun slant across the canyon, bringing out the mesas in relief. The drive back is long but through the sunset. Taco Bell beckons to most of the students - the perfect end to a day...<br />
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Tomorrow the final full day, via Route 66 and Chloride...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IBTgfpaYI/AAAAAAAAAes/lknb65OXceY/s1600/R0014999+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IBTgfpaYI/AAAAAAAAAes/lknb65OXceY/s400/R0014999+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IBt9qmuJI/AAAAAAAAAe0/gAVhmAhk-RU/s1600/R0015062+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IBt9qmuJI/AAAAAAAAAe0/gAVhmAhk-RU/s400/R0015062+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8ICDWzcwXI/AAAAAAAAAe8/UrDO0Ysa87E/s1600/R0015033+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8ICDWzcwXI/AAAAAAAAAe8/UrDO0Ysa87E/s400/R0015033+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8ICXroWVuI/AAAAAAAAAfE/gT8KIBTt2Ok/s1600/R0015050+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8ICXroWVuI/AAAAAAAAAfE/gT8KIBTt2Ok/s400/R0015050+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IDK7hgnuI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3xHkqn_hOhw/s1600/R0015026+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IDK7hgnuI/AAAAAAAAAfM/3xHkqn_hOhw/s400/R0015026+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IDodo1gFI/AAAAAAAAAfc/BKrWDzRXFEg/s1600/R0015100+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S8IDodo1gFI/AAAAAAAAAfc/BKrWDzRXFEg/s400/R0015100+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-40217953985077802912010-04-10T16:16:00.000+01:002010-04-10T16:16:08.998+01:00Driving John CrazyThe morning begins with a seminar from Romero Brown, the Navajo owner of the motel and an important local figure. Excellent and informative for the students, especially about local politics. A short drive takes us to Window Rock proper and the tribal HQ. We visit the rock and tour the council chamber (not in session this year.) Window Rock is in the rear view mirror as we reach I 40 for our 190 mile 3.5 hr drive to Williams. John has an encounter with a crazy American driver who swerves across lanes and provokes some sweet language from him. Trucks stops are decorated with fibreglass dinosaurs. We arrive in Williams in brilliant sunshine in the early afternoon after making excellent time. Motel 6 and Safeway await us as ever. After de-canting we drive up the highway to take a short hike on the Keystone trail to a small box canyon, with a waterfall and petroglyphs. Snow still on the ground in places and deep in patches. Back to Williams and the students are free for the night. Tomorrow a morning off and then Wuptaki. <br />
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Oh how I love thee and thy breakfasts Mancos. JB and I get up early to investigate if the bakery cafe is open and it is. Glorious early morning slanting sunshine. We eat and John meets the Western hatmakers over coffee. Back at the motel students rouse and we walk them round the town, stopping off at the hatmakers. Two great guys give us a long talk and demonstration of how to make stetsons, etc. General view on Mancos and the motel is double plus. We leave and drive South down 491 and stop at the Ute Mt casino - not much there. Long, classic drive through NM down into the Navajo reservation and Window Rock. We leave the highway for a rural detour and climb through the snowline yet again, down into the town. We stop at the cemetery above the town which we saw very briefly last year. It subdues us - the expanse of tattered Stars and Stripes of the dead veterans especially. In town the museum is open, but has no knowledge of us, despite the faxes, emails and even the letter I sent to them... so we look round on our own, sans a guide. Good exhibitions, especially the current one of Navajo photography which impresses us all and makes me think about the role of the museum for the community here. Then to the motel - all rooms good - and a seminar outside in the sun. We arrange to meet with the Navajo owner Romero Brown, but business keeps him away. No matter, we reschedule for tomorrow, before we visit the tribal HQ. And then to Williams...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S761tz65vNI/AAAAAAAAAcc/VzLplmuiulo/s1600/R0014791+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S761tz65vNI/AAAAAAAAAcc/VzLplmuiulo/s400/R0014791+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S763CTB03jI/AAAAAAAAAck/j1L4utfDUOA/s1600/R0014805+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S763CTB03jI/AAAAAAAAAck/j1L4utfDUOA/s400/R0014805+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S763a-tJfEI/AAAAAAAAAcs/_NHFMubwC3g/s1600/R0014816+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S763a-tJfEI/AAAAAAAAAcs/_NHFMubwC3g/s400/R0014816+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7639aa3O0I/AAAAAAAAAc0/DS4f33BhJqc/s1600/R0014828+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7639aa3O0I/AAAAAAAAAc0/DS4f33BhJqc/s400/R0014828+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S764ahj9tyI/AAAAAAAAAc8/aqkUG3k5uwY/s1600/R0014856+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S764ahj9tyI/AAAAAAAAAc8/aqkUG3k5uwY/s400/R0014856+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S765D49oeqI/AAAAAAAAAdE/tJTe3JPCLvc/s1600/R0014853+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S765D49oeqI/AAAAAAAAAdE/tJTe3JPCLvc/s400/R0014853+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S765fHXgDlI/AAAAAAAAAdM/zES5cmFmztU/s1600/R0014876+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S765fHXgDlI/AAAAAAAAAdM/zES5cmFmztU/s400/R0014876+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7654WinM6I/AAAAAAAAAdU/z9qB7Yp2JzQ/s1600/R0014881+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7654WinM6I/AAAAAAAAAdU/z9qB7Yp2JzQ/s400/R0014881+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-50145052195460655302010-04-08T04:14:00.001+01:002010-04-08T05:43:35.897+01:00$5 regained and sunshine at 7,500 feetWe leave the San Juan Inn after an early morning start for some (I get up early to catch the sunrise.) The drive out involves a novelty, the Valley of the Gods road, which turns out to be every bit as scenic as Monument Valley but for free and much more remote, with genuine dirt road. The $5 refusal is vindicated. A long leg then to Mesa Verde National Park via Cortez (OK, if a bit grim) and past Ute Mt casino. The weather is magnificent and we arrive at Mesa Verde in time to wend our way along the 20 mile drive to the Spruce Point cliff dwellings, rising through the snowline (deep remnants) to the top of the mesa. The views are incredible - in my van Holly never stops snapping. The visit to the dwellings is conducted, but is done well. and includes a descent into a Kiva - shafts of light. We then drive the 20 miles out of the park to the unknown quantity of Mancos and the motel, both of which turn out to be fine. Mancos is a nice little ranching town with an old brick centre and enough facilities to get by, while the motel is clean, comfortable and has HD TV. A content crew. Tomorrow to Window Rock.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71aPWCF3bI/AAAAAAAAAbM/jmW_ahD2X_s/s1600/R0014647+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71aPWCF3bI/AAAAAAAAAbM/jmW_ahD2X_s/s400/R0014647+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ayoxawtI/AAAAAAAAAbU/ZNIQPK12Tg8/s1600/R0014656+%28Medium%29+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ayoxawtI/AAAAAAAAAbU/ZNIQPK12Tg8/s400/R0014656+%28Medium%29+%282%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ba8ZWPZI/AAAAAAAAAbc/wbIDxwY9ueU/s1600/R0014659+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ba8ZWPZI/AAAAAAAAAbc/wbIDxwY9ueU/s400/R0014659+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71b5eVuR1I/AAAAAAAAAbk/U22srEYfhRU/s1600/R0014665+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71b5eVuR1I/AAAAAAAAAbk/U22srEYfhRU/s400/R0014665+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71cSIyy_jI/AAAAAAAAAbs/KwDatepeQd0/s1600/R0014672+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71cSIyy_jI/AAAAAAAAAbs/KwDatepeQd0/s400/R0014672+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71dKb7ZyEI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ym66BgpvNhM/s1600/R0014691+%28Medium%29+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71dKb7ZyEI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ym66BgpvNhM/s400/R0014691+%28Medium%29+%282%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71eKcvP9rI/AAAAAAAAAcE/wZwz0JW4lrg/s1600/R0014723+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71eKcvP9rI/AAAAAAAAAcE/wZwz0JW4lrg/s400/R0014723+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71dnsW32MI/AAAAAAAAAb8/mP49EO0t4SY/s1600/R0014708+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71dnsW32MI/AAAAAAAAAb8/mP49EO0t4SY/s400/R0014708+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ek7JZSZI/AAAAAAAAAcM/PWln6uBBGD8/s1600/R0014747+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ek7JZSZI/AAAAAAAAAcM/PWln6uBBGD8/s400/R0014747+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71e22duu1I/AAAAAAAAAcU/HfZWAz40DYQ/s1600/R0014786+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71e22duu1I/AAAAAAAAAcU/HfZWAz40DYQ/s400/R0014786+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-89917465317193241942010-04-07T02:15:00.001+01:002010-04-08T03:46:54.861+01:00Monument Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Recovering from the absence of food at Marble Canyon, we explore the upper Grand Canyon, which is literally across the road - great views, great drop - and drive the short distance to the Navajo Bridge. We then set off on the road towards Tuba City and then Monument Valley. Weather is good and we make good time. Tuba City has improved - previously it has seemed rundown and even a little threatening, but sunshine and the new development of the Hopi seems to have taken the edge off, at least in daylight. Weather closes in as we head towards Kayenta and Monument Valley. Journey is interrupted by Max and Mike's bursting bladders... We get to MV and can't get up the road to the new hotel without paying $5, which the group decline... 5000 miles, $5. No matter as the weather conspires to give us better views as we drive out towards Mexican Hat - some tremendous shots of the road and the buttes in the distance make up for it. Mexican Hat and the San Juan Inn are as last year, one of the nicest (probably because one of the most expensive) places to stay. Here we are in the diner, which has food.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71BV-HpINI/AAAAAAAAAZU/4qjrZmgRjBU/s1600/R0014542+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71BV-HpINI/AAAAAAAAAZU/4qjrZmgRjBU/s400/R0014542+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71B3Ih2g1I/AAAAAAAAAZc/RZgZMRA7qjU/s1600/R0014547+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71B3Ih2g1I/AAAAAAAAAZc/RZgZMRA7qjU/s400/R0014547+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71CN5OL2OI/AAAAAAAAAZk/6nRLOrHZoUw/s1600/R0014559+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71CN5OL2OI/AAAAAAAAAZk/6nRLOrHZoUw/s400/R0014559+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ClOf2oVI/AAAAAAAAAZs/IKuO1krr3Ts/s1600/R0014565+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71ClOf2oVI/AAAAAAAAAZs/IKuO1krr3Ts/s400/R0014565+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71DBRVHw7I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/7fcqACbEy3M/s1600/R0014587+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71DBRVHw7I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/7fcqACbEy3M/s400/R0014587+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71DfEe8n6I/AAAAAAAAAaE/Msm_Z32PDAM/s1600/R0014593+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71DfEe8n6I/AAAAAAAAAaE/Msm_Z32PDAM/s400/R0014593+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-84298325189400332452010-04-07T02:06:00.001+01:002010-04-08T04:02:44.736+01:00Marble CanyonWe drive from Kanab to Marble Canyon via Jacob Lake - a wonderful breakfast there fulfils a long held desire. Kanab not having proven a total success with the students the drive to Marble Canyon is fraught with doubt about the motel and the destination. Driving involves a considerable ascent through the snowline and then down to the plateau. The views were spectacular and the weather improved as we descended. Marble Canyon Lodge was affirmed on arrival. We set off on our master hike of cathedral wash - windy, but sheltered as we go deeper into the canyon. Great hike, everyone makes it through the scrambles and obstacles down to the river. Feet in the river contest is won by Yasmine and Bryony. We hike back out to the road and drive around and back to the Lodge. Then it goes wrong - the motel restaurant appears to not have a chef, so the menu is minimal or in fact less so as half the things we choose are off including coffee... Spark grumpiness ensues and no tip. It then begins to rain. I spend the evening watching JB sleep and trying to watch the fuzzy TV. The morning brings sunlight and breakfast - they have eggs! After viewing the upper Grand Canyon and the Navajo Bridge, we set off for Monument Valley<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71Ej95L7bI/AAAAAAAAAaM/6rjb2S6YhFc/s1600/R0014357+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71Ej95L7bI/AAAAAAAAAaM/6rjb2S6YhFc/s400/R0014357+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71E4FlBsfI/AAAAAAAAAaU/8xcma4cRQqc/s1600/R0014367+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71E4FlBsfI/AAAAAAAAAaU/8xcma4cRQqc/s400/R0014367+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71FRKStpEI/AAAAAAAAAac/CXXJa5miPCg/s1600/R0014404+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71FRKStpEI/AAAAAAAAAac/CXXJa5miPCg/s400/R0014404+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71GLHvUCSI/AAAAAAAAAas/0uFnrMwSCB4/s1600/R0014421+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71GLHvUCSI/AAAAAAAAAas/0uFnrMwSCB4/s400/R0014421+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71Fp5vAbHI/AAAAAAAAAak/9R48naXBefY/s1600/R0014419+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71Fp5vAbHI/AAAAAAAAAak/9R48naXBefY/s400/R0014419+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71GkViIZGI/AAAAAAAAAa0/f7mCJLBzEUM/s1600/R0014429+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71GkViIZGI/AAAAAAAAAa0/f7mCJLBzEUM/s400/R0014429+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71G9om6ySI/AAAAAAAAAa8/1kE13uduW7Y/s1600/R0014455+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71G9om6ySI/AAAAAAAAAa8/1kE13uduW7Y/s400/R0014455+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71HShf2ECI/AAAAAAAAAbE/P-VUyHKvubY/s1600/R0014479+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S71HShf2ECI/AAAAAAAAAbE/P-VUyHKvubY/s400/R0014479+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-78483633527183989682010-04-05T04:58:00.001+01:002010-04-05T05:01:18.107+01:00Zion!A night in Kanab having proven unthrilling for most of the group, we set off for our destination for the day, Zion National Park. An easy drive takes us there and after some problems parking we set off in the tour buses to the Canyon proper. We had thought about hiking up to Hidden Valley, but there is snow up there still and some of our party have issues with heights. Never mind, the trail to the end of the canyon shows us the lie of the land and then we hike the upper, middle and lower pools of the Emerald Trail. A good hike, though crowded - Easter Sunday in Zion is full of families. Charly turned her ankle a little on the way up, but all seems well now. Dinner for most at the local Mexican restaurant - was OK.<br />
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Tomorrow - Marble Canyon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldBietcdI/AAAAAAAAAXc/XjEdAvrHV10/s1600/R0014232+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldBietcdI/AAAAAAAAAXc/XjEdAvrHV10/s400/R0014232+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldT8vLOCI/AAAAAAAAAXk/LxCTfJE8o-U/s1600/R0014242+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldT8vLOCI/AAAAAAAAAXk/LxCTfJE8o-U/s400/R0014242+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldhWuEtAI/AAAAAAAAAXs/rhUHZWNJm3Q/s1600/R0014261+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldhWuEtAI/AAAAAAAAAXs/rhUHZWNJm3Q/s400/R0014261+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldv-E6DiI/AAAAAAAAAX0/bXYHPzbjkMw/s1600/R0014270+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7ldv-E6DiI/AAAAAAAAAX0/bXYHPzbjkMw/s400/R0014270+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7leXsI1nyI/AAAAAAAAAYE/MX47DdL-DGg/s1600/R0014281+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7leXsI1nyI/AAAAAAAAAYE/MX47DdL-DGg/s400/R0014281+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7lej3Y_GKI/AAAAAAAAAYM/dpmVaRc5-G0/s1600/R0014288+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7lej3Y_GKI/AAAAAAAAAYM/dpmVaRc5-G0/s400/R0014288+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7le4dOm9rI/AAAAAAAAAYc/jf_nOSc0AR4/s1600/R0014321+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7le4dOm9rI/AAAAAAAAAYc/jf_nOSc0AR4/s400/R0014321+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7lexR6axVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/jsHWMdarIXU/s1600/R0014310+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7lexR6axVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/jsHWMdarIXU/s400/R0014310+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7lgehdzy6I/AAAAAAAAAY8/mYJ-XH9GhdY/s1600/R0014339+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7lgehdzy6I/AAAAAAAAAY8/mYJ-XH9GhdY/s400/R0014339+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-45079305923377952882010-04-04T05:34:00.005+01:002010-04-04T06:39:49.160+01:00Pipe Springs to Kanab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We leave Las Vegas, driving North into Arizona and Utah. Nice drive through mountain gorges to the Kaibab plateau and Colorado Springs, the fundamentalist LDS (aka polygamist) town. Not good to gawp openly, butwe but ice cream in the dairy store and clock the women in 19thc dress with 21st century iPods in their ears. Spooky. Onto Pipe Spring National Monument which JB and I picked out as an interesting place to visit last year. Good museum and walk around site. Alasdair gets grumpy when JB vanishes, followed by several students. We drive on to Kanab - Can-Ab - our base for two nights. A strange town in some ways - dead as can be by 9pm Saturday night. But quite scenic in some ways. The motel is OK, faded Fifties glamour and pot luck on the quality of rooms. JB and I end up with the odd one of the pack. John's old mate from Oregon John Mairs has tracked us down to here - a real surprise. Tomorrow Zion.<br />
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Day begins with a visit to the Outlet Mall - not JB's favourite thing, but important to see American consumerism close up. Then off too Red Rock Canyon. Every year the suburbs get more dense but Red Rock hangs on at the perimeter of the city. JB managed yet again to get us in for free. The new visitor centre is incomplete and not that much of an improvement. Then a hike to the Calico Tanks - still one of my favourites. Everyone got up there and saw the water and the city. Then a stop at Wal Mart for a different consumerism. Evening was meant to be the Stratosphere, but the clock beat us - we'll do it on the final night back in LV now. Dinner in the Hard Rock Cafe was OK.<br />
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Weather was bright Wednesday but the wind is fierce - really pushes the desert sand in front of it.<br />
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Seminar first thing then out to explore. We drove to the eastern edge of the city - literally - at Sunrise mt to look back over the valley at the city, and then back to the Strip. Dropped the students off halfway along it to walk back and explore. JB and I went to CityCenter, the new $9bn development.<br />
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Seminar after was good - they have done the reading and more.<br />
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Then in the evening Fremont St and old Las Vegas, then back to crash - jet lag still catching up with us all. <br />
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Today the city - casinos, suburbs, the urban wasteland of Las Vegas. But first the greatest contribution America has made to the world - breakfast in a diner.Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-83138659385528142142010-03-31T08:02:00.001+01:002010-03-31T13:22:21.743+01:00VegasWe are here. Flights uneventful and connections all made, despite my usual anxieties. 5am body time so sleep beckons now. More tomorrow<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7M-Fj6cmhI/AAAAAAAAASU/O2q789_QNr4/s1600/R0013925+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7M-Fj6cmhI/AAAAAAAAASU/O2q789_QNr4/s400/R0013925+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7M-S9iFnNI/AAAAAAAAASc/Y04Qiev2FzI/s1600/R0013929+%28Medium%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lPBSU_n7qBw/S7M-S9iFnNI/AAAAAAAAASc/Y04Qiev2FzI/s400/R0013929+%28Medium%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-55995239565586634552010-03-29T10:13:00.002+01:002010-03-29T10:13:49.425+01:00Gearing upWe leave tomorrow. The weather in Las Vegas is set to be unseasonably sunny on Tuesday - up to 83F, but unfortunately we arrive after sunset... Later in the week not so good, thunderstorms and rain scheduled for ThursdayAlasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-88335557819640008242010-03-19T19:28:00.002+00:002010-03-19T19:28:39.090+00:00Weather in Vegas<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/auto/wxmap/NV/Las_Vegas.html">http://www.wunderground.com/auto/wxmap/NV/Las_Vegas.html</a>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599484494967263143.post-40765769002369680632010-03-17T14:13:00.002+00:002010-03-17T14:22:11.826+00:00Countdown<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="1" height="365" scrolling="no" src="http://www.7is7.com/otto/countdown.html?year=2010&month=3&date=30&hrs=14&ts=24&min=25&sec=0&tz=local&lang=en&show=Wdhms&mode=r&cdir=down&bgcolor=%23CCFFFF&fgcolor=%23000000&title=Countdown%20To%20Las%20Vegas%20Trip%20departure" style="height: 22.8em; overflow: hidden; width: 15.6em;" width="250">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.7is7.com/otto/countdown.html?year=2010&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;month=3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;date=30&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;hrs=14&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ts=24&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;min=25&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sec=0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tz=local&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lang=en&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;show=Wdhms&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;mode=r&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;cdir=down&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bgcolor=%23CCFFFF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fgcolor=%23000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;title=Countdown%20To%20Las%20Vegas%20Trip%20departure"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Countdown To Las Vegas Trip departure&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe></div>Alasdairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472339767520015607noreply@blogger.com0