Doorman and Bill H, we are in a Dodge Van so side trips will not be a problem, thanks for the tips.

We will be leaving shortly.

Mary, how about a running commentary in the 'Barth Journeys' forum? I really enjoy hearing about the trips others take. Sort of vicarious living for the rest of us.
Jim

Mary,

Check your email. There's something there ♫ your brother can serenade you with on your trip.

Enjoy.

Lou, I checked my email and only you would be so considerate. We got to Amarillo about 10 or so last night and stayed at the Super 8. Nice comfy room and good breakfast. We have about 500 miles to go but kinda in a hurry to get there as we have reservations at Kaibab National Forest, don't want to waste that 10 dollar a nite campsite . Not getting to take many pictures on the way as I am mostly driving but promise to take many after we get there and on the way back as we won't be in a hurry then.

If you stay at another motel on your way back, try the "Drury Inn" on the westside of Amarillo (or any other Drury). Be sure to grab a coupn book before (without they are pricey, $80-100/nite), with the coupon they usually run $60-70 for two). They have quiet clean rooms but the greatest is that the extras are not extra. You get free hot evening food between 5-7pm with free sodas and popcorn and free 3 alcoholic beverages of your choice. 60 min long distance free, free Wifi, free business center with computer and printer you can use. And a free hot breakfast. Vety high quality and not having to pay or go out
for food is sooo nice and pays off.
And pets stay free and are welcome.

I guess you did not eat the 72oz steak at the BigTexan

Doris, thanks for the tip on Drury Inn, don't know what out plans are yet for the trip back home. My brother is hiking to the bottom of the Canyon today and coming back up in two days so we will at least be here until Thursday. We have a campsite inside the park and the shuttle service takes you almost every where.

I am going to make a photobucket album so that anyone interested can look at it istead of taking up space on here although I won't have it ready till I get back home. I had to drive out of the park to get internet service at the micky d's.

We are having lots of fun and seeing lots of interesting sites.

Kudos to your brother hiking down in the canyon and especially back UP and out. Wow.

Back in the late 70's I went there with some college friends. We merrily hiked 7 miles DOWN to the river in a couple hours, no problem...

We had planned a one day hike, set out fairly early. It was after midnight when we got back UP, almost crawling, dead tired and very thirsty. Park rangers were nervous, waiting at the top. I've never been more tired in one day. Stupid punks!

Between the uphill and the altitude it was a very foolish plan. The Coors beer we bootlegged home in the van paid for most of the gas though!

Brother made it down in one day, but is taking two days to come back up (after all he is 74 years old, but determined). It is taking about 3 to 4 hours per 1 and 1/2 mile coming up.

Will probably leave tomorrow on the way back home and hopefully we will take 3 days. Going 1344 miles in two days is rough.

We are in Williams, Arizona, and spent the night at a motel on the old Route 66. Will be watching the "gunfight" at the train station at 9 this morning and the Memorial Day Parade at 11.

The trip home will begin after the parade with many small stops scheduled on the way.