Pitstop: Carlsbad, NM

Because the drive from Tucson, AZ to Austin, TX was entirely more hours than we wanted to do in a day--we decided to split up the drive and camp for the night in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad is known for its caverns found 750 ft under ground (that's 75 stories down!). We were so thankful for relief from the desert heat when we learned that caverns stay at a cool temperature of 56 degrees all year. We learned all about cave exploration and had a refresher course in cave formations (remember stalactites and stalagmites from that 4th grade science lesson?). Our favorite part was the "black out" where our entire group sat in silence and complete (and we are talking COMPLETE) darkness to experience the cave's natural presence. Eerie, but amazing and well worth the detour!

Tucson, AZ: Home of the perfect cactus

Our Tucson host was by far the craziest connection we've had yet—basically a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend who was willing to open up her home to strange traveling sisters. It’s been amazing to experience people’s hospitality and kindness during our trip! Really, without Maura & Jodi, and all our other amazing hosts and friends, friends of friends, and kind strangers—this trip would have not been possible! So thanks all!

On the way into town, we stopped at the Arizona Desert Museum because someone on the internet suggested it. While we were expecting an indoor museum like the kinds in the Midwest, we were pleasantly surprised to find it was a living museum. Much more like a zoo. We walked outdoor trails to see the desert scenery and learn all sorts of interesting facts about desert life. It truly is so very different in the Southwest. The landscape is littered with cacti (Claire was on a hunt to find the “perfect” cactus), there is so much more plant life that we knew, and many MANY more ways to die. We learned all about poisonous plants, venomous insects and animals, and giant mammals that are likely to harm you. Watch out!

Fish in the desert?

We learned A LOT about desert hummingbirds. Apparently, they aren't as nice as we thought!

We had a quaint couple of days in Tucson. We spent much of our time of 4^th Ave near the University of Arizona, where all the thrift stores and college bars are located. Basically, right in our comfort zone! Did a little shopping, ate at some local joints, drank a few beers, and generally pretended we were U of AZ folks. Theresa was completely befuddled at how the college area looked nearly identical to Bloomington’s college area—with the same restaurants, shops, and general atmosphere. Turns out college kids across the country all like Urban Outfitters, Chipotle, Campus Candy, and college gear stores.

Trouble with the law? Jk--just street art

Visiting a photography exhibit

Gotta love the Power of Kindness

Several people recommended we hiked in Sabino Canyon, about 30 minutes outside of town. Since we heard stargazing was a big hobby in Tucson, we were eager to see the famous Arizona night sky. Although we greatly enjoyed our night hike—we didn't see many stars. Instead, we found the sky lit up with the full moon! So instead we laid back to watch the desert moon right over the Arizona hills, and tried not to get bitten by all giant spiders and snakes we saw along the way (not to mention the mountain lions and bobcats we were told to look out for!). Thankfully, no harm to report—but I think we both are a little more eager to get back to the “tame” Midwest wildlife! 

We found it--the PERFECT cactus!

Grand Canyon, AZ: a worldly wonder

After a much needed night of relaxing in Phoenix, we trekked over to Phoenix International Airport to pick up our wonderful mother. Our mom has wanted to see the Grand Canyon her whole life, and since we took her car, we couldn't object to her tagging along for this portion (kidding, we couldn't have been more excited to have our mom with us)! A short 4 hour drive north and we were face-to-face with one of nature’s most beautiful and amazing feats.

Thanks for taking over the driving, Mom!

The first view of the rim

 After getting an uncomfortable night sleep thanks to the some poorly located rocks and sticks, we took off to hike Kaibab Trail, a 3 mile path down into the canyon.  What is tricky about hiking the Grand Canyon is that hiking down is easy, it is the hike back up that hurts. “Hiking down is voluntary. Hiking back up is mandatory,” was a motto we saw posted frequently throughout the Canyon. The views from within the Caynon are unbelievable, the colors and vastness is semi-overwhelming.

Don't fall off the edge!

Our lunch destination

One thing we learned very quickily is that July is not the ideal time of year to visit the Canyon. From about 11am to 4pm it is too hot to hike and almost every afternoon and evening there is a very high probability of rain since it is monsoon season. So we spent the mornings doing our outdoor activities and afternoons visiting the many musuems, information centers, and taking some much needed naps.

Day Two started with a 3 hour mule ride through the forested areas of the Canyon. Mule riding dates back to the Canyon’s early years as a vacation destination. Our mules - Zug Zug, Maude, and Charlie (who only had two speeds, slow and slower) – were wonderful, albeat slightly smelly, guides. We then spent the afternoon visiting the historic village of the Grand Canyon and went on a short walk to year 900 year-old pictograms (drawings painted onto the stones). After a delicious dinner, thanks to the Maladra’s trusty camping stove, we worked our way back to the Canyon to catch the sunset. Unfortunately, everybody else in the Canyon had the same idea, so it was pretty crowded. While we did not have the best spot, seeing the sun set behind the Canyon is a sight not to be forgotten. 

Yup, this happened.

You can't tell from here but we are looking at ancient Native American pictographs

Enjoying our afternoon hike

Makin' dinner

This elk was always grazing right near our campsite!

Grand Canyon at dusk

Reflection of the sunset on the canyon

Amazing view

 On Day Three we decided to rent bicycles and ride the entirety of the South Rim. Riding bicycles is one of the best ways to see the rim because you can cover so much more ground than hiking or shuttle buses allow. During our ride, we found a few less crowded viewing points that provided breathtaking views of the Canyon.

Admiring the views

Being our last night, we wanted to catch the sunset one last time, however a fairly threatening thunderstorm was moving quickly through the Canyon and after we were told the road was closing, our survival instincts and fear of getting struck by lighting forced us back onto the shuttle. Moments later, the sky opened up – luckily we were safe and dry on the shuttle.

The beginnings of a sunset in the rain

Because we never caught the full sunset, we woke up at the crack of dawn (4:35am to be exact) to see the sunrise. It was so beautiful and the colors or the sky and Canyon made waking up that early totally worth it. 

Sun salutations yoga at sunrise

After four nights in a tent, with dirt, sweat, and the smell of mules layered on our skin, we were all very VERY excited for our fancy hotel in Scottsdale. Relaxing by the pool, being served fresh fruit on the hour, unlimited hot showers, we could definitely get used to this life. A delicious meal and live music topped off our night and after the week of hiking, biking, mule riding, we were completely exhausted and ready for bed at 9pm. And so came the conclusion of our Grand Canyon adventure!

Our fancy night-in

Watching a pink storm brewing

Thanks for accompanying us, Mom. We are so glad you could take the time to visit us here in the Southwest. We miss you already! Now off to Tucson!

Pitstop: Temecula, CA

Although we weren't able to stop in Napa Valley during our trek down the coast--we weren't about to leave the state without sampling some local wines at a California vineyard! Luckily, we stumbled upon Temecula, the budding wine country of southern California. We enjoyed a classy Monday morning filled with wine tastings, fancy food, oogling the possibility of having our future weddings here, and soaking up our last bout of California sun!