Arizona & Utah trip (dial-up caution)
 

I took a couple days off work at the end of last week and the start of this one and headed down to Arizona to hook up with my best friend and to meet a few Arizonans from the board who were on the top of my list to meet: Mark (crawler#976), Chris (BajaTaco), and Christian (<96 Runner>). Needless to say, they are as good a bunch of guys in person as they come across on the boards, and great hosts. Their wives are awesome as well. By the way, if any of you three have any cool shots from our trip, feel free to put 'em up.

Mark and Chris had planned out what we'd be doing, which started with meeting for breakfast last Saturday, and then taking a day trip out of the Prescott area. We didn't get any wheelin' action as I was mainly interested in the scenery aspect. Our destinations would be to take a couple of hikes to some cliff dwelling ruins near Sedona, which are very cool. Chris, my friend Todd, and myself then camped out on Saturday night and headed back to Prescott on Sunday. And although I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to have ice cream in the desert, Chris was kind enough to spare me a couple of cold ones!

When it was time to head home, I passed through Monument Valley as I did on my way down. I also stopped by Goosenecks State Park in Utah, along with Natural Bridges National Monument, and the Needles Overlook at the southern end of Canyonlands. By the time I made it to central Colorado, I was greeted by heavy snow and somewhat icy roads on a couple of our passes. All in all, yep, great trip! Thanks, fellas!

Picture time:

http://www.mycolorado.org/images/tem...t_report/1.jpg
The group: myself, my friend Todd, Mark and his wife, Chris, Christian and his wife



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The Toys



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The first ruin we hiked into



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The second ruin



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Another view



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The view from the above location



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Another view



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My 'Runner and the BajaTaco



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Sunrise on West Mitten Butte, Monument Valley



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Driving through Monument Valley Tribal Park



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Goosenecks State Park where the San Juan River flows a thousand feet below



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Another ruin I happened to go to on the way to the following picture above Johns Canyon



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Johns Canyon overlook somewhat near Mexican Hat, UT



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Sipapu Bridge, Natural Bridges National Monument



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Newspaper Rock, outside of Canyonlands NP

Two things come to mind as I read this.

First, Darren takes the best pictures.

Second, I know a guy who is short on work and long on time. Next time you get a wild bug, let me know.

I wish my toy's were running to go on this with you! I miss that beautiful desert.

What a great time! I just knew you would have some awesome pics Darren. OK, here are my masterpieces :)


http://pics.montypics.com/cdaviesaz/...ns_visit_7.jpg
Chris (Baja Taco) is that you?


http://pics.montypics.com/cdaviesaz/...rens_visit.jpg
The Toys 2


http://pics.montypics.com/cdaviesaz/...ns_visit_4.jpg
See the ruins?


http://pics.montypics.com/cdaviesaz/...ns_visit_3.jpg
Now do you see them?


http://pics.montypics.com/cdaviesaz/...ns_visit_2.jpg
Wow, the Natives sure knew how to pick their spots...


http://pics.montypics.com/cdaviesaz/...ns_visit_6.jpg
Nice!


http://pics.montypics.com/cdaviesaz/...ns_visit_5.jpg
Check out the insides of the ruins. Look at the smoke stains...


Well that's it fella's. Not like I can even come close to Darren's pics, but hey I gave it a shot. I hope you liked them!

Once again, Chris, Darren, (Todd), and Mark and Tammy, it was a blast! Thanks.

Adrian, I will definitely keep you in mind on my future excursions. We'll have to see what we can come up with.

Christian, this isn't exactly a photo competition, so no need for comparisons! I did enjoy your pictures and they definitely help to tell the story. Thanks for putting them up!

Wow...nice pics as always Darren. Is your front end still sagging? Looks like it in your Monument Valley Tribal Park photo.

Hmmm, Monty must be down - AGAIN.

GREAT PIC'S!

We both enjoyed meeting you and Todd. Glad to show ya around a few of my favorite scenic spots! You guys put a whuppin' on me, that first ruin is a steep hike...

See Ya

Mark

Thanks, Lance. Yep, the front is still low. I didn't think it was too obvious in the picture you're referring to. Good thing I didn't post a direct side shot! I need to get on the ball.

Christian, I never noticed that your pictures ever went away. Must have been you! :P

Mark, you did just fine. You kept a good pace. Perhaps you were really feeling it the day after, though.

Awesome trip guys! :bigok: I loved it. I will get pics up as soon as I can.

Darren and Christian - great shots!! :rockon: It was really cool to meet everyone. Thanks again Mark for another sweet excursion.

Wow,more nice pics;I really got to get out and get my own pics.

Great pictures guys! I am glad you had a good time in AZ...

Update
 

I finally got my photo galleries for this trip on-line. :hillbill:

http://www.bajataco.com/azadventure.html

Part one is Hackberry creek with Expeditions West (before I met with Darren, Mark and Christian) and Part two is after I met Darren and the gang for the rest of the trip.

http://www.bajataco.com/azadventure02/L_azadv032.jpg

great pic's Chris!

Awesome pics, making me miss that area again even more!

Yes, great set of pics Chris! All of 'em. You definitely got some better pics of AH than I did. Good stuff, and thanks for remembering to post them!

WOW time for a road trip

Nice lookin rigs. Looks like lots of fun thanks for sharing