Day Thirteen - Farmington to Grand Canyon

Once again did not get up when alarm went off. This time I passed the phone to George to make the decision to stay in the bed. Washed legs and stinky/muddy feet in the tub. Headed to lobby for breakfast. ​

Tiny's fascination with trash cans is strong

​What awaits us can only be described as unlocking the holy grail of free motel breakfasts. Omelet stations with crack your own eggs (not egg juice), detox water with that day's recipe featured, three various coffees, more tea than I have seen, recipe for French Toast posted, two yogurts with toppings for parfaits, cut celery and peanut butter, sliced cooked ham, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, chicken soup, and assorted cereals, breads, milks and spices (nutmeg, cayenne, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon- to say a few). I peered into the pantry- more akin to mine at home than any of the previous hotels closets. ​

Gathered sleeping accoutrement and rolled out. It is comforting to think HWY 64 could deliver us home. We are all connected by these numbers that label paths carrying us through our days. ​

George recognized that the next time we make this adventure it will be more expensive. 6 & under is free. Saw the sights and got the picture. Checked a box from my list. Not sure what I was expecting. The bed last night and breakfast in the morning made the image worth it. ​

Arizona state line picture. Not raining. One take. Passed out bagels. They had turned into round croutons. I feared someone would break a tooth. ​

Drive through the nothing that is northeast Arizona. Magnificent painted landscapes. Nothing else. Elevation changes are marked with botanical communities, not altimeters. It   is almost out of place to see a tree coming into town. 

Looked for food in Tuba City that was not a national chain. Pulled into the Navajo Nation Fire Department for advice. Sent us to a roadside setup and informed George what to order. Returned goods in hand. Fry bread, mutton, sheep rib, intestines wrapped in fat, carrot, potato half, and a pepper.

 Biscuit and Tiny tried the intestines before I threw it out the window. I would need a Navajo person explain how to eat that to me. Tiny devoured the rib and mutton. Biscuit munched on the carrot and all of us enjoyed the fry bread. ​

Entering Grand Canyon, George asked about camping. Informed that Desert View had two more spots a few minutes ago. Drove straight there and sign marked full. Ignored the information and set out to find Bill per the employee's suggestion. Indeed there were two spots open still and George was parked in one of them. Right next to the bathrooms. Sold to us for two nights. 

Erected the tent, opened sleeping pads, and set off to see the Canyon. Watch Tower was first since we were staying on the east side. I forgot how massive the Canyon is in person. ​

Explored the Watch Tower. Bubble asked about the Junior Ranger program. Biscuit asked about the Junior Reindeer program. They each got the books and requested one for Tiny. Promised they would help her. ​

Drove to the Market Plaza for provisions. I refused to buy diapers priced so high and figured Brodgen would be okay. If not, then I will be purchasing said diapers. 

Bubble and Biscuit spied mounted rangers and asked them questions they had about the elk they saw earlier. Girls wanted to ride the shuttle bus too. Figured we would take the loop area to know where it traveled for tomorrow. Bad idea. That bus got packed right after sunset. All four children were in our laps. ​

They all fell asleep on the drive to the campground and George and I decided to skip dinner tonight. Straight to bed. 

Steps taken: 4,737 so off. Fitbit charging 
Miles driven: 331