Yes, I know that this is a bit out of order. About a month ago, Dave and I loaded the pop-up and headed to Arizona to meet and climb with Gregg and Felicia who live in Phoenix.
We were starting the trip by going to Jack's Canyon - a new destination for both of us. Before getting there though, we decided to stop and see the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. We'd both been there as kids. Dave recalls seeing these places and being blown away. I recall not seeing what the big deal was.
As adults, we sort of laughed. Honestly, 'painted desert'? There are so many more colorful and beautiful areas that would be better named the painted desert. And the the petrified forest was even more lame. Maybe we missed something?? We were happy we have a parks pass and didn't pay to get in. :)
We arrived shortly after Gregg and Felicia. It was great seeing them (and their dog Reilly). I didn't have a lot of hope for my feet, and they did not disappoint. We headed straight down into the canyon to do a few late afternoon climbs. I couldn't climb much of anything. There is just too much smearing outside and I've not been able to get to the gym at all to get them worked.Meh. Whatever.
Dave had a great time though. He crushed everything he touched. (See actually climbing photos on Gregg's (aka Steelmonkey) blog page here: http://steelmonkeyaz.blogspot.com/2010/06/climbing-with-dave-and-callie.html, http://steelmonkeyaz.blogspot.com/2010/06/climbing-with-dave-and-callie-day-2.html, and http://steelmonkeyaz.blogspot.com/2010/06/climbing-with-dave-and-callie-day-3.html).
On our third day there, Dave took a hard and nasty fall resulting in a loud high-pitched cracking sound coming from his foot/ankle (aka fankle).
That moment concluded the climbing portion of his trip (since it wasn't one for me at all). He groaned and grumped, then hobbled out of the canyon and soothed his ankle and soul with a ice chest and beer. 
It was clear he wouldn't be climbing so we had to recalibrate our trip. We could have gone home, but he didn't want to so instead, we became classic tourists and decided to hit all the national parks/tourist destinations between there and home. 
So, on the 13th, we packed up and headed out. Our first stop was Meteor Crater. I'd been as a child - he'd never been. I remember it being really cool. As adults... well, you'll have to check out the next blog for what we thought of it at adults!
Enjoy!
1 comment:
You two know how to have fun! Glad to see Pente on the trip too. My favorite kitty ~ I miss you all : }.
Dave, you really have multiple functions of ice chests wired. I hope your ankle is much better. Will call ya soon about The Needles. Planning on being there 23-26 July.
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