Monument Valley

Monument Valley in Utah was a beautiful place.  The orangey-red rocks and blue blue sky made for a gorgeous combination.

 One of the stops had tons of these little rock cairns.

 Can you see the elephant in the rock in the upper left?  Or the camel in the rock on the right?

 The rocks became even more beautiful and red more distinct as the sun began to set.

It was well worth a trip off the highway!

Antelope Canyon

One of the highlights of our trip was a tour of Antelope Canyon.  Since seeing pictures of it, I have wanted to go.  We saw some incredible photographs in a gallery in Key West in December that especially peaked our interest.  

 Our pictures don't give it justice, but it was a beautiful place.  It's on Navajo reservation land, so to get there, you pay for a guided tour with a Navajo guide.  Our guide was Kim and she was a sweetie.

 The canyon is just amazing.  It was packed full of tourists like ourselves, but it was still easy to get lots of pictures.

 I can't imagine coming across this wonder before it became such a tourist attraction.  I think it would be quite a spiritual experience to sit in the canyon and watch as the light changes throughout the day.

 Here's the entrance.  Many places were just barely wide enough for two people to pass.  You make quick friends with people from all over the world!

Now when I see beautiful pictures of Antelope Canyon, I will remember what it was like to see it in person!

Sunning in Sedona

The views from the dirt road leading from Munds Park to Sedona were incredible.  Each turn brought another view of the amazing red rocks.  

 At Dan and Leila's suggestion, we stopped at a shop we'd not been to before:  Silver Sun West.  It was a really cool place with lots of neat things, like these pots from Mexico.

 I loved these chile ristras, but they were pretty dry and we didn't think they'd make the trip very well.  A picture will just have to do. :)

 David even found some art that he'd like to have, like this giant bolt and nut set.  No idea what it was for, just a conversation piece I guess!

 We've been to Sedona several other times, but we'd never been up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  It's open to the public 7 days a week.  It's built right into the rocks, and has great views of the area.  I can't remember seeing blooming cactus before.  I thought they were pretty!

 We enjoyed lunch with David's cousin Paula Jean and her husband Jess.  He's on the left.  The man on the right thought Jess looked just like Franklin Roosevelt and asked to have his picture taken with him.  The fun didn't end there though...the man's girlfriend wasn't all that adept at using her phone and just kept taking pictures of her thumb.  We finally got that worked out, and she got a few pictures.  We thought we'd escaped them, but they found Jess again outside and wanted more pictures.  It made for a memorable lunch! To think, lunch with a deceased president!  Who knew? :)

Overland Expo and Flagstaff

May has been a busy month for us.  A couple weeks after our trip to Dallas, we headed to Arizona for the annual Overland Expo.  David and I both have a little trouble explaining what it is.  I tell people that it's like a trade show for extreme camping.  It's extreme to me anyway. ;)  

 This cool trailer is more my idea of roughing it!

 While David looked around at vehicle stuff with our friend Dan, I admired the beautiful evergreens.  I'd like to have this in my backyard!

 There was more than enough to keep Dan and David occupied for most a day!

 Once they'd seen all there was to see, we went into Flagstaff for dinner.  As we were walking from the still functioning depot, a rumbling sound told us this guy was near.  I don't think I've ever been quite that close to a fast moving train before!  It could blow your hat right off!

The next day, David and I headed out on a scenic drive by way of dirt road to Sedona to see his cousin, Paula Jean and her husband Jess.  Dan and Leila went to the Grand Canyon, then we met back up in Page, Arizona for the next leg of our adventure.

Buffett or Bust

Earlier this month, we set out with friends to see Jimmy Buffett in concert in Frisco, TX...again.  David and I were there 2 years ago just before the Joplin tornado.  We were also there in 2007 for yet another Buffett concert.  I'm always afraid that each will be the last.  I hate the thought of him retiring, but I suppose it will happen sooner or later!

 Friday night, we decided to check out Billy Bob's for some barbecue and a concert by The Band Perry.  The food was good, the music was okay, but the people watching was the highlight of the evening.  Lots of interesting sights and outfits!

 Saturday morning, we headed to Ikea.  For David, Christina, and I, it was a first.  I loved it!  I especially grew attached to this little chaise.  It was so comfy!

 David liked this leather couch.  He's just pretending to sleep...I think!

 We had dinner at La Hacienda Ranch before the concert.  We all agreed - incredible food.  It was so delicious that I'm still thinking about it.  The mango margarita wasn't half bad either!

 We had seats in different places at the concert, but it was still lots of fun!  Jimmy puts on a great concert every single time.  I hope we get to see him again!