Dave & Jim's Excellent Adventure

Dave "No Fear" Haugen and I took the machines south of Highway 60 to explore some new trails. I say "No Fear" Haugen because as we are coming down a series of rock ledges that would make most riders poop in their pants, I look back and there is Dave with one hand on the steering wheel, the other on his new camcorder, and a big grin on his face.

Later, Dave did try to get me to poop in my pants by taking his Can-Am up the most difficult route at the "Waterfalls" where he just powered his way right through it. It's always a pleasure watching a professional at work. All in all a great day of riding.

Here's a cute critter that met us at the back gate...

It was a perfect weather day with nary a cloud in the sky...

At one point we came across a group of huge mines...

Here's a video of me going up a series of rock ledges...

A video of me going up the infamous "Waterfalls"...

And a video of Dave going up the "Waterfalls" the hard way...

Desert Scorpion

Here's what greeted us before our morning ride...

There is not much in the desert that does not bite, sting, or prick you

Afternoon Ride

Dave, Jimmy, Ellen, and I went for a short ride out back of the RV park...

Wide open spaces

A rose between two thorns

Fortunately, this blog has a "don't ask, don't tell" policy

Back At The Arizonian

It has been a great summer. I got to see some new places, met some interesting people, and rode some of the best ORV trails in the country. It was just what I had hoped to do when I set out last Spring.

I have returned to the Arizonian RV Park in Gold Canyon, Arizona where I will spend the winter. Am looking forwarding to seeing friends from last year and riding in the desert again. I am sure we will find some new areas to explore.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell has to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. That dark blue water surrounded by those incredible, multi-colored rock cliffs makes it a delight to the eyes. If I ever come back to this area, it would probably be to rent a houseboat and explore the lake.

Glen Canyon Dam

"Houseboat Heaven"

If you choose to camp here, I would recommend the Wahweap RV Park. It's a little more expensive but in my opinion, the view makes it worth the price.

Page, AZ

My first day in Page, Arizona has not gone well. This is a very beautiful recreational area and as such is heavily commercialized which has led to problems I have not had to put up with in a while.

I started out by trying to make phone reservations to tour Antelope Canyon which is known for its photogenic slot canyon (access to the canyon is restricted by the Navajo Tribe and requires a guide). My first two calls to the agency I was put on hold and then disconnected both times. On the third try I got to speak with a representative. When I asked "which day of the week would be the least crowded", she responded "they are always crowded" and then put me on hold again. I gave up trying to make reservations.

Next I drove down to the Wahweap Marina to book a boat tour of the lake. When I pulled up to the park gate, I found four huge tour buses in front of me. I figure this is not good and decide to see what I can find via the Internet. I locate an online tour company but they require a minimum 48 hours advanced, non-refundable booking, a $5.95 processing fee, plus an entrance fee to the park. Once again, I gave up.

Now I am going to take a nap and then reconsider my options later. I guess I have gotten way too use to wide open spaces and friendly people and as a result find the above more frustrating than I used to.

PS - discovered their sales tax is 10.725%! Had I not paid the park for a week (non-refundable, of course), I would probably be moving on down the road. The feeling I am getting here is "we want your money, we just don't want you".

"Chicken Corners" Ride

The first leg of the ride takes you through an impressive red rock canyon with near vertical formations...

Then you follow the Colorado River to Chicken Corners...

Click on photos to enlarge

Why do they call it Chicken Corners? You have to walk around a corner on narrow ledge with a rather imposing drop to the bottom of the canyon...

"Death Defying Feat"

I was standing at the far corner of this photo

It was not as bad as I had feared and you are rewarded with a spectacular view. However, it is not for the faint-of-heart.