I'm back from Arizona. Thanks so much for your suggestions!

[catbyte]

We had a great time, but the reason we even went to Flagstaff in the first place was a bust. My friend, June is a Star Wars fanatic & 100% Odawa. There was an exhibition called "The Force is With Our People" which was Native art inspired by Star Wars at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The star of the exhibition is a fully-functioning Hopi R2D2. Well, we got there and they had had a flood in the museum within the last week and the exhibition is closed down until mid-December so repairs can be made. Arrgh! We did get to see the R2D2 in the lobby but didn't get to see it functioning. Major disappointment.

We did drive up to Grand Canyon and took a helicopter tour and it was stunning. I'd only ever seen it from 35,000 feet in a jet, so this was really something. I only had my little phone camera, but I managed some good shots and video.





We visited Lowell Observatory which was fascinating.

We spent a day in Sedona which is gorgeous. I guess I'm not a spiritual enough person because I did get annoyed by all of the street construction and roundabouts in town. The Vortex wasn't working that day, apparently.





I had one of the best meals of my life at the Elote Cafe in Sedona. It was pricey but incredible. If you're ever in the area, I would suggest getting the Elote appetizer & the corn-encrusted scallops. They were to die for. Go early, though. We got there about 5:15 & got a table right away. By the time we left an hour or so later, there was at least an hour wait for a table.

We had a great time but were disappointed about the museum, so we're considering going back in early May. The exhibition was supposed to end in March but it's been extended until May 25th.

Thanks again to everyone!

[lapfog_1]

1. if you go in may, take a swim suit

and some decent sneakers you don't mind getting wet...

and travel to slide rock state park

https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock/

The Rim country is also very beautiful.

[Ohiogal]

2. Those are some gorgeous photos!

I would love to see the Grand Canyon some day. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

[Wellstone ruled]

3. First thing I noticed was

the Canyon Shots with zero haze from the Navajo Power Station. Have several Photos from the same spots,and in each one,the Power plant haze shows up.

The recent rains have had a major cleansing effect as predicted. One more mega Coal burner left here in the Southwest that has a Pollution effect on the Canyon lands.

[catbyte]

8. That's interesting. I didn't notice any haze at all. The sky was a vivid blue when the clouds moved

away. We caught the weather just perfect. It had snowed the day before and rained the day after.

[Wellstone ruled]

9. You sure did,

this hope fully is the new normal. Usually do the Canyon Area a few times a year. Going to be over in that region next week end on the West End. Looking forward to seeing the Desert with out the Haze.

[Fla Dem]

4. For just having a phone camera, you did a great job! Beautiful.

Love the one with the dusting of snow on the cliffs. Makes me think of cakes with powered sugar sprinkled on them.

And kudos to you for doing the helicopter tour. I would not get into a helicopter.

[catbyte]

6. Thanks! I was surprised. And it's a Moto G5 Plus I got on sale for less than $200.

I guess you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars if not a thousand more on a Samsung or iPhone.

The canyon reminded me of the same thing. It really was breathtaking with the snow. And you come upon it so suddenly. We were flying over the National forest and could see all kinds of critter tracks, mainly Rocky Mountain Elk, in the snow and suddenly, bam! There it is. I can't imagine how shocked the first people to encounter it must've been.

On edit:

I was apprehensive about the helicopter too but it wasn't scary at all.

[yellowdogintexas]

5. when you go back, try to make it to Jerome

which is not far from Sedona. It is supposedly the world's largest haunted town. The streets are switchbacked up the side of a tall hill, and there are lots of cute shops and wine tasting spots and eateries.

Also recommend Antelope Canyon, and Karchner Caverns.

[catbyte]

7. Thank you for the suggestions! I'm pretty sure we're going to go back in May.

[kairos12]

10. If you go back visit

Canyon de Chelly

https://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm

[Duppers]

11. Excellent!

This thread is better than a tour guidebook.