Sun Valley to Page, AZ and the Utah Border

At the end of two busy days in Gilbert (Phoenix) with meetings, we dropped Alan’s partner at the airport just after noon and proceeded to Interstate 17, heading north towards Sun Valley. Less than 10 minutes into our travels, traffic came to a standstill, where we sat for almost two hours. Apparently some idiot was threatening to jump off the Jefferson overpass and police had all north bound lanes closed.

After 2 hours sitting siting in a traffic jam and 3.5 hours of travel, it felt good to be reunited with our coach.

2016–5-18

Up at 4:30 this morning for a 5 AM departure. We have a 7 am appointment in Flagstaff for a front end check (one tire appears to be wearing more than others).





Interstate 40 west from Sun Valley to Flagstaff, AZ.



Elevation 6000 feet above sea level.












The folks at CW International have the only laser alignment in northern Arizona. They were great, got us in as soon as we arrived, and thankfully nothing more than a couple of minor adjustments. They offered one heck of a deal on batteries. Ours are 7 years old, and while still working, it is only a matter of time before we could be left high and dry. At $69 each, Alan replaced our two chassis batteries and we were back on our way be 11AM.

Departing Flagstaff, we took Hwy. 89 north to Page, AZ. This route takes you to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, so it was a steady stream of all types of recreational vehicles and busses, not to mention the large volume of semi trucks.

We encountered some afternoon thundershowers.

The road travelled through Navajo Nation territory, and at times looked like a lunar scape.

After a while, the barren lunar scape gave way to new black top and greater variation in the surrounding rock colorations.



As we approached Gap, the rock formations and coloration became more pronounced and scrub vegetation appeared along the roadside.



Most of todays travels were at an average elevation of 6000 feet, and occasionally upwards to 8000 feet.

Dotting this barren terrain were the odd roadside lean to, where the entrepreneurial Navajo Nations people sold their handmade jewellery and crafts. Most stands were empty when we passed.

Small farm/ranch in middle of nowhere.



This is remote. Neighbors are few and far between.

The occasional head of cattle grazing on the land.

Another jewellery vendor.

Descending into Kenab. Imagine that, McDonalds in the middle of nowhere!

Winding through the steep canyon walls.

Winding, narrow walls as we ascend.

White knuckle moment. Alan's heart is in his throat as this bus overtakes on this narrow, winding, uphill stretch.

 

 

 

Open road, after another steep, narrow pass.

Wow, what a vista!

Descending to the valley and Lake Powell.

Lake Powell in the distance as we descend into Page, AZ.

 

Lake Powell, Arizona.

Lake Powell dam.

Crossing Lake Powell Dam. 

 



Utah, here we come!

All RV parks in Page and surrounding area were full. After an 0'dark thirty departure this morning, we didn't have another 90 miles in us. Fortunately we found a large open rest area where, we boon docked for the night.

 

                                                                                The view from our highway pull-off overnight stop.

 





 

 

 

 

Happy Hour, boon dock style.

Storms brewing on the horizon, but thankfully they missed us.

 



Concerned that we may not be able to overnight here, but nothing posted.

This tanker came in and spent most of the night, and before dark, we were joined by another three semi tucks.

A peaceful and uneventful night.



View with morning coffee.

Off to Zion Bryce Campground in Glendale, UT., where we will visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.