August 13, 2022

August 13, 2022

Aimee and I decided we needed to build up our hiking muscles. So that meant getting out there again. Our first stop was just east of Flagstaff at Walnut Canyon National Monument, one of our favorites. This meandering canyon is cut deep into the Kaibab Limestone formation and is filled with junipers and pinyon pines. By itself it is very picturesque; but a thousand years ago the local Indians took refuge here building pueblos in the limestone overhangs. They must have feared some other tribe to have built their homes in such inaccessible spots on the cliff faces. Aimee and I got our exercise on the 240 steps to reach the level of the Indians' hovels. Our thighs are burning.

Our next stop was Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve. This city park is adjacent to the municipal wastewater plant. Reclaimed water feeds the little stream that has carved a small but steep canyon into the volcanic basalt. Flagstaff is built atop former volcanoes. This is clear during our loop hike through the area as most of the path is atop volcanic cinders. We had to speed through the last few hundred yards when the afternoon rain started.

It is now pouring. On our drive back to the hotel, we spot the local movie theater and decide this would be a good spot to wait out the rain. We dash inside just in time to watch Top Gun: Maverick. It is very entertaining with almost non-stop action.

After resting in the hotel for an hour we head to the historic section of Flagstaff. Route 66 went right past downtown. When I was a child my family drove this road on the way to and from California. We spent the night at the Holiday Inn here in Flagstaff. I would love to know if the building still exists. We ate dinner at a Thai restaurant. Afterwards we window shopped the area with its many historic buildings.