Day Eighteen

As we only had a short distance to travel today, we took the opportunity to have a bit of a lie in. We then had a complimentary breakfast, which according to our copy of the booking form we weren’t entitled to, but they gave us a voucher for it when we checked in, so we obliged. It was very nice too.

We then headed back to our room and hung around until 11am then checked out. Used the printer in the lobby to print out our Alcatraz tickets for later in the trip. Then headed into Flagstaff to do some shopping and to fill up with fuel.

Having given the car a working over yesterday we felt it was only fair to give it another wash, so we embarked on another crazy against the clock cleaning frenzy. I had hoped to bring you footage, but technical difficulties with the filming meant I am unable to do so.

We were then left with some spare time. The Grand Canyon was only 90mins away but we couldn’t check in until 4pm, so we had to find some other entertainment. We decided to drive 25 miles to Williams and check out an attraction we had seen.

As you can see we went to Bearizona (great wordplay), which appeared to be a brand new wildlife park. There wasn’t a great deal there, but at least we finally saw a real live bear or nine. We saw some other creatures too, but the bears were the main attraction. Phone rang whilst there, it was the same number that text the previous night at 3.30am. Didn’t actually get to speak to whoever it is.

A 'Packed' photo

Is for goat

For lunch we decided to get some sandwiches, but ended up buying aviator sunglasses and a cowboy hat instead. Figured that wouldn’t be much good at filling us up so got some food too. Went and sat by a famous road to eat it.

Get your kicks!

We then made our way up towards the Grand Canyon.

Old Joke of the Day: How do you turn a duck into a soul singer? Put it in a microwave until its bill withers.

Reached the Yavapai Lodge by 5pm and unloaded. Sorted out all our washing and headed to the nearby laundry. Chucked it in the wash and sat there for half an hour waiting. Opened the machine to find tissue over the entire wash. Oh dear, pockets not checked fully. Manage to sort it, threw some stuff in the tumble dryer and took the rest back to the room to hang it up.

Collected tumble drying and then headed for tea at the Yavapai Canyon Cafe. Food was really good. Roffe-Knightley effect occurred on a mass scale. Incredible.

Only downside is the fact there is no wifi access in rooms, so having to be creative to get this to you. Getting up at 5.30am to see the sunrise over the canyon. Can’t wait.

Final thought: In the guide to the area it says if you are attacked by a mountain lion then you should fight back. Bring it on.