Texas

Weather: Warm to Hot, 25C Night - 38C Day

Well what does one say about the Grand Canyon? What a, bloody big crack!

Dropping down from Utah to the North Rim of the Canyon we passed through Kanab. This appeared an appropriate time to get the air conditioner attended to. It hadn't been working since putting a smile on Gaels dial at the first burst of summer heat several days prior. After getting the unit filled with gas, which had inexplicably disappeared, we ventured forth. We in fact had ventured forth 50 meters for coffee when Gael heard a hissing noise (I'm deaf) and the green dye added to trace a leak appeared to be filling the passenger footwell. After removing, getting the offending pipe welded, and the system refilled we were more than a little annoyed to find a compressor fault. This development is not welcome news!

But I digress. The North Rim of the Canyon, (being opposite the South Rim of the Canyon) is the less commercial or flogged of the two. The views are supposed to be more spectacular from the south but the crowds are reported to be typical American icon numbers. We therefore restricted our Canyon capers to the North Rim.

We found a secluded campsite just outside the Park and spent two more nights by ourselves. In fact, most nights for several weeks have been at no reward to the US government. We are spending less $'s to live than we would back in OZ at the moment. Oh, but if it would only last!!!

After the Canyon we found ourselves in Monument Valley. As kids bought up on American westerns in the 60's, Gael and I could identify with the landscape. The Navajo Indians run the valley and a large hotel at the site. They very generously provide free camping to anyone who finds themselves there at dusk. We partook of their generosity only to have a bozo with a generator spoil the place. As I lack any tolerance of others and wishing to save Gael from door knocking I dropped the lid on the camper and we drove down into the Monument Valley itself. We went to sleep with the shadow of one of the monuments being close enough to block out the stars. With a 4am start, Gael was rewarded with some great sunrise photo opportunities.

Our last stop in this part of the American West was to Mesa Verde to view the ancient Indian cliff dwellings. Amazing the extent they went too to live securely from would be intruders.