Latin (tem-pu̇s-ˈfü-git): Time Flies
You know how sometimes you read something and it just resonates with you in a special way? This is one of those things.
The word Jerusalem in Hebrew is Yerushalayim which is made up of two Hebrew words; yeru which means “you will see” and shalom which means “the peace of God”. So Jerusalem is supposed to be the place where you will see the peace of God.
Jesus told his followers that “… the Kingdom of God is within you”, which means the “peace of God” is within us.
If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer.
He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone
Epictetus
I was very fortunate to be invited to a friend’s condo in Phoenix for some hiking and biking adventures so I thought I’d make some notes on the trip while it’s fresh in my mind before it fades into a warm (90-95ºF) memory.
The trip involves driving to Fargo, catching a flight to Mesa, renting a car, driving to the condo and the next day returning the rental car as there is a sweet Audi A4 convertible at the condo! This process happens on September 26th starting at 1pm and by about midnight we’re in the condo and all the travel goes off as planned.
First off, the weather. It’s hot by Winnipeg standards, but very low humidity which makes the temperatures quite nice. For the entire stay there is no rain, virtually no clouds, just hot and sunny all day, every day. Temperatures range from an overnight low of 80ºF to daytime highs of 95ºF.
For most of the trip we have a “formula” for the days activities:
On Friday, the hiking begins with our “go to” hike at Pinnacle Peak. This out & back trail is very popular and fairly busy, especially on weekends. A good time for us is 1:03 which requires a quick pace, no stopping, and a bit of jogging or running on some sections. Lots of people treat this trail like the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, B.C. where it’s a race to the top, typically for a beer before the hustle down the hill.
Here is the peak. Ironically, you don’t actually get to go all the way up to the top, but around one side, down into a valley and back up & down another big hill to the turnaround point. Here are the stats on Friday’s outing.
Saturday we go to another favourite spot for a little longer and steeper hike up Camelback Mountain. It’s a pretty steady uphill hike with a few short traverses before it really kicks up hill to the summit. The guy with the flag must have been popular in social media that day as everyone was getting photos with him. The hike on Strava
Also, a group of women were doing yoga poses on the very edge, trying not to fall off, while getting that shot with the city in the distance below.
Sunday we’re back at Pinnacle Peak for #2. It’s still sunny & hot as we ramp it up a bit for a faster time.
This Saguaro Cactus is close to trail marker #9 of #81 on the trail. It’s probably 30+ feet tall and had an interesting shape to the arms so it got a post-hike photo.
In the afternoon after some time at the pool we head of to Old Scottsdale and wander around the art shops.
Monday it’s one more go at Pinnacle Peak #3 as a warmup to our upcoming road trip.
Road Trip!
A trip within the trip for the next few days. We’re driving to Page, AZ to see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend and hike the Spencer trail at Lee’s Ferry. On the way up to Page on Tuesday we swing through Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument & Wupatki National Monument .
We arrive in Page and have dinner at a Mexican restaurant and then find our Airbnb lodging for the night.
Wednesday morning we drive for about an hour south to get to Lee’s Ferry for the Spencer Trail hike.
After that we retrace our route and book it back to Page for the formal Antelope Canyon tour at 1:30 p.m..
After Antelope Canyon we drive a short distance out of Page and hike for about 20 minutes to see Horseshoe Bend
.
Next, we’re driving to the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. On the drive to the lodge night begins to fall and there are a lot of deer in the ditches and on the road. Thankfully, there are no close calls with the wildlife. By the time we arrive at the Lodge it’s pitch black. There are very few lights and we break out the head lamp and iPhone flashlights to find out way to the lodge to check-in and back to our cabin for the night.
The next day, Wednesday, it’s the big hike of the trip on the North Kaibab trail. But before that there is time for some light breakfast and exploring the Lodge in the daylight and walking a few trails to Bright Angel Point and other lookout spots around the lodge.
So spectacular anywhere is the Grand Canyon and the North Rim seems even more so. We head down the trail and as described, it’s a pretty steep decent. Louise is on a mission and it setting a pretty fast pace. As usual for me in a new place, I’ve got the camera going and making frequent stops to take photos with the DLSR for later and the iPhone for Instagram etc. At the Supai Tunnel I meet up with a group of young guys from Calgary and we connect because I’m wearing a Canada t-shirt. We chat for a bit and them I’m on my way.
Lots more photos and now I’m beginning to notice that my right knee is hurting a bit. Hmmmm. Forging ahead I spot a spec on the upcoming Redwall Bridge and it’s Louie having a rest. He’s quite a bit ahead of me now. I get to the bridge and we talk for a bit as the Calgary guys catch up to us. We decide to head further down for a bit knowing that we’ll pay for this on the way back up. The original destination of Roaring Springs is now out of the question. At least as more mature guys we know that would be a hard push to make in one day. A couple of kilometres past the bridge we stop, rest for a bit, drink and eat. I change camera lenses from the wide angle to the zoom for the trip back up. And now the work really begins.
After we reverse course and start back up it’s fairly level back to the Redwall Bridge, and then its all up hill from there. Again, lots of stops for me to get photos from a different direction and perspective. The right knee is starting to hurt more and more. I find myself pacing my gate so that each step up is on the left leg and the closer we get to the top, the more I’m just dragging the right leg. Stops are getting more frequent and it’s got nothing to do with photos any more. It’s all about catching my breath and giving the knee a bit of a rest.
Back up at the trail head we drink lots of nice cold refreshing spring water, review how hard a hike it was and load back into the car for the drive back to Phoenix. The hike was 12.2km, 3:31 of moving time and 1,153m of elevation
The drive is beautiful as we descend through the redwood forrest, across meadows with buffalos and back to the desert floor. The fall colours are spectacular, the air is warm, and it’s pretty quiet in the car. I’m at the wheel and Louie is having a nap! You missed out on a lot of gorgeous scenery buddy!
I’ve deemed Thursday as “Spa Day”. We’re both pretty zapped so there is no hiking. Much of the day is spent alternating between the hot tub, the pool and suntanning. So as not to be total layabouts we go for a short bike ride in the early eventing.
Friday we’re back on program with an early morning trip to Pinacle Peak followed by coffee, lunch, pool and sun. In the evening we drive to a sort of near by mall where a christian radio station is setup in the parking lot playing tunes and 10-15 Food trucks are serving up their specialties. It’s close to 100°F but with the sun down and a light breeze it’s surprisingly comfortable. Dessert is a frosty from Wendys where we see a trio of interesting guys.
Saturday we’re givin’ er on our last full day in Phoenix. A morning hike to Tom Thumb, pool and sun, pick up the rental car for tomorrows drive to the airport and jam in an afternoon bike ride, which was excellent, except for my flat (with no tubes, patches, repair kit etc.) Riding on a flat for several km to get back to the car was interesting to say the least. I really had to slow down on the corners as the bike shifted radically as it felt like the tire was going to fly of the wheel!
The Rest of the Photos:
Smugmug ( which may not exist for me after 2020 as I’m on a free 1year trial.
Phoenix stuff: https://garrystewart.smugmug.com/Phoenix
The Grand Canyon North Rim: https://garrystewart.smugmug.com/Grand-Canyon-North-Rim/
Flickr
All the good photos (IMHO): https://www.flickr.com/photos/big_dadoo/albums/72157713310081738
Saturday we’re givin’ er on our last full day in Phoenix. A morning hike to Tom Thumb, pool and sun, pick up the rental car for tomorrows drive to the airport and jam in an afternoon bike ride, which was excellent, except for my flat (with no tubes, patches, repair kit etc.) Riding on a flat for several km to get back to the car was interesting to say the least. I really had to slow down on the corners as the bike shifted radically as it felt like the tire was going to fly of the wheel!
Sunday we clean up the condo and head to the airport. Flying to Fargo and getting the car and a bit of dinner we head for the border and back home to Canada. The travel is smooth and uneventful, border crossing is quick and clean. Shirley picks me up at Louie’s and I’m home. A great trip with lots of good memories and photos.
Post trip, it’s out to the cottage to put it to bed for the winter and none to soon! A few days later we get some serious wet and heavy snow which causes lots of damage in Winnipeg and the Kenora area. Thankfully, no damage out at the cottage but the tree in the front yard took a bit of a serious trimming in the spring as a result of the snow.
I read this today and every time I read it I’m touched and so thankful for this simple phrase, “I am willing”. Thankful that Jesus is always willing to meet me, help me, comfort me, encourage me, heal me.
He is willing.
For all of us.
“Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.”
Matthew 8:3 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/mat.8.3.nlt
The next generation is starting to master many lake activities that Eric and Scott enjoyed. This August long weekend Parker (7) and Dane (4) took their first of many spins around the bay on the kneeboard. I’m sure water skis & wakeboards won’t be far behind.
Good time at the lake with family. The best!
Today it’s all about getting home. On every trip there comes that time when you’re done and you just want to be home and this is that day.
After a little breakfast at the hotel and loading up at a near by Starbucks we hit the interstate for the run to home. Just after we get on the interstate Shirley realized that she doesn’t have her phone. We’re not too far from the hotel but it’s quite a distance before we can exit and turnaround. After recovering the phone which was somehow hidden in the bed we’re on our way again.
Not to much to report on the drive as we skirt Minneaplolis and get to Fargo for the required Costco stop and some food and gas.
It’s spring time and there is some talk of flooding as always. It doesn’t seem too bad as we start noticing a lot of water in the ditch. Then there is more water but only a short stretch where the road narrows to one lane.
Customs at the border is a breeze as we have all our paperwork lined up and after a few basic questions were back in Canada and only 1 hour from home.
It’s a late night but we’re glad to be back in our own bed. A great trip but as they say, there is no place like home.
The big thing today is Frank Lloyd Wright and a tour of the Dana-Thomas house, and it’s beauty. As with many FLW properties they don’t allow interior photographs, so I bought a book. But, here are a couple of photos of the exterior.
After the tour we head back to Atlanta, IL. to a gift shop that has some very cool stuff and a t-shirt I should have bought yesterday. It’s on the route home and this place really warranted another look around.
The toy tractor on the right brought back come childhood memories. I never had one of these but some kid on my Ama’s street (570 Oak, in Winnipeg) did. I was probably in the 8-10 yrs old range and I remember zooming up and down the sidewalk so fast! This was the first thing I’d ridden with a chain drive. Perhaps a precursor of my love of bicycles.
After our stop back in Atlanta, IL. we say goodbye to Route 66 and hit the interstates and head towards home. Tonights stop is Eau Claire and thankfully we dodge the snow storm that covered a lot of this route yesterday and while the roads are good for us we see plenty of cars and trucks in the ditch as a result of the heavy snow yesterday.
Today we say goodby to our temporary Chicago digs, load up the car and head out on the Mother Road picking up where we left off yesterday. Our first destination is Joliet with no real plans on how far we’ll get, we’re just exploring the road and stopping for pretty much anything that looks interesting. Plus, we’re using our guide book to seek out some of the Route 66 highlight just to be sure we don’t miss out.
By the end of the day we’re in Springfield. On the Interstate this is a 2 1/2 hour drive. We spend the entire day and it’s quite dark when we arrive in Springfield. So much to see, so many stop, so much fun!
Joliet, what’s it famous for? Why the Joliet Prison and a High School that looks eerily similar to the prison. Plus Joliet Jake of the Blues Brothers and Elwood is just down the road.
We stop by the museum, but it’s not open until 10 am and we don’t want to hang around that long so we cruise around town a bit and see the Rialto and then head on down the road.
After Elwood its Wilmington, home to the Gemii Giant and the Launchpad Drive-In.
Next stop is another Drive-In in Braidwood-Godley, the Polk-A-Dot Drive In with some more characters hanging around in the parking lot.
Shirley is with Elvis and I’m with Marilyn. Then there is some guy and Betty Boop! Around the corner are Jake & Elwood, another Elvis and Superman.
Next we stop in Gardner, home of a two cell jailhouse.
Dwight is next on the Route and it’s quite the place to take the family.
In Dwight, at the Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station we meet a group of guys from Germany who flew to Los Angles, rented a car and are doing the whole Route 66 road trip to Chicago, typically considered going in reverse, but hitting all the stops.
Lots of vintage restored garages and gas stations on the route. This is anther one on the way out of Dwight.
Odell is next with it’s claim to fame, you guessed it, another gas station.
In between towns and cities there are lots of sights from days gone by. This one is still in operation and apparently was one of the most advertised items on Route 66.
After a short drive we’re in Pontiac where we spend quite a bit of time at the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum and the next door Livingston County War Museum.
Back in the car and more driving down the road to Lexington, where we drive on Memory Lane which was supposedly closed to traffic, but what the heck, then by Toward and into Bloomington-Normal, two towns so close together that shared the same Main Street!. What’s the attraction here? Another restored gas station!
Next stops are Shirley, Funks Grove, McLean, Atlanta, Lawndale, Lincoln, Braodwell-Elkhart, Williamsville, Sherman and finally Springfield where we end the day. Some got photos, some didn’t. It was getting dark and once that happened it was just pushing on to Springfield and our hotel for the night.
A long and full day on the road and we only stopped to look at a small portion of the sights and attractions. Shirley is now a Route 66 convert and thinks this wasn’t such a crazy idea after all and wants to see more!
Tomorrow we’re touring the Frank Lloyd Wright Dana Thomas House and then returning to Atlanta,IL for a little Route 66 shopping before making the turn towards home.
For more: Photos of what we saw on Day 14
Before I get to the Route 66 part, there is this.
I’m driving around near our hotel while Shirley is checking out the local Cosstco and I spot this from a distance. I work my way over to get a closer look. What is it?
Well, it turns out it’s pretty much what it looks like, a vending machine for cars! You buy a car online, it’s delivered into this contraption and you receive a large “coin”. When you want to take delivery you show up here, put your “coin” in the slot and the machine delivers your car to the main floor, ready to go, all without any human assistance. Carvana.
Today has a dual purpose. First to tour the James Charnley House and second to begin our exploration of Route 66. The day begins with a drive into the heart of the beast, downtown Chicago. The GPS guides us through several freeways, constructions zones and the morning rush hour traffic to get us to The James Charnley Residence, also known as the Charnley-Persky House, a historic house museum at 1365 North Astor Street in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.
Why this house? Well, because it is one of the few surviving residential works of Louis Sullivan, and features major contributions by Frank Lloyd Wright, who was then working as a draftsman in Sullivan’s office. I’m a FLW fan and we’ve seen several of his works in Chicago and elsewhere.
Parking in the heart of downtown residential Chicago is pretty challenging, we’re just blocks off the lakeshore and it looks like parking is at a high premium for residents let alone tourists like us. However, there is an apartment complex across the street that has casual parking available for some unknown price and we’re desperate as the tour will begin shortly so we drive in, leave the keys with a ver nice guy and trust we can get it back in an hour or two. For cash as it turns out, which requires a trip to a near by bank machine.
We line up with a few others and wait for the doors to open as it’s first come, first served for a limited number of people. We make it in with about 10 other older people from various parts of the world.
The tour is interesting and the house has quite the history but for me it doesn’t have the impact or wow factor of many of the other Frank Lloyd Wright designs we’ve see. Early days I guess and he was not fully in charge but you can see his influences for sure.
With the tour concluded we retrieve the car and venture even further into downtown Chicago. Our destination, Michigan Ave & Jackson Blvd., the start of the historic Route 66.
As you can see in the photo on the left, it’s raining lightly and we circle the block about 3 time to get the photo because of course there is no parking anywhere near by. Shirley grabs the snap out the window as I slow roll by the sign.
For the rest of the morning we wind our way out of downtown, not on the freeways and Interstate but as close as possible to the real “66”. Lots of gawking at all the buildings and sights, ever vigilant for the next brown “Historic Route” sign to guide us.
Still raining and off we go, winding our way out of town. Well, the town really never seems to end, we just cross some invisible line and we’re in a different city.
A couple of stops here and there for a photo or two.
Late in the afternoon we turn back towards our hotel and get ready to leave Chicago tomorrow for more Route 66 exploration with the destination being Springfield, Il. No Interstate and lots of stops to explore.