Category: Travel
-
Phoenix 2019
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:
- Up early to beat the heat, typically about 6am
- A light breakfast of some fruit, toast/bagel, or nothing!
- Load up on water for the hike
- Drive to the hike with the top down of course, always drive with the top down whenever possible!
- Hike! Sometimes a speed hike, sometimes a more casual pace, but always energetic
- Drive back to the condo, perhaps stopping for coffee/hot chocolate (even in the heat!)
- The “official” breakfast
- Off to the pool for 2-3 hours of baking in the sun
- Various afternoon adventures like biking or sight seeing in around the area
- Dinner and one or more movies
- Call it a day
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 .
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument 
Wupatki National Monuments 
Road to Page, AZ 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.
At the top of the Spencer Trail overlooking Lee’s Ferry After that we retrace our route and book it back to Page for the formal Antelope Canyon tour at 1:30 p.m..
Antelope Canyon 
Antelope Canyon 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.
Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim 
The Canyon at the North Rim in front of 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.
Supai Tunnerl on the Kaibab 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.
Redwall Bridge on the Kaibab Trail 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.
Louie resting on the way up Kaibab Trail, I’m resting too! 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.
Relaxing at the Hot Tub on Spa Day 
Desert Biking 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.
Garry at the Food Trucks 
Three Pink Unicorns at Wendys 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!
Tom Thumb at the Top 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/72157713310081738Saturday 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.
Heading Home 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.
-
Day 16: Eau Clair to Home
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.
-
Day 15: Springfield to Eau Claire, Turning towards 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.
We didn’t get there, yet! 
Very eclectic, very weird 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.
-
Day 14: Route 66, Joliet to Springfield
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 Prison 
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.
Gemini Giant – A Space Age Muffler Man 
Me & Marilyn 
Shirley rockin’ with The King 
In the Slammer!!!!! 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.
So much memorabilia 
Bob Waldmire‘s VW Bus 
I’ve been to Cool Springs, very “cool”, middle of nowhere. 
Around the back of the 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!
Sprague’s Super Service with Shirley jumping to the pump! 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.
Shirley’s Church in Shirley, Il 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
Funks Grove country store 
Atlanta – The giant muller man called Bunyon Giant holding a hotdog, not a muffler? -
Day 13: In the beginning, Route 66
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.
A fireplace in every room 
Back stairs for servants and main staircase for family 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.
A Las Vegas spinoff 
There is a great toy store here, Berwyn’s Toy & Trains, lots of trains! 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.
-
Day 12: Chicago
Well, I’m actually writing this from memory on December 30th, 2019 as I’ve let this slide for quite a while. Now I have daily reminders to do one post a day to catch up on this trip and a later trip to Phoenix. Hopefully, the photos will trigger the memory on what we did and where we went.
Our first full day in Chicago will be to go downtown and explore the city. I’ve had enough of driving for a bit so we take advantage of the hotel shuttle to take us to the train station to catch the META right into the heart of Chicago. By the time the day is done we’ve walked over 22,000 steps, taken 231 photos, got lost once or twice and managed to catch the right train to get back to the hotel shuttle pickup station. For 60 of the better photos head over to the Flickr Album for this day of the trip.
We arrive at the train station and we’re tourist right? Which side of the tracks should we be on to catch the train into Chicago? I even ask a couple of people, and we’re all tourists and nobody is sure. We hang around first on the “wrong” side and then place our bets on the other side. Eventually some locals show up and confirm, this is it.
We’re farther out in the burbs than I though when I booked the hotel and its an hour ride into the heart of the city, but it’s a fun train adventure, complete with tickets purchased on an app that you show the conductor.
Once we’re downtown the adventure begins. Where to go first? We start by heading towards the lakeshore.
Soon, our first destination has been discovered! It’s the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, for a time the tallest building in the world until 1998, and we’re going to the top! Well, as high as they let tourists go, the 103rd floor. See the tiny looking glass protrusions on the building on the right? These little glass boxes are for the tourists like us. They can be retracted in bad weather or pushed out on a rail system for some pretty crazy views. You get 30 seconds at a crack to get your photos and selfies. Speaking of “crack” the glass floor did “crack” later in the year after our visit!
Before we head up, we go down into the lower levels of the building and weave through a long series of displays letting you know some of the key moments in the windy cities history. Thankfully the crowds are light and we motor through the exhibits to the elevators.
And we’re up on the Skydeck! The weather is great and it’s a super clear day this morning and we can see all over town and out into Lake Michigan. This is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,353 feet.
Now for the fun part. We wait a short time in line to get our 30 seconds on the Ledge. The Ledge’s glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet out from the Skydeck. Shirley is all relaxed until she steps out onto the glass floor and looks down. Suddenly, not so relaxed. 🙂
Hanging out over Chicago 
Just don’t look down. 
The Ledge of the Skydeck selfie 
Back down on the street we wander around generally towards the lakeshore and Millennium Park. Along the way we go under the Chicago “L” several times. I’m pretty sure some car honked at me as I stopped in the middle of the street to line up this shot. We gawk at all the different shops and cool building architecture and eventually make our way over to the park.
The big attraction at the Millennium Park? The Bean, aka Cloud Gate of course!
After a bunch of Cloud Gate photos, we continue our exploration along the Chicago Riverwalk.
Tour Boat 
Vietnam War Memorial 
A local bird 
Trump Tower on the left 
One of the many lifting road bridges 
Train Bridge At this point we’ve walked quite the distance and we’re at the farthest point from the train station. So, we head back and zig zag through the streets to find our train. Inspire of using Google Maps, I get us lost and we actually walk past the station by several blocks before Shirley asks a guy for directions.
Getting closer to the train station Again, we locate the departing train track without too much trouble, buy tickets with the app and we’re on our way back to the hotel. A new train “wrinkle” for us though. Apparently, we’re in a “quiet” car where there are no announcements about the stations coming up. This is for the seasoned train riders who want a peaceful ride home after a hard day in the big city. For rookies like us this is not good. Eventually, we clue in and move up several cars where they are calling out all the stops.
The hotel shuttle picks us up and we enjoy the complimentary snacks and drinks in the hotel lounge that are sufficient for dinner, and that’s the end of Day 1 in Chi Town.
-
Day 11: Toronto to Chicago
We say goodby to Leslie and Toronto and head out on the open road for Chicago.
We’re eager to get to Chicago, so it’s a full day of driving without any side trips, exploring etc., just drive and the normal road trip stops for food, gas, and oh yeah US Customs. Here is our route, expressways and Interstate all the way.
Seems we didn’t take hardly any photos on this part of the drive, just going over the bridge from Sarnia into the USA and Customs.
The GPS gets it done, right to the Staybridge Suites which will be our “home” base for the next few days as we explore the Windy City. We’re staying a moderate way from downtown and plan to take a hotel shuttle to the Metra train station near the hotel for the trip downtown to the heart of Chicago.
The room is awesome for a longer stay and it turns out that the breakfasts and evening snacks are great too!
We pick up some serious Chicago pizza from a near by Giordano’s restaurant and watch a little TV before turning in for the night.
-
Day 10: Science & Birthday
This is not rocket science, it’s Shirley’s birthday!
![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48661835056_306a38a74e_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" )
Make a wish! But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before we get to the birthday part we’re lounging around at Leslie’s having breakfast and of course a lot of coffee.
In keeping with today’s birthday/gift theme we surprise Les with a couple of hostess gifts for being so generous and gracious in having us at the house all week.
Today we’re off to the Ontario Science Centre, just a short drive but once again on the freeways, yahoo! Lots to see and do and being the weekend, there are lots of kids and lots of noise.
Crazy Rube Goldburg rolling ball maze 
Garry 
Crocus coming up 
Cancelling – Biggest Canadian mistake ever! 
Shirley 
Finally figured out what all the blockchain hype is about After the Science Centre we get ready for the big birthday party and we head off to Ajax where Dorte & Ron live and a nearby Keg restaurant. Bob & Linda have driven in from Orrilia for the celebration and we have a great time around the table with some great food to.
Let’s get this party started! After a great dinner is was back to Ron & Dorte’s for coffee and dessert. Les & Dorte both provided Shirley’s favourite, cheesecake! Not sure how we fit it in but I think most had a piece of each!
After all that food and fun we rolled into the car for the drive back to Les’s.
Another day in the bag. Tomorrow we hit the road for Chicago.
Goodnight! -
Day 9: Family Day – Part 2
Time for a confession. I’m writing this on August 26 so some of the details are not so clear or fresh from here on out about the road trip, but I’ll do my best.
Today is about and extended visit with my Uncle Stan and more of the cousins and their families so after a late breakfast we head over to Mississauga for the afternoon.
Cousin Wendy and husband Roman host the gathering at their home. and between Wendy & Cathy they have rounded up the troops and we are made to feel exceptionally welcome.
Uncle Stan is there and we spend some time chatting about family etc., and just hanging out.
During the afternoon we took a lot of photos and several group shots, but somehow not everyone was included. Wendy’s son was there with his children Zoe & Hazel, Wendy’s grandaughters. However, his wife was working and unable to make it. Lots of pictures of Zoe & Hazel (being held), none of dad 🙁
Patti (standing left) was there and so was husband David, but somehow there were no David pictures!
Dean was also there and somehow avoided getting in any pictures. His wife Gillian was returning from Scotland so was not available. I think the grandkids stole the show and somehow they seem to be in almost all the photos!
The Gathering We had a very special afternoon re-connecting with family. It was a very precious time and we were made to feel so special, honoured and loved. We basked in the memories for several days afterwards and will alway treasure the memories of this visit.
After we left Wendy’s we explored nearby Port Credit and stopped off for a “small” snack.
From Port Carling we’re back to our Toronto “home” base at Leslie’s for dinner and a relaxing evening reflecting on the day.
Link to all the days pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGDkZG9