Category: America

On to Flagstaff, Arizona, Route 66, and The Grand Canyon

On By Betty OwensIn America, Arizona, Betty, Betty Thomason Owens, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Gusto, New Mexico, Regatta, Route 66, San Francisco

As San Francisco’s beauty receded in the rear view mirror, we set our sights on Bakersfield, California then on to Flagstaff, Arizona. We left Route 66 and headed north to the Grand Canyon.

The road afforded more beautiful vistas as we climbed from 6,000 feet above sea level to nearly 8,000. Who knew that big hole in the ground was at such an altitude?

We paid our $25 fee and received our instructions. Gusto the Wonder Dog was welcome everywhere except on the shuttles. We’d have to hoof it. No problem. We found a parking place and took off.

The day was overcast with patches of sunshine as we hiked along the paved trail. When the Southern Rim came into view, I was reminded of the old days in a church’s sanctuary, where everyone whispered. My eyes feasted on the expansive views. Everywhere I looked, colors and textures beckoned. I’m usually shy of heights, but there was so much to capture my attention, I didn’t really think about it.

Gusto seemed unconcerned about the whole thing. He sniffed around, perking up at the appearance of two squirrels whose colors almost blended into the surrounding rocks. The two put on quite a show for their onlookers, posing for the cameras and no doubt hoping for handouts. Gusto wanted to eat them.

There are two squirrels––can you see them?

Soon, more wildlife joined us as a couple of elk does (are they called does?) wandered into the area, grazing with their spotted fawns. We saw them again later, as we munched our lunch at a picnic table.

As we finished our lunch, rain sprinkles urged us toward our car. The drive back down took us through patches of pouring rain, but we were happy and satisfied. We’d seen what we came to see and it defied our humble cameras. You really must see it to really appreciate it.

We were ordered by our spouses to take this next photo, as proof that we were really there. We’d avoided camera lenses up to this point. Clumsy, unflattering things. So here we are, thanks to a stranger’s expertise. That’s me on the left. Gusto’s in the middle. Daughter-in-law, Alyssa is on the right. The real star of the show is behind us.

If I ever have the opportunity to return, I fully intend to go. I would love to do a more thorough examination of the area. As we headed to New Mexico the sun set behind us. What a beautiful sight. We’re hopeful about tomorrow’s stops, but our hearts are set on home. Missing our hubbies and can’t wait to see them.
Thanks for stopping by. My next post will complete this journey with a few of my favorite scenes, including the final ones, when my son reunites with Alyssa. See you on the road!

An Unexpected Detour

On By Betty OwensIn America, beautiful things, Betty, deer, Roads, Summer, travel, woods2 Comments

Yesterday, while my son and I were out driving, we passed a road neither of us knew. We weren’t in a hurry, so he decided to turn and find out what was down that road. My dad used to do that. We’d be out driving somewhere and he’d say, “Wonder where that road goes?”

We’d sit up on our knees and peer out the windows, waiting for the first glimpse of the unknown. Yesterday’s road was narrow, sometimes only one lane. It dipped down into a valley and followed the winding path of a creek. Houses sat on large, verdant lots, banked by rolling and sometimes rocky hills. Often the dark woods shaded the road so heavily, we could barely see.

Around one turn in the road, we happened upon a doe, standing on the edge of the road. My son thought she might be scouting for danger before she allowed her fawn to follow. She hesitated when she saw our car, then turned back to run into the woods, before we’d had a chance to snap a picture.

Kentucky boasts many beautiful spots and we found several yesterday. We had no idea where we’d end up, but when the road ended and we recognized the area, we were surprised at how far we’d gone. Life can be like that. You take an unexpected detour, sometimes fighting fear and uncertainty, but the road always leads back to the familiar. Or else, you grow accustomed to the new road.

We’re on a new road here at my house. At times, it’s hard to see what lies ahead, but we get up every morning and push on. We know the roads all lead to the same place. Our trust is in the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, and He will never let us down. His word promises that.

Thanks for reading. Hope you’ll stop by again sometime.

Happy Birthday USA (& Leigh Ann)

On By Betty OwensIn 4th of July, America, birthday, freedom, history, liberty, nation, president

On July 4th, America celebrates her birthday. So does my daughter-in-law, but that’s not what I’m writing about today. Our nation is approximately 237 years old (my daughter-in-law is considerably younger).

Many of you will celebrate the fourth with cookouts, picnics, and/or fireworks. Around here, they’ve been shooting fireworks for several days and will probably continue for several more days. I just wish they had a curfew. Some folks have to get up early. When she was little, my daughter-in-law thought all those fireworks were for her birthday. I think we’ve finally convinced her otherwise.

America’s short history is fascinating. While some of those guys were scalawags, most were actually God-fearing men who truly cared about the future of the nation for which they fought. Some wanted a king. A few wanted to be king. I’m thankful they settled on a president. What we’ve done with that is another subject entirely and not one I want to take up at this time.

Whatever you end up doing, I hope it’ll be an adventure. I think it’s wonderful that we can celebrate the history of our great country. Whatever our misunderstandings and arguments at this moment, they’ll all be distant memories one day. Some won’t even make it into our history books.

What is important: men giving their lives, fighting and dying for their country. Protecting the number one most important thing––freedom. That freedom of speech we like to shout about––someone fought for that. Someone died for that and all the other things we often take for granted.

When the fireworks burst into beautiful, colorful streams of light, remember. And while you’re looking up, why not give thanks.

Now I have to go put a few candles in the apple pie. I forgot to bake a cake for d-i-l. But I happen to know she loves apple pie and ice cream, so I think it’ll be okay.

As always, thanks for reading. There are some exciting things coming up in the next few weeks, so stop back by if you get a chance.