Thursday, September 13, we left Sun Valley at 9am continuing on I40 west. Tom had seen that Flagstaff had a Sam’s Club and thought he would get fuel there. We had the directions in the GPS but when we arrived the GPS did not alert us as to what side Sam’s Club was so, of course, we were on the wrong side and there was lots of traffic. So we had to find a place to turn around. Finally, we found a parking lot that a turn around could be done and we were on our way to Sam’s Club. We wanted to get some Irish Spring soap to put in various areas of the motorhome to deter mice plus a couple other items. So we went inside and got our purchases. In the meantime, getting to the fuel pumps looked to be impossible so we got back on I 40 and continued on . A Pilot station was our next option and although that station was not the best designed we did get fuel. We got to Williams, Az. a little before 1pm and 140 miles. We had not made reservations and the first campground could only accommodate for 1 night and wanted to stay at least 2 nights. Tom called Canyon Gateway RV Park and we were able to secure a site for 2 nights with them. El Corral Restaurant was recommended by the campground for lunch and we were not disappointed with the chicken enchiladas that both of us ate.
I had commented about how hot the cold water was whenever we moved to another campground. Tom noticed something did not look quite right with the exhaust pipe and upon further inspection found a sizable hole rusted out in the exhaust pipe.
I had commented about how hot the cold water was whenever we moved to another campground. Tom noticed something did not look quite right with the exhaust pipe and upon further inspection found a sizable hole rusted out in the exhaust pipe.
Friday, 14th, started with Tom going in search of an Auto shop to get something to make a temporary repair to the exhaust pipe until we are able to get it replaced. The auto parts store did have anything to make a repair. After his return and eating breakfast, we decided to get ready and go to the Grand Canyon has we had planned to do today. The Grand Canyon is 57 miles from Williams so it took an hour to get up there. At this time of the year the buses are the means for getting through the park.
We had to take a bus from the Visitor Center to a transfer point where we caught another bus that traveled out to Hermit’s Rest making 9 stops along the rim.
We were able to get off at these stops and walk out to the viewing areas and then catch another bus to continue. Buses come by every 10-15 minutes. Tom and I got off at most viewpoints, 7 of the 9. At Hermit”s Rest,
we got a snack and then after eating we caught a bus on a return trip which only stops at 3 viewing areas. And again at the transfer station we had to get another bus to take us back to the Visitor Center. When we were in line to board the transfer bus the bus driver pointed at Tom and said for him to get on first, no explanation was given but Tom had his Navy Veterans hat on or maybe, we just looked that much older compared to others. Even though we have been to the Canyon ( twice to the south rim and once to the north rim) before we still are taken in with the beauty and expanse of the Canyon. Leaving the park we stopped in Tusayan, a village outside of the park, for dinner at a steak house. Tom had planned to work on the exhaust pipe when we returned to the motorhome but a campground maintenance man gave him another suggestion of materials to use. So in the morning Tom will be going to a hardware store for more materials and hopefully do a repair before leaving. The weather was beautiful today but this morning it was chilly at 49 degrees. With the bright sun the temperature rose up into the 80’s.
We had to take a bus from the Visitor Center to a transfer point where we caught another bus that traveled out to Hermit’s Rest making 9 stops along the rim.
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| Looking at the North Rim from the South Rim |
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| Grand Canyon Village |
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| Hiker on the Trail to the Canyon Floor |
We were able to get off at these stops and walk out to the viewing areas and then catch another bus to continue. Buses come by every 10-15 minutes. Tom and I got off at most viewpoints, 7 of the 9. At Hermit”s Rest,
we got a snack and then after eating we caught a bus on a return trip which only stops at 3 viewing areas. And again at the transfer station we had to get another bus to take us back to the Visitor Center. When we were in line to board the transfer bus the bus driver pointed at Tom and said for him to get on first, no explanation was given but Tom had his Navy Veterans hat on or maybe, we just looked that much older compared to others. Even though we have been to the Canyon ( twice to the south rim and once to the north rim) before we still are taken in with the beauty and expanse of the Canyon. Leaving the park we stopped in Tusayan, a village outside of the park, for dinner at a steak house. Tom had planned to work on the exhaust pipe when we returned to the motorhome but a campground maintenance man gave him another suggestion of materials to use. So in the morning Tom will be going to a hardware store for more materials and hopefully do a repair before leaving. The weather was beautiful today but this morning it was chilly at 49 degrees. With the bright sun the temperature rose up into the 80’s.
In Talking with the campground maintenance worker, I decided I needed to get some metal flashing, six hose clamps and three straight cabinet braces. I will purchase them when the hardware store opens up in the morning.
