Freezing Arizona

Greetings from Arizona!

Who knew that it could get cold here? Really cold! When we packed, we only stuffed our winter jackets in our suitcases because Accuweather.com kept threatening us with under 0'F weather. We didn't believe it, and even in Phoenix, it was warm enough to just go out with a windbreaker.

But as we drove North, hooo-wee! Blinding snowstorms, winds that slice through you like a million daggers, and ice that threathens to shorten your trip at ever turn of the road. I am happy to report that we have survived, and are very glad to have our parkas on hand.

The sun has been out for the last few days, illuminating all of the marvels that northern Arizona has to offer. Today was especially beautiful. We drove around Monument Valley and visited other spectacular natural wonders. The snow actually turns out to be a good thing - it highlights every ragged feature of this intricate landscape.

Lars was philosophizing a while today about how small and fleating human lives are compared to the incredible geological history of this area. I think the third of the three pictures I attach here symbolizes that well...

We had a memorable meal today in the blink-and-you-will-miss-it town of Mexican Hat, Utah. Everything on the table, without exception, bubbled in the same grease of the same fryer. And to season it all, we had six different types of sauces to choose from: ketchup, sour cream, salsa, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and something new called "fry sauce." Locals here sure have a knack to make their fry-ups palatable!

Accuweather.com now promises that it will get warmer in the next few days, and we are sure looking forwards to it. We are now heading towards a few days of hiking in slot canyons, and then greeting the New Year on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Wish us more sun and blue skies!

Happy New Year! - Gaston