Western National Parks & More - Fall 2015

[Pmount]

I just got back from a 36 day trip through the west, visiting over 20 National Park sites and
National Historic Trails, plus a variety of other activities. We traveled through Arizona, Utah,
Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Colorado. In the past I have posted Field
Trip Reports in real-time. For this trip I decided to wait until I returned, as I knew many places
we camped would have none, or limited, cell phone and internet connection. I'll be posting daily,
with a few gaps.
Some of our usual activities I will preview here so you can have some background information.
Passport Stamps - as we travel through NPS sites we collected a small, round, dated stamp that
is issued to the sites by Eastern National. A club we belong to, National Park Travelers Club,
maintains a database with the location of the stamps. My husband, is a self-described fanatic,
as well others in the club who want to collect all of the stamps possible. Some of the sites have
bonus stamps which can be very attractive.
Letterboxing - a fun, treasuring hunting hobby which started in England in the late 1800s. Today
2 websites provide access to clues; Atlas Quest and LBNA It is similar to
geocaching, but involves exchanging hand-carved stamps between your personal stamp and
the stamp you find in the box.
Junior/Senior Ranger programs - I complete these programs as I travel.I have a blog titled,
'Junior Ranger-Senior Friendly'
Quest Scouts - recently I have been participating in a new online adult-oriented scout-style
program. It has been a lot of fun, and works well while traveling or staying at home.
Instagram - As part of recording my Quest Scout activities and posting pictures, as part of the
NPS Centennial celebration, to Find Your Park I have an account - SrJrRanger
As in the past I'll include pictures along the way and list some of the wildlife we see during the
day. As the trip progress feel free to comment or question, either in the forum or by private
message. I hope some of the information will entertain and also inform you for your own travels.
So here goes. . .

[Pmount]

Sunday, August 23, 2015
Start: Tucson, AZ
End: Kaibab Lake Campground (USFS), near Williams, AZ

Looking forward to the start of this trip - North to cool weather! It was reaching 102* as we left
Phoenix. Just north of Phoenix we made a quick stop at the Road Runner Saloon in New River
for a set of smashed pennies, the machine had been broken on previous stops, finally
successful in getting a set. We wanted to end the day near Williams, AZ along I-40 so we left
I-17 and headed towards Prescott on AZ 69, but took a shortcut over to 89A and then up AZ 89
north, through Chino Valley to I-40 at Ash Fork and back east a short distance to Williams. This
was a nice route, better than I-17 to Flagstaff and then back to Williams. Just outside of Prescott
we drove for a short while in a good downpour, refreshing.

Once in Williams we drove out to Bearizona to get a set of smashed pennies. Even at 4 PM
there was a line of cars waiting to get in. The penny machine was inside this wildlife park,
however, a very kind attendant allowed us to drive in and get the pennies. She took my
husband's drivers license to hold while we were there. The gift shop was in the walking area of
the park, with smaller animals to be viewed. We just went in and got the pennies and left.
A short distance down AZ 64, which heads to Grand Canyon National Park, is a nice US Forest
Service campground, Kaibab Lake. It had been full over the weekend, but had spaces available on a Sunday
night.
After setting up the campsite, for us that means putting out our chairs, as we sleep in our
modified Chevy Cargo Van, we drove back into Williams. We enjoyed dinner and a tasty Black
Iron IPA at Grand Canyon Brewery. Their service area is small, but they are the 3rd largest
brewer in Arizona, in bottling and distributing. Their food comes from the Rt. 66 Cruiser's Cafe,
adjacent to the property. While in town we found 2 letterboxes.
Kaibab Lake


Grand Canyon Brewery

Back at camp a couple of hummingbirds had found our feeder, they were already fighting over it.
Just as we sat down to enjoy the cool evening air, a pair of Javelinas walked through the
campground. We were very surprised, they are considered a desert animal, not a pig, but a
peccary. Seeing them at 6,800 ft was a surprise.
Javelina in campground


Wildlife Sightings
Spiny Lizard
Javelina
Abert's Squirrel

Anna's Hummingbird
Common Raven
Turkey Vulture
House Sparrow
Steller's Jay

[Pmount]

Start: Williams, AZ
End: Bonito Campground (USFS), N of Flagstaff

Enjoyed a relaxed morning in camp, mostly bird watching. Perfect temperature AM temperature
to enjoy the critters.
Abert's Squirrel


Back in Willaims we stopped at the Visitor center, right across the tracks from the Grand Canyon
Railroad Depot. They have a passport stamp for Grand Canyon National Park, and nice
displays about the area. Before leaving town we stopped at Open Country Cowboy for smashed
pennies, this shop had custom made leather goods and hand-crafted jewelry. It was not your
typical souvenir shop with a penny machine. While there the owner told us about another
machine in town, which had not been listed on the website. This turned out to be a Western
Town, named Wild West Junction, with outdoor seating for the restaurant and saloon,and other
curio shops. Besides the penny machine there was an intriguing coin-operated curiosity. I've
not seen this before, anyone?

Wild West Junction - Williams, AZ

Step Inside


We continued over to Flagstaff on I-40. While in town we found a letterbox and had lunch at
Lumberyard Brewing Company. Afterwards we drove out to Walnut Canyon National Monument.
After getting the passport stamp and token we walked along the Rim Trail. On the way back we
noticed a set of ruins below the main trail, down in the canyon.
Walnut Canyon Ruins
Below rim

Above rim


We ended the day at Bonito Campground, north of Flagstaff, off US 89 and right across from the
Sunset Crater National Monument. This is one of our favorite campgrounds, very quiet with
spacious sites and good birding.

Passport Stamps
Grand Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon, AZ
Walnut Canyon National Monument - Flagstaff, AZ

Wildlife Sightings
Abert's Squirrel

Brown Creeper
Hepatic Tanager
Dark-eyed Junco
American Robin
Steller's Jay
Common Raven
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
Mountain Bluebird
Western Bluebird
White-breasted Nuthatch
Hairy Woodpecker
Common Yellowthroat
Common Poorwill

[Mark Sedenquist]

Wow, great capture of the two Javelinas! Nice report and photos thus far.

I just got back from a 36 day trip through the west, visiting over 20 National Park sites and
National Historic Trails, plus a variety of other activities.

This is going to make the rest of us jealous!

Mark

[Pmount]

Wow, great capture of the two Javelinas!

While on this trip we learned that the javelina have migrated north, even as far as the Grand Canyon.

[Pmount]

Tuesday, August 25
99th Anniversary of National Park Service

Start & End: Bonito Campground

San Francisco Peaks

When staying at this campground I usually start my morning with a walk to the entrance of the
campground for a view of the San Francisco Peaks - always beautiful.
After a leisurely morning in camp we spent today exploring Sunset Crater Volcano National
Monument and Wupatki National Monument, the road to both begins right at the campground.
Today was the 99th birthday of the National Park Service. As part of their year-long celebration
leading up to the Centennial, next August, they have launched the #FindYourPark campaign. I
have been posting to Instagram as Srjrranger for this celebration, and other activities. The road between the 2 sites can be driven as a loop, starting off either end of US 89, north of Flagstaff or south of Cameron. It is a great side trip on your way to or from the Grand Canyon. Today, we returned along the road, as we were spending another night at Bonito.

While traveling the road between the two sites we found several letterboxes, including a couple of
webboxes within the monuments. Letterboxes are not allowed within park sites, so my husband has created "boxes" that use interpretive signs, instead of planting traditional letterboxes. Once at home a coded URL gives you a picture from the location as your "stamp". It was
a relaxing day, enjoying cool weather!

Sunset Crater lava

Wupatki Ruins & passport stamping


We came back to camp and continued to enjoy the Hummer Wars at the feeder. Seemed to be
3 Broad-tailed females who were actively guarding the feeder. We had a vocal Abert's Squirrel
that was upset with us, it appears when we returned we had put our chairs next to a tree it was
up in, and couldn't figure out how to get down. After quite awhile and a lot of chewing out, it finally figured out an exit. By
early evening a steady, light rain settled in and continued for most of the night.

Abert's Squirrel


Passport Stamps
Sunset Crater Volcano NM- Flagstaff, AZ
Wupaki NM - Flagstaff, AZ

Wildlife Sightings
Abert's Squirrel
Rock Squirrel
Spiny Lizard

Common Raven
Mountain Chickadee
Hairy Woodpecker
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Mountain Bluebird
White-breasted Nuthatch
Steller's Jay
Western Bluebird
Greater Roadrunner

[Pmount]

Wednesday, August 26
Start: Bonito Campground, N of Flagstaff
End: Mather Campground (NPS), Grand Canyon National Park

Another beautiful morning in camp and picture of San Francisco Peaks.
San Francisco Peaks


And another squirrel picture, showing the rust-colored back of Abert's Squirrels


After enjoying coffee and tea in camp we headed into Flagstaff for breakfast and gas before
heading north to Grand Canyon National Park. We had planned to hike at Red Mountain, along
US 180, about 30 miles north of Flagstaff. When we arrived it was raining and the clouds were
ominous, so we continued on our way. Thunderstorms were predicted for today in Flagstaff and
at the Grand Canyon. We stopped in Valle and Tusysan for letterboxes and smashed pennies.
Once at the canyon we had lunch at our reserved campsite. Yes, even in late August and middle
of the week, the sign 'Campground Full' greeted us. All schools in Arizona and most of the west
now start in early August, some even in late July. This allows for a Fall Break in early October, a
much better time of year to enjoy Western travel.

After lunch we rook the shuttle bus to the main visitor center, Yavavpai Point and into the main
village area. While at Yavapai Point I attended a Ranger Program titled 'Geology Glimpses',
beautiful setting along the rim. I picked up the South Rim Junior Ranger booklet, which I
was able to complete by the end of the next day. I have now completed the North and South Rim
and the Phantom Ranch Junior Ranger programs. I tried to pick up the booklet for Indian Gardens,
but they were out of them. I'll be hiking through there at the end of November on my way to Phantom
Ranch for another 3 night stay.

Yavapai Point Ranger Program

Across the Canyon, down to Phantom Ranch & Bright Angel Creek


We strolled along the rim between Verkamp's Visitor Center and Kolb Studio before heading into
Maswik Lodge to enjoy an early dinner at the Pizza Pub. Back to camp for a quiet evening, even
with a full campground.

Rainbow- ending the day


Passport Stamps
Albright Training Center - Grand Canyon, AZ
Grand Canyon National Park
- Visitor Center Plaza
- Yavapai Geology Museum
- Verkamp's Visitor Center
- Kolb Studio
Bonus Stamps
Albright Training Center
NPS Arrowhead
Canyon View Information Plaza - Grand Canyon
Yavapai Observation Station - Grand Canyon
Verkamp's Visitor Center - Grand Canyon
Historic Kolb Studio - Grand Canyon South Rim

Wildlife Sightings
Abert's Squirrel
Rock Squirrel
Tarantula Hawk (insect)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Steller's Jay
Common Raven
Northern Flicker
Turkey Vulture
Western Scrub Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
Mountain Chickadee

[Pmount]

Thursday, August 27, 2015
Start & End: Mather Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

Spending a full day in Grand Canyon, South Rim. Took the Village Shuttle bus to the transfer
point for the Hermit's Rest shuttle. By 10 AM the crowds were gathering, we had to wait for
another bus after one bus arrived and filled. It was worth the wait to be able to get a seat, our
plan was to ride all the way to the end at Hermit's Rest. This unique building was built by Mary
Jane Elizabeth Colter, architect for the Santa Fe Railroad in the early 1900s. Her southwest
inspired buildings are throughout the area. They have a unique stamp in the bookstore,
Airmailed by Raven from Hermit's Rest.

Hermit's Rest


Once back in the village we indulged in ice cream at the Bright Angel Lodge. Back to the visitor
center for me to receive my Junior Ranger - South Rim badge. For $2 I purchased the appropriate patch, Scorpion - ages 11 and up. We enjoyed a late lunch at camp, then showers near the entrance to the campground, $2 for 8 minutes, and plenty of hot water. During this
afternoon period Elk were lounging throughout the campground.

Elk - Mather Campground


After relaxing at camp we checked out the new Tavern at Yavapai Lodge. A better selection of
beers, wine and full bar, plus a good pub menu. We enjoyed a pint of Lumberyard IPA (Flagstaff)
and a very large order of Nachos with plenty of meat and other fixings!

Tavern at Yavavpai -Nachos


After stuffing ourselves on Nachos we walked along the rim as the evening light settled into the
canyon. We also explored the Pioneer Cemetery near Park Headquarters. This stroll is highly
recommended; the information on the headstones is varied and interesting.

Grand Canyon


Wildlife Sightings
Rock Squirrel
Chipmunk
Mule Deer
Elk

Western Bluebird
Mountain Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Flicker
Common Raven
Turkey Vulture
Steller's Jay
Pinon Jay
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco
Western Scrub Jay

[Pmount]

Friday, August 28
Start: Mather Campground, Grand Canyon National Park
End: Duck Creek Campground (USFS), Duck Creek, UT

Today was a travel day, leaving the Grand Canyon and heading north into Utah. We had
planned to have breakfast at the Yavavpai Lodge cafeteria, a previous favorite place for
breakfast. However, they have 'upgraded' their menu and out priced our taste. We went across
the parking lot to the General Store and got breakfast in the Deli. The egg, sausage and cheese
on bagel was big and tasty. 2 bagel sandwiches and 2 hot beverages came to $13.46. Along the
East Rim Drive we stopped at the Tusayan Museum and enjoyed the short walk through the
ruins and then stopped at Desert Tower. In Cameron we stopped at the Trading Post to look around and pick up ice before heading off US 89 to US 89A and Marble Canyon. The Cameron Trading Post has remodeled, the restaurant entrance is back on the right now. We stopped at the Interpretive Center by the bridge for passport stamps and postcards. While there we fixed a picnic lunch, a bit warm - upper 90s.

From there we drove up to the Kaibab Plateau and a quick stop at Jacob Lake Inn for bakery
goods. Their power was out, but they were still selling! Yum, I enjoyed a German Chocolate
cookie and my husband had a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookie. I also picked up a larger
cinnamon roll to share in the morning and 2 Chocolate Parfait cookies for tomorrow.

US 89, north of Kanab, UT


We drove into Fredonia and a stop at the Red Pueblo Museum for the Old Spanish NHT stamp,
a small museum on the AZ-UT border. In Kanab we stopped at the BLM Visitor Center, then got
gas and groceries before heading up US 89 and UT 14 to Duck Creek. The air was cool, still no
bugs!

This red squirrel stole the apple off our table and ran up a tree with it!


Passport Stamps
Grand Canyon National Park
-Tusayan Ruins
-Desert View Watchtower
Glen Canyon NRA - Marble Canyon, AZ
Vermillion Cliffs NM - Marble Canyon, AZ
Old Spanish NHT - Red Pueblo Museum, AZ
Old Spanish NHT - Kanab, UT
Bonus
Tusayan Museum - Grand Canyon South Rim
Desert View Bookstore - Grand Canyon South Rim
Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center - Kaibab National Forest - Jacob Lake, AZ
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - changeable date

Wildlife Sightings
Rock Squirrel
Red Squirrel
Mule Deer & fawn

Turkey Vulture
Common Raven
Mountain Chickadee

[Mark Sedenquist]

Loved the photo of the apple-thief. Enjoying the report!

Mark