10/16 Day 2

I met some very cool travelers over breakfast and just as I was starting to head out for the Grand Canyon, some of them were sitting in the reception area and invited me along to Sunset Crater and Wutpaki National Monuments.  Of course, I couldn't resist even though I need to be careful how I budget my time because I need to be in Moab by the 20th.

Left to right: Jessie, Marty, Stefan, and me at Sunset Crater, with the San Francisco Mts. in the background

Though I'll have less time at the Grand Canyon, I am SO glad I went.  We saw massive lava fields, impressive ruins, and the Painted Desert, which defies description.  It was heartbreakingly beautiful, but what was probably most striking was the absolute stillness.  Not the hollow roar of cities, not the whisper of cars on a highway, not the rustle of leaves, NOTHING.  Such a change from the East Coast.

This was the closest Marty was able to come to doing the Painted Desert justice.  My camera battery died and I didn't  bring a spare, so shame on me (though I would have done no better).

Ruins!  Also courtesy of Marty.

There's something really special about hostelling.  People I met over breakfast were good friends by dinner (which we ate at Mountain Oasis -  I had an amazing spinach ricotta ravioli).  Marty just arrived from Dayton, OH and will work at the hostel while he transitions to living out here.  Jessie lives in Salt Lake City with her sister Catherine and both are from State College, PA.  Jessie studied anthropology and Catherine sells her handmade jewelry to high-end boutiques.  Stefan is from England.  He has been traveling for ages and has no intention of going home.