Days 5-whenever

Music on the Plaza in Santa Fe

Well, we've learned that much of northern AZ is not wireless-friendly. After leaving Santa Fe, we were'nt very successful finding wireless venues. We've even found a non-wireless Starbucks!!! Anyway....from Sante Fe, which was incredible by the way, we trekked across some of the most beautiful country so far on our way to Williams, AZ. Mesas of reds & browns, elk and free-range cattle everywhere. We followed the railroad most of the way so we saw plenty of very long trains. Stopped at one of the original Route 66 eateries, the Roadrunner cafe. food was not great but the atmosphere was cool. We've been trying to leave our money with the route locals as much as possible. Stopped in Winslow, AZ for the obligatory picture "on the corner". Turned out to be a great little community. Found a nice indy coffee place and a couple of decent gift shops. The people were very welcoming. As we moved through northern, AZ the land changed again. There is a definite feel of cowboy country down here. These people walk the talk. No trendy hats or boots, just jeans with Skol can rings worn into the pockets. We got to Williams in the afternoon and had a great night. Lots of local bars and restaurants all within walking distance from hotels. We stayed at the Grand Canyon Depot. Spent the evening enjoying live entertainment including music and a wild west shootout in the street. Hung out with several locals who were happy to share the local history. On Wednesday, we jumped on the Grand Canyon Express train for the trip to the south rim. More entertainment on the train. Spent the day hiking the rim trail. The canyon takes my breath away everytime I'm here. Pictures truly can not do it justice! After getting back to Williams, we took a sunset drive throught the mountains toward Kingman, AZ. We stopped at another historic cafe, The Copper Cart in Seligman for dinner. It was the BEST food on the route so far (except for those doughnuts). The sunset over the mountains was incredible. As we reached Kingman, we made the decision to go on to Laughlin, NV. A slight deviation from our route but a lot more fun. We've had great weather (80's & low 90's) the whole trip. As we decended into Laughlin we watched the temp rise to 101. It was 100 at 10 pm. I think we have found that extreme heat everyone hasbeen talking about. We will head into the California desert today so I'm sure there will be little relief until we get to the coast. I'm sure I'm forgetting so much but I will catch you up after I fuel up with breakfast. It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through our trip. Oh well, there is so much yet to come.....