Flagstaff favorites

This is a list of our favorite things in Flagstaff: Tim: Bearizona and Walnut Canyon Kami: Lake Mary and Sunset Crater hike Noah: Bearizona Megan: Walnut canyon and Deer farm Leah: Deer farm

Flagstaff Day 3- 5/30/12

Today is wildlife day! We have not seen too much wildlife besides the occasional squirrel at our campground so it is going to be exciting to see some animals. We started off our day heading into Williams to visit Bearizona which is a drive through wildlife park. I have been a little bit skeptical of this place but decided to give it a chance. It turned out to be really neat! The first 2 miles you drive around the park which is a very natural setting since it is in the forest. You get to see wolves, bighorn sheep, bison, and Megan's favorite…the black bear. There were some burros that came right up to our window that we had a hard time getting rid of. There were a lot of bears to see but they were mostly napping and lounging around. Most of these animals we have seen in the wild but it was cool to see them so up close. After the drive, they have a walk through place with smaller animals. So, we got out and saw some other animals. The cutest were a group of 9 baby cubs that were only a few months old. They were only 5 or so feet away from us and they were so adorable! There was also a little petting area or farm where you could interact with goats, pigs, and chickens. We also took in a birds of prey show where they had owls and falcons that flew directly over our heads. The owl's wing even hit my hat it was so close! So, Bearizona is a very nice place where they have great exhibits and animals that have been rescued from the wild due to injury or other condition that would not enable them to survive in the wild.

 A burro that wouldn't leave our car!

 A bear in the drive through section of Bearizona.

A cub in the walk through or fort area of Bearizona.

Next place was all about Leah. Her favorite animal is the deer so a must stop was the Grand Canyon deer farm in Williams as well. Right when you walk in, you are barraged with deer waiting to get at the food pellets you have waiting for them. There must be 2 dozen deer there ready to attack it seemed to me. They especially loved eating Leah's shirt which she found delightful and disgusting all at the same time. Leah was in total heaven with a grin on her face the entire time. She named a few of them and gave lots of hugs and kisses to them. They also had some other animals including llamas, bison, burros and horses. The kids got to feed the horses some carrots at the end and really enjoyed that. So, the deer farm lived up to Leah's expectations and she was not at all disappointed to be able to interact with that many deer. It was a lot of fun for her and a joy to her Mommy to see her so happy.

 Leah was so excited just at the entrance of the deer farm!

Flagstaff Day 2- 5/29/12

We started off our day with heading to the San Francisco Peaks to do a hike on the Inner Basin Trail starting out from Lockett Meadow. Unfortunately, once we got up there, the road was closed for construction until July. I was so sad as I was looking forward to this hike and made sure we were going to do it first so I wouldn't have tired kids begging to not do it at the end of the day. Thankfully we had other plans that were right across the highway. That place was Sunset Crater so we headed there. We stopped at the visitor's center and looked at all of the exhibits about volcanoes and earthquakes which were really intriguing for the kids. It is thought that this volcano erupted about 1100 years ago and was quite large. We went on a hike on the Lava Trail which meandered around the crater. It was really cool as you were walking on hardened lava and rock. Definitely a unique experience! After our hike we headed down the road to Wupatki Monument. The scenery changed quite a bit as we descended in elevation about 2000 feet and headed toward the Painted Desert. We stopped in the visitor's center and learned all about the Natives who lived here about 1000 years ago. The kids got sworn in for their Jr. Ranger badges for Sunset Crater and then we went off to do the trail that led to the Pueblo monument. There was a huge structure that was the dwelling place for Native Americans who farmed and lived there. There was even a ball court there to go into. So great for the imagination to think how they lived during that time and wonder why they left. The kids really enjoyed seeing it and learning about a part of Arizona history. It was then time to head back to camp….after a stop for ice cream to reward some great hiking behavior from the kiddos…not one complaint today! We relaxed for a while at camp…Tim and I went on a bike ride and then we headed down to Lake Mary so Noah could cast a line. The lake was really pretty and the kids and Lily enjoyed romping around on the shore. Noah tried to fish but the wind was blowing the current towards him so it was not too successful for him. So, after a time of walking the shore and wading a bit, we headed back. Then it was dinner time and hanging out. The kids built a huge raging fire all by themselves but it quickly got out of control and had to be put out by Daddy. They were a little over zealous! Then it was bed time. Only one more day to go!

 This is the Lava Flow trail at Sunset Crater, the crater being right behind us.

 Wupatki National Monument, the main ruins are right behind us.

 Lake Mary pictured here.  Only a 5 minute drive from our campsite.

 My 4 kids looking out at the water at Lake Mary.  Lily had the best time of all!

 Noah did some fishing but didn't catch anything.

The kids found tons of lobster and clam shells on the shore. 

Flagstaff Day 1- 5/28/12

Today was our first day in Flagstaff. Our ride started off a little shaky when a guy flagged us down on the freeway and was frantically pointing at our trailer. So we pulled off the 101 on Shea and Tim did a quick check and everything seemed fine…he probably just saw some water from our tank coming out. So, back on our way for a quick road trip for us. We decided to go straight for a hike first since check in time was not until 2pm at our campground. We headed up to Walnut Canyon National Monument to get started. Unfortunately, they were too busy for us and had no parking for vehicles with trailers available. So…plan B. Head to the campground and beg for them to let us in early. And thankfully they did! What an amazing campground this is. I am going to note it so I never forget it because I think we will be coming back here. We are at Pine Grove campground site number 23. It is right next to Lake Mary, which actually has water in it! So, we had a quick lunch and then set up camp. This campground is full of pine trees and meadows. There is a whole meadow of dandelions just waiting to be blown near us. I like it too because it is paved so the kids can ride their bikes around. So, after exploring a bit we headed back to Walnut Canyon National Monument. We went to the visitor's center and then headed down the Island trail which lead down into the ruins of the canyon. The kids were fascinated by the dwellings made into the side of the canyon where the Sinaqua people lived 800 years ago. It was fun to imagine what their life was like and why they eventually left the area. After climbing 185 steps back up (the 185 steps down was not even worth mentioning!) we watched a movie in the center and the kids worked on their Jr. Ranger books. Then they got sworn in as Jr. Rangers which was really cute. Back to camp for dinner and a campfire with smores. Then it was time for games and then bed. We have a busy day tomorrow!

All of us at Walnut Canyon

 A big thumbs up for lots of fun!  This is one of the ruins down in Walnut Canyon.

 Here is a picture of our campsite.  Number 23 at Pinegrove near Lake Mary.

Hanging out at the campfire!

Road tripin season is here!  We are starting off our summer with 4 days in Flagstaff.  I have spent a lot of time in Flagstaff, mostly when my kids were very little but have yet to fall in love with it.  I am hoping this time it will be different, we will be able to do more active things and just being in the great outdoors for 4 days should convince me one way or another.  We are staying at Pine Grove campground near Lake Mary.  For the next 2 days, we will be busy packing, grocery shopping, chopping up fruit, and getting everything ready.  Tim is off getting the trailer now...I get so excited about the little things...it has been too long! Next post will be from Flagstaff!