In the summer of 2007 my family took off for a 3-week long road trip to the Grand Canyon. This is the same trip my mother took with her family as a child. She was determined we would do the same.
Day one we made it to Texas. We visited San Antonio and Six Flags. We also walked the River Walk where we ate at Dick’s place. To my sister’s and my own amazement we had napkins thrown at us and dunce hats placed on our heads. We learned afterwards you must have a sense of humor to eat there. Thank goodness my family does.
We then moved on towards Arizona. Oh, was the haul from El Paso to Arizona ever long. Did you know the speed limit is 90? Well, there are no police to be seen and you definitely do not want to break down on this road.
Upon our arrival to Arizona, I was shocked and amazed at how many cactuses there really are. Not to mention that my mother pointed out each and every one. “Look at that cactus.” I can’t begin to tell you how many times I heard that. Did you know that cactuses actually have liquid you can drink for survival?
Somehow my mother decided we would drive straight up to Las Vegas. After all we were so close, why not? We attended several shows in the 2-days we were there. The lights were absolutely amazing. I will never forget that place.
We left Vegas and headed for the Grand Canyon. We took the train and headed out for a day tour. My mother was determined that we would miss nothing. After all “this is a once in a life time trip”, she said. It was beautiful. We even saw the Colorado River. However, we almost missed the bus back to our train. We had to run for what seemed like an eternity in the “only” 120 degree F heat.
Nonetheless, we made it and headed towards a place called Bedrock City, Arizona to see where the Flinstones lived. After numerous stops we found literally nobody that ever heard of this place. Keep in mind my mother went there in 1975. Believe this or not, we found it. We were the only customers at the virtually shutdown and dilapidated park. My mother was very sad and told us about all the fun stuff she did when she visited years earlier.
The trip home was long. There were times when I thought we all hated each other. I learned that nobody, especially my father can drive better than my mother.
Oh did I mention we had to make a stop in New Mexico, too. After all we were right there. I must admit that Carlsbad Caverns and the White Sands were awesome. No to mention, Bill the Kid. We all enjoyed it, except for the speeding ticket my dad received on Father’s Day. Yes, that made my mother a better driver than she already was.
In conclusion, the trip was a blast. I truly did learn a lot on this journey. And although it was a lot of driving, I wouldn’t change anything about it. My mother’s moral was to look out the window and see it all. I have to say I am so glad that I did. She said it “may be a once in a lifetime trip”. I hope not, as I would love to take my family there one day. And yes, if my wife is like my mother, she will drive.
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