Phoenix

Tuesday, February 19 - Wednesday, February 20

After marveling in the Grand Canyon and all its glory (and enjoying the opportunity to use our legs!), we headed south.  Originally we planned to stop and see Sedona, Jerome, and Montezuma's Castle, but warnings of a winter snow storm hitting that day urged us to drive straight through to Phoenix.  So drive we did, and we arrived after sunset to the home of some lovely relatives.

We found out later that there was a sink hole on one of the roads we were traveling on not so long ago! Though later we realized it was farther north than we entered the road.

After some catching up we enjoyed a lovely night's sleep, and the next day we all headed into the city to spend time at the Heard Museum.  Our relatives treated us to a lovely time at this museum that exhibits Native American art.

Cradle Boards

Rug Weaving

Moccasins

Beaded Bags

Beautiful Glass Fence

Harry Potter Pottery!

Kachina Dolls

We also learned some about the Navajo code talkers from WWII, which were Navajo men who joined the Marines and developed a secret code using Navajo and English to help with communication--a code the Japanese never cracked.  I had heard that the code was so complex that I was actually surprised by how simple the system actually was (i.e. the Navajo word for bird meant plane, if I remember correctly).  I guess the complexity came from the multiple levels of translation.

After enjoying the beautiful art at the museum, we went back to the house for the night, where we had a delicious steak dinner, joined by more family.  Later that night, my cousin and I even enjoyed the hot tub!

It was so nice to spend time with family in Phoenix, and we had a little more time than originally planned due to the storm that drove us onward.  Thanks, Bob and Dale for the wonderful visit!  But by the next morning we had to be on our way--San Diego was our next stop!