Our plans for the North Rim at the Grand Canyon were shifted round due to weather forecasts...which meant our plans for hiking also shifted, as we weren't going to be there early enough in the day to really do a proper hike down into the…Read More

Our plans for the North Rim at the Grand Canyon were shifted round due to weather forecasts...which meant our plans for hiking also shifted, as we weren't going to be there early enough in the day to really do a proper hike down into the canyon.

So we decided to head to Cape Royal...which if you read my other story turned out rather different than expected due to cloud...it was rather eerie to walk through the fog, unsure of were the path was going or what lay ahead.

We headed to the head of the North Kaibab trail...the original plan was more strenuous...but the plan chage together with weather concerns as we had seen the clouds and had heard thunder we switched from plan A to plan C which meant we only went as far as Coconino Overlook which is about a 1.5 mile round trip. The trail here is rough in places and was muddy due to recent rain...but its mucky as this is also a mule trail...so expect to have to watch your step ...or if you have a delicate nose this may not be the trail for you. Fair enough there are more spectacular views from the rim than you will get on this trail...but why come to the Grand Canyon and stand looking down. Now I would love to hike the Canyon rim to rim...but not this trip...it requires more advanced planning to get a space in one of the campsites in the canyon...as I'm not crazy enough to try it in one day ( we met one guy as we were coming up who had and looked half-dead). It was fairly steep and hard work coming back up...but it was worth it. I wish we had had time to go further down the trail. Going down provided a different perspective on the canyon than you can get from above. We met few people on this trail - one couple with a baby had just come up as we were starting down and the crazy rim-to-rim guy who came up just after us. So it was really nice to get a sense of remoteness and quiet.

Our final 'hike' was the Bright Angel Point Trail which is paved and a short stroll out to the amazing viewpoint to enjoy sunset over the canyon.

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After spending a few days in Phoenix baking in 100 degree temperatures, it was time to head up north to Flagstaff. On the way, we stopped at a National Park and detoured through one of the prettiest towns in the US. We decided…Read More

After spending a few days in Phoenix baking in 100 degree temperatures, it was time to head up north to Flagstaff. On the way, we stopped at a National Park and detoured through one of the prettiest towns in the US. We decided to take the easy way up to Flagstaff by using Interstate 17. However, if you have time and prefer a more scenic route, use State Route 89. A mostly mountainous road takes you through Prescott, Arizona’s former territorial capital, and many small defunct mining towns such as Congress and Yarnell. One of my favorite small towns, Jerome, lies on State Route 89, a mile high on the side of Mingus Mountain. Literally, you round a mountain curve and there is Jerome. It is no longer a mining town, but its history is still preserved through museums and its designation as a National Historic District. Since my wife doesn’t like driving on mountainous roads and next to steep cliffs and since I had already taken that route in the past, we opted for the Interstate.

Interstate 17 is mainly an uphill climb in elevation. Phoenix is about 1500 feet and by the time you reach Flagstaff, the elevation is close to 7000 feet. Roadside signs warn motorists to turn off the A/C to prevent overheating. Our first stop took us to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Located a few miles off of Interstate 17, we were greeted with the Cliff Castle Casino. This area is owned by the Yavapai-Apache Nation Indian Tribe and the casino seemed to be the first sign of life and recreation since leaving Phoenix. We headed down a service road that took us to the visitor center.

The Montezuma Castle National Monument preserves the cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people dating back to 700 AD. The five story, twenty room dwelling was carved out of the Verde Valley Cliff. Standing at the base and gazing up I began to think what these people had to do to build this house. It was hard to fathom how these people climbed that high to carve a house out of a cliff. It made you think how these early people overcame and adapted to their surroundings.

After spending an hour at the park and taking a nice break out of the car, it was now time to head up to one of the prettiest towns in the US, Sedona, also known as the Red Rock Country. We turned onto State Route 179 or otherwise known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. After a few miles, you can begin to see the large red rock buttes and mesas on the horizon. The landscape just seems to change in an instant to these massive rock formations with its beautiful colors of red and orange. We made a quick stop at the Coconino National Forest visitor center. Besides getting information on the area, it offers great picture opportunities of the beginnings of the Red Rock District.

We passed through the small town of Oak Creek Village, which is a small bedroom community for the much larger town of Sedona. A few miles later, we entered the city limits of Sedona. The scenery around the city is something to behold and because of this, it has become a tourist destination. The town itself is very artsy and very wealthy. Shopping is one of the tourist draws, but beware the prices can be very expensive and most of the items can be found cheaper elsewhere.

We grabbed lunch at an overpriced Mexican restaurant in town. After perusing the shopping scene for a while, we headed out of town toward our final destination. Leading out of town are numerous scenic stops for picture taking. A short distance outside of town, we entered Oak Creek Canyon. It’s referred to as a smaller cousin to the Grand Canyon and is the second most visited tourist site in the state after its larger counterpart. We began the drive for about thirteen miles beside the Canyon and after a series of hairpin turns around the mountain, we eventually met back up with Interstate 17. State parks and overlooks are interspersed throughout and many people can be seeing fishing or just taking a swim in the creek.

Since it is only a two hour drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff, it makes all the more sense to visit Sedona and the Red Rock Country. By not visiting this area, you will be missing out on nature’s beauty that can only be witnessed here.

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We struggled with the weather when we were in the area - but we thought in changing our plans we might get the better weather to visit the Grand Canyon...which had been one of the driving force on making the big trip to this region.…Read More

We struggled with the weather when we were in the area - but we thought in changing our plans we might get the better weather to visit the Grand Canyon...which had been one of the driving force on making the big trip to this region. So we drove in and the weather seemed to have improved from early morning the sun was breaking through the overhead cloud...so we were convinced that our change in plans was good!

But we headed up to Cape Royal to start with...but on reaching Roosevelt Point and Walhalla we could see nothing the cloud was thick around us...but we continued and we reached the car park at Cape Royal...and sat down for some food...and here the cloud was starting to lift...so every so often you could get this glimpse of something other than mist.

So we decided to head out to Angels Window and Cape Royal...but the cloud was so thick...so having walked out to both I decided to walk back...some of the others were less quick in return which paid off as suddenly the cloud lifted...I got that glimpse of Angels Window just were I had been walking. But as quick as it went...the cloud rolled back in...and became very foggy.

So we decided to head to the Lodge...but as we headed down we got to the start of the North Kaibab Trail...and there was no cloud in sight. And in the end ...by sunset we got the most incredible sky.

It did have a rather eerie feel to wander in the fog at Cape Royal...as sense of unknowing...that in theory you knew there was something there...you knew there was a drop...but you couldn't see it. Standing at the tip on Angels Window was surreal as the cloud swirled round, and a chill started to creep around you. Concealed ...it meant that each time the cloud crept back and allowed a glimpse it was magical. It was a strange world...but it meant that the Grand Canyon revealed itself in a unique way...glimmers...traces...but created a mystery about itself for me. It was a reminder that a day at the Grand Canyon is only ever going to be a glimpse there is just too much of it.   Close

Being in Page we had planned to go the Colorado River Discovery float...so we booked for the afternoon trip. We arrived at the office/shop in Page in plenty of time...and checked in, and were told that we would be briefed shortly out the front. There…Read More

Being in Page we had planned to go the Colorado River Discovery float...so we booked for the afternoon trip. We arrived at the office/shop in Page in plenty of time...and checked in, and were told that we would be briefed shortly out the front. There were a good number of bathrooms there...there was also a small coffee shop if you needed that fix. There was a shop with a range of stuff...lots of logo stuff ...but we decided not to purchase anything on our way out as it meant carrying more stuff, which turned out wise.

So we sat down outside on the small patio area. And the buses arrived back from the morning trip. We were getting excited.

Then someone started calling out the names of those booked on the afternoon trip. But then came the bad news...they had let us check in because they were waiting for the 12.30 weather report. This reported that there could be thunderstorms...hail...but also tornadic wind warning. The guy said hail didn't worry him as a hard hat could cope with that but anything a weather warning involving tornadic weather meant he wouldn't take us out on water. So we were directed inside to either get a refund or rebook. Unfortunately we couldn't do the rebook so we got a refund...and headed back to the motel.

Now it didn't look bad outside and not having the car...and needing to get some stuff ...and feeling a need for some food...decided that walking down from the hotel to Walmart seemed like a good plan. So it was less than a ten minute walk...and only slightly taking my life in hand to cross the road. Got things I needed and started to walk back...and at this stage the dark clouds were there. Got across the road, and I knew I wasn't going to make it back to the motel before the storm started. So Burger King was just there...so as I ordered a drink...the storm started...rain, thunder and lightning. Not the most spectacular storm to watch...but bad enough with lots of hail falling...and the temperature dropped enough that even several hours later there were places around Page that still had banks of white left from the hail. But some amount of rain fell too...and once the rain stopped I walked back through the car park of some stores. But there was so much water lying and flowing across the tarmac...my feet got wet quickly. But then I got to in front of the motel and two rivers of water and red sand flowed across the entrance. With no option...I walked though water that was more than ankle deep.

I was very glad to get back to the motel and was quite happy to have a quiet afternoon watching TV. I was especially glad not to have been doing to river float...even if not doing it was a bit disappointed.

But we later met one of the guides who had taken us through Antelope Canyon, who told us he had a group of Japanese tourists in the slot canyon when they got the warning to get out...but no matter how much he shouted at them...they were too busy taking photos...even when water started to get around them they still wouldn't hurry up...if it was me in a slot canyon formed by water being forced through a narrow space I'd want out of it.

Thankfully since it was a torrent of water and sand it was easier than mud to get out of my shoes in my walk back to the motel. It also meant I was in a Burger King, and I think it was the first time in probably ten years. But it all reminded me that in Ireland I'm so not used to 'serious' weather, that I had forgotten what weather warnings elsewhere can actually mean in severity.   Close

Every time I return back to the good ol' USA for some travelling - either in new places I've never been, or in states I haven't been to for years, I am reminded of how amazing a country that it is, and how fantastic it…Read More

Every time I return back to the good ol' USA for some travelling - either in new places I've never been, or in states I haven't been to for years, I am reminded of how amazing a country that it is, and how fantastic it is to travel.

Being away in the wide world, it can be easy to forget how great it really is. Either by being surrounded by the often misinformed and opinionated foreign view point, or by simply being awash in the enormity of choices of amazing, exotic places to see in the world.

The list in the back of my mind (and yes, written in every travel journal I've ever had) of where I want to go, what I want to see and do - is filled with options from the US, but always I feel this list pushed to the back.
Because after all - it's Home. And how can travel around home, be as adventurous as that in far away lands?

Perhaps it's because the life I lived in the US in my early days each year becomes a father removed existence, or maybe it is just that the older you get and the more you see - the more you realize that some of the world's greatest sights are right on your own doorstep - and far away or not, they are just as amazing.

So when I come back to the states now, I do it with the vigor of a European on tour of the great wild, western unknown. A visitor to the new world, and what all it has to offer - and in that mindset - America becomes a traveller's paradise.

And it is in this mindset, that I drove into Arizona for the first time. In a bright silver convertible - heading south through the deserts from Nevada - we crossed into the Grand Canyon State, and the instant affinity I had with the place makes me smile to this day to think of it.

No Texan would ever claim to feel that any other state could claim the top spot as 'Best US State.' And I admit I am no exception. So in my travels around America, I rarely look to fill any allocated spots in my mental list of favorites.

I do, however, have a vague notion of favorites - and those these change over time (as things always do) Arizona almost immediately leaped into the vague place in my heart known as the Top 5.

I can't really recommend it highly enough - especially for anyone who feels drawn out west, or loves to see the sun set over the desert. For photographers, there is no better scene than a cactus in the red afternoon light, and the red rocks of Sedona are something that - once seen - will stay in your heart forever.

The Grand Canyon holds it's own in grandeur and magnificence with any natural sight on the planet - and very few places have I been where I felt the age and dignity of a place as I did standing at sunset on the South Rim.

There's a crisp, pleasantness to the cities and towns like Phoenix, Surprise, Flagstaff and Sedona. Drive around the state as much as you can, and allow what ever time you have - because there is an awful lot to see.    Close

There's a great little town just north of Phoenix that is great for more than just the name - but then, you have to feel kindly disposed towards any place that refers to itself as 'Surprise.' I wasn't sure I wanted to do a review…Read More

There's a great little town just north of Phoenix that is great for more than just the name - but then, you have to feel kindly disposed towards any place that refers to itself as 'Surprise.'

I wasn't sure I wanted to do a review just of Surprise - as it's more of a jumping off point where travellers are concerned, and for me was encompassed largely in a visit to a very old friend from my old Texas days.

However - it seemed wrong not to mention it at all, as it turned out to be such a positive aspect of my first Arizona experience. And when I remember my time in the states on my last West Coast travels, I always specifically remember Surprise with a subtle fondness.

So - it is probably worth mentioning right at the start that for the average traveler visiting Arizona for the first time - it's not the place with the most exciting or awe-inspiring things to do. In many ways, Surprise is just a town. But it's a very nice town, and one that left me wondering about my decision not to move back to the US just yet.

Long gypsy days around the world for the past 8 years has given me a lot of scope to imagine where I will see myself living next. And it wasn't until I spent some time in Surprise, that I felt like considering the states again as a serious contender.

However - for the traveler - this little Arizona town has many benefits to offer, too. For one thing - it's a town with everything you could really ask of a city. The grid system they've implemented means that just as soon as you get the hang of things there - everything is easy to find. There's a superb selection of stores, restaurants, shops and malls - and if there's something you can't get in Surprise, you'll find it in one of the adjoining towns.

It's close to Phoenix - a fairly easy hour (approx) drive to get you into the city or the airport ( a very easy airport in and of itself)

If you don't want to stay in the city but aren't ready to make the drive to Tuscon or Flagstaff - this is a very amenable place to stop - enjoy the scenery and get your bearings for other adventures.

If you're not looking to stay - it's also a great place to stop off to stock up on anything you need. Many of the sights are easy striking distance from here - Flagstaff, Sedona and even the Grand Canyon are just a few hours drive away. Not to mention all of the hikes, mountains, etc that you have easy access to all around.

If you're on your way back to California - it's an excellent stop off before you get on the long, and extremely empty 10 to LA. It's also about a 4 - 5 hour drive through beautiful remote country to Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam.

The only downside that I really found with Surprise (and a very important tip for the traveler, even if you are only driving through) is that the police are absurdly strict here. They are quite harsh in all of Arizona - so you really want to be careful to obey the rules of the road there. But this is especially true in Surprise. The speed cameras are hyper-sensitive and seem to be at every intersection, and the police will pull you over in a heart beat if you step even slightly out of line. We actually managed to get pulled over 5 minutes into the town (for a strange local offense which we got off with a warning for). It made for an interesting arrival - especially given that my husband had only been driving on the 'US' side of the road for 3 days, and had never been pulled over before.

So be extremely careful with your speed and driving while you're in the area, and otherwise - enjoy what the little Surprise town has to offer your trip to Arizona.    Close

Besides the natural beauty of our national parks system, people come here for the wildlife. And nothing will stop vacationers in their tracks quicker than spotting ANY form of wildlife. There are some 75 specials of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, 25 types of fish,…Read More

Besides the natural beauty of our national parks system, people come here for the wildlife. And nothing will stop vacationers in their tracks quicker than spotting ANY form of wildlife.

There are some 75 specials of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, 25 types of fish, and somewhere around 300 birds within the parks environs. There are bobtails and mountain lions. Of course your have varieties of deer, squirrels, gophers chipmunks, sheep, and rabbits. But believe it or not the most important is the squirrel. Yep, the squirrel. The Albert and the Kaibab squirrels to be exact. The Albert is at the South Rim and the Kaibab at the North Rim.

Of course you should use caution when you see these animals. Don’t feed them or give them pick a nick baskets. Don’t get to close. And take only pictures and leave the animals where you found them. Don’t destroy nature when trying to take pictures or get a better view of the animals. Keep your distance when you see the animals. And lastly don’t let your wildlife play with their wildlife. Most of these animals are hard to find and keep their distance from the high traffic rim areas. While I was here I got to see the following animals:

The Albert Squirrel . Tony asked us what we thought the most dangerous animals here was. I said man. Others said the mountain lion and some said bears (there are no bears here). We were all wrong. Tony informs us that during peak season more than 10 people a day are treated at the first aid station for bites. These little guys don’t seem to mind us and come right up to people who proceed to pet or attempt to pet them and get bit!

After walking back from the trail at Hermit’s Rest, I saw a crowd gathered in front of the gift shop. And what do I always say about crowds gathering? It is probably for a good reason. The reason here? This cute little chubby cheeked Albert Squirrel right on the walkway there, looking a-dor-able. Yep, I listed to everyone word Tony said about the squirrel. Of course I still wanted to reach down and scratch his cute little cheeks. He just looked like he was made for petting. I refrained myself though and only took his little picture.

The California Condor . Of course Condors are still endangered but are coming back to the area thanks to careful monitoring of these magnificent creatures and breeding programs. Today, thankfully, about some 70 of the birds can be found in the area. While at the park you can take in one of the daily ranger talks about these beauties.

While we were here we were lucky enough to see one flying and soaring over the canyon. These birds can weigh up to 23 pounds and can have up to a 9 foot wing span. So to see such a regal and magnificent bird soaring over one of the most beautiful places on the planet was a rare but awe inspiring site. Again, remember to breath. Tony had plenty to tell us about theses creatures. I would have loved to have a closer look. I was just happy to get a glance.

Ravens Of all the birds at the canyon, the ravens is the most abundant and your best chance of seeing wildlife at the park. They are often mistaken for the crow or people think they are the same thing. Chances of seeing a crow at the canyon are slim. They are also very sneaky and often swoop down and grab food from unspecting guests to the park.

While also walking around at Hermit’s Rest I spotted a raven steadfastly perched on a tree limb giving me a great shot with my camera. I was just fascinated watching him bouncing and strutting around on his branch. And with the Grand Canyon in the background. Well that was money shot for sure.

Big Horn Sheep . These gorgeous animals once numbered in the millions. But since man seems hell bent on destroying everything, these animals numbered have dwindled to next to nothing, like many of the inhabitants at the canyon. These stout animals can scramble from ledge to ledge of the walls and can climb at a rate of about 15 miles per hour.

As Pam and I were rambling around the rim, I glanced over at the El Tovar restaurant and at the side of the building and there are two sheep. At first I am thinking "hmmmm..odd place for a statue". But then I think I see the baby move. I rubbed my eyes and look again, and it was moving. I start tugging on Pam like a little kid and all I can do is point. Then I manage to whisper "lookie..baby". We start to carefully inch our way up and then others start to notice too. People to start to form a circle around mom and her baby. Everyone is also talking in whispers. Though I don’t know why as this place isn’t exactly quite.

We take picture after picture and soon leave them to enjoy the grass and the water. The next day as we are doing site inspections we walk out of the Angel Bright and on to the next resort. All of a sudden there was a travel agent traffic jam. Out on the lawn there were more sheep. There was also a big crowd gathered around on the lawn snapping away. It was just something else to see these guys hanging out not the least bit concerned with people all over the place.

While here I also marveled at butterflies, more birds, and while we were touring the train we saw people gathered around while a mule deer was munching. One of the agents had a close encounter with a tarantula. Thankfully that wasn’t me because if I had, the people at the North Rim would have known about it. Just remember you can see them. That is wildlife stopping at its worse kind and just makes me go "blah".
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There are some places on the planet that are known for their sunrises and sunsets. I personally, celebrate sunsets as often as possible and sunrises when on the very rare occasion I am up to see them. So when I seen I would be here…Read More

There are some places on the planet that are known for their sunrises and sunsets. I personally, celebrate sunsets as often as possible and sunrises when on the very rare occasion I am up to see them. So when I seen I would be here for sunset and sunrise I knew I had to celebrate this daily ritual.

I had already seen the sunset at the Desert Botanical Gardens so I was very anxious to see it here as well. After Pam and I had our tour with the delightful Tony, we had the rest of the day to enjoy the canyon. We had plenty of time to take in all the grandeur of this place. As the daytime was soon ending and evening would take its shift, this place takes on an ethereal beauty. The scrumptious reds, gold, and rusts of the rocks must now compete with the reds, pinks, and yellows of the nighttime skies. The clouds here change too. Several looked like UFO’s to me!!!

You really have to go to different vantage points to see the varying shades of the evening. There is just something special about looking out over the massive land with the brilliant colors of the sky changing into its nighttime shine. Unlike Phoenix, there are no twinkling lights in the distance from surrounding cities. And that is just the way I like it.

As I have mentioned before I am not a fan of mornings. But when I received my itinerary and it listed the option of being up at ready to hike to the lookout point for sunrise at the Grand Canyon, there was no way I was not going to see this.

Pam and I both were up for this option. We drug our sleepy heads out of bed and headed out to the bus stop to catch the bus out to Mather Point. The minute we got to our stop and headed towards the point, I knew why they suggested a heavy jacket here. I had to have an extra piece of luggage to fit my hubby’s big stadium jacket in it. Up until this point I was thinking I had wasted my money. It was freezing. So make sure you bring a heavy jacket if you’re planning to enjoy this spectacle of nature.

We make our way to Mather Point where a crowd has already arrived before us. We walk around trying to find the best vantage point in which to view this site so many people had come to see. Pam, Jodine, and others from our group gather around the railings. Myself and others perch up on a boulder. We wait for the special moment when the sun would rise up over the horizon to greet us.

As the first rays break the excitement begins to build as people prepare for the beginning of our day. As the sun starts to pop its head over the horizon, you start to hear gasps and "here it come". Once that glowing ball is up, a collection cheer arises from the crowd as we greet this morning as so many do every morning. As I looked around I see people holding each other, smiles a mile wide, and tears being wiped from what we just witnessed. It was a collective experience that we all shared that will last a lifetime.

As the sun started climbing up I had to once again remind myself to breath. As I waiting to say hello to the sun I just kept thinking how lucky I was to be here to experience this event. As the sun creeps up I have a hard time taking pictures for the tears that start streaming down from my face. While it may seem trivial since this natural event occurs everyday. To be here at this place and to see something some hauntingly beautiful is a treat. And it is something every person should have the privilege of doing so at least once in their lifetime.

Should you be here during Easter, they do offer 2 options for sunrise services. The most spectacular of these is held in the park. Traditionally the services have been held at Mather Point but this year it was held at Yavapai Point. The Shrine of the Ages also holds services. Both services are non-denominational. Check the park’s website for more information. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.
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While my trip to the Grand Canyon allowed plenty of time to roam on my own, we did get a tour from one of the locals. And who knows better than the locals? After our delightful 2 hour train ride to the Grand Canyon, we…Read More

While my trip to the Grand Canyon allowed plenty of time to roam on my own, we did get a tour from one of the locals. And who knows better than the locals?

After our delightful 2 hour train ride to the Grand Canyon, we disembarked and once again we divided up into 2 groups and loaded up on a bus with our tour guide, the wonderful Tony. Now after spending several hours on a motor coach with our tour guide, Salty Dog, it was a relief to have someone who knew what they were talking about and was able to bring the history of this place to life through knowledge instead of reading something out of a book an boring us to death. Like many in this area, Tony is a native and his family has lived here for many generations. And just like my husband he is of course part Native American from the Yavapai tribe.

As we head out Tony gives us the history of this amazing place. As we round the corner, all of a sudden, there it was. What we were here for…the Grand Canyon. You hear one huge "gasp" followed by "OMG", followed by sounds of cameras clicking picture after picture. For many, like myself, this was our first trip to this wonder. So to hear all of these agents discovering the beauty of this place at one time was just something special. In fact one agent who has been with the company for many years has taken this trip several times and commented that no many how many times she took this trip, it always brought tears to her eyes at the first discovery.

There are a total of 19 overlooks at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Of course we didn’t hit them all. We traveled along West Rim Drive and Hermit’s Rest Rd. We stopped in at Hermits Rest as well as Pima, Mohave, and Hopi Points. The views here are heart stopping. You can choose to keep safely behind a barrier with eye popping views or go out a bit to the rim barrier free and get even more amazing views. These views certainly are not for those who are afraid of heights and you should use extreme cautions when going out to the edge.


At each stop we parked the bus and we had plenty of time to ogle and photograph this natural wonder. Before each overlook we were given a history of where we were going and answered the many questions we had once we were there and pointed out things to be on the lookout for. At each overlook agents gathered around to admire this beauty and to take pictures to prove they were here and to post on Facebook. At Hermits Rest there are rest rooms as well as a gift shop and a place to pick up a bite to eat. I decided to walk the road that went past the bathrooms. It took me to an area without barriers and offering up some mind boggling views which left me speechless.

Having a guided tour was truly a wonderful experience and I was very grateful to have that tour with a knowledgeable guide such as Tony. And discovering this amazing place with my fellow agents was just indescribable.
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Ok, so I have told you about experiences that have left me speechless and had tears in my eyes. But I had to end with a story that left me in stitches. After shopping for my children at the 3 Dog Bakery, Pam and I…Read More

Ok, so I have told you about experiences that have left me speechless and had tears in my eyes. But I had to end with a story that left me in stitches.

After shopping for my children at the 3 Dog Bakery, Pam and I headed out to our Pink Jeep Tour. As we were heading towards the offices it dawned on me, I had to get their presents home and remarked to Pam "geeze I hope they don’t have drug sniffing dogs at the airport since they will certainly sniff out this huge bone".

On my final night I was busy packing my bags. I put my bag with babies’ goodies right on top. After all I knew they would be happy to see mommy and then would want to know what I got them. When I arrived back into Charlotte I made my way to the luggage carousel and one piece of luggage was the first off the conveyer belt. However I stood and stood waiting for my other piece of luggage. I was starting to think after all of these years my luggage finally gets lots. When sure enough here comes my red luggage with the dozen luggage tags on the handle. I grab it and make my way to my car and head on home. When I get home I wearily threw my luggage on my bed to unpack and notice a bright red sticker on the airline luggage sticker. It read "Inspected by TSA". So apparently someone had drug sniffing dogs somewhere. And when I opened my luggage, my bag of goodies that had been on top was shoved down on the side and there were teeth marks on my luggage!

OK, but let me go back and add something else. I have mentioned several times that I do not drink alcoholic beverages but love wine labels. While at the resort gift shop in Williams I mentioned to my roommate Pam that I would have to get a bottle of wine with the train on it for the label. I explained I didn’t drink but just wanted the label. The following night at the Maswick Lodge when they had a dinner for us, Pam went up to the bar and came back with empty wine bottle for me. She asked the bar tender if she could have the empty wine bottle. Since they were going to toss it anyway, she gladly turned it over to Pam. So she gave it to me so I didn’t have to by a $13 bottle of wine just for the label.

Word got out about my wine label obsession. By the time I let I have 2 wine bottles, a champagne bottle, and 2 bottles from local made beer (my label obsession actually extends to any kind of local made booze, not just wine). And so guess what piece of luggage all of those empty booze bottle were in.? Yep, the red one with the dog treats that was inspected by TSA.

As I unpacked my contraband luggage and located the kid’s treats I noticed that apparently they had inspected the whole things since things were out of place (I never leave my bag of dirty clothes on top). Then it just hit me and I started to laugh. I am having visions of this big TSA inspector (and in my vision he reminded me of the crazy sheriff actor Ron Pearlman played in the Stephen King movie Desperation ). I could just see him thinking he had a big drug bust, but instead discovered his dogs had sniffed out dog bones and cookies. Then I seeing him snarking and laughing at my dog cookies and hold them up all the time saying "ain’t that special..Halloween cookies…for dogs". Then to make sure that was all there was, they went through my luggage and found about half a dozen empty booze bottles then declaring "and it looks like she has a big drinking problem".

Now I have no idea what actually happened other than my luggage did get inspected. But I figured it gave me an amusing story. Just next time I travel, I will remember to bring the wine label removers with me. At least that way if my luggage gets inspected again, they will only find the dog treats!
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