The Williams

November 20, 2007

Sam's Family Hot Springs Resort - Desert Hot Springs, CA

Back to Palm Springs for a little R&R on the way home...even in November it's still in the upper '80's here! Not bad considering it was 121 degrees F when we came through here on our way out east.

The kingfisher at Sam's catching his breakfast

November 19, 2007

November 17, 2007

The Grand Canyon was incredible. After learning from the rangers that only experienced hikers go all the way down in we started out day trek. We got bout 3 miles in which took about an hour to go down and 4 to go up! We were down far enough that the other people we passed on the trail could be overheard questioning what little kids were doing that far down.

Can you spot the goats on this outcropping?

Rory's growing collection

November 15, 2007

Route 66 - The Southwest

This leg of the trip was excellent since the first time on the way to the east coast we blazed through as it was so hot down there in July. Now we had time to relish the experience and really enjoy the sunshine that was definitely absent in Chicago. We had been loosely following the old Route 66 since it started in Chicago but the southwest is really where the road gets interesting.

We also found out about the Jr. Park Ranger program and started our plastic gold badge collections. Here's the National Park Ranger swearing the boys in as Jr. Park Rangers.

November 2, 2007

Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo, TX

The infamous Cadillac Ranch was always on the list as a stop. This was originally an art installation back in the '70's but has since taken on mythical status as is evident from all the graffiti on the cars, fence, roadway, etc...

October 31, 2007

Dallas, TX

We spent a week exploring the Dallas area. The city itself seemed more like a large office complex but our side trips made this part of the journey fun. We camped at Dinosaur Valley State Park, visited the National Boy Scout HQ & Museum, and took a walk through the Ft. Worth Stockyards.