Go Time

Alright, after a weekend of festivities its time to buckle down.

I get to be in charge of Wild Colorado again this year, which is cool. We build fires and eat bugs and stuff. But even cooler is the fact that the shelter I built last year is still standing!

How's that for sturdy construction?

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Kiddos

So yesterday was showtime: the kiddos showed up. Thus far I'm very impressed with my group. They are extremely diverse but have thus far been mixing nicely.

Today we took them on a bit of a hike to beautiful potato lake. Enjoy the pics.

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It's Showtime

Very soon the children will arrive, and I can't wait. John, my cocounselor, and I went with a Rock theme for a cabin. Its all done up with posters, 45's, 8 tracks, and awesome. We also made guitar pick necklaces for the boys, and made some neat-o name plates for the doors.

Anyway, I think I smell some bacon so it must be time for breakfast.

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Staff Camping Trip

As much as I enjoy the kids at camp I love the week before when we get to hang out with just staff. Some time we spend training, some prepping, some just having a great time together.

We had plans to summit Engineer Mountain, but the trip got rained out. We took our backbacks and camped up by a lake instead.

Fabulous times with fabulous people.

Check out mu giant natural pencil in the last photo.

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Camp!

Here's a little taste of what we wake up to in the morning.

Today we woke up, went for a walk, caught up with each other, and dug some holes in the ground.

Tonight is the big welcome dinner. Good times.

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Onward, Eastward

After the Grandest of Canyons we drove out to Navajo National Monument. It was deserted when we arrived there at sunset. That's when we realized that there would be no rangers the next morning to guide hikes as it would be father's day. So we hiked a couple miles, enjoyed the shadows cast by the setting sun on the canyon walls, then took off for Durango.

We got in at about 0030 and were greeted by friends. The trip was a success.

Stay tuned for updates from camp.

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The Grand Canyon

Which, by the way is NOT a misnomer, it is quite grand.

We rolled up absolutely disgusted at the $25 entrance fee, but then we found out it was a free weekend. Score.

Needless to say, we has an EPIC time peering down and standing on ledges.

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Saying Goodbye to the Mother Road

From Seligman we drove through the sad town of Ash Fork which has been all but forgotten by yravellers of the I40. From the glory days of the 66 all that remains in a historical monument.

Our last stop on the 66 was Williams, Az. On the recommendation of a local ham we ate at the Pine Country Restaurant . . . DELISH!

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Seligman, Az

Yepp, we're pretty much tourists now, but check out our sweet hats!

And what the hell is Burma Shave® and why have they placed cryptic signs along the 66?

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Stayed at grand canyon caverns last night. Slept outside was pretty sweet. Explored the caverns this morning was amazing.

Grand Canyon Caverns

Wonderful place. We camped out under a tree then explored the largest dry canyon in the US. It was very cool, and worth the $15 camping fee and $16 for the tour.

Accomodations were great with free hot water showers!

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Made It Safe

We rolled into Grand Canyon Caverns at about 1930. The drive up from Kingman was lovely. Started out desolate and lonely but transistioned to mesas and rolling hills.

We'll post pics as soon as we get a data connection on our phones.

Until then, we gotta go set up camp.

Grand Canyon Caverns, Az

Movin' On Down the Line

Stopped for a bite to eat at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner.

So far the trip down the 66 has been amazing. The road is at times trecherous, but the views were nothing less of spectacular.

Kingman, Az

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First Gas Stop

Kingman, Az

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Oatman, Az

A quiant town, tucked away in a forboding landscape.

What kind of a person chooses to live here?

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You sunk my battleship!

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Pirate Bobby sez . . .

 . . . 'Hand over yer booty!'

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I've become one with the mother road

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First pit stop

Some lonely rest stop in Fenner, Ca.

Much fluid was leaked. ;)

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Hmmm . . .

Rainbow pinstriping.

Wanna know how I know you're gay?

Barstow, Ca

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And we're off!

Littlerock, Ca

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This is bobby

As much as I love my regular job . . .

. . . I won't miss changing diapers.

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The Journey Begins

All packed. The car is loaded and my room looks sad and lonely.

Now off to work, and from there, the great beyond.

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At the Carwash

You know, the ghetto wash is surpisingly tranquil at midnight.

The car is clean. Now just gotta swing by the evil empire (Wal*Mart) for some goods, gas up, and finish packing.

Sleep? Meh. I'll sleep when I'm dead.

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Planning

Just finished planning the road trip. Here's what we're looking at:

Day 1
19.Jun.2009

Leave Littlerock High School (approx. 1300hrs)
Begin drive of Old Route 66 (Topoc, Az)
Stop at Quality Inn at Kingman (1400 E Andy Devine Ave)
Arrive at Grand Canyon Caverns (approx. 2200hrs)


Day 2
20.Jun.2009

Guided Tour of Grand Canyon Caverns (1000hrs $9.95)
Depart Grand Canyon Caverns
End drive of Old Route 66 (Williams, Az)
Visit Grand Canyon
Arrive at Navajo National Monument


Day 3
21.Jun.2009

Guided Hike of Navajo National Monument (0830hrs)
Depart Navajo National Monument (Approx. 1230hrs)
Arrive at Timberline Academy (Approx. 1830)


In following this rough itinerary we will travel more than 800 miles, drive through three states, visit the largest dry cavern in the United States, visit Hopi cliff dwellings, skirt the rim of the Grand Canyon and travel 190 miles of the historic Route 66.

We'll be traveling in my white 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, monitoring 146.52mhz, and blogging our adventure here, of course.


Stand by.