Fabulous Flagstaff

Our attempt to enjoy a slot canyon in Arizona was beaten out by the incredible heat at midday and the exorbitant tour fee. Despite what the brochure says, it’s not $6 to just wander around the canyon soaking up the atmosphere and color. And we arrived too late to tour the Hopi village but too early to camp in the beating sun waiting for them to open in the morning. So, on to Flagstaff to camp and maybe eat in a restaurant.

Flagstaff is a lot like a warmer, drier Northampton, MA. An adorable, walkable downtown with a ton of patio dining, artsy places and art galleries. As it was after 5, the visitor center was closed. Oh wait, we changed time zones, so they’re open! After a visit to the best camping store and a wonderful dinner on Café Ole’s patio, we realized that many businesses in the area don’t use their air-conditioning. The art gallery was kind of hot, and the restaurant was warm, but who sits in the restaurant when the patio is open? It was pretty warm out, but the breeze was lovely and it was the most pleasant 90+ degrees we’ve experienced.