Farewell Arizona
When we left Winslow, we just had one night left before our flight home, which we spent in Flagstaff. On the way we stopped off at Meteor Crater – 550 feet deep and 2.5 miles in circumference, the result of a collision 50000 years ago. Today, there’s a small museum and a short trail along the rim which you can hike with a guide.
Flagstaff itself is a charming town – we wished we’d allowed some time to explore it properly, but there was just too much to fit in. We visited the Riordan Mansion, built in 1904 for local timber barons Michael and Timothy Riordan – each brother and his family had a separate wing. We also had our first taste of American B&Bs (Inn at 410), an experience from which we’ve never looked back.
The next day, we headed for Phoenix and the airport via Montezuma Castle National Monument. This is nothing to do with Aztecs, nor is there a castle – there are, however, two impressive ruined pueblos, an abandoned settlement from the 14th century. One was set 100 feet up the cliff in a shallow cave – we’d seen this arrangement several times already, and I still can’t imagine how people lived like that. A few miles away is Montezuma Well, a spring-fed sinkhole about 65 feet deep and 360 feet across.
And then we went home! Packed in our luggage was a map of Utah which we’d bought on our visit to Monument Valley. It looked even more intriguing than Arizona, and we vowed to return to continue our journey – which we did, the very next year.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Didn’t know about the crater but went to Montezuma Castle in September. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find it so intriguing how many built their settlements on a cliff face. Just to create the homes there at that time must have been a huge undertaking
LikeLike
It must, and imagine having to climb back up every time you went out!
LikeLike
That crater is truly amazing! I guess there’s no way to go into the crater itself, is there?
LikeLike
I guess it’s technically possible but tourists were only allowed along one section of the rim, and even then only on a guided tour. I suppose they need to conserve it.
LikeLike
That would make sense, it being so old and all. Still, really cool!
LikeLike
I remember reading about this when I was researching for our Phoenix trip. You’re pictures are much prettier than those I saw then.
LikeLike
Thanks. As always, the major credits for the pictures go to John!
LikeLike
I’ve been to the meteor crater…and the big hole is okay, but it was a lot of driving to get there…love your pics!
LikeLike
Thank you Corinne, and thanks for tweeting it as well. It was easy for us to get to because it was on our way anyway – not sure we’d have made a major detour for it, though it was fascinating. And very hot and exposed for a pair of pale Brits….
LikeLike
Wow, that’s some crater! Lovely photos, as always. Someday I’d like to head out west and see the Grand Canyon and that whole area. It’s on my bucket list, along with seeing the redwood trees.
LikeLike
It’s definitely not to be missed!
LikeLike