Part I : Adventures in Flagstaff

It's been a while since we have done anything out of the ordinary routine since, you know, life seems to find a way to keep itself on overload busy. =P A much-needed get away for some fun and adventure was required; So off we went on a road trip to Flagstaff, Arizona!

What's in Flagstaff? Well, we were heading out that way to check out the Overland Expo, do some camping, and some bouldering in a unique limestone wonderland called Priest Draw.

But, before I get ahead of the recap, let's begin at the start of the journey... it is approximately an 8 hour drive to Flagstaff. It would have been easy to put on a movie, but my kids turn into zombies with any type of electronic devices, even if it is educational, so I was insistent on minimizing the kids activities on electronic devices and focus on more interactive playing based on their creativity and imagination.



The kids were singing, coloring, playing "find the [pick-a-color] car/truck/tractor" or "spot the train" games with me. We saw a lot of Caterpillar tractors, a few rare sightings of John Deere tractors, a few Lightning McQueen style Cameros, and a LOT of trains! In total, 22 active trains!

Weather forecast warned of a storm moving into the area with rain and snow, and lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. Just as we were arriving to Flagstaff, the storm kicked in, and sure enough, with snow! Lots of big,thick snow pelted the windows of the truck. The outside ground was forming a layer of white. Emilia was super excited and could not wait to build a snowman. Little did she realize she'd be sleeping in that snow.

We met up with Bill and Diane in downtown Flagstaff for dinner. They are friends that also drove out for a few days of camping and Overland Expo West, before they continued on their own adventures after. We had dinner in a Nepali/Tibetan/Indian restaurant which was a faint reminisce of Nepal. Good way to set the overtone of this trip - focus on the simple, basics, and just being in the great outdoors.

The first night of getting the kids to "bed" in freezing temperatures in back of a pick-up truck was not the easiest adjustment for them. Emilia fared decently, but Liam was not a happy camper. He did not like the sleeping bag, nor did he like the cold. Conundrum. It took us a few, okay.. most, of the nights before he finally adjusted.

Actually.. waking up and getting out of the truck on the first morning wasn't the easiest either. They kiddos decided to stay inside the truck and read books under the blanket with a headlamp.



Finally out of the truck and eating warm oatmeal.

We were suppose to hit Overland Expo the 2nd day of the trip, but the weather was very cold, windy, and on-off showers. The kids had warm sweaters and jackets, but nothing that could keep them warm enough with the combined elements. So instead of Overland Expo, we hit an REI and bought the kiddos real winter gear.. North Face fleece and rain/wind shell. Best buy on this whole trip!

Then we decided to find Priest Draw, and hiked to the closest climb of Ryan's interest, Cosmic Tricycle V10.

Priest Draw is unique in that it's a mecca for roof type climbing which requires strong power moves. Both Ryan and I have been bouldering consistently in prep for this trip. Ryan doing more roof climbs and I was working steep overhangs. Cosmic Tricycle V10 is the route right above Ryan, Bill, Diane's head.

The kids were in awe of the rock formations here too...

Day 2 bed time was a little more routine. Kids tucked in, and story time.

(To Be Continued... )