This morning....destination: Durango. But before we could get on the highway, Blake decided to take us on a surprise adventure! We were about to enter "Bearizona," a brand-new drive through zoo and park. As soon as we drove up to the entrance, both Zach and our dog Ana perked right up. Ok...maybe I did, too. I've always enjoyed going to drive through zoos, perhaps because of fond memories of visiting them as a child. The zoo was situated on acres of beautifully landscaped property without looking or feeling overly manicured. It was great to drive along and observe the animals in their 'natural' habitat. We especially enjoyed the wolves when they came prancing over to the camper in search of food. Or perhaps they sensed Ana in the camper who was inside whimpering and salivating at the sight of them! The bear habitat was equally exciting, but they kept to themselves and continued playing with one another. Ana really went nuts when she spotted the bear out the window! We really enjoyed taking our time driving from one exhibit to another. We seemed to hit it just right, too, because we were early enough in the season that it wasn't busy. After the drive through portion, we parked and continued on to the walk-through zoo which was still under construction. Blake observed that the exhibits were being built with old buses, trucks and cargo trains as the base of the structures. The baby bear exhibit was a favorite for us, but the petting zoo was the highlight. We entered the petting area and had the entire place to ourselves. We wandered around petting and observing the pigs, goats, chickens and peacocks. After a few minutes, a zookeeper came into the area with buckets of veggies and grain for feeding. Zach and I were able to help feed the hungry critters and just laughed at how they all came running when they saw the food buckets. They all gathered around and greedily nudged each other to get closer to the food. Zach just thought it was the best!
Our trip continued as we drove on through Flagstaff toward Colorado. Again, the landscape continued to offer fantastic views through the desert and mountain terrain. But as we drove along, I couldn't help but be saddened by the poor Indian reservations we saw. Some of the remote areas were so devastated and run down, they hardly looked liveable. There were many natives set up alongside the road selling crafts and fry bread to tourists driving through. What I found remarkable was the warm and friendly spirit of the native people whom we encountered at stops along the way.
Our next stop was at Four Corners, USA...the only point in the United States where the borders of 4 states meet. It happened to be on our way to Durango and was literally out in the middle of nowhere.
Zach had fun running through 4 states in 4 seconds! We did the tourist thing and posed for photos on the exact point where the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet. After pictures, we chatted with the natives there and purchased some souvenirs to take home.
When we finally arrived at Rincon Lodge (aka Brown/Swan wedding headquarters) in Durango, we were met by Sam and Brad who arrived a few days prior, along with the Swan and Brown families. Introductions were made and the partying began! It was so great to be welcomed by warm, familiar faces and fun to meet some new ones as well. The evening finished out with dinner, wine and great conversation. Discussions and plans were made for the next day, the day before the wedding. We were so honored to be included in the festivities. Eventually, the celebrations subsided and everyone turned in for the night.
don't tell Zach - but 4 corners is not in the 4 corners - someone screwed up years ago, but since everything is in place - well - need I say more.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure having you be with us for the time you stayed.,...thank you all for all the help!
Can't wait to see you next year - or before.