The Wild West

Since we last posted, we have driven down historic Route 66, stayed in a teepee motel, seen the cars that inspired the movie Cars, shot some massive guns and driven through an Arizonan sandstorm. Obviously it's been too long since we last updated!


After leaving Memphis we did a few days of serious driving, charging through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico before arriving in Arizona, our temporary home for the last few days. On the journey we had the chance to drive on part of the old (and pretty run-down) Route 66. One night we stayed in a motel that consists of big ol' teepees. We figured this might be our only chance to stay somewhere so ridiculous, yet so cool :) The motel has a bunch of cars that we discovered were part of the inspiration for the movie Cars, which greatly appealed to our inner child! 

"In New Zealand you have sheep and in Arizona we have guns". 
Since arriving in Arizona we have discovered that nothing illustrates the differences that exist between New Zealand and America quite like the attitude towards guns! Here in Arizona we have been assured that there are six guns for every person in the state. SIX! So that means that there are approximately 30 million guns in this state. Holy cow. In true Arizonan form, our host and two of his friends took us to a local shooting range to try out some of their "toys". They are certainly doing their bit to uphold the state average... One of them owned 14 weapons! "Are any of those for hunting animals?" we inquired. "Only the ones with two legs" was the reply! Note to self: don't get smart with people in this part of the world! We had a great time at the target range, getting the chance to shoot .45s, a .308 rifle, a shotgun.. the list goes on! Jess and I both have bruises on our shoulder today, the sign of a good time and questionable technique!

Kids, don't try this at home

We also had a seriously fun day in Sedona - a town framed by spectacular red rock cliffs. We went offroading in a 4 wheel drive with our host, which was GREAT! We recommend! We spent a few hours interchanging between nervousness at where he was about to drive and being in wonder at the beauty of the nature around us!

An example of some of the red rock magnificence in Arizona

We figured we'd leave our Toyota Corolla back at the house.... 

Speaking of great scenery, we have purchased a card which gives us unlimited access into national parks all over the country - yay! So today we explored some serious cacti action at Saguaro National Park - an area in the desert which has no trees but approximately one gazillion cactus plants. We also visited a place called the Petrified Forest National Park...which was eerily, unbelievably quiet. There was absolutely no sound at all - no people, no animals or insects, no wind. Just dead silence. It was unlike anything we've ever experienced before - Jess and I had a full conversation talking in our normal voices at a distance of 100 metres. It really showed us how noisy our world is and what a great feeling it is to spend some time in silence!


In unrelated chatter, we've been amused by many American's concept of a "healthy meal". Here, the inclusion of one fruit/vegetable can promote an entire meal into the healthy category. At one fast food joint I ordered the "healthy option" combo -- burger, chips and soft drink! But unlike the other options, my burger had lettuce and tomato in it, deeming it healthy!


Our next week is what I have been looking forward to most in the US - camping overnight in various amazing national parks! Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park are all on the itinerary; 7 nights of living in a tent. And then one slightly luxurious night in Las Vegas! Can't wait!