5 @ Sodana

It has been a busy few days and a day off was discussed, so after check in a five minute drive landed us at Walmart.
A supermarket is never a highlight except in the comparison of the tax differences with gin coming in at $15, jack at $18 compared to $43 at home.
Still armed with fresh salads and condiments we headed to nearby Sodana via the Oak canyon.

A Mini Grand Canyon with explosive colours contrasting reds and white against the sandstone peaks. The road freshly bituminised was a bike riders dream with helmet less riders some with bandanas exercising  their Harley's. 
Weaving down the forested valley we hesitated at Garlands, a Navaho Indian store with the most stunning jelewery on display. 

Emerging out of the valley to see the monumental mountains surrounding Sodona north. A fantastic setting, for a wander and headed off to a recreated Spanish mini town created for tourists.

Grabbed some beers and watched the sun disappear before making our way back to Flagstaff.
This is one of the great small cities visited.
Borne out of the need to supply water and timber for the train in the last portion of the 1800s. It is around 6000', sour rounded with mountains and cloaked in forests. The old town has refused the temptation of allowing the scour of franchised stores into the centre so all remain privately owned.

We had our first American rib sensation, pulled pork and chicken. Being a Uni town it was the first time Declan wasn't refused a drink.
Nice hotel, washing done and ready for an early start for the Grand Canyon