Monday, March 08, 2010

UK/USA 2010 Day 9

070310 1023 local time (GMT -7)
Denver International Airport, Colorado, USA

Weather's causing numerous flight delays, result being that while we should have been at Farmington a minute ago, we're still in Denver.

Crossing the taxiway bridge was fun, and I spotted quite a few Frontier aircraft, but visibility is quite bad. In fact, at the Panda Express earlier, I could see airliners at adjoining gates, but once they pushed back, they all but disappeared. Notable highlights (all 737NGs) include Aeromexico, Continental Star Alliance and my catch of the day, Alaska's Dreamliner 737-800.

Still waiting for my flight. Latest word is 1144. Well, at least the plane's here...


1843 local time (GMT -7)
Kayenta, Arizona, USA

The flight was really great. It was on a small Beech 1900D, and on such a small plane, you really feel like you're in the air. Such a small plane is way more susceptible to turbulence, and gives a wild ride. The flight was exactly an hour and fifteen minutes long, and flew over much of the Colorado Rockies.

We landed at Farmington, New Mexico at 1330 and proceeded to get our car. The good news was, we got a free upgrade. The bad news was, it was to a Hyundai.

We set off for Four Corners, the intersection point of the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Sadly, we got there to find it closed. Still, thanks to the road network, we did traverse all four states in the span of 15 mins.

The car ride to Monument Valley was long, but really beautiful. This is the first time in the whole trip I felt happy about long distance driving. We passed by magnificent, and ever-changing scenery characteristic of the American southwest. Even the dreary weather couldn't spoil it, though it did make photo taking hard.

After 2 hours we came to the outskirts of Monument Valley, and I was struck by the beauty. Words can't describe it, so I shall let pictures do the work.

We wanted to hit the visitors center but found it closed. I got some shots, then we headed for the Holiday Inn, where I am now. This is the first time I've been somewhere that has wireless but no phone reception.


2315 local time (GMT -7)
Kayenta, Arizona, USA

I just watched Up win best original score. I'm happy for Pixar, but of course my favourite Pixar film is still Cars, and I can see the reason out my window.

I love this region of the USA. The scenery is breathtaking and the small-town environment is warm and friendly. I feel an affinity to the western United States and its ruggedness and free spirit. Monumnt Valley especially is epic.

Tomorrow I begin the long journey home. Much as I'll miss this place, more so than the rest of the places visited so far, I can't wait to get home.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

No comments: