My dream job would be getting paid to travel.
Who’s hiring?
Some people are read to come home after vacation. Not me. Vegas and I just got back from a (almost) 2 week adventure. We went to Napa for a wine course, came home for a bit, and then headed out again to Vegas for my first NASCAR race, then to see Antelope Canyon in AZ, and lastly to Phoenix for Padres Spring Training.
It’s a lot to recap, but I wanted to quickly share some Antelope Canyon highlights.
Antelope Canyon is a stunning area about an hour north of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It was originally inhabited by Navajos, and was named because herds of Antelope roamed the area.
Today, there are two main slot canyons people frequent: Upper and Lower Antelope. Both are stunning and both require a guide to enter (thanks to people not respecting the land). Guides are easy to find. We used Chief Tsosie’s Tours for the Upper ($116 for two) and Ken’s for the Lower ($56 for two).
You want to make sure you time your tour at least as late as 11 am – that is when the light is best!
Entering the Upper Antelope Slot
Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation, but you walk right into a little slot amongst the 120 foot walls. No real hiking required. We found this one to be the most crowded, despite the 2-hour limit inside.
Lower Antelope was our favorite. It wasn’t as crowded, and there was a fun climb down into the slot. We also had the best light there (we went at about 2:30 pm).
The guides for both tours were great. They freely gave photography advice – both for the iPhone and DSLR – and were quick to offer to take pictures of us in the best backdrops.
Lower Antelope – the photos don’t even do it justice!
I should mention that we lived in a travel trailer this whole time. You’d think the close quarters would result in at least one fight, but I’m learning that when you marry your best friend that just doesn’t happen often.
Plus, check out our view from the camp site at Lake Powell! We loved the location and facilities at Lake Powell Resort. Running along that beach every morning did NOT suck.
Lake Powell Campgrounds
We did two other hikes. The first was Hanging Gardens. This was a really easy but beautiful 1.5 mile trek over Jurassic Navajo sandstone to a hidden garden on a mesa top above the Colorado River.
There is a seep spring that traps rainwater, creating a lush, green plant habitat. You can walk into the little overhang and the temperature drops at least 10 degrees!
The second hike was to Horseshoe Bend – one of the most spectacular sunset view!
It’s a HUGE cliff, but you can lay down on the ground and looking over the edge if you need a little more security. The Colorado River circles around below the plateau. Over time, that river cut down through layers of sandstone, creating this amazing 270° horseshoe-shaped bend.
P.S. If you ever so get out to Antelope, go eat at Big John’s Texas BBQ. We agreed it’s possibly the best BBQ we’ve ever had… and we’re Southerners. We’re picky. Trust me.
Since we’ve been traveling, we’re a little light on groceries. It’s kind of a disjointed day of eats. You can join BIRTHDAY GIRL Jenn’s WIAW baby over at Arman’s today!
Breakfast:
I had my usual morning cocktail and sludge.
Then came the typical “I have no groceries” breakfast – a yogurt bowl.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BC-8MuSGjS6/
Lunch:
This is bad. I had a Think Thin brownie bar and some water before headed to the gym. Not that the bar was bad (I really like these), but it wasn’t exactly a complete meal.
Dinner:
We hit the chiro after I went to the gym and then went right to Whole Foods to get some groceries (finally). The only problem was that we were so hungry when we got there we ended up eating at the bar.
I celebrated Taco Tuesday with chicken and carne asada tacos and a glass of . Vegas got beer and wings.
After dinner, I proceeded to get the groceries while Vegas had another beer. This is actually what we each prefer – Vegas hates crowds and I like to wander around looking at stuff without being rushed.
Dessert:
Glass of wine and a cookie from Whole Foods while watching House of Cards.
Two things:
- OMG – this might be the best season of HOC yet!
- That Pinot from Esterlina is amazing. It has a fantastic depth of flavor and an earthiness that’s rare in many Pinots.
[Tweet “You must see these Antelope Canyon views! #fitfluential #hiking”]
***
I can’t wait for the next adventure – Thailand in 3 weeks!!!
Are you watching House of Cards? No spoilers, we’re only half way through!
Have you ever been to Antelope Canyon? How about the Grand Canyon?
Isn’t traveling such a gift? I’m so thankful that God saw fit to put me in a country where I could have access to planes to go and explore His awesome world and meet people He’s created EVERYWHERE!
It is stunning the amount of beauty that exists in our own back yard!
So beautiful!!! Such amazing sites and to see them with your love and best friend – perfect 🙂
We have finished HOC- OMG amazing! No spoilers but it just keeps getting better and better… And then in typical HOC fashion leaves us wanting so much more!
I wish they’d just release like 5 seasons together. But that could get dangerous when we would go a week without leaving the house. LOL!
Your WIAWs recently have been giving me a serious case of wanderlust. Sounds like you have had a wonderful few weeks, all the better to share it with your OH/best friend!
New House of Cards really the best! I watch all season in three days. Also, that Canyon photo looks incredibly!
Ahhh… I still have half to go. So busy. It’s been AMAZING so far though!
I’m write there with you in regards to that quote at the beginning…Yay for full passports!!
Oh I am not you 🙂
I LOVE to get away and I LOVE to come home.
And then I love love love to leave again.
<3
Holy gorgeous!!! That photo looks like a Peter Lik I would pay a lot of money for – just amazing!!! Reminds me of just how gorgeous the west is and how it’s been since I’ve been there! Did someone say road trip?
LOL! I wish!
I love being close to all of these sights. The East coast is beautiful, but the West is just so unique!
Those pictures are amazing. I need to put this place on the bucket list.
I need a bucket for my bucket list.
Simply freaking stunning. Almost as much so as myself. I would love to travel, but I am also a home person. That said, it would totally depend on the circumstances. Like if we had access to a kitchen, where we were going. But luckily, I’m pretty low maintenance when I travel, so that wouldn’t be a problem. The Crohn’s would, though.
So jealous! I have always wanted to go there!
Wow those pics are gorgeous! You have been traveling around on a lot of adventures lately
Wow that picture looks so cool- absolutely gorgeous! Might have to steal your idea of buying the significant other a beer while I grocery shop- he likes to walk around with me but we end up getting a million more groceries.
Okay, edamame on yogurt?! MUST TRY. I am obsessed with those little green guys. Especially the dry roasted ones! I am sure those would be really good in some sort of sweet and savory combo. Glad you had a good time in AZ! It’s one of my favorite places on Earth. I am most likely moving there at the end of the year!!
Totally! I love the dry ones too – they’re great on a salad!
Where in AZ?! We’re there like once a month.
Wow! What gorgeous photos! This post gives me serious travel lust.
I tried to get back into House of Cards for season 3 and just fell off the wagon. I was talking with my mom the other day about how maybe we should give it another shot and catch up for the 4th season.
I totally agree – 3 was hard. I promise 4 is back on point though!
I need to visit antelope canyon! That place looks so beautiful! I went to the grand canyon last summer and it was breath-taking!
I still haven’t been to the Grand Canyon! Next trip for sure.
Beautiful pics! I used to get paid to travel when I was a flight attendant. The only thing was you didn’t get to chose where you went. On my days off I was so tired from working that I never wanted to go anywhere. Love a good glass of pinot. What doesn’t go well with it? 🙂
Ahhh stunning!!! I’ve never done any traveling, but o how I do hope I get to some day!!!
I can’t recommend it enough… traveling changes your life!
Wow! I need to visit Antelope Canyon! I love that picture of you and Vegas in lower canyon. Also, I need to start celebrating Taco Tuesday again now that I’m back in California.
Thanks! It is a beautiful place.
Welcome back to Cali!
Get in line because I applied for that job first!!! Your pictures look surreal. I’m so jealous, and I’m sure my jealousy is only going to get worse when you go to Thailand. Waaaaaah.
Welllll… I may have jacked my knee up too badly to go to Thailand. We shall see. 🙁
Agree on HOC & I finished a weekend or two ago!! The best!! Never been there but again thanks to you adding another place to visit on my list. I seriously need your life with all that travel… Super jelly hahah
To be fair, we did wake up every day and work. Thank god for wi-fi! 🙂
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! My husband took me on a road trip out west for our one year anniversary because I had never been and I am so drawn to the scenery out there. I’d love to get closer to that area someday. Looks like you had a blast.
Gorgeous.
My dream job is to be Samantha Brown, back when she did Great Hotels/Passport to… on the travel channel. I’d love to travel around to interesting places and stay in fancy hotels!
We’re following in your footsteps by heading to AZ this weekend, coming home and flying up to the Bay Area!
That would be the BEST job! Life goals…
Hope you had a great weekend and enjoy SF!
Your travels are so much fun to read about and your pictures are beautiful! I’m definitely adding Antelope Canyon to my bucket list now. The quote about a passport full of stamps rather than a house full of stuff is so true.
Thank you! It’s definitely worth a trip (or two) to Page.
Cheers to more stamps!
All of those pictures are incredibly GORGEOUS – wow! I can’t imagine spending time there with my best friend, how ideal. TACO Tuesday — yassss
Oh man, I started to read your post and then called my fiance in from the other room to look at your canyon pictures. WE MUST GO THERE! He’d absolutely love it, especially that camp site. I’d love it too obvi. We drove out to Utah from VA a couple summers ago and I felt like I was on another planet at Arches National Park. I had no idea there were parts of the country that looked like that. I’m an east coast girl all the way. We’re thinking of doing a southwest road trip at some point so this is definitely going on our list. Thanks for the great recap!
p.s. I routinely am too hungry when I get to the grocery store and end up eating out. And Jeff and I are the same way- I love grocery shopping and I take FOREVER so he’d rather me do it alone.
Ha – that’s awesome! You totally need to go. Check out all the other places around there. It’s a LOT to see! I need to get to the Arches!
Seriously stunning pics! I love traveling but coming home to an empty fridge is no fun. I usually am throwing random meals together a few days before and after vacation.
Wow Antelope Canyon is gorgeous and I’m so jealous you’re about to head off to Thailand. Thailand has been on my bucketlist for so long so I’m excited to hear about your trip!
Welllllll… change of plans. But I’ll get there one day.
Oh my gosh your pictures are freaking beautiful.
obsessed with HOC too….sounds like you had a marvelous trip, i have never been to AZ.
Those views are incredible! The grand canyon is totally on my bucket list-among about another million other places!
You make me want to go outside – HA HA! Um…… Secrets out. The out doors – EW.
BAHHH HA HA HA HA AH AH!
Hiking the Grand Canyon will forever be a favorite vacation. I would love to go to Antelope Canyon. I also love the title of your post.
i didn’t think those pics were real! WOW! and you need to email Amanda Brooks, she has a whole list of travel jobs! Really!
Realllllly???? I need her. As soon as I can walk.
If you find a job that pays you to travel, will you refer me?!?!?!
Northern Arizona is amazing! We took my boys to the Grand Canyon about 10 years ago and drove out along the entire South Rim through Navajo country. Truly an experience of a lifetime. Looks like i need to go back!
‘I like to wander around looking at stuff without being rushed.’ – that is SO us.
It looks absolutely stunning. I am going to book Vancouver and Cleveland next month. I can not wait to get on the plane again. If you get that travel job, lemme know. I am going to be your PA.
You’re hired. I need someone to push my wheelchair now. Bah.
Wow, that looks absolutely stunning! What a fun trip and def. a place on our to go hikes. If the pictures dont do justice, I can’t imagine what it really looked like!
Wow so my dentist just took a week of to vacation with his family in this same area and was talking about the slot canyons they look just remarkable. My husband and I just got back from Jamaica and agree while it was a great trip we’re excited to be back in the us and agree that there are so many beautiful things to see here!!! Also how in the world did you both get that much time off luckies!
There is SO much to see… it’s overwhelming!
We both work remotely, so we can move around as long as there’s wifi. We woke up every morning and (mostly) got stuff done before going to play. 🙂