Vegas, Grand Canyon, Santa Fe..

So Chrissi threw a big blowout housewarming party on Saturday night, and we got to see a lot of people and say goodbye. The three of us kept the party going til the wee hours of Sunday, and then we were practically worthless the whole day.  Got to hang out and relax, which was nice considering we are going to be on the road for the foreseeable future.  On Monday we went to breakfast with Chrissi, and then went to say goodbye to Chris and Heather and the baby.  

We got on the road by around 11, and drove for the Grand Canyon. Crossed the Hoover Dam, and took some pictures. Headed up towards the South Rim, where we hit the most ridiculous rain and lightening ever. It was like driving through a waterfall, and at that point we were definitely not looking forward to setting up camp.  Fortunately, when we got to our site, the rain had subsided and we were able to relax and set up camp.  We had a great evening, though at one point Oli was trying to figure out how to light the camp stove and consequently lit his arm on fire.  We finally got dinner made, and got to bed early.  In the morning, we went and walked along the rim trail and saw part of the Grand Canyon, though we had to cut it short and get on the road.  We can't wait to come back and visit again, and hopefully go backpacking for a few days.  

So, then we hit the road for Santa Fe.  We hit 2 more storms on the way, one of which I thought we would definitely hydroplane or float away, and the lightening was hitting so close to our car that we thought that at any point it might hit the road.  Scary stuff! Then again, this is coming from two pansies who have lived in the most ideal weather possible for the past two years. But still- it was crazy.  We arrived in Santa Fe, showered, and went out to the Santa Fe Brewing Company to meet up with our friend Kelly's cousin who was on the road with JJ Grey and the MoFros.  Cool show, we had a great time catching up with Kelly and talking industry with her cousin Joe. We then went out to a bar in town where we got to meet some of Kel's old friends, and went home after last call.  Fun night! Today we woke up late and headed into town for breakfast at The Pantry, then headed up the mountain for some beautiful vista views.  The weather was perfect, and we were able to see for miles. Then we headed back into town to look around, see the restaurant that she works at, and grabbed some ice cream at this delicious place called Tara's Organic Ice Cream.  SO GOOD.  They are moving to Berkeley, so if you are ever in the area, check them out!! This afternoon  we did laundry and chilled out, went out to dinner at Blue Corn, and came home for a mellow evening of watching TV.  Tomorrow we are off to Roswell and Carlsbad! Our itinerary has changed because of Ike coming into town, so we will have to avoid Houston and New Orleans this time around.  More soon!