Thanksgiving Road Trip

Arguably, Thanksgiving is the major holiday in America. It combines all the things Americans so dearly love: family, feasting, football, and (sadly, perhaps) shopping. It also gives us a moment to step back, contemplate our lives, and give thanks for what makes life worth living.

Daughter Emily had an apartment full of her belongings to move from the Phoenix, Arizona, area--so what better way to do it that a Thanksgiving, father-daughter bonding road trip? I flew down and met her, we packed up the little UHaul truck, and were soon on the road. Happily, she is an excellent driver so we switched off every few hours on the 1,000+ mile trek:

The route took us past the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which made for a quick side trip:

Like many U.S. National Park Service sites, the attraction is well managed and designed to inform as well as to amaze. I especially liked the kiva-inspired "Desert View Watchtower":

The interior levels are decorated with murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie:

Sadly, we had limited time to enjoy this holy landscape. Sadly also, the views of the Grand Canyon are greatly obscured by air pollution from a Navajo coal plant:

Our marching orders from Mrs Rover were clear: "Be home for Thanksgiving dinner." We made it, and enjoyed "A Thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat" (as Arlo Guthrie sang in Alice's Restaurant) thanks to chef Jeff:

Here's the sated crew after dinner, a walk, and a rousing game of "Dictionary" (standing from left: Celia Schahczenski, WooTheDog, Jeff Schahczenski, Michele Schahczenski, Clara Schahczenski, Sean Wiz; seated from left: Keith "Mule Deer Slayer" Vertranen, Pat Munday (aka EcoRover), Emily Munday, MollyTheDog, and Jan Munday):

It's good to be home, and there is much to be thankful for.