TWB July 10th 2021 Experience: Day 5- Painted Desert

Day 5: Painted Desert

After a night under the stars, the teens at TWB woke up like ninjas, super stealthy and quiet since we got up way earlier than the rest of the campsites and it was still quiet hours. As we left the campsite, we saw the most beautiful sunrise that looked like the opening to Lion King. The sunrise was so beautiful, it entranced us into a power nap so we could feel energized before breakfast, doughnut holes and bananas. Unlike Texas, we saw beautiful scenery like mountains and animals. We even saw a Tee Pee! We embraced our inner Lightning McQueen while jamming to “Life is a Highway” while passing route 66. After our jam session, Sanders, Morgan, and Paige decided to take turns napping on the bus floor, surprisingly very comfortable. The van Miss America was all over the place, starting from deep conversations to Ethan almost blowing Emily’s eardrums out. At least it was good music. The Carolina Girl van had Dallas’ book of three thousand questions, but was sadly interrupted during lunch when Holland spilt ranch on the cookies. For lunch, we had PB&J, carrots and cookies.

Breakfast was served with a smile!

Site Manager Sam keeping the windows clean

Naps were needed

We even passed Grant's road

Look at all them animals

Lillie's nutritious lunch of peanut butter. She must be hungry!

After driving for a long, long time we finally made it to the Painted Desert where we were given some amazing research presentations.Then, we completed a TWB tradition at the Petrified Forest State Park by kissing the iconic rock in front of the sign for good luck. As we drove through the Petrified Forest, we saw amazing sights including Tow Mater, our goal was to catch Larry the Cable Guy next. After we took a number of pictures, we headed toward Flagstaff where we stopped at Safeway grocery store and McDonalds. Most of us had sandwiches like Larkin, he got Italian, while Ethan got two lunchables and a cosmic brownie. Some ladies got some soup to warm themselves up, they highly recommend the tomato bisque. While heading towards the Grand Canyon, Abby, AKA “Agape” or “Air Abby” gave us an exhilarating tour through the “Kabob National Forest”, consisting of trees that looked like shish-kabobs. After many laughs and our fifth sing-a-long, we finally made it to the Grand Canyon…

Group picture at the sign (well, we are missing one van)

Kisses for good luck

The missing van has been found!

Look at the beautiful view and our TWB friends

Karis needed a better view a little higher up

Lizzie and Liz posing

Gabe taking in the views

Liz spitting some facts in her research

Team research presented by Camille and Patrick

Ella telling us about UFO's in Roswell, NM

Go PACK!

SHEESH

Some of the Bashful group with their counselor KS

Van friends

3000 question book with Dallas

Although it was cloudy, the view was spectacular. We all marveled at just how big it was and how small we are in comparison. After seeing the Canyon, we arrived at our campsite and waited in the vehicles until the rain cleared. Zac got up close and personal to a deer to get some pictures. As the rain stopped the counselors and some participants got out to quickly set up tents. You read that right we actually used tents. We cuddled up in our tents and fell asleep to the sound of pouring rain. The weather looks better tomorrow—fingers crossed. The rain keeps following us.

“Looking forward to the sunrise, can’t wait to call you guys soon!”-The Dopes

** Thanks for your patience with the blog. With the three hour time difference and little service, some future blogs may be posted later than usual. -KS**