Andy's First Trip to the Grand Canyon

Like a good Yankee (who's lived in Phoenix for 8 years), my S.O. Andy had never been to the Grand Canyon....before Memorial Day 2008. We stayed in our Flagstaff base camp for the weekend and spent the Sunday hiking in the canyon. Andy, the intrepid explorer at the head of the Grandview Trail.

It wouldn't be the canyon without some great views....

....and a cheesy shot. Seriously, we had a great day!

On Monday, we had an other-worldly experience hiking Red Mountain, about 30 mi. north of Flagstaff. The area around Flagstaff was a hotbed of volcanic activity back in the day. At Red Mountain, all that remains from a volcanic explosion and subsequent lava flow is spectacular scenery. And even some alien lifeforms...

...oh wait, that's Andy!
View of San Francisco Peaks from Red Mountain.

What a great way to start my good-bye to this great state that I have loved living in.....next time, the great move to the deep south.

I'm a Doc!!!

The Friday after our crawfish blow-out, we had another big party. After years of studying in anatomy labs, practice exam rooms and coffee shops, as well as a few tears and some screaming, a doctor was born!Andy with the new grad.

Proud Father.

Should you be interested, you can see my parents "hood" me with my doctoral hood at:
http://streaming.biocom.arizona.edu/home/
I would recommend skipping the speeches, although the keynote was good. Fast-forward to 39:00 to get to the good stuff.

****More pictures to follow****

Flagstaff Fais-Do-Do

My brother and his girlfriend Lisa, who have been living in New Orleans for the past 2 years, came to Arizona and threw a crawfish party in beautiful Flagstaff. First, Chris arrived at the Phoenix airport with 45 lbs of crawfish, which were over the weight limit for baggage, but he convinced the airport agent with the brilliant explanation "they're crawdads, man".

Crazy Crawfish Chris

Chris cooked up the bugs with a delicious array of spices and vegetables, including onions, halved garlic, potatoes, carrots, sweet corn and brussel sprouts.

Pretty, huh?

And then we ate....and ate....and ate. No utensils required (or allowed).

Counterclockwise (L to R): Andy, Susan, Trish, Chris (Crawdad King) and Lisa

And after 20lbs or so, eating gave way to just staring at the food.....and the people who continued eating!

Andy, Lisa and Trish look on, too full to eat another bug.