Grand Canyon Solo Tour: Olathe, KS

Day One, from Olathe past Wichita and into Stillwater...

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." — Lao Tzu.

After half a day of preparation, I am now officially departing for my solo road trip to the Grand Canyon... a notion conceived on whim only this day last week, but so far serendipitous in its execution. By chance I encountered the website for Grand Canyon Railways while looking for hotel options in the vicinity, last week, almost despairing for my plan since the availability and pricing were both far from ideal. The website claimed no rooms were available for the overnight Canyon stay with the Railway either, but encouraged calling to inquire about additional options. A quick conversation with the very pleasant and helpful booking agent netted me an ideal three day train trip and tour package for the same price I'd pay to stay in most hotels near the Canyon, and without needing any contingent arrangements for the Canyon stay-over! Luck is with me so far.

My vacation escape begins with dinner and a hotel stay in Williams, AZ, tomorrow night. However, first, I must get there ... from Kansas City, MO ;-)

My goal today is to drive to Stillwater, OK, where my sister is living while she attends veterinary school. I will spend the night there, and leave early tomorrow morning for the lion's share of the journey through three states and four cities (Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuqurque, and Flagstaff). Its a 13.5 hour drive from Stillwater, according to Google Maps, so I have to be on the road by 8AM and drive nearly non-stop to make my hotel check-in and the dinner provided. Fortunately time zones, speed limits, ... and youthful stamina ... appear to be on my side.

Today's preparations and scheduling have thus far gone flawlessly, so I believe this trip is blessed by destiny. If you need additional proof, consider the random selection by my MP3 player of "Road Trippin'" (Red Hot Chili Peppers) as I drove away from my apartment today :-)