
<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">We were on the road at noon, headed north to our next destination. Ahead of us was a thrilling drive 7,000 feet above sea level, with roads encircling mountains and breathtaking vistas of the valley below. Our road trip featured landscapes straight out of a western film, complete with red rock cliffs, stoney mountain ranges, and desolate wasteland that could turn any ill-fated visitor into a skull mantle piece. It was both awe-inspiring and nerve-racking.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph"><em>This western film, starring city folk, had only the ‘mere worry’</em><em>of the harsh Southwest. Their air conditioned rental car kept them cool in the desert heat, additional bottled water kept them hydrated, and despite the scarcity of the stations, they understood how to keep the tank full by GPSing fuel stops. They may have felt like they were on Survivor Man after travelling so far from urban life, but they arrived safely at their destination.</em></p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">In a town in the middle of the desert, with temperatures that could have you delirious after five minutes outside, we were completely out of our element. Visitors from all over the world stayed here when exploring Antelope Canyon, a natural wonder. This was our following morning’s 7am excursion, but for the time being we decided to celebrate our Wild West adventure with a toast and a swim in the hotel pool. As we entered the pool, my husband was immediately challenged to a &#8216;hold your breath under water’ contest by an 11 (or so) year old boy. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;How long can you hold your breath under water?&#8221; ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">My spouse, caught off guard, responds, &#8220;I can swim to the end of the pool.&#8221; ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">He swims. The boy followed. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“Can you flip in the water?” My husband does an underwater summersault. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“Where are you from?” ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“Canada.” ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“I like your flag. It has a leaf on it.” ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“Where are you from?” ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“I’m Navajo. My Dad is from New Mexico. Not Mexico, <em>New</em> Mexico.” ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">As I look around at the loungers, I see a few families and notice what could be the boy’s older sister and cousin. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“Why does your body look bent in water?” the boy inquires.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“I’m sure it has something to do with light and water. That’s an interesting question. Do you like science?” ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“I do!” ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">He swims away and begins playing the giant pool deck game with the older girls, then returns to the pool. Around dinner time, the other families lounging in their pool chairs begin to leave, and we join them. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“You’re leaving too?” asks the boy. ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph">“Yes. Enjoy your swim!”  ;</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph" id="antelope-canyon-arizona">We wave goodbye and get ready for dinner, but before we leave the hotel, I peer out our room window. The boy was still swimming, but not alone. He found another kid he can challenge with swimming maneuvers and inquiries. I smile, and we head off to dinner.</p>



<p class="antelope canyon Arizona southwest adventure has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph" id="antelope-canyon-arizona-southwest-adventure">The next morning we awoke at 5:30am to get ready for our 7am hike through Lower Antelope Canyon. It was spectacular! We returned to the hotel for breakfast and to prepare for checkout, but before we left, I looked out the window. The boy was in the pool with his floaty, making the most of his day. I wondered who he might meet… ;</p>

Wild West Encounters
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