Arizona: Williams,  KOA, Camping in the Pines.  It is hard to explain to my grandchildren about family vacations in the “good old days” when we enjoyed our time even without TV, Nintendo or a cell phone. In fact, our vacation days were filled with hiking, fishing, talking or just resting (hanging out) near our cabin in the pines. Just imagine a cabin in the pines, a place to recapture some of that “good old days” vacation spirit.

While taking a long weekend away with my grandchildren we discovered such a place. Northern Arizona is a pure delight to visit anytime of year and Williams is one of my favorite places, made better when I am with the youngsters and perfect because of Circle Pines KOA not far from the center of town. Set amidst tall whispering pines of the Kaibab National Forest, it was obviously a family friendly place, modern in many ways yet reminiscent of “The good old days.” in spirit. We arrived later than expected; yet they had the key to our Kamping Kabin waiting. The map of the grounds indicated more than 100 RV and tent sites in addition to our group of Kamping Kabins, pool, laundromat, community area, café and general store. Locating our spot on the map we cruised to the edge of the tall pines. The Kamping Kabins stand picture perfect, arranged against a naturally green backdrop and within a short walk to the central action. 

I was eager to see the inside of our mini pine sleeping abode. I was not quick enough to be the one to open the door but when I reached the threshold I found the inside was cozy, rustic and pine scented, just what I expected. While I sat on the front porch swing my energetic grandchildren unloaded the sleeping bags, argued about the top bunk and coerced the dog to climb into a sleeping bag.

Their job done they headed off to explore the grounds and find other kids. I followed with the dog and my map. Within ten minutes I met other families already settled into the vacation mode.  There was a spirit of adventure and camaraderie obvious as I listened to stories and heard unsolicited testimonials about fun.  

Robert Arnese, a retired police officer from Missouri, explained his reasons for deciding to “stay put” at Circle Pines and enjoy Arizona with his grandkids instead of continuing on to Southern California. “This is a friendly place. I know the grandkids will be safe here and we have been able to do something different every day. I really enjoy the nighttime entertainment. I even went to Williams and bought a cowboy hat,” he smiled as he spoke. He continued his testimony; “The best part of taking off in an RV is finding a place like this. They have got everything figured out. Not just this place, I think all the KOAs know their business. They like to help people have a good vacation and they make it easy.“

For families staying at this KOA going to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is easy. From the office of the resort it is possible to arrange guided tours, hikes, trail rides, train excursions or obtain do it yourself instructions. The staff at the KOA Circle Pines has a solution no mater the activity choice.

Our weekend getaway was easy paced. At an elevation of 6,800 feet it is almost always a sweatshirt place even in the summer. The nights are always cool. During part of each day I secured the porch swing for more than a few hours. The grandkids had a chance to ride horses each morning, take a hayride and swim with new found friends. We had time to go to Williams, shop for treasures and have ice cream at Twisters Soda Shop.  While slurping I learned that each Memorial Day weekend the town holds an event called "Rendezvous Days". The celebration attracts buckskinners and mountain men for turn of the century competitions. There is a black powder shoot out, parade and street dance. We missed it but maybe next year. 

During our stay we returned for a second visit to the Museum of Northern Arizona just outside of Flagstaff. During the summer months they always have an excellent series of programs geared to families of all ages. The facility showcases the heritage of the Colorado Plateau and uses timelines to engage visitors in the unique past of the area. My favorite exhibit displays and explains about food through the ages. They also have a terrific gift shop with beautiful t-shirts at the lowest prices in the area.

An excellent day trip from Circle Pines KOA is Sunset Crater National Monument. Located north east of Flagstaff off Hwy 89 it is another place of rare natural beauty. The lava formations are impressive and may be viewed from well-marked hiking trails or from roadside vantage points. This is a terrific place to hike with children. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow. The forest paths are not thick but the walking is rocky. 

The road from Sunset Crater connects to Wupatki National Monument where the high desert begins. It is the location of four pueblos once inhabited by the Anasazi and the Sinagua people. There are never crowds but always plenty of inspirational vistas. At this site it is best to take a guided tour unless you are familiar with the history of the dig. The trails are easy to walk even with a stroller. During the spring and fall they have ranger led overnight hikes to more remote ruins. Participants are selected by a lottery system and spaces are limited.  

Also an easy day trip from Circle Pines is Walnut Canyon National Monument, seven miles east of Flagstaff. It is a must for families with school aged children. This historic location provides yet another glimpse of the habitats of early residents. Nearly a thousand years ago the Sinagua lived along the canyon walls and farmed the fields along the rim.  The visitor center is located on the plateau above the canyon. Well-constructed trails allow energetic families to descend into part of the canyon and view the habitats.  For those that plan to take the canyon hike it is essential to wear sturdy walking shoes and forget the stroller. The trail hugs the canyon wall and circles the edge of many small habitats. For youngsters it is a perfect way to see how the residents used to live and to imagine life for a child in those times. The walk takes energy because there are many more steps to climb than it first may appear. 

KOA Kamping Williams Circle Pines. Located in the Grand Canyon Area of the state they are open all year long. At this location kids 12 years or younger stay free of charge. Just in case some of your family has a need to stay connected to the Internet it is possible at this KOA resort as well as many others in the KOA system. Circle pines now has data ports, LP gas, and a snack bar included in the daily charge. (1(928) 635-2626, 1-800-732-0537.) KOA Groups and Reunions Planning Guide was created with busy people in mind. For more than 40 years KOA has been offering the perfect, convenient getaway and the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends in a safe, clean and best of all, fun environment. The locations are plentiful and the options for fun abundant. This new planning service makes getting together easier. It includes a guide with suggestions and a mini checklist as well as a contact form to facilitate with final arrangements. To make decision making easier they also provide a Directory and Road Atlas for easy reference. Go to www.KOA.com for more ideas.

Editor's note: Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot are easy day-trips. These two parks are rarely crowded and both have junior ranger materials too help young ones understand the site. Neither site is overwhelming so children of diverse ages will still enjoy the stop. At Montezuma Castle there is a miniature replica of a Sinagua village and this may well be more impressive than the actual ruins. This place is a perfect introduction for children who may not have studied anything about the early inhabitants of the Southwest. Go early in the day because the canyon walls radiate the summer sun and it can be uncomfortable. Need to know: In the gift store there is a nice little book published by the SW Parks and Monuments Association. In eighteen pages it provides children with all they need to know and enjoy the site. It makes a perfect resource for the next school year. Look for Montezuma Castle. For more details try www.nps.gov/moca or www.nps.gov./tuz

Content created by Grandma Julie and /images/ezine provided by FTF. Copyright2007