This weekend, I kind of kidnapped husband for a mini getaway to the Grand Canyon. It was just what we needed –a chance to relax & see new sights!

Saturday’s first stop was at Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, which had been on my our Arizona To Do list for some time.

Bearizona has 2 parts: a 3-mile drive-through wildlife park & Fort Bearizona, a walk-through park with smaller animals.

We arrived shortly after opening, which was the perfect time –only 3 other vehicles were making the rounds & it was around feeding time, which is when the animals are super active.

Rocky Mountain Goats, we got to see these guys chasing each other in circles & butting heads.

American Burro

This burro was standing asleep in the middle of the road until we pulled up right next to him/her & said ‘Hello’.

American Bison

“Should I sit in it or eat it? Hey, I can sit in it AND eat it! ….this is awkward without pants on.”

Our favorite section: the Alaskan Tundra Wolves. They were really curious. Or hungry. Probably the same thing to them. The Wolves & Bears exhibit require you to close your windows & lock your doors.

“Human, I bet you’re tasty.” –Prime example of why windows are supposed to be closed in this section.

“Let me in.”

“I just want to nibble on your face. Just a little.”

Arctic Wolves

Rolling around on the ground.

Dall Sheep

White Bison

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Windows up, doors locked! The Black Bears might steal your picnic basket!

“Carl, you are standing in my personal space!”

“But I love you, man. I just want to give you a bear hug.”

Bearing it all. No shame.

After our first drive through, we headed into Fort Bearizona to view the smaller animals.

Arctic Fox

Badger –probably plotting.

Grooming. So vain. Typical male.

Red fox.

Smiling raccoon. Probably also plotting.

Canadian Lynx –check out those HUGE paws!

Sleeping porcupine.

Bearizona recently had baby bear cubs born in January. They aren’t big enough to move on their own so they are kept in an incubator for certain hours of the day.

AHHHHHHHHHHH. SOOOOO CUTE.

Paparazzi shot!

Bears, playing Craps… for picnic baskets.

“Ow Fred! Not so hard or I’m telling mom!”

We did the drive through loop a second time –which must’ve been after the animals had been fed. Most of them were laying around as if they were too stuffed to move.

“HA! HA! HA!”

“HEY! Who said you could take my picture?”

Splish, splash, Bear was taking a bath.

St. Patty’s bear

Bearizona is absolutely a can’t miss in Arizona! We can’t say enough good things about it. If you’re planning to visit before 4/30/2013, USA Tourism has a $5 off per vehicle coupon valid until then.

After Bearizona, we did a quick trip to downtown Historic Williams. Route 66 runs right through this area & it is loaded with Route 66 kicks.