One of Arizona’s biggest super fans, James!

Boy oh boy, is February over already? The old saying, time flies when you’re having fun, definitely applied to our stay here in sunny Arizona! I’m not sure if Arizona was just ecstatic to have the Loaf Love Tour in town or if Februarys are always this beautiful, but we couldn’t have asked for better weather. With only one exception:

Snow at the Grand Canyon!

The crew and I definitely didn’t expect the snowy weather when we finally visited the Grand Canyon, but it didn’t change the fact that it was hands down one of the most amazing experiences.  It almost felt like a shame to take pictures, because there was no way they could do the beautiful view justice.  If you haven’t been already, the Grand Canyon is definitely a trip you need to add to your bucket list!

One of my most unique and unexpected experiences in Arizona was the opportunity to meet tons of snowbirds (who, by the way, can’t get enough of their Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar). It was awesome to meet so many people from the North that love to travel and were kind enough to share their recommendations for things to see in the area. One thing the crew and I kept hearing over and over was this: Climb Camelback! Camelback, for those who don’t know, is a mountain that gets its name from its shape. It also provides what has to be one of the best views of Phoenix.

The hike definitely put our legs to the test, but we all made it!

Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at all of our different events. Those of you who rocked the awesome orange at the Phoenix Zoo and the great staff at our Taco Week restaurants: you were beyond amazing and made this first month of the Loaf Love Tour unforgettable! To anyone who stopped by the tent to share your favorite Tillamook story, try a few samples of cheese, ask us “What IS Tillamook?”, or give us recommendations of your favorite places – THANK YOU! You gave our next stop, Texas, a lot to live up to!

-Coy, Loaf Love Tour Brand Ambassador

Follow me on Twitter @CheddarCoy

By Coy

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After a fun and exciting work week of cheese sampling, driving around in the Baby Loaf buses, and talking about Tillamook, it’s time to relax! My weekends back home normally consist of something low key: dinner downtown, maybe a movie or just being with friends conversing about life. I have quickly come to realize that while on tour there is always something much more exciting to do during my time-off, especially in cities I have never been to like Phoenix, Arizona! Last weekend, several of us from the Loaf Love Tour decided to go to the Grand Canyon! We were all so excited to go, even though it meant getting up early on our day off and a four hour car trip. No big deal.

Now, the image in my mind of the Grand Canyon is a picturesque sunset, orange-red colors, and covered wagons (because clearly we live in the time of ‘Little House on the Prairie’) But when we finally got to the Grand Canyon, to all of our surprise it was windy, cold, and a little bit of snow was falling. But I still loved it! I was at the Grand Canyon, and I was with my Loaf Love family! Even though the weather was not the best, we were all completely stunned and mesmerized by how incredibly breathtaking it was. It looked like a painting that went on for miles and miles.

Apparently, this is the only time of year when Hermit Road on the South Rim is open, so we had the chance to drive further to see different view points. As soon as we saw a view we liked, we all jumped out of the car, ran to the railing, took some pictures, click-click! and then jumped back in the car to get warm again! We stopped and ate lunch, bought a postcard or two, and had one more group photo-opp. At the very end of the day, Mr. Sun decided to show up. What a beautiful day with my new Loaf Love family.

We all had so much fun at the Grand Canyon and this is just the beginning of my fun weekends while on tour. I’m excited to see what other amazing sites and adventures lie ahead on this journey!

-Drew, Loaf Love Tour Brand Ambassador

Follow more of my adventures on Twitter @DynamicDrewO

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By Drew