Didn't have time to give a carry update since the last, so here goes:
ACE hardware:
Not so much as a second glance from the employees (who always offer help just before you start to ask for it... uncanny).
Bobo's:
Small diner with a really nice atmosphere. Seems to be perpetually crowded, so the GF and I had a little wait time (outside, unfortunately) before being seated inside. No issues while waiting or navigating the room, but I did catch more than a share of glances. No screaming or fainting of horses, no stampeding of women. Go figure?
An older gentleman at the table next to ours (group of three older gentlemen) got saucer eyes as I sat down (was right at eye level and practically across from my holster, giving him a good look), so I made sure to flash a big smile and my usual sunny greeting. He stammered a greeting of sorts and continued to be mesmerized by my 1911. I caught some of his murmurings with the other two gentlemen, who then looked her over to see if the GF was also carrying, which she wasn't (visibly, anyways :banana
.
After we left,the GF and I couldn't help but give a little chuckle at the reaction from these gentlemen (some of you guys know the look, I'm sure).:lol: By the way, we recommend the chocolate chip pancake meal.
Sedona (Red Rock Pass sites in the Coconino National Forest) this Saturday:
Stopped by on our way to Flagstaff and lucked out with a "Fee Free Day" (National Public Lands Day, which I'd never heard of but pleasantly discovered was on Saturday, the 26th of September). Other Fee Free Days are Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 10-12th) and Veterans' Day (Nov. 11th). Just a heads up for anyone looking for a family activity outdoors.
Several families saw my OC and our little group taking pictures with the aid of a "Selfie Stick" (yes, these annoying contraptions CAN be somewhat useful when a tripod is too heavy or other people are unavailable to lend a hand
). One African-American family stands out in particular: the (I assume) father and mother actually stopped in their tracks when they saw my sidearm. Seemed to be pretty curious. I flashed them a big smile and my sunny greeting along with a hand wave, and got curious/absent-minded waves back.
That was the most eventful encounter that day. No Asian tourists seemed to notice me this time.
Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) this Sunday:
Our stops: Desert View, Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point, Grandview point, Mather Point, and walking around the Yavapai point (even got to listen to Park Ranger Christa give a highly educational and entertaining presentation about how the canyon was carved out over the ages). Plenty of looks and glances from the tourists, especially the Asian tourists (buses and buses of them). Every scenic view area was PACKED.
No issues regarding carry, except for having to watch out for Fed buildings and places that served alcohol. Caught the attention of a Canadian man who inquired about my "rifle" while gesturing to my holstered sidearm.
Turns out he meant pistol.
Told him about AZ laws and a quick rundown of Constitutional Carry. He kept expressing his amazement that someone could simply go around carrying a sidearm without being a Mountie or some sort of military outfit. He asked to take a photo with his iPad, so I took it as a good encounter.
We stopped for a bite at the cafe near the Desert View Watchtower with not even the slightest peep from any of the workers or patrons there.
Later caught the eye of a middle-aged Asian tourist while waiting in line for the GF's coffee (this was at Mather Point near the visitor center). She got saucer eyes and asked if my sidearm "is true" in some pretty good English. I resisted the urge to answer "Only as true as my aim" and let her know that it was real, to which she said "That is so cool!". Proceeded to answer her questions about it (legality, permits [not required], etc.), but it was obvious she was not afraid, only amazed at it and how big it was.
Williams, AZ:
We stopped for a bite on our return trip to Tucson. Pine Country Restaurant had a nice atmosphere, and the food was ok. No issues there either, though I surprised quite a number of people. The staff never said anything about my OC, so I would return to patronize them for that reason alone.
There you have it: my second time OCing at the Grand Canyon, (bus-)loads of tourists, lots of eyeballs and pivot heads, and not a single negative encounter.