I am not too surprised that you're hearing German.

But that is also kind of neat in itself.

GERMANS VACATION MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE ON THE EARTH

my family has a running joke about how no matter how remote your travel location, you will find a German

Yes, but these ones are traveling in packs.

Also unexpected: rain in the Arizona desert.

Rain in the desert can come down suddenly so fast and hard. It's kind of scary actually.

But it never lasts more than a few minutes.

Also, I am not surprised you are finding packs of germans. There are travel groups that go to places like the grand canyon or the painted desert because it is so unlike anything Europe has to offer.

LA area is cold and wet. Boo.