Last Day

Our last day in Arizona - we've enjoyed the trip (especially the leisurely pace). Prescott is a delightful city with the wonderful feel of a small historic town. Our hotel is right downtown and in walking distance of the town square, courthouse (still in use as such), shops, restaurants, Victorian homes, etc.

Morning included breakfast in the Peacock (dining) Room - lemon souffle pancakes (served with raspberries) and fresh pecan coffeecake (trying to eat light knowing we'd have lunch later). Then another walk around town and visitor's center. We managed to check out with five minutes to spare (oh, the stress of a noon deadline!). We met our friend Kate Higgins for lunch at the Palace Saloon and Restaurant (http://www.historicpalace.com/) and enjoyed catching up.

Then the most miserable three hours of the entire trip - driving west into the sun and heat to Blythe (but the scenery was still enjoyable). Tomorrow four hours (plus stops) to home and the kitties.

Best addition to our travel arsenal (adding to king sheet to cover motel bedspreads, brighter light bulbs to read by, instant hot water maker and instant coffee for Ruthi until Don wakes up in the a.m.) is a NIGHTLIGHT - wow, we've used it in each location. No more stumbling in the dark or jerry-rigging a light or listening to a bathroom fan all night (the joys of an aging body).

Now we need to plan our next adventure.

Heading home

Sedona to Prescott via Tlaquepaque and Arcosanti.

Sedona is still beautiful with its red cliffs. Approaching it from the north is far more enchanting than from the south with it's long line of strip malls and motels. Don thinks the stormy weather seemed to enhance everything.

At The Talaquepaque art center in Sedona, I wanted Don to see the outdoor wind sculptures that were twirling around in the brisk breeze. I remembered seeing these from my previous trip and thought he would enjoy them too.

Then on to Arcosanti for lunch and a tour (http://www.arcosanti.org/). Don was impressed with the architectural details (asked lots of questions). Our tour guide was a fine arts student originally from Missouri, moved to New York City and now a workshop attendee (apprentice) halfway through his program. Don would like a stay there (90-year old Paolo Soleri is there on Thursdays to answer questions) - anyone care to join in?

Then on to Prescott. Our internet wanderings led us to the Hassayampa Inn (http://www.hassayampainn.com/) - and we are enjoying it very much. It is a year older than our house and is right in the historic downtown area and we wandered the streets and antique stores after checking in. Dinner was in the Peacock Room (hotel dining room) and Don is enjoying a newspaper in the lobby by the fireplace while I toil away here (in our pleasant room). We brought along two extension cords and I needed both tonight. The available electrical plug is on the opposite side of the room.

Leaving Flagstaff

Well, it was a week that went much too quickly - as they all are these days.

We managed to get loaded up and out the door before 10:00 a.m. checkout. And no check-in until 3:00 p.m. anywhere. So we checked out Sunset Crater and Wapatku (sp) National Park - one cool thing about being a senior with the Golden Age Pass.

We made it to Sedona (25 miles) for night. And that is still a spectacular place to see (despite the commercialization we've come to know and love).