Arizona, Saturday, March 18, 2017

Up bright and early this morning to be picked up by constant friend Deb Duggan at 7:45 and off to Eppley for the first day of our Spring 2017 vacation.  Flying today on United from Omaha to Phoenix via a stop over in Denver.  Flights uncharacteristically smooth, no delays, few screaming children and the only note is the number of people who feel empowered to bring their entire household on board in carry-on luggage the size of steamer trunks.

Arrived in Phoenix in 95 F weather and promptly picked up our Hyundai sedan as our chariot for the week.  We proceeded via interstate west and north around the city and hopped off the Eisenhower legacy onto the secondary roads.  Secondary roads in Arizona are still all four lane highways, just with stop lights every 150 yards.

We traveled northwest to Prescott, a spread out town whose claim to fame seems to be a college and at least three golf courses.  Not much to see but we did pass up a Culver's with reluctance.  Upon the recommendation of friend Marsha G., we switched over to US 89 and then to a scenic route on 89A. Good choice.  We traveled through an unusual geological formation known as Granite Dells, towering granite (I assume) formations that look like immense tan horse turds piled up upon each other. Spectacular, even if my imagery is not.  Next we entered the Mingus National Forest and the winding road up Mingus mountain (alt. 7,850) and through the pass. 

Speaking of pass(engers) mine was less than thrilled at the steep drops off the road at every turn.  We finally arrived at the small village of Jerome (alt. 5,000) founded in 1876.  What we presume was originally a mining town clinging to the side of the mountain is now a thriving joyous tourist magnet.  People everywhere, wandering in and out of these small stores and antique emporiums stuck as if with velcro, to the sides of the two lane winding switchback through town.  We thought of stopping, but on this Saturday afternoon there was nary a parking spot available.  Lucky for us as our new mantra is "Purchase no more junk."

Around 5:00 we arrived in Sedona and found that our travel agent had booked us a room (which featured a Sedona address) that was actually located around 10 miles south of town along US 179 in a village called Village of Oak Creek.  The motel proprietor was not amused when we pointed out the lack of truth in advertising.

As we hadn't eaten all day, other than a healthy snack pack purchased originally in Omaha, and nibbled upon through out the flights, we located a restaurant a few blocks away - the Cucina Rustica.  They were well versed in Dirty Martini manufacture and had an enormous wine list.  Revived, we picked the special of the day, a seafood pasta and were well rewarded.  This was a truly excellent Italian restaurant featuring house made pasta, fresh produce and excellent service.  This was reinforced by the fact that we had to eat in the bar, no reservations available until 8:30.  No problem.  We stopped at the neighborhood IGA for some supplies for the next day and were home and in bed by 7:30, a long but very enjoyable day highlighted by some wonderful scenery, no blood shed in our chariot and a wonderful meal and glass of wine to end the day.