Flagstaff/Phoenix

Since Monday was my birthday Barb took me to Phoenix where it was in the seventies instead of the fifties. We had lunch at a brewpub, took in some sights and had dinner at a German restaurant. It wasn't the Bavarian Grill of course, but it was fun having some German food and beer.

1. Cactus on the way to Phoenix

2. Site of Superbowl

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The rest of the week we have been enjoying sights in and around Flagstaff.

1. Wupatki pueblo

2. Lava flow

Grand Canyon

Yesterday we drove to the Grand Canyon. It was a beautiful day, sunny, clear and in the fifties. No matter what you hear, see or read nothing prepares you for the size and grandeur.

    

Since I am not particularly fond of heights it was even more of a thrill for me than the average person as we walked along the rim of the canyon.

Flagstaff

We are now in Flagstaff having driven here yesterday from Albuquerque. We have a very nice condo thanks to Barb's sister Beaty. Guess what, we got up this morning and it was snowing. It better not be snowing when we get to San Diego!! It's a good thing we didn't have anything particular planned for the day. We will be here for a week.

We spent a day each in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, which was about the right amount of time. We did the tourist sites, which consisted mainly of old churches or old Indian things. And of course checked out the brewpubs in each.

Mountain

This is Ben writing.  One of my goals on this trip was to stay away from cold and snow. Well, today on our way to Santa Fe, Barb read about the 10,678 foot high Sandia Crest that had an "awesome view of Albuquerque".  After fourteen miles of winding snow covered mountain road we got to the top. The only thing was, about a quarter mile from the top we hit the cloud line. So here is a picture of me at the top and one of our awesome view. Barb's only comment was "I make your life an adventure".

First day

First day on the road to Albuquerque. Stopped at our first brewery, Sierra Blanca and had several great beers. Went to Kelly's micro brewery for dinner.

Woke up the next morning to snow!!

Packing

How do you pack for a year?

Jody and Jonathan

The hardest goodbye. Take care, have fun and enjoy the house.

Beer tasting

Goodbye to the beer tasting group. Have fun, we will be looking for beer. Save us some good ones.

Woodworkers

Saying goodbye to my woodworking buddies and Blue. Be careful, watch those fingers and take care of Blue.