Route 66

 Song - Route 66 by Nat King Cole

Monday - April 7

                                 Prong Horn Antelope near Chino Valley

Heading back north to Kristy’s this morning to go further North to the town of William’s on Route 66 for some Mexican food for lunch and a good old chin wag. 

            Mr. B got to meet both Paul Bunyan and Zoltar in the same day!

We had a nice visit during lunch and William’s being on old Hwy 66 was interesting. We went to a tasting bar and I had a half flight of whites, Mr. B had a flight of reds and Kristy had a flight of mixed. It was interesting to hear about Arizona wines. 

Then we walked down the historic Main Street and went through several shops. Mr. bought me some Malachite & silver earrings & a silver bracelet. Headed back to Kristy’s in Chino Valley to meet her neighbor, Monica. At first I was the only one on the porch and she ducked her head around the corner asking who I was.  After introductions were made she said “we don’t worry about robbers but we do worry about wanderers”! PS - It’s a Senior Mobile Home Park!!!  Delightful person. So glad Kristy has her for a neighbor & a friend.

 Mr. B and I headed back to Prescott to freshen up and Kristy came about an hour later so we could have dinner together. We had tried out the bar but the music was too loud so we went into the lobby but there was a golf convention there and that was too loud too so we waited for Kristy outside on a bench. When she arrived, we headed into the Peacock Room for dinner. The bar music was just right in there!  Great dinner & visit. 

The Haunting of Hassayampa

 Take it Easy by The Eagles

Sunday - April 6

                                                   The lobby of the Hassayampa 

Had a tough time sleeping and awoke to people arguing in the hall. Our room is small with windows that don’t open and a bathroom the size of a postage stamp! Headed downstairs for coffee & a slice of cinnamon cake then off to Kristy’s (Mr. B’s sister) in Chino Valley. We were told to watch for two red wagon wheels along the Highway, then a large tree & a pink flamingo and bingo we were there. Had a great visit & tour of Kristy’s home & garden. Oh, and I finally got to meet sweet Uli her Shitzu pup who is 13. 

Headed through the Dells, an amazing rock formation and headed towards Sedona. Kristy knew of a fun place for lunch, The Hudson. While we were waiting for a table I noticed a woman who looked like our future daughter-in-law’s sister. I texted Monica to see if they happened to be at the same restaurant (out of a thousand) and they were! What a surprise! They were in Sedona celebrating her sister’s 30th birthday along with some other friends who also had a birthday! BTW The Hudson had delicious food, amazing views and a lively atmosphere!  

After lunch we headed North to West Oak River Canyon trailhead. Jim & our family came here many years ago to spread his brother’s ashes several miles up the beautiful canyon. 

Kristy wanted to see where her brother’s ashes rested and while we couldn’t do the entire trail we headed up the walk and crossed the stream several times before we turned around and headed back home to Kristy’s house. We had a glass of wine and she presented me with some beautiful silver pieces that belonged to their grandmother, Margaret Boole. I am touched. 

Mr. B and I headed back to Prescott and our magical elevator. A new musician was playing piano in the bar - Lee Stewart. He was great but just finishing up for the night. We had a glass of wine & ordered what we thought was going to be a light dinner  but not so. Again I had a difficult nights sleep. I had heard at the bar that the 4th floor was haunted by….

“A very young bride named Faith Summers who checked into a balcony suite with her much older husband in 1927. According to the story, Faith's husband went out to buy cigarettes and never returned. Faith waited for three days and then took her life in despair” Hummm… not sure I believe in ghosts but there is some kind of vibe going on here but also glad we are not in room 426 where poor Faith hung herself. 

Sleep well tonight my friends! 

Make Mine A Corn…..Tortilla

Song - Nobody Knows Me by Lyle Lovett

Saturday - April 5

Mr. B and I are traveling through the Southwest for a couple weeks. Our son, Andy and his cute little sidekick, Henry drove us to the airport. We flew into Phoenix and jumped into our Rav4 and headed north to Prescott, AZ, passing through mountains of huge Saguaro cactus and mountains that looked like they were from another planet. We pulled into The Hassayampa in old downtown Prescott just two blocks from Whiskey Row and there was a courtyard and lobby full of people dressed in elegant Roaring 20’s attire ready for a party  I felt totally underdressed!

We rode the 1927 employee operated elevator to the fourth floor, unpacked & went downstairs for a cocktail & live music in the  bar.  Jim enjoyed taking to the band, R & D (Robbie & David) husband & wife team (vocal & guitar). The hotel has an amazing restaurant where we shared a delicious grilled pear salad and I had a perfect filet minion and Jim had the lamb shank with polenta. Tomorrow we will visit with Mr. B’s sister!