Wickenburg Inn

Yesterday started our great adventure and great it was. We started the day by getting up at 4:30 and heading for the airport. We were not awake but that was okay as we knew we could sleep on the plane. I started dozing right away and about 2 hours into the flight I woke right up! They were announcing that a doctor was needed. Since I was a doctor in a past life I was not sure that i ...

... the afternoon. We will be staying at the Moana Serf Rider for 5 nights and then we will board the Pride of America on Saturday for a cruise around the islands.<br><br>Tomorrow and Sunday will be devoted to quilting as we are already packed!<br>It won't be long now!<br>Sandi<br>

... time hiking in the wilderness of Arizona, seemed to be impressed with the vistas that we enjoyed as we travelled through canyons and up and down mountains. A word of caution to anyone who might try to repeat this trip - make sure your gas tank is full before starting out! The ups and downs of this trail are not kind to gas mileage calculations. We got to Wickenburg, the nearest gas station, on fumes!

... and the night view of the lake in one direction, and the city in the other, was spectacular. About ten-thirty the wind suddenly started to blow so we quickly doused the remaining coals. This area is 'red flagged' for high fire risk due to the very low humidity level. Although listening to the wind can be tiring, it ensures that the air is 'clear' in the morning.

... best last week but there are still many to enjoy. The humidity is about 10-15% so they don't last long once they bloom. Scott joined us in time for dinner tonight so that we would have two full days for activities. Friday night at the movies completed the day as everyone was tired.

... you go searching for a site. We were directed to two camping sections near the visitor center that have water and hydro hook-ups and we started our search in the section on the lake side of the road. A few minutes later Buzz, the host, came by and offered to show us some sites that he thought we would like. So, while Don waited in the coach, I hopped on his golf cart and went to inspect his ...

... fast. They ask us at the last minute if we're bringing our laptops, which we hadn't planned on doing. So, for some reason, we both run inside frantically like Pavlov's dogs and grab our laptops (which we really won't have time to use anyway). We practically fly down the freeway to get to the airport on time. Seriously, I think we were only a couple of miles slower than necessary for lift off. I should mention here ...

... somewhere down the line, but his parents beat us to the punch. They call us to say they want to fund the entire trip. Mind you, generous or not, that's a LOT of money. Now, I feel bad about it, I don't know if I can just accept that much of a gift. So I tell his parents that IF they call this trip an early Christmas present, I'm okay with it. They agree so with that hammered out the trip is back on!

... all the snow made this a special time to be here - I'm the luckiest girl in the world. That afternoon, before I had to leave, I took a helicopter ride over the place - I'd never been in a helicopter before, and the bright sun overhead combined with the rotors produced a horrible strobing effect in the cabin. I didn't care though - I've never been so nauseous and happy at the same time. So happy! Back on the train at 10pm to snuggle down for another overnight ...

... irresistibly. The sign outside advertised "excellent coffee, good food, and unforgettable women". Who could resist? We were severely disappointed to find them closed, and were just leaving as the proprietor approached. She had forgotten her keys, but assured us her mom would be arriving soon. We chatted while we waited, and she assured us the inside was not to be missed. The promised keys soon arrived, and we entered the most ...