DAY 98- San Antonio, TX...

I woke up to a thick fog.  At first I could barely see the interstate that was running along outside of my window.  Later it became lighter out and I could see the interstate but the tall downtown buildings were lost in the fog.  I turned on the local news and they were showing accidents and backed up traffic all around the area.  I had considered a morning bike ride but I didn’t think it would be safe now.

Photo- A foggy morning in San Antonio, TX.

I went down for the grab and go breakfast at the Red Roof Inn where I was staying.  A muffin, some orange juice, a coffee and US Today paper, I was back up in my room.  I figured I would just wait out this fog thing.  The weatherman said it would clear as it warmed up during the day.  It was supposed to rain later that night and bring in a slight cold front.  The temperatures would be in the upper 60’s; sounded pretty good to me.

A while later, I found myself at the yellow trolley stop a half block away sitting on one of two benches.  There were two black guys there that were sitting on the bench not waiting for a trolley but taking a work break from the auto repair just down the street. I talked with them for a bit while I waited.  As the trolley (which was a regular bus) came I wished them a good day.  I rode the trolley over to the San Antonio Market Square stop.

Photo- Outside at the Market Square in San Antonio.

San Antonio’s Market Square is a colorful walking mall area where there are a lot of Mexican goods for sale.  It has a very festive air and there’s a whole variety of things to look at.  It was rather fun window shopping.  I walked around for a little bit and then decided to get lunch.

Photo- Inside the Mi Tierra's Cafe and Bakery.

I went to Mi Tierra’s Café and Bakery that says it’s always open.  I walked in and was enveloped by some wonderful smells.  Upfront, there’s a glass enclosed counter where there’s a whole selection of mouthwatering freshly baked goods.  Yummy!  I went up to the hostess stand and she started to take me back.  “Where would you like to sit?” she asked me.  She asked if I would like to sit at the counter or a table.  I said whichever is more interesting.  She gave me a perplexed look.  I asked about the covered patio area and she happily sat me out there; looking a bit relieved to be rid of me.

Chips and salsa were brought to the table and I ordered one of the specials of the day just picking something at random.  Their prices were very reasonable.  A very hot plate was served with a cheese enchilada, Spanish rice, a covered container of warm tortillas (corn and flour), and a huge chicken leg.  It was all tasty.  While I was enjoying my lunch, a table of Latino men were sitting and chatting in Spanish.  It was someone’s birthday and one of them was getting a hard time.  A short bit later a trio of guitar players showed up at their table along with a group of restaurant employees.  It was birthday song time; all sang in Spanish.  The birthday boy was turning all shades of red.  It was so cute.

After lunch I walked around the Market Square a bit more.  I went in a few shops and was tempted to try on some of the cute colorful clothes but I didn’t have the room in my car; so I thought I better not.  I caught the yellow trolley back to my hotel where I jumped in my car and drove to one of the Mission Churches in the area.  There are four of them in the area and they are a National Park.  There are guided tours that they do at a few of them and I thought it might be interesting to catch one of these.  So with my Google directions in hand I wandered south through San Antonio.  I went south on St. Mary’s which changed names twice before I came to the San Jose Mission and it’s visitor center. 

The tour was given by a National Park’s employee named Nanette.  She was a cute native Texan gal with an amazing unique southern drawl that almost had a hint of Spanish accent.  It was just amazing listening to her as she gave the tour.  She talked about the history of the Mission San Jose and pointed out the different areas along the way.  We got to see the “apartments” where up to 20 Indians would live.  It made my Salt Lake City one bedroom apartment look like the lap of luxury compared to these two linked rooms; one of which had a fireplace where cooking was done. 

Photo- The cute Nanette with the wonderful Texas drawl accent.

Photo- The outside of the little "apartments" that line the outside wall of the San Jose Mission.

Nanette talked about what was expected of the mission Indians and what an average day for them would have been like during this time frame.  Most of their life was centered around the church.  They would get up and attend church in the morning; go back to their “apartments” for breakfast and then report to whatever work area they were expected.  Then, at the height of the day would be siesta time.  Then after their nap they would be expected to attend church again.  Then, it would be dinner and they had free time in the evening time.

Photo- The Famous Rose window.

During the tour, we steadily worked our way over to the church part of the mission where she ended her tour.  She told of two different legends regarding a Rose window on the side of the church and said we could decide which one was true.  The actual church was not part of the National Park.  Though, it was open to the public.  It’s an active parish church and run by the San Antonio Diocese. 

Photos- San Jose Mission Church, outside and inside.

After that I wondered around taking pictures and reading some of the displayed signs.  It was all very fascinating.  I walked over to the milling area which was just outside the wall areas.  It was the miller’s day off but normally they would have someone that would be operating the mill.  It was the only one of the four missions that had a working mill.  Most of the missions had been somewhat restored in the 1930’s.  It was while viewing this that I had this kitten rubbing up against me and getting all friendly.  It was a sweet thing but I wasn’t taking it home if that was what it was hoping for.

I headed back to the hotel where I did a quick shower and change before going over to the River Walk Area.  I got some change at the front desk just in case I decided to take the trolley back after dinner.  I walked over the 6 or 7 blocks to the River Walk taking a bit of a different route now that I was getting to know the area.  I walked along almost all of the River Walk area trying to decide where I wanted to eat dinner.  I went by almost every restaurant; checking quite a few menus.  I must have walked about 2 miles in all; nothing seemed to be sparking my interest.

Photo- Lighted carriages you can rent in the River Walk area.

Great deals of the restaurants along the River Walk are Tex Mex, Italian, and BBQ.  I finally decided to turn around and go back to the Waxy O’Connor Irish Pub.  They had a lamb stew that sounded rather good and it did turn out to go very well with a draft of Blue Moon.  I was enjoying the outdoor table until rain started to sprinkle just a bit.  I asked the server to move in and finished my meal indoors while watching a bit of Monday night football.  The rain started to come down a little harder and I ordered another beer in hopes of waiting out the rain.  It finally calmed down and I walked back to my hotel.

Photo- One of the restaurant areas along the River Walk.

 

DAY 85- Historic Taos & Another Vegas...

I left the hotel and headed south about ½ mile towards the Taos historic area.  I had driven on the main road through the area and had visited the Taos Historic Inn the night before but hadn’t really gotten a full look at the area.  I turned on Carson Road and parked in a free parking lot.  I walked around the Historic area.  Most of the shops were not opened and I was wondering if I was really hitting it during the off season time.  I did see a wonderful little courtyard area as I checked to see if a gallery was open. 

Photos- There are several courtyards in historic Taos.

I crossed over Hwy 68 to heart of the Historic area.  I visited a couple of art galleries; one of which was a collective.  I ended up talking with the gal that was manning the collective about bicycling in the area.  She did it a little bit and had recently been joining her daughter in running in the area too.  She was real nice and I asked her what the winters were like in Taos.  She said that it got really cold and snowy; nothing like what I’ve gotten used to in Utah.  I asked her about other things in the area too. 

I continued to wander along.  I went to a t-shirt shop where I found a Taos t-shirt that I liked; a big surprise.  NOT!  I talked with the clerk at this shop and found out that quite a few of the businesses didn’t open until 11AM.  She didn’t know why but they did.  But she did say that it was a slow time of year until they started getting some REAL snow and then the skiers would be swinging by.  She teased me that I was more than welcome to hang out in her shop with her for the day; that was she wouldn’t be too lonely and I wouldn’t be chilly.  I had left my gloves in the car, and it was a bit chilly.   She was a bit of a character.

Photo- A side area of historic Taos.

Next, further down the way on the other side of a courtyard, I went into a clothing shop where a young gal had managed to get me to try on some items of pricey clothes that I really did not need at all.  She was a good salesperson.  She was fun to talk with and it was just fun trying on stuff that I knew I would never wear or need.  I felt like I was shopping with one of the gals.  I thanked her for her time and wished her luck finding an earring she had dropped just before I got there.  She said she had forgotten about the earring while I was there.

I went into a sporting goods store down the street where they had a covered outside area that you could shop in.  I was kind of hoping to find a cheap winter cap but the cheapest I could find was $35.  I also looked at some nice winter jackets but they were way too pricey for this girl.  But I was having fun and the people in the area were fun to talk with.  I went in several more shops and eventually through another courtyard area.  I had a side walk vendor ask where I got my bag; he liked it.  And I couldn’t remember where I had gotten the bag.  I apologized to the guy and he said no worries gal.  I continued to explore and took a couple of turns.  I was almost across the street from where I went for dinner last night. 

I was in the mood for late lunch.  I found a nice little restaurant called Graham’s Grill which I had seen in the same booklet as the Adobe Bar I went to last night.  I went in and asked to see the menu.  There was a pumpkin bisque that sounded wonderful and I was very much in the mood for some soup.  I asked to be seated and was shortly after waited on. 

Photo- One of the entrances to Graham's Grill in Taos.

I ordered a mocha latte, the Pumpkin New Mexico Red Chili Bisque with a Caesar salad.  The server seemed glad that I knew what I wanted.  I could understand; on one side there were a pair of women talking over their open menus and on my other side was a guy with glass of wine, menu off to side and he’s pecking away at a laptop.  A HUGE green cup came with my steaming mocha latte.  I had to let it cool down, but I always love it when coffee is served in huge ceramic cups.  I looked around while I waited.  The walls were a warm lemon yellow; there were touches of royal blue and sage green with vaulted ceiling.  It was a fun atmosphere with a hint of yuppie. 

The bisque with salad arrived.  The salad threw me for a bit.  It was a Caesar dressing served over part of a still intact baby romaine lettuce head.  I definitely needed to use a fork and knife for this salad.  Awe! The bisque was amazing!  First there was the sweetness of the pumpkin and then the spice of the red chili and other spices would give it a wonderful kick but not too much of one.  The balance of the sweet and spicy was pure perfection.  What a wonderful meal it was and if the recipe for this bisque was in the cookbook that was being advertised on the table it might be worth the purchase.  But the last time I got to cook was over two weeks ago; what did I need a recipe book for?  But if any of you are looking for a gift for a cook in the family I bet this would be a good cookbook to get.

Photo- A bit of snow and evergreens heading south out of Taos.

Off south I went on Hwy 518 out of Taos; this was called a scenic byway.  I went through a forest of evergreen trees with bits of snow on the ground here and there.  The road wound around, up and over.  It was really a pretty drive and there was little traffic.  As I headed more south the scenery changed from evergreens to a more rocky arid landscape and then eventually to an almost flat dry brush.  There’s a lot of variety in the New Mexico area and maybe that’s why they call it the land of enchantment.

Photo- A rocky landscape as I headed further south towards Las Vegas,NM.

I drove into Las Vegas, NM and wouldn’t have known it until I saw the city limits sign.  Eventually, as I drove further there was a Wal-Mart and strip malls along the road.  It was nothing like the other Vegas; this one was a small town with no gambling.  I quickly got checked into my hotel, ran to the post office for stamps (got to keep the Popette in formed), and then ran by the visitor’s center.  The lady at the visitor’s center was in the process of locking the door when I arrived. 

Photo- The landscape just before Las Vegas,NM.

She asked me how she could help and then gave me a historical brochure that had over 900 different locations in the town; 900, huh?  That could take me awhile.  Most of the places were buildings that had historical significance for the Santa Fe Trail which went through the area.  I drove around for a bit and tried to get my bearings and find places.  But it was getting dark and it was hard finding places in the dark.  I grabbed some take out and went back to the hotel.

DAY 83- Art & in the Pursuit Of Warm Clothes...

I woke up to a thin layer of snow in the morning.  The weather reports had said there was supposed to be snow in Santa Fe on Sunday but I was still surprised it happened.  I put on my warmest clothes so I could go to breakfast; it was a very chilly walk across that parking lot.  On the way back I stopped at my car and dug around in my cycling gear bag.  Thank goodness, I had the cold gear in with my cycling stuff or I would’ve really been up the creek.

Photo- A church not far from the Georgia O'Keeffe Art Museum.

An hour later I was taking the shuttle bus from the hotel over to Santa Fe’s Plaza.  From there, I walked over to the Georgia O’Keeffe Art Museum.  I should say that I walked around it and finally found it.  It’s rather an understated adobe structure and doesn’t come off as the usual art museum.  I went in and paid the entry fee; the whole time my teeth are chattering.  The gal behind the counter said I looked pretty cold and if she had an extra jacket she would’ve given to me.  She mentioned that the man in the red shirt would be giving a talk on Georgia O’Keeffe at 10:30AM.  She also went on to say that no photos within the museum were allowed.  I went over to the man in the red shirt and asked him where the talk would take place.  He said in gallery No.7 at 10:30am.  He told me it was the largest gallery and pointed the general direction of where it was.

Photo- The understated outside of the Art Museum. I almost walked right by.

I was off to start viewing some of the museum before the talk.  The first room had quotes and a few well-spaced pieces of Georgia’s.  Most people walk right up to a painting or a piece of art.  I have the habit of looking briefly up close then stare at it from a distance.  It was rather interesting because it seemed like the security was keeping a close eye on me because of my out of norm behavior.  There was security in every room.  In the second gallery was where more art was displayed and there was a tour of some sort being given.  I continued my same pace and just went around the group; only half listening to what the female tour guide was saying.  I finally started to warm up and took off my jacket; being watched closely by the security staff.

I breezed through the third gallery and didn’t venture into the 4^th.  I went straight to the 7^th gallery room where the man in the red shirt had just barely started the talk.  I found a sit among the other listeners.  He talked about Georgia’s upbringing, her schooling in art, how she became a teacher, gave up on art for a while and then picked up art again in her life.  He also talked about her husband and how she eventually came out to live in New Mexico.  He talked about her being on the cutting edge of modernism in art.  How this museum is the only museum in the US that is focused on a female artist but that over half of the artists in this day and age are women.  I found it all very fascinating.

But I especially found it fascinating when the man in the red shirt talked about how Georgia was very independent and traveled alone going for days on end in her car in search of subjects that interested her.  People thought she was crazy and I have to say that even a woman in our time has that same bit of stigma from some people.  I very much felt a kin to Georgia in that moment. 

When I left the museum, the man in the red shirt was out front and he asked me what I thought.  I told him it was a wonderful museum and experience.  He said that’s why he committed himself to being a docent since 2006.  I thanked him for his talk and said that I sort of felt a kin to Georgia when he talked about her travels alone.  I told him I was on a long road trip and told him that it was 83.  Wow! He said now that’s a serious road trip.  He said to enjoy and be careful of Santa Fe’s sidewalks.  He was convinced that they were there long before the city was ever built.  I laughed and thanked him; some of them are in terrible shape.

Photo-The Chuck Jones Gallery.

Next, I was down and around the corner and saw a Chuck Jones Animation Art Gallery.  I went in and was greeted warmly by a tall black dreadlock haired man behind a desk.  He asked how I was and I said Cold.  He laughed and said he appreciated my honesty.  I laughed and said maybe I should stop there.  The gallery was pretty cool.  There’s art from Warner Brother’s Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and others.  There’s Dr. Seuss artwork too.  Quite a bit of it was numbered reproductions of the originals done by Chuck Jones.

Photo- Another gallery that I really liked in the area.

Down the street a little farther, I came across another gallery that sparked my interest.  It had sculptures of cougars on benches in front of its windows.  I went in and saw quite a wide range of styles and types of artwork.  I grabbed some of the cards for some of the artists that I like what they do.  Three out of the four artist’s cards I took were all self-taught artists with no BFA.  Wow!  That surprised me because most the time in Utah I’ve found quite often the opposite.

Photo- A layer of snow in the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Further down the street is the New Mexico Museum of Art.  I went in.  After paying the entrance fee, I’m directed out through an open courtyard area to the actual art museum.  Through the courtyard I walked and through another set of doors into a foyer area.  I decided to keep right.  The first segment is large more modern type art fixtures that I never seem to understand or get for the most part.  Then, the art museum takes a venture into “Scenes Seldom Seen” and features a couple of photos with Georgia O'Keeffe in them and one taken by her.  Then, there was also a painting that is done by her too.  It also features other well-known New Mexico artists but I don’t recognize any of them.  Upstairs there was a show on glass that was very interesting.  Back down the stairs I went and turned left this time.  This area talked about New Mexico’s art history and asked about what art is and who is determined to be classified as an artist which this area contained more art that I just didn’t get.

Photo- The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Next I walked around the square and ended up over by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.  It looked as though it was being refurbished.  So I just admired the beautiful outside of it for a bit.  Then, I walked over to the Chapel of Loretto and saw the Miraculous Staircase.  The all wooden stairs that was built by a carpenter for the nuns to get to the choir loft which contains no nails.  The stairs were wonderful wood but the chapel area itself was beautiful too I thought. 

Photos- The amazing Miraculous Stairs and the beautiful chapel.

I grabbed a bit of lunch and something warm to drink at the Blue Corn Café.  Then, I went through a couple of gift shops while burning time till the shuttle bus came; about another 15min.  I had had enough of this walking around in the cold weather.  I needed to see about getting some warmer clothing.  The gal that drove the shuttle told me where some stores were on the way back to the hotel and when I got back I jumped in my car in search of warm clothing.  I ended up at Kohl’s and purchased a turtle neck sweater, a fleece hooded jacket lined with Sherpa fur, a sweater cardigan, and another long sleeve shirt.  I figured that should do me and it only set me back about $80.  You gotta love Kohls!

Next, back at the hotel I put on warm clothes in preparation of going out for dinner.  The Cow Girl Restaurant had come highly recommended.  I parked my car and went in only to find that they had a large group had reserved much of the restaurant and the bar area was packed with customers and more customers waiting to sit.  The gal offered that I could get take out but I didn’t want to sit in my hotel room and eat.  I swung by three others that were on my list but they were closed on Sundays.  I felt a bit like I was in Utah.  A bit disappointed, I finally decided to go to a chain restaurant (Outback) that I saw earlier when I was at  Kohls. 

DAY 77- Scottsdale Old Towne & Ghost Towns…

I said goodbye and gave Laura a hug just before she got on the airport shuttle.  It had been a fun weekend but it was time to move on.  Then, I was off in my car.  The plan for the day was a bit of sightseeing in Old Towne Scottsdale and then onto a Ghost Town that I had seen a brochure at the hotel about.  The end of the day I had a hotel room in Payson, AZ.

Photo- Some of the signage for Old Town in Scottsdale.

I tried to follow my directions to Scottsdale Old Towne but one of the Google instructions had said stay to the right when it should have said stay to the left.  I ended up doing a big circle of exits with the freeway to drive by again and stay in the left this time.  Then, I was back on track and located the Scottsdale Old Towne.

Photos- Sculptures in and around Old Town Scottsdale area.

 

Scottsdale Old Town has a LOT of galleries and jewelry places.  I walked around for almost a whole hour just sightseeing the galleries.  There was quite a few sculptures in the area and then I happened to wonder into a few jewelry places.  BUT I was good and didn’t purchase any jewelry.  I’ll tell you it wasn’t easy because there was so much variety and 90% of it was sliver which comes in handy when you are allergic to gold.  I did however break down and purchase a new handbag.  One of the tote bags I had been using sprung a hole in the bottom in the last two days and THAT’s not good to have.

Photo- The Mission Church on the edge of Old Town Scottsdale.

I visited the Adobe Mission Church that was on the edge of the Scottsdale Old Towne.  I mostly did a self-guided tour; though, one of the gals that were inside walked me through ¾ of the church telling and showing me things.  The church had been built in 1933 by the Mexican farm workers in the area.  The closest church prior to that was St. Mary’s in Phoenix.  I watched a video in the sacristy area and signed the visitor’s book.  The last two visitors were also from Utah; which I found rather funny—one from St. George and the other from Provo.  We live in such a small world or it seems sometimes.

I checked out several restaurants in the area and had been told to visit one that I later found out had been closed for almost 2 years.  I finally decided to eat at a place called Ciene Agaves which had a fun cool interior away from the sun that was really starting to warm up the day.  I had a couple of tacos and the spicy island shrimp tacos were wonderful.  Next, I figured I had better get going out to the ghost town which was at least 40 miles away.

Photo- The Saloon at Goldfield Ghost Town.

I had read about the Goldfield Ghost Town in a brochure that I had found at the hotel in Phoenix.  Let me just say this—don’t always believe what you read in the brochures.  In general, I found this Ghost town to be a bit of a disappointment but then again anything like this would have been a bit of a downer after spending a day in Tombstone.  So I’m going to say that the jury’s kind of out on this one.  Though, I will say that the view of the Superstitious Mountains nearby made it worth the drive out there.

Photo- Goldfield Ghost Town with Superstitious Mountains in background.

Goldfield Ghost Town was a picture opportunity and I took the train ride around the town.  You really had to listen to the train conductor on the ride around perimeter of the ghost town.  It was a little like listening to the Swedish cooking guy on the Muppets.  The conductor had a bit of an accent.  The train also never got above 5mph and I was hoping for a bit of a breeze to cool off with.  I went in several stores afterwards but there wasn’t much in all to do in the area but walk around town and shop.  Anyway, that was my experience.

Needless to say I didn’t spend very long at the Ghost Town and before long I was driving towards Payson where I would spend the night.  I went through Usery Pass and it was a very scenic area where there were quite a few cyclists in the area.  If I didn’t have an almost 3 hour drive I would have joined them.  But what I got a kick out of most in this area was this HUGE Phoenix painted in white with an arrow on the side of a mountain as I drove through the pass.  It was like a HUGE sign saying dummy Phoenix is this way!  No need for GPS or Google for this one.

Photo- Now which way was Phoenix?

I drove north through Tonto National Forest.  The area was beautiful with tall cactus and scrub brush but then it changed and there was more trees as you progressed north.  I went by a lake that was an amazing blue against the landscape.  The landscape got even more pretty and mountainous the further north you went.  I was having a hard time concentrating on the road because I was looking all over the place as I drove.  I slowed down a bit and put the cruise on and just took my time. 

Photos- Pretty scenery as I drove north on Hwy 87.

Before I knew it I was in Payson.  I saw a sign for a Zane Gray cabin and museum but it was after 5pm and would be getting dark soon.  So I went to check into the hotel for the night.  I asked the desk clerk where would be a good place to eat and without hesitation she told me about the Buffalo Bar & Grill that was two doors down.  She said it was the best place to eat in town.  I threw on a jeans and a jacket.  It was getting to be chilly especially as the sun went down, but Payson is at about 5400 ft. so that should be expected this time of year.  I walked down to the Buffalo Bar & Grill with its rustic wooden atmosphere.  I had a chili burger with yummy sweet potato fries and a beer while I watched the first half of the Monday Night Football Game.

DAY 73-Tucson: Eateries & Construction…

This I will admit wasn’t my first time to the Tucson area.  I was down in Tucson about 5 years ago for the El Tour de Tucson.  It’s an annual bike ride event that takes place in Tucson where almost 10,000 cyclists ride their bikes around the perimeter of the city of Tucson.  It’s a very well supported cycling event and a wonderful event to ride if you’re a cyclist; riding with 10,000 cyclists is just amazing.  But what I remember most about riding in the event was seeing people from the community of Tucson all along the route clapping and cheering while you are cycling by.  In fact, that event would be taking place here in Tucson in about 2 week’s time.  I hope they have some of this construction done with before then!

Photo- Starr Pass Golf Suites where I stayed in Tucson.

On Halloween night, I would have headed down to the 4^th Ave area of Tucson which is a central night spot I was told for Tucson but everyone had warned me about the construction and finding parking down there.  So instead I headed down the next day.  I was given a list of places to go to check out and eat at in the area.  So I drive from my hotel down to the 4^th Ave area.  I kept on getting lost and couldn’t quite figure it out until I came to the intersection of 6^th and 6^th.  WTF!  Well, long story short- the number streets go one direction and the numbered aves go the other direction.  It’s a good thing to know if you are driving in Tucson.  I flipped my normal “U” turn and I finally was heading in the right direction.

Photo- Construction in the middle of the road along 4th Ave in Tucson.

WOW!  I found 4^th Ave!  Now was the chore of finding a parking space amid the limited park and amid all of the construction which took another bite out of the parking situation.  I actually lucked out on the 5^th pass of the area and found a space on 4^th Ave.  Another bonus was that it was 2 hour parking and I didn’t have to fill a meter.

Off I went down one side of fourth and then the other; exploring as I went.  Along 4^th Ave in Tucson, there’s a variety of shops such as costume, thrift, souvenir, tattoo parlors, plenty of bars and eateries.  I was told to definitely hit Bison Witches and have a bread bowl of soup.  4^th Ave is currently being torn up in the middle for some light rail mass transit.  There’s chain link fences right up against the sidewalks and most of the businesses are still open.  I walked down one side and then walked around to the other side only to discover that I had walked right by the Bison Witches because I couldn’t read the awing from the sidewalk area.

I walked into Bison Witches and immediately took a seat at the bar.  I was handed a menu and was told that they were having a $2 special on drafts.  I asked what they had on draft.  I chose the Heffe, as I’m becoming more than a little predictable with my choice of beers.  I then talked with the bartender, a tall slim cute brunette gal with a huge warm smile.  I told her I heard talk of their soups served in bread bowls and asked which one she recommended of the four choices.  I ended up ordering the potato bacon soup that comes with a choice of chips. 

Photo- My soup and beer at the Bison Witches.  Yummy!

With ordering out of the way, I sat back and kind of just people watched.  There were businessman with ties, construction guys, gals having a girl’s lunch, and families with small kids; basically, everyone from all walks of life.  Though, it almost seemed like the businessman were out of place compared to everyone else.  I made the comment to the bartender and she quickly said that of anyone here they were the ones that belonged the most.  They hit almost every bar/restaurant in the area.  They know the menus better than anyone too.  Some local people will just hit one bar all the time and have never tried any of the others; funny how people get in a rut the bartender said.

We talked for a bit while she mixed drinks for other servers and clients. Bison Witches was the brain child of two men; one of which was stocking the shelves of the panty as we talked and had made all of the soups that morning himself.  It’s been open since 1995 and the bread that they used in their sandwiches and bread bowls is made at a local bakery that just down the street.  It’s very local and they get a lot of regulars that come in; especially on rainy days.  She said that on those days it’s like everyone is having a bowl of soup and a Bloody Mary.  A Bloody Mary?  Yes, their Bloody Marys are pretty good too and they have a special spice mix that they use for it.  I stayed for a couple of beers and people watched one of my favorite past times.

Photos- Shops along 4th Ave area in Tucson.

I left and wandered around into some other shops on 4^th Ave for a little while after wards.  Then, I decided that I would head over to the downtown area near the area of Congress where I had seen that there were more shops, art galleries, and what not in the area.  BIG mistake!  The construction and traffic had been mild on 4^th Ave.  This area of downtown was a traffic jam and after 10 minutes to travel 2 blocks; I had had enough!  I eventually was able to turn off onto a side street and work my way back through more traffic to I-10 from which I was able to figure out how to get back to my hotel.  I walked down to where the fitness/pool area of the hotel.  They were nice facilities but while I was walking towards the gate and over hearing two wives complain about their husbands golf habits I just didn’t feel like relaxing there.

Back at my room, I went.  I took out the Tucson visitors guide book that was in the room.  I started reading about these misc. restaurants and started thinking about what to do for dinner for the night.  Something close by and that was relaxing atmosphere.  But it seemed like nothing was appealing.  Then, I read about the Tucson Tamale Company and it mentioned take out.  Hmmmm…now that sounded good; get take out, come back, and watch a movie on HBO.  And the best thing was… is that the drive over to the Tucson Tamale Company required only 4 turns. 

Photo- The Tucson Tamale Company.

The Tucson Tamale Company didn’t look like much when I got there.  It looked as though most of their business was carry out.  The gal at the counter handed a menu and not that the ones with the asterisk were the ones that were available hot and that the others were available to be taken home frozen in packages of three.  She went on to say that they were easy instructions to heat up in the microwave.  I ordered 3 different flavors of meat tamales that I could take back to the hotel hot.  Then I noticed the dessert tamales and asked if there was a way to get one of those out of a package of three. 

I told her I was from Utah, that it was just me staying in town for the night, and didn’t have a refrig. (A lie about the refrig. But she didn’t need to know).  She said let me check to see what batch they may be working on in the back.  They had sweet pumpkin tamales available if I just wanted one.  Yep! I told her I would take one of those.  Her demeanor changed a bit when she found out I was from out of town.  Then she started talking about how they ship their tamales all over the US and most recently they shipped some to England.  She tucked a takeout menu in with my tamales and wished me a good night.

Back at the hotel, I returned without getting lost or stuck in Tucson traffic.  Yeah!  I rearranged the room so I could eat the tamales while watching the TV.  The Arizona tamale was a wonderful mild spicy red chipotle beef.  Then, I tried the Jojo which was a chipotle beef and cheese in a jalapeno masa.  The Jojo had a bit more kick and was very tasty but my favorite had to be the very flavorful Santa Fe tamale that was pork loin with green chile sauce and cheese.  Next, I tried the sweet pumpkin tamale and it was very pumpkiny but not too sweet.  I rather liked it because it wasn’t overdone on the sweetness.  I had a very happy stomach and finished watching a movie on HBO.

DAY 65- Prescott, Sedona, to Flagstaff…

I woke up to a wonderful sunrise outside my window of my east facing room.  I went down for the continental breakfast.  I had stayed the night in a very nice Hampton Inn in Prescott Valley.  They have fresh coffee out all night for you to partake of which I thought was a wonderful feature considering how I love my coffee.

I went back up to my room jumped on my computer and let’s see where we are going to go today.  I had the idea of going into Prescott again just to check out the area for a bit then I wanted to head north to Sedona and possibly stay in Flagstaff for the night.  My thought was that Flagstaff hotels would be cheaper than Sedona.  As I got on-line with my computer that just what I found out.  Set up my reservation packed and off I went.

Photo- Prescott's Courthouse Square a very walkable park like setting.

Back into Prescott I drove.  Prescott is nestled in foothills and mountain valleys.  It is a very pretty area.  There’s nice neighborhoods that looked average income but were well kept near the historic  downtown.  I parked on the street next to the courthouse square.  Prescott’s historic downtown is centered off of the Courthouse square.  I noticed signs under light poles that stated” Prescott Everyone’s Hometown”.  I will admit that Prescott did have a nice comfortable feel to it.   

Photo- Signs stating Prescott Everyone's Hometown.

On one side of the Courthouse Square there’s a grouping of older buildings called Whiskey Row which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.  The art collective that I visited last night is here.  Almost down at the other end, I visited another gallery call Van Gogh’s Ear.  Yes, I’ll admit I went in because of the name but it was a very nice gallery with a wide variety of art; paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, purses, and other wearable art.  I also loved that they were playing soft jazz music. 

Photo- Part of Prescott's Whiskey Row.

I walked around the rest of the street area surrounding the courthouse square.  There were quite a few western wear or art shops but among those were woman’s upscale boutique clothing stores and antique shops.  It was an understated easy going shopper’s paradise in one aspect but I was really enjoying walking around and window shopping because real effort had been put into the window displays.  I bet this place would be amazing at Christmas.

I looked at the clock and realized I had better get going to Sedona or I would really be driving in the dark to Flagstaff. I took a chance that Hwy 89 would run into Hwy89A.  I had a general map but it didn’t show the city area of Prescott and where the highways met up.  As I headed north out of Prescott the landscape changed dramatically from mountain valley to sandy rock formations.  This was very interesting and within such a short distance.  Wow!  I wish I had known and made more time.  I think I may have to come back here to explore more in the future.  But I will admit that I’ve felt that way in several areas.  I often feel I could spend weeks or years exploring some of these places that I have visited.

Photo- A rocky landscape just north of Prescott.

Photo- Scenery along Hwy 89A north before Jerome.

The scenery as I headed north became amazing the further I went north and the closer I got to Sedona.  Warning Hwy 89A is one of those scenic routes which entail tons of curves but the curves are really worth it in this case.  Course, I think I’ve heard men say that too.  Hmmm.   The road runs through a mountain pass and there are rocks, evergreen trees, and the other trees were turning yellow and orange.  It was gorgeous scenery.  I stopped at a view area just before coming into the town of Jerome.

Photo- View Area just before Jerome.

Jerome is a ghost town that has turned into an artist haven.  I was here years ago with a friend and it was marvelous place to spend the day.  The highlights I can remember of that day is eating a hamburger at the haunted hotel and watching a glass blowing demo in a lawn chair from 4 ft. away.  I was there to late in the day to find a parking place easily and I really wanted to spend time in Sedona.  I drove through Jerome slowly remembering some places and seeing new places too.

Photo- Red rock scenery just outside of Sedona.

I was several miles away from Sedona when I started to see the red topped bluffs that surround the area.  I was just barely within the town area when I saw these pink jeeps turning down a side street.  I HAD to check this out.  The side of the jeeps stated that they were off-road tours and they were packed with people.  I followed two of the vehicles and there was another two behind me.  I figured I would follow until they went off the road and get a taste of what the riders get.  I was on Dry Creek Road and it was a nice drive out on the road.  I completely lost interest in the pink jeeps and was enamored with the scenery. WOW!  The road came to a “T” and I took a right hand turn.  I stopped at a parking place not far down the road and took a few pictures. 

I turned around and headed back to Sedona.  I saw signs for a visitor’s center and followed those.  I went in and asked one of the older men at the busy counter if there was a shopping area with a lot of galleries and some restaurants too.  He grabbed a map and told me of two that were very close. 

I went to the Tlaquepaque; no please don’t ask me to pronounce this name out loud.  Parking was a bit of a struggle but it ended up really being worth it.  I walked from the boondocks and into a Mexican Oasis.  Among the Spanish inspired architecture there were graceful arches, the soft splashing of fountains, tranquil plaza areas, and shade covered verandas.  It was all very relaxing and there are about 45 restaurants and shops spread throughout the area. 

Photos- The Tlaquepaque shopping area in Sedona.

There were live musicians playing out in a couple of the plaza areas.  One was a new age on an electric guitar that I didn’t care for but another was playing soft flamenco guitar which just fit in perfect with the architecture.  He had CD’s that were available to purchase.  I sat down and listened for a while on a nearby bench; watching people walk by and shopping.  I just sat and enjoyed this was a wonderful place to come.  It was also rather confusing to find your way around because there are so many nestled verandas and plaza areas of all sizes. 

Most of the shops were galleries, but there were a few restaurants, pottery, clothing, and what not among them too.  I ended up having a late lunch on an outside patio of a Mexican restaurant called El Rincon which had bright colored umbrella tables. The food was okay but it was on the bland for Mexican but it was a mostly white high end clientele in the area.  But a warning if you do purchase or eat anything in Sedona, you need to figure in their 10.75% sales tax.  I overheard one lady complaining about it when she purchased an item that was under $5 at one store with the clerk.

Next I drove further north on Hwy 89A, the highway went by state parks and recreational areas.  I was really enjoying the drive and enjoying the scenery of rock formations, evergreen trees and colored leaves.  About 10 miles out of town, I look down to see the fuel light has come on.  Oh shit!  I should’ve fueled up when I was in Sedona; what was I thinking?  I had gotten a little too relaxed at the Tlaquepaque.  I pulled into the next turn out area, turned off the car, and grabbed the map to see where I was.  Well, I could be anywhere along a 27 mile stretch and not particularly sure if there would be a fuel station at the end of that stretch.  I opted to turn around back into Sedona and hoped that the downhill would help get better gas mileage to get me further.  I thankfully made it to the first gas station and filled up. 

It was getting later and I thought it might be faster to work my way over to I-17 to head north to Flagstaff.  I turned onto Hwy 179 heading south.  It was the only way to get to I-17 from Sedona.  Well, I don’t know if it was any faster to go this way because every 4^th intersection was a round-about where you had to slow to 15mph.  They sure love their round-abouts!  There wasn’t as many as Bend, OR but this area from Sedona heading over towards Cottonwood sure had them.  Just before Cottonwood the road finally straightened out and widened.  The speed limit increased and I felt like I finally arrived at I-17.  I turned north to Flagstaff.

The interstate was virtually a straight shot going north but had a fair amount of climbing.  I took it easy.  The car has been fine but I didn’t want to push it.  The interstate speed was 75 but I stuck to about 70mph.  Now the only problem is that I had directions to the hotel from Hwy 89A.  But I did have a Woodlands Blvd that was supposed to be a turn off.  I take an exit off to double check the address and directions.  As I’m trying to get back onto the interstate I stumble upon Woodlands Blvd.  What luck!

I drive along and look for the hotel.  I turn in and park.  I wait while the clerk checks in two married couples.  I get up there and tell him I’m here to check in.  I give him my name, and he asks how to spell it.  Just like it sounds—All Good, I say.  He checks his computer and asks if the reservation maybe under another name.  No, I say.  Is there another Radisson in the area?  Mamm, this is Ramada.  The Radisson is down the street and off on your right.  I turn around and laughingly announced to the whole room,” Go figure!  I got the wrong hotel!”   Out the door I went, while the perplexed faces of the other hotel guests looked on.

I found the Radisson and I was so glad to see it because this was definitely a step up from the Ramada down the street.  I went into a marbled entrance and up to the desk where a clerk helped me right away.  He was happy because I guess my reservation was the only one that had gone smoothly for him for the night.  He said I was his lucky one and upgraded me to a suite.  Sweet!  While he finished checking me in I told him about checking in at the Ramada down the street.  He said that happened all the time.  They used to have a Residence Inn down the street that they used to get people trying to check in here too.  He was probably just being nice but I was feeling rather like a blond.

I got to the room and changed into some warmer clothes.  The temperature overnight in Flagstaff was supposed to get down to 42 degrees.  Brrr-rrr!  Man, I’m turning into a whimp!  I decided to just take it easy and stay in the hotel to eat.  I went into the Lounge area where there was only one other couple.  They had the game of the first World Series on and I sat at the bar ordered an appetizer from the Happy Hour Menu and had a bottle of Blue Moon.  It was myself and the bartender watching the game alone for the most part.  We would make comments about the game here and there but neither one of us were really vested in it.  He was a Diamond Back fan and I’m a Braves fan; but we still watched the Giants win the game.