First Weekend in Arizona

So our first weekend in Arizona was action packed!  Let us just do a little recap (sorry for it being so long):

Friday, March 11, 2011.

We met at the MGM airport to find that we each had a suitcase that was about 7 lbs too heavy.  We each emptied out enough into our carry on to be only 3lbs over and the Delta people were kind enough to not make us pay the extra $30.  So we get our bags, say good bye and head through security and into our gate. As we were trying to board, we came to find out that our tickets had suddenly turned into standby.  After a few stressful "we aren't going to make this flight" minutes we made it onto the plane with one other lady and got the last 3 seats on the smallest plane ever!  We won't bore you with the ATL airport, but we ate lunch and then headed to our next gate, and then boarded the plane.  We didn't sit together on either flight which made them even longer!  Once landing in Phoenix we booked our rental car in last minute fashion, as usual.  As we were heading over to the Car Rental place via a shuttle bus, I (Liz) said "I hope we don't get a Kia." And what car do you think they offered us, yes it was a Kia!  But luckily we also had the choice of having a Hyundia Elantra which is what we chose, and here she is "Ellie the Elantra"! (see above pic).  We get on the road, turn on Kieren, Hayley's GPS , and headed to our lovely Comfort Suite.  When we checked in we found that we only had our rooms for ONE night!  Emergency number of American Traveler was called, message left and we sat by the phone waiting on a call back.  Finally, 1 1/2 hours later some woman called, we explained the situation, and it was fixed!  We ate a great dinner at Islands, Burgers and Drinks, then came back to the hotel, after a seriously long day, to our separate rooms with king size beds. Boy did we sleep well that night!!!!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

We woke up early (0830), went down to our continental FREE breakfast (eggs, bacon, bagels, belgian waffles, fruit, yogurt), and then we were off to the Desert Botanical Gardens http://www.dbg.org/, with Kieren leading the way. This Botanical Gardens was WAY different from our English Gardens down in the south. http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa434/classychicks/First%20weekend%20in%20Arizona/  There were Cacti, Aloe, Dirt, and Bushes everywhere,as well as a butterfly cage!  Next we were off to the Apache Trail. http://www.apachetrail.net/ On our way, I (Liz) got hungry, as usual, and we found a small family owned pizza and sub shop.  Very delicious!  So far, Arizona has not failed us on their food!  We then headed to the trail, once our tummies were satisfied.  Along this trail was beautiful scenery, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and the Roosevelt Damn.  http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa434/classychicks/Apache%20Trail/ The trail itself was 80 something miles long, but we only did about 40 miles of it.  The first 20 miles was winding roads that were paved.  The second 20 miles was mostly one-laned (at least it seemed that way) dirt roads along with one-laned rickety old bridges.  Ole Ellie road those roads like a champ, and we came out of it only slightly orange. After the trail, we headed to, yes Walmart.  We decided to get a few sandwich supplies and some shampoo, etc. After that, we headed home, ate a turkey sandwich and hit the sack getting ready for another busy busy day.......

Sunday, March 13, 2011  Happy Birthday Hope!

So today was was Daylight Savings, however, Arizona does not change time.  Apparently my (Liz) phone didn't get the memo, so when I wanted to leave by 0830 and didn't wake up till then, needless to say I text Hayley apologizing for being so late! At breakfast, we got the clock on my phone under control, and we were off to a LONG day of driving and site seeing, Kieren yet again leading us the correct way.  Our first stop was Sedona, AZ. http://www.visitsedona.com/  This was a BEAUTIFUL town surrounded by red mountains!  We both completely fell in love with this town!  There was a mountain by the name of Chapel Mountain, with an actual Catholic Chapel built into the side of the mountain!  Pretty awesome!  There was also the biggest house I have EVER seen (see pics) on the same road.  We both decided we were going to need to meet who lived there and become good friends :)  Our next stop was 2 more hours up the road to the Petrified Forest National Park http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm and Painted Desert http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Desert,_Arizona.  Along the way we saw snow on the side of the road.  Imagine us in shorts and tanks, driving by snow!  Kinda crazy!  This national park was not at all what we expected, but still very gorgeous!  Petrified wood actually looks and feels like rock! There were signs everywhere saying not to steal the wood, and at the exit our car would be searched.  I really wanted to ask them how someone could steal a 100lb+ piece of wood without anyones knowledge, but I guess it happens.  After several stops at different petrified wood locations, we made it to the Painted Desert! This was absolutely breathtaking!  It was as if an artist painted the mountains perfectly!  At the end of the road was the check point in which the park ranger asked if we took any wood, which of course we didn't.  All he did was ask, no searching, so pretty much anyone could have lied (if he/she was a bad person that is).  When we typed in our hotel address, Kieren told us it was going to take 4 hours to get home!  GEEZ, not expecting that.  On the way home we called our good friend Gina, and talked with her for about 45 minutes.  We passed several patches of snow for about 30 minutes on the way back to Phoenix as well.  We arrived back at the hotel around 2100 and CRASHED again!  http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa434/classychicks/Sedona%20Painted%20Desert%20Petrified%20Forest/