We’ve put the lid on our first full day in Sedona and it was a great one! Lots of family hiking, hiking with just Kelly and me, and laughter and fun at dinner.
At the airport
Our trip began smoothly Saturday morning when we timed our arrival at RDU airport almost exactly right. Getting through security with about an hour to spare, we grabbed lunch and settled into our seats at the gate. Hallie and Travis were visibly excited as we waited our turn to board. Thanks to the magic of family boarding, we managed to snag three seats on one side and one on the other on our plane: the best we could do for a 737. The kids settled in next to Kelly and I sat across the aisle.
Once the plane began moving, Travis lit up at all the activity at the airport. “There’s a plane!” he would excitedly shout as he saw yet another plane at the airport. Hallie, in the middle seat, would look, too, but was more content to work on Mad Libs or draw. Once the plane left the ground both kids were listening to separate iPods.
Settled in
The flight was smooth (up until the end) and got us to Phoenix on time. I pointed out again how beautiful the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is and Kelly agreed. Once we had fetched our bags, though, I discovered some real flaws in the airport. A lengthy courtesy bus ride (and wait) separated us from the rental desk. After dealing with a fast-talking rental agent, we were pointed to the elevator to get to the right parking deck. Talk about a bottleneck! The elevator was extremely slow moving up just one floor and then once we were on it the door decided to reopen for no apparent reason. I wondered how travelers in a hurry would put up with a ride in a cranky elevator.
We soon were on our way out of Phoenix but starving for something to eat. The highway in Phoenix has plenty of exits with food options but little or no notice about them until one has passed the exit. Turning to our GPS we successfully navigated to a Schlotzski’s Deli. Though the service was slow the food was just what we needed.
As we waited for our food I was surprised to look out the window and see an orange tree full of oranges at the gas station next door. I knew California and Florida had oranges but seeing one at a Phoenix gas station was quite unexpected. We remarked about how all the trees were picked clean up to a certain level.
Oranges!
We got on the road headed north right as the sun was setting. Before I knew it the speed limit had changed to 75 MPH while at the same time it became clear the highway was engineered for something slower. I also became annoyed that the speed limit would change with little or no apparent warning. To top it off, photo radar units were deployed in hiding spots along the highway. Arizona can take all the fun out of driving 75 MPH.
A two hour trip later and we were pulling into the darkened, dusty driveway of our rental home. Rising in the darkness to our right was Chimney Rock. Still above that was a full moon. We didn’t see much of the place but focused on getting the kids to bed, after which we followed suit.