Finale

A mandatory stop when passing through northeastern Arizona is Cameron Trading Post. It is a great place to stretch the legs in a section of Arizona without many opportunities. The restaurant is a draw for us. Food is good and the rustic atmosphere is relaxing. I love the tin ceilings, and there is a great view of the cliffs through large windows, what's not to like? Someday, we need to stay at the lodge so we can spend more time learning about the history of the trading post, which dates back to early 1900s. Hey, another full-circle: our first day of the trip was the Bowlin's Continental Divide Trading Post in New Mexico. The last day: Cameron Trading Post.

Today, we are headed home. I told Papa, we needed a finale, a grand event to cap off a monumental trip. Devil's Bridge in Sedona is just the ticket. Sedona, Red Rock country. Definitely a tourist area known for stunning scenery and spiritual vortexes. Papa and I have hiked a few trails in Sedona, but not this one together. A year ago, a friend and I hiked to Devil's Bridge. Most of the hike is pretty easy but there are a couple challenging areas. I knew Papa and I needed to do this one together. Finally, our chance. It was worth it.

The weather was perfect. The Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon area was teaming with traffic/people. Yet, the trail was comfortably busy; enough people to know someone was around if needed, but space and privacy between groups to enjoy the scenery and peace. There is no doubt it was a challenging hike as we both have legs gently reminding us a day later. 

Would I hike Devil's Bridge a third time? If you asked me yesterday after the hike, I would say no. Today, yes, I think I would. I would like the chance to walk out on the bridge and view the scenery. I almost did this time, giving Papa a chance to sit and rest, but the line/wait would have been 15 minutes or more and we didn't have that luxury. Another future opportunity.

That time crunch was my fault. I knew the cupboards were bare at home and we had golf scheduled for the next morning. We needed a few basic supplies. So last night, I ordered groceries for pickup tonight between 7-8PM. That should be fine, right? Well, the hike took a bit longer and traffic was crazy so we needed to get going...and there's one more stop.

After a tiring hike at the end of a marathon road trip, we must make our regular stop whenever north of the Valley: Rock Springs Cafe. This is another spot with over 100 years of history. A popular rest stop along I-17 before heading into the Phoenix metro area. Kinda a last wild-west retreat before modern city breaks the spell. Plus, I've mentioned before, a ginormous selection of fresh baked pies. One of our treats is bringing pies back for friends, so we have to stop! We did. Guess what? Their ovens were broken! Seriously! No apple pie. We did get some pie but definitely not what we planned. Kinda let friends down on this trip!

We rolled into the pickup spot for groceries at 7:48PM, and pulled into the garage just after 8PM. This is the first trip ever where I did not get the suitcases unpacked and put away before I went to bed. I'm slipping! Hope you've enjoyed virtually traveling with us. Back to "normal" activities this week with weekly Saturday postings.