Leaving country that wanted one to start singing “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” it was on through New Mexico and into Arizona with the first stop being Tucson for several nights. We actually had to go through a Border Patrol checkpoint in New Mexico as every car (and truck) was stopped. License plates were recorded (cameras taking pictures) and, I believe, photos snapped as we approached the checkpoint. We must have looked like honest citizens as we were quickly looked at and waved through.
This was one of our longer driving days with the change in landscapes providing the only interest. We had to deal with some bad roads even on the interstate, plus, being diverted off the interstate for about 10 miles as an accident closed the road. The speed limit on the interstates in west Texas was 80 mph, and, everyone was going that fast, including us.
Arriving in Tucson very early evening (only it was very late afternoon because of the time change) we checked into our hotel, a Sheraton. After The Mansion, Hotel Magdalena and the Hotel Saint George, the Sheraton was quite ordinary, but, we were happy to arrive and get out of the car. We were not anxious to get back in the car, so, we had dinner in the hotel restaurant, and, it was truly awful.
The following day we toured Tucson. It is the oldest city in Tucson, established in 1877. Although the foothill areas are attractive, the actual downtown and surrounding areas of the city just felt old and worn. We did enjoy a great Mexican dinner at El Charro, which is also the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant, however, we dined at one of its newer locations in the Tucson foothills.
From Tucson to the Phoenix area we went the following day. It was a fairly short drive, but, it provided a few interesting moments on the drive, like the “Trump bus” we passed! Being someone who won’t put a single sticker on her car, this was beyond my conprehension.
Planning to met friends later for dinner we explored the Phoenix and Scottsdale area in the pouring rain, from which we cannot seem to escape! The rain and clouds, however, provided a great photo op!
We came across a great shopping center called the DC Ranch in our wanderings (meaning while we were lost), where we spent several hours until we met Paige and Phil Chadwick, friends who we had met in Dallas when we lived in a high-rise building for one long year, who now live in Fountain Hills, a suburb of Phoenix. We had dinner in a restaurant called The White Chocolate Grill and then went to a guitar concert by Anthony Mazzella at the Musical Instruments Museum. GUITAR MAGAZINE voted “one of the top ten guitarists in the country.” He played eight different guitars, with music ranging from classical flamenco to blues to rock to psychedelic. I now have a new appreciation for the music of Pink Floyd!
Apparently we attract the rain as it continued raining until the night before we left! Even our planned visit to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home in Scottsdale, was canceled due to rain. Paige and Phil had gone to some lengths to get us tickets as they were limited due to Covid restrictions. Phil led tours at the home for years, so, he provided a wealth of information about Frank Lloyd Wright even though we could not tour the home.
We immensely enjoyed the time we spent with Paige and Phil and were sorry to leave, but, the road beckoned. And, so, on Monday morning we were on our way to Sedona.
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Thank you for sharing your trip to your beloved Tacoma.
I’ll send pictures of Tacoma when we get there! I wish you could have seen more of the west coast as that is where the spectacular scenery is!
It’s fascinating to hear about your cross country journey, Donna. Hope you’ll have another chance to see Taliesin West. We visited and toured several years ago. It’s an interesting place and so American! Looking forward to hearing about Sedona. Maybe you get a chance to stay at the Enchantment resort? It’s location alone is worth a trip! Continued safe travels and sunnier days ahead!
We were really sorry we could not see it! We had just pulled up to the gate, and Paige called us to let us know that the tour had been canceled! Phil led tours for 10 years, and, he really familiarized himself with the property and Frank Lloyd Wright. He admired his architecture but thought the man was a complete scoundrel.
I agree with you regarding stickers on vehicles just like having tattoos on your body….hard to understand, but I am glad your trip continues to be such a success in spite of the rain and the long distances….
We finally got sunshine, which allows for better photos!