Day 3 - Show Low, Arizona to Home

Short post today. We were up early and after a quick breakfast loaded the car and hit the road.

Very nice drive again today. The first hour or so gave us the trees we saw yesterday and the Ponderosa Pine reminded us again of Oregon. But it didn't last as we left the world of trees and entered the world of cactus. The last part of the drive was really, really boring. Big cities and traffic are never any fun. But it was a good three days away from home and one we will probably do again.

Day 2 - Scottsdale, Arizona to Show Low, Arizona

Set the alarm for 7:00, but for some reason we were both up at 6:00. After coffee and packing we headed across the street to US Egg for breakfast. We decided to wait for a Starbucks till we got to Payson only a short 78 miles. The entire drive was on highway 87, which is a really good four lane through what we both thought was really scenic. We have never seen so many saguaro cactus. They were everywhere and when they finally gave out the prickly pear started up.

Payson is up about 4,900 feet, so we began to see trees. Very pleasant to see trees again. Not quite Oregon tress, but trees nonetheless. Payson was also our Starbucks fix for the day.

With drinks in hand we headed for our overnight in Show Low. So where did the name Show Low come from? A card game between Cooley and Clark was to determine who would take the 100,000 acre ranch and who would leave town. With no winner in sight Clark said show low and you win. Cooley turned up the deuce of clubs, which is the lowest card in the deck, and Clark left. The Main Street in Show Low is Deuce Of Clubs. There is also a Ace In The Hole Road in town.

But the real reason for going to Show Low was the Trump Store. The only place like it in the country and seen of FOX TV. Everything Trump.

Tomorrow we return home.

Day 1 - Home to Scottsdale, AZ

Up at 6:40 and on the road by 9:00. As usual our first stop was Starbucks for a mocha to share and then I was off taking the long, out of the way route to out first stop. There is an easy way involving maybe 5 turns. Then there is the other way involving at least 35 traffic lights, most of which required a stop.

First stop was the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall, where a few purchases were made and lunch was at best average. Did stop by the store where we bought the espresso machine and inquired about a little problem. Walked out with a handful of spare parts to try out and a phone number to call if the problem persists.

Then it was off to Old Town Scottsdale to window shop. Actually we go in to shop, but I say window shop because we don’t usually buy anything. Barb did leave with one small item, but under $25 doesn’t count for her.

Once a year Barb gets a free night at a Marriott Courtyard. Last year we went to Scottsdale and had enough fun to return this year. Dinner we at the same absolutely great Mexican place. We will be back again next year.