Flagstaff is the center of it all in Northern Arizona.

Ralph, Hazel and Jim Spencer
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To me Flagstaff has always been a town to be passed on Route 66. But, now that we spent some time there (3 days), we have a new appreciation. It is, of course, in northern Arizona and the elevation is 6910'. Pine trees everywhere. The first day (Saturday), we drove down to Phoenix to visit Jim and Hazel Spencer. For a point of reference, Jim stood up for Ralph when we got married and we haven't seen them for a very long time. We had a great day of visiting and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Railroad Cafe - We wish Sam had been with us.
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The next day was laundry and errand day. We found a drop off laundry in the same strip mall where I had my nails done. This is not like Europe - I don't have to forego my long nails. Then we decided (after a quick trip to old town Flagstaff) that we'd "run down" to Sedona. It's only 34 miles south, but it's a winding, narrow road with way too much scenery to distract the driver. We stopped several times along the way to take pictures.  We were pretty disappointed in the town itself. An art colony gone completely tourist. The setting is so beautiful and serene, though; it is easy to see why people came here and why artists were inspired.

We had a great day of visiting and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We took several pictures along the road to Sedona.
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We've been patient so far, but tomorrow we drive to the North Rim and see the canyon for the first time. Cathy, Jim and Hazel's daughter, gave us some great tips of what to see along the way.

Our love to all. You probably won't believe this, but we think of you often. There will be a scene, a restaurant an artifact that will make us think of someone.

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