Bucket List??? or Southwest via Southwest

He informed me that he had a desire to see the Grand Canyon. It was one of the things he wanted to see before he died. "You have something to tell me?" I asked. "No," He said, "I just want to see it someday." Well, if you know me you know I have itchy feet, love to travel, and my motto is "do it now!" So, before He could change his mind, I had planned and booked a trip to the Grand Canyon State, Arizona.

We flew into Phoenix on a Sunday morning, picked up our rental car and struck out. We promptly got lost on the sad side of town, but finally found a place that sold maps (Walgreen's) and got on the correct path. (Husband Travel Rule #1: Just stop and ask directions early to save stress.)

Flora & Fauna

He had never seen a cactus before??? Well, He saw plenty in Arizona--everywhere He looked.

<- We found a bird airport next to a cafe in Back Canyon. All the greenery in the background is cacti--too cute. Sorry, this is the best picture I could get.

Prescott, AZ

We spent our first night in Prescott, which is located 96 miles northwest of Phoenix and 95 miles from Grand Canyon National Park, amid the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world . Prescott is home of the world's oldest rodeo, and is Arizona's first territorial capital. It was founded in 1864, and then incorporated into Arizona in 1881. The city was named for William Hickling Prescott, a noted Arizona historian. The Hotel Vendome is a charming, historic inn combining the warmth and comfort of a Bed and Breakfast with the privacy of a hotel.

Built in 1917, this two-story landmark hotel has been lovingly restored and romantically enhanced to its original grandeur. The authentic western atmosphere draws people from all over the world, including some Hollywood celebrities. It has been a home to Tom Mix, a silent cowboy film star from Hollywood's pioneer days when he was making movies in Prescott, renting a room for a year at a time. Today, it remains a favorite getaway to many that are seeking accommodations with more character, wanting their lodging experience to be as warm and memorable as Prescott itself. If you stay in room 16 at the Hotel Vendome in Prescott, Arizona, you just may find that it is haunted by the ghost of Abby Byr and her cat, Noble. Abby came to Arizona searching for dry desert relief from tuberculosis and soon married. She and her new husband bought the hotel but they eventually lost it because of unpaid taxes. Regardless, the new owners allowed Abby and her husband to stay on in the hotel for no charge. She died in 1921 and her ghost, along with that of her cat, began to be seen after World War II. The stories say that Abby died of starvation, along with Noble, after her husband deserted her. She has been haunting the place ever since. We stayed in room 26.

<- Bar in the parlor of Hotel Vendome.

For some reason, I can't get the slide show to work, but if you click on "view all images," it will pop up. ?????

After we settled into our room, we ventured out and explored the town.

To be continued...