Sunday, August 18, 2013

2013 Southwest Pics


Here is a link to some of our pics...





Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 10 (San Diego & Los Angeles, California) LAST DAY!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 9 (San Diego, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 8 (San Diego, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 7 (Orange County, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 6 (Orange County, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 5 (Nevada)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 4 (Nevada)

We had to drive a number of miles today, but the kids were happy riding along, watching movies and checking out the landscape.  They couldn't believe all of the Catus that were all over.  So much of the landscape that we did pass that was habitable, looked like a shanty town.  It really shows how people don't need much to call it a home!  We were low on gas and had to make a stop in a very small town that looked straight out of a movie set! 

We finally made it to the Hoover Dam.  I was a mere 106 degrees, so no one was real excited to get out of the car, but we did it! 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 3 (Arizona)

Today, we pack up and leave the stunning estate that we have called home the last two nights and begin driving to the Grand Canyon.  This was a very exciting day for all of us!  We packed into our rental car and began our real "Road Trip."  About an hour into our trip, we discovered that our rental car didn't like to exceed 40 mph in the mountains.  It didn't take us long to figure our that this car wasn't going to cut it for us.  So, while Guy sputtered along, I spoke with the rental car company.  They tried to convince me that that we weren't shifting properly.  When I assured them that we were, and Guy had given them his official greeting on the phone.  They finally, decided there was something wrong with the car, and they would have a car brought to us.  So, unfortunately, we spent much of the daylight hours, in a little Mexican Restaurant on the side of the road in a little small town in Arizona.  (This was stressful, as we were to be in the Grand Canyon by noon!)

After about two hours, our new car arrived.  Ironically, it was identical to the one we were handing over, but had about 60K on it, and only a 1/4 of a tank of gas.  Oh..also, the tow truck guy added that he was sure we would have the same problem, as these cars can't handle the mountains.  (Needless to say, that didn't sit well with the kids or us for that matter).  We then started back on our journey to the Grand Canyon

We arrived, finally and WOW!  "It was breathtaking!"  (Quote from Noah)  Amazing and everything else you can imagine.  Once, we arrived we totally felt ripped off!  The car issue really stole valuable time from us.  So, we were out to make the most of what we had left.  We hiked along the south rim and visited the visitor's center, picked up our Junior Park Ranger books (the kids LOVE doing this). 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V- Day 2 (Arizona)

Wow...Guy really started the trip out on a high note!  He recommended the Arizona Biltmore.  The property was stunning and very historical.  Frank Lloyd Wright had designed much of the property and the Wrigley Family had really done a great job maintaining the integrity of the original design.  There was so much for everyone.  Despite the warm air...we woke to a forecast of 108 degrees, the kids LOVED the pool, the grounds were endless with activities and the golf was enjoyable, despite the heat. 

When selecting a dinner destination, we decided to go with a recommendation from one of Guy's clients, we drove to Scottsdale (afterall, we weren't going to hang outside it was sweltering).  We had dinner at the Spotted Donkey.  We all LOVED it!  Yes, it was Mexican, and most of you may know, it isn't Guy's favorite, but the kids and I love it.  Everyone enjoyed their meal!  We would also recommend the Spotted Donkey. 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V (Cierzan's explore the Southwest) 2013

After much thought and consideration, it was a consensus:  "lets explore the Southwest!"  With a map of the US in hand, the kids decided they wanted to see the Grand Canyon, Vegas, Disneyland and some baseball!  Despite our warning that the weather would be shockingly hot, they wanted to do it.  So, we departed Minneapolis International Airport destined for Phoenix, Arizona where we would start the driving leg of our annual adventure. 

Guy being the true travel guru, had many great lodging and travel tricks up his sleeve that have made the trip very exciting for everyone.  We hope everyone learns a bit more about the Southwest as you review our blog of our annual journey.