We are doing things a little different this year. It’s time to hit the road for Arizona, but we are not bringing our RV. After reviewing the distance and cost of fuel, and taking into consideration the gas mileage we get on the RV, we decided it was more cost effective to store the RV and rent a room in AZ. So, we packed up the SUV, put the aero-pack on the back (a storage trunk that fits on the hitch receiver) and filled a rooftop carrier. All we were missing was Granny on her rocking chair, LOL.
Mia handled the trip like a champ. Much better than our last couple journeys, and this time without the comfort of home. (The RV) Our friend Mindy tagged along for the journey to AZ. We made pretty solid time. We were even able to make a quick pit stop in New Orleans to visit some friends and grab a bite to eat at their restaurant. Having extra peeps to help drive was nice. I’m the only one that drives when we have the RV. Driving that beast is an acquired taste.
We arrived safe and sound in Arizona and got ourselves unpacked. We were excited about the prospects of our new season and anxious to see our AZ family. Now all we had to do was get set up on site and get ready for the weekend.
The first half of the Arizona Renaissance Festival went well. Crows were strong! As a matter of fact we were on pace for a record year. The weather is also being cooperative. Not too hot, not too cold and no rain! Woohoo!
My big event/adventure for the month was our trip to The Grand Canyon. We’ve been doing the AZ show for twenty years, that’s right… Twenty! In all those years I’ve never made the 3 hour drive to see this wonder. Probably ‘cuz I was busy making trips to Las Vegas. (That trip is next month)
A very close friend of many years was having a destination birthday party. My friend Earl was going to Las Vegas and then to the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, the Vegas part of the trip was on the weekend. Since I was performing that part was straight out. But, I could meet them mid-week at the canyon to say hi and wish him a Happy B-Day in person.
We booked a room for Tuesday night nearby where they were staying, so we could join them the next morning and enjoy the view. We got in the evening before and joined them for dinner. It was great to see Earl and his wife Therese. I could definitely tell that the days before in Vegas had really taken its toll on Earl, LOL. But he’s a trooper. He was ready for more.
The next morning we headed to the South Rim of the canyon. Boy, was it grand! Seriously. Walking up to the rim, it was so big and so surreal. I swear I was looking at a big IMAX screen. I even looked for a Kodak logo! We walked the mile and a half from the visitor center towards the resort, where they were staying, with Mia in a stroller. I don’t think Mia appreciated the big hole like we did. We met Therese for lunch as Earl decided to walk one of the trails into the canyon. At the end of lunch we called Earl to see where he was. He was making his was back up the rim but was having trouble as the walk was rather steep and long. He didn’t realize how difficult it was to make that trek, even though there signs posted everywhere near the trails warning people about how dangerous the hike was. A couple hours later he emerged barely able to breath. It was not pretty.
After he recovered, we spent some time hanging out with them and had a few celebratory cocktails. He said he really considered giving up on the way back up the canyon. It may have been the hardest thing he’s ever done in his life. I’m sure he’ll think long and hard the next time he visits the Grand Canyon!
After our lovely visit and adventure it was time to head back to the Phoenix area. We’ve got another month ahead of us here. I hope things keep up like they have at the AZ Ren Fair. It’s shaping up to be an amazing season!
