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Flew into Phoenix, Arizona at 10:15 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013. Got our green car, a black 2013 Prius, and crashed at the Best Western Airport Hotel. Thanks to Sarah Anderson, our AAA agent, for booking the car and the hotel. Everything was perfect. Since we are on our trip out west, we loved that she booked us “The Best Western” Hotel.

On the road by 7:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. for our friends and family back east) with temperature in the 80s and a beautiful sunny sky. Pulled onto the highway and saw the backdrop of the gorgeous mountains that surround Phoenix. Totally awesome. Takes your breath away.

Tom made sure he provided one of the seven essential things you need to bring on our road trip – the music we love. Tom had downloaded our favorite CDs into my Ipod which would fit the mood of the southwest. Cruising along Route 17 toward Flagstaff we listened to Mark Knopfler and Emily Lou Harris’ “All the Road Running” with “Beyond Our Wildest Dreams” capturing the spirit of the day.

Rolled into Flagstaff and made a stop at Target where we gathered supplies that we needed for camping which we couldn’t take on the plane. We did, however, bring our tent and a lantern, Swiss Army knife, hammer and a multi-purpose tool. And, of course, we brought thermal underwear. Picked up inflatible mattress, sheets, pillows, a air pump, water and some snacks. Some Starbucks coffee for added fuel.

We toured downtown Flagstaff which has beautiful old architecture with a western feel mixed with an urban feel. We stopped at Charly’s Pub and Restaurant and sat on the sidewalk feeling totally at home.