March 25--The Happy Reunion

  The beds at the La Quinta were soft yet firm and dreamland was certainly welcome after our skimpy snack.  We awoke to sunshine and Jeff was eager to see Dennis and Laurie who were in the room next to us.  So he called them and then we knocked on the door and a happy reunion ensued.  It was so wonderful to see them and revisit our friendship from last summer.  They joined us for breakfast at the cattle call buffet and we quickly got ready to go.

Laurie and I went to the car (appropriately, a Dodge Grand Caravan) and waited for Den and Jeff to settle the bill.  Dennis had left his camera in his room, but nobody could seem to get back in
to the room....not the maid, the front desk guy or the custodian.  They finally figured out that the door lock had dead batteries.  A quick replacement got Dennis his camera and sent us on our way. 

Laurie in the "Caravan"

We registered Jeff as the alternate driver (oh, woe is us) and headed north on the scenic route--Highway 89 through Payson to Cottonwood and our B and B. We enjoyed the sights of many Saguro cactus raising their arms high as if to wave hello.  The brown desert and huge rocky bluffs and mountains were a stark contrast to the green verdence of the Willamette Valley in March.  We stopped for a picture opportunity and to stretch our legs.

The Berger Boys reunited

Desert scenery

Ahh....no rain on my head!

Laurie and I had planned the route while Den and Jeff were dealing with the rental car stuff, and were surprised to find out that friends of theirs lived just outside of Payson.  While on the road we gave them a call.  To our surprise, they were home and welcomed us.  We got directions and soon were taking the road less traveled, up and through some country that can only be described as "rough", and that is being kind.  We were headed to the "town" of Gisella, about 5 miles from the highway. 

After some twists and turns we found the home of Jeannette and Norman.  Set in front of a small hill and facing east, their home looked out on the bluffs in the distance.  Jeannette and Norman are retired from nursing, and they said they searched the whole 4 corners area before they found their little home in Gisella.  They were so kind and welcoming, I soon felt that I had known them for years instead of minutes.  Their home is full of pottery, photographs, paintings and quilts that they have created.  Add the presence of a wonderful little dog--Bella, and it was a perfect respite.  Jeanette and Norman made us a traditional Southwest lunch and his sister Florence and her daughter joined us for a lunch.  Much laughter and good conversation made the time fly by.  Finally we needed to leave so we could get to the B and B by 6.  It was sad to go, but wonderful to have made the side trip to see such nice people. 

Our Hostess Jeannette

Jeanette and Norman's home in Gisella

Norm, Jeff, Jeannette, Laurie, Dennis and Bella the heeler

Cactus on the edge of "town"

We went through Payson and several other small towns and then up up up to a stunning view of Arizona from about 5000 ft.  We were following the Mogollin Rim--an amazing natural sight.  Finally we started to descend to the Verde Valley.  From the name, I expected an oasis, but it was definitely desert-like.  Soon we were in Cottonwood and found the Desert Rose B and B, our home for the next 3 nights. 

The caretaker, Betty, showed us to our rooms and around the property.  We have the use of the whole bottom floor of the house including our two bedrooms and baths and a dining and living room.  Outside there is a fountain made of round rocks that recycles from a waterfall on top to a pond at the bottom.  The sound of flowing water is so soothing.  We settled in, and Jeff and I enjoyed a moment outside watching the sunset over the Arizona Hills while listening to the fountain.  Ahhh.....peace at last.  I really felt that I was finally on vacation.

The sunset over the hills and fountain

Ahh.....finally on vacation!

Following Betty's directions we had dinner at a tavern that Jeff said (reading from the menu) was the oldest original movie theater in the west.  The owner got tired of the place burning down all the time so he finally built the walls out of concrete.  The last time it burned down, at least the walls kept standing.  I don't know how it was a theater, but it made a good tavern and a Black Butte Porter and delicious dinner made me a happy camper.  Back to the B and B and then to bed.  We anticipate a trip to Sedona tomorrow to see those famous red rocks and maybe do some shopping and hiking.  And then, who knows.....stay tuned!