We haven't been travelling much as of late. Between both of us being more than swamped at work, we just haven't made time (we also don't have a ton of vacation, so we have to plan carefully). Anyway, our good friends David and Nayon invited us to stay with them, so on a whim we flew to Phoenix for the weekend (of course that was after finding a pet sitter for Indy -- let's just say that wasn't an easy task)!
We both managed to take Friday off, so we flew out bright and early and landed in Phoenix just in time for lunch. We have both been craving Nello's Pizza, so after David, Nayon, and Addie picked us up at the airport, we headed to Nello's Pizza in Tempe. It was great and it was fun to catch up.
The rest of the day we spent recovering from the flight. To make our 7:15am flight, we had to get up at 4am, so we were a little wiped the rest of the day. After getting back to the Lee residence, we relaxed for a while in the sunshine and then took short naps. David and Kristina then headed to the grocery store to pick up some food for dinner. And let's just say, we ate like Kings and Queens!
The next day Dave had a trail picked out for us, but the weather didn't really cooperate. It looked like it was a nice trail, but the weather was awful (yes, awful). It was cold (<40 degrees) when we reached the trailhead and the wind was kicking up. In addition, SNOW WAS FALLING! We couldn't believe it. Snow in Phoenix in February -- that's just not right! Oh well, we braved the trail for a little while until Kristina said that's it -- we're turning back! Let's just say, everyone was VERY grateful to Kristina for heading back because the weather only got worse after that.
Here David and Addie are...trying to enjoy the hike.
It was great scenery, but look at those clouds!
Addie was so cold that her eyes were tearing up!
After the "hike", we headed to the Horny Toad in Cave Creek. You can see that Addie had to kickback her much needed milk. :)
Later that evening, we headed to the Roaring Fork in Scottsdale to celebrate a belated birthday dinner for Jared. Jared wanted something southwest, and particularly the pork green chili stew appetizer at Roaring Fork. It was a very nice evening, and a good day!
The next day we decided to show David, Nayon, and Addie a great hike for Buddie. Instead of north this time, we headed East to the Superstition Mountains and the First Water Trail. Addie knew it was going to be a big day, so she caught some zzzz's on the way there.
Here is some scenery from the beginning of the trail. It is a very nice hike along a stream bed. The weather was better this day, but still chilly. At least there was visible blue sky in spots.
Jared and Kristina cheesing hard! You can tell that we are both cold...jackets are zipped up and hands are in the pockets.
Nayon, David, Addie and Buddie at the beginning of the trail! Buddie had such a great time on this hike. I haven't seen a dog smile that BIG in a long time.
It was a little warmer at the bottom of the canyon, once you were out of the wind.
After we reached Hackberry Springs, Addie needed a break and some milk! Doesn't she look like she is in heaven in this picture; her dad is holding her, she is drinking her milk, and the sun is shining on her. What a life!
Buddie navigating another pool of water and having a great time. He was pretty tired when we were done and finally sacked out in the back of the vehicle on the way home.
And of course, the whole point of the trip...relaxing!
