I had a piece of New Mexico Apple Pie, something I had heard about from one of our post office women. And what is New Mexico Apple Pie you might ask - why of course, it has green chile in it! It was good, and not very spicy at all - actually I was kind of disappointed, because I expected more heat. The crust, though okay, was too thick for my liking.
Leaving the restaurant, Matilda's friend had already left, and we headed west for Arizona. I was now driving in uncharted waters. All was new to me. I was headed for the San Carlos Apache Reservation and the Best Western there. I had about 250 miles ahead of me. Crossing into Arizona, there wasn't a great deal of difference from New Mexico, but going further, I began to notice trees wrapped with red ribbon, and trees stumps, and signs all saying "Land for Sale", or "Lots for sale in .... Estates." My only thought was that beautiful land was soon to be developed, green lawns would want water, and folks would want more services. Been there and done that! Plus, with very little rain, never mind that we are in a drought in these parts, where in hell was the water going to come from?
I reached Show Low, and headed south on Highways 60/77, and was soon out of the "burbs" and in drop-dead beautiful mountain country, with a road to match, hairpin turns and all. It was the White Mountains of Arizona and the Apache National Forest. Most of this beautiful area belongs to the White Mountain and San Carlos Apache nations. At one spot, I got out and took a couple of pictures. I am always amazed and awed by the great beauty around me.
Every once in a while I would see a curious plant or "bush" that I had never seen before now. One that was very distinct and seemed to be rare, in that on this part of my drive I only saw four or five. Later, I googled it, and found it called Parry's Agave, and on my way home on I 8 in Arizona, there were at least twenty or thirty not very far apart, but then they stopped appearing. Much like the saguaros also do in Arizona.
I continued to the little town of San Carlos, and then followed the signs to the San Carlos Apache Gold Best Western and Casino. After checking in, I went over to the Casino and played the penny slots. I invested $50 and returned with about $80, so I was satisfied. I had to leave the place because everyone was smoking. And I didn't want to lose what I had won!!!
I got back to my room only to find that I had no wifi. And there was none in any of the rooms, but if I wished, I could use an ethernet cord. I did not wish. Then all the electricity in the entire hotel went out, along with the water. About a half hour later it came back on. Along with that, the rug had spots, big spots on it. Also, there was no breakfast room. This would be the last time I will ever stay in that particular Best Western, and when I filled out the questionnaire I told them that. I got an immediate reply from the manager of that hotel apologizing and hoping that I would return.
On Route 77 again, I began my drive to San Diego. At one point, close to Tuscon, on both sides of the highway were tree-size yuccas in full bloom. They were beautiful, waving at everyone passing by. Once back on the I 10, and then to the I 8, I was in San Diego and at Marty's place, finding a new turn-off to use to get to Rolando Boulevard, thanks to Tommi, my GPS. Yes, folks, I do have one, but use it only when needed.
Marty's backyard has come into its own and is magnificent, filled with flowering shrubs and plants, all in bright beautiful color. I had brought her one of the windows that I had replaced, and she immediately put it along the side of her house on the patio. It looks like it belongs there.
Saturday, we left for Lompoc, near Santa Barbara, where Phil was celebrating his 40th birthday at his mother-in-law's ranch. It took us nearly seven hours to get there - and it wasn't through Los Angeles where we got hung up - that part of the drive was a piece of cake. It was going from LA to the Beaulton exit that took so long.
It was a small party - Phil's band members, Marty and I, Gihan (of course), her mom, Carol, and Gihan's brother Ramsey and his wife and children, plus one of Gihan's sister's sons. Phil did all the cooking, and although there was a slight problem with the beautiful tri-tips dripping grease and starting a huge fire, and char-coaling the beef, it was all good.
Gihan had ordered a cake. It was an enormous chocolate cake, filled with chocolate mousse, and iced in chocolate! It was yummy, and small pieces were not the order of the day!
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The next day Marty and I walked around Lompoc and discovered that there were murals on the sides of buildings everywhere. And beautiful flowers. Lompoc has a huge flower show which was happening the next weekend. Here are pots of geraniums which I mistook for roses until I actually closed in on them. This mural was near them...
We then drove to Solvang, a cute little town, now very touristy. Several Danish immigrants, a hundred years ago or so, purchased land, and built a village much like the ones they had left in Denmark, replete with windmills, thatched roofs, and so on. Now it is a bustling village with lots of gift stores, bakeries, restaurants, candy stores, all selling Danish and Scandinavian products, along with other items (probably made in China). We had lunch at a Danish restaurant, I believe it was called THE RED VIKING, and had Danish food. The place was packed and most people were eating the ubiquitous American favorite - hamburgers and fries, which wasn't too surprising. Our food was yummy!
We got cups of ice cream at another store, as well as several pieces of their handmade dark chocolate. It was very good, but See's Chocolate is still number one for me! It was very hot, and we finally walked back to the car, turned on the A/C and wandered around the town and countryside, and then went back to Lompoc and to our hotel. The next day, after breakfast and taking it slow, we headed down the road for San Diego, and experienced no problems this time.
I wanted to pick up some Mexican tile, and had found a place in San Diego. So we drove down to Tierra y Fuego Tiles. Marty had never been to this part of the world. Needless to say, neither I had. What fun we had picking out tiles, which I want to put on my stairstep outer walls in the back yard. Just to give them some character. I loved the place - everything was tiled, and I even got a picture of the outside reflecting the tiles from the floor on the inside...
I left San Diego and Mar's home on Thursday, June 21st, loaded up with my red computer table and a turquoise bench that Will had made for me. I was headed across the I 8 to the I 10, and on to Benson, Arizona, to one of my favorite Best Western hotels, the Quail Hill Inn. Reached there in very good time, no problems, and Matilda went a steady 75MPH most of the time. I had a good rest and a good breakfast and was ready for the ride home.
Here is a pic of the sign in the bath area. I remembered it from last time, and just loved it...
Obviously they have had a problem, do you think??? It is the only B/W I have been in that has it.
Friday, Matilda and I arrived at Casa de Serenidad. While on the road, I knew there were forest fires around, even though I didn't see any. The sky was not as blue, and the faint smell of smoke was evident. The Gila Wilderness fire is now 90% contained, but Colorado is really getting it right now. Another fire had started just south of Magdalena, NM on Saturday, and I could see the smoke, white at first, and then getting blacker. Fortunately it was caught early and is pretty much contained. It was threatening an observatory and tower close by, but they were saved. We sure could use some of that rain that Hurricane Deb is hurling at Florida, but we really need a soaking rain. Anything more, and we will have flooding also.
Life is good (if you are not in a forest fire or a flood.)
I love you all,
Sally
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