The last picnic lunch. For the record, we were not drinking the wine. I just removed it from the esky to get the sandwiches out.
And lastly, a map of Australia, to where sister and Dad, must, sadly, soon return.
The trek west continues. We had expected to see a lot of saguaros this week, not realizing that they mainly populate southern Arizona, while our trip took place in the north of the state. So when we passed a good patch on the back roads of California, it was deemed a photo op.
The day's destination was Roughley Manor, an absolutely delightful B&B in Twenty-Nine Palms.
A most satisfactory 'wine o'clock' was celebrated. Does life get any better than this?
After saying a reluctant farewell to La Posada, we began the journey back west.
First stop was Montezuma Well. This oasis lake is fed daily by over a million gallons of warm water. No wonder the Sinagua made their homes in the canyon walls. But why did they suddenly depart?
Then on down the road to Montezuma Castle. Wow. Thanks to the generous overhang, this is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in America. Go there. It's amazing.
Next stop was Tuzigoot National Monument. Can you tell my annual National Parks pass was getting a good workout? I love this picture of sister and Dad.
It was now early afternoon, and time to find our B&B. By the time we checked in, we only had a few hours to sample the natural delights of Sedona. After a visit to Kachina House to pick up some very reasonably priced Native American artefacts, we opted to visit Cathedral Rock. We were not disappointed. Obviously Sedona has a huge amount to offer in the way of scenic splendour, but alas, we only had a few hours before dark. Another trip, another time.
First stop was Petrified Forest National Park.
Then up through the Painted Desert.
When we arrived at Hubbell Trading Post in Navajo Nation, we discovered that they observe daylight savings time, though the rest of Arizona does not.
It was getting late, so we hastened up to Second Mesa, for dinner at the Hopi Cultural Center. The weather was very gloomy as we climbed the steep mesa. At the top we stopped and looked back -- the sun was shining through the clouds down over the valley from whence we had come.
It began to snow as we arrived at the Cultural Center, and there was some discussion about whether we should turn back immediately. The winding mountain road would be difficult to navigate in a snow storm. But our sense of adventure prevailed, and we stayed to eat. The snow stopped, and soon melted, so all was well.
After a last good-bye to Grand Canyon, Day Two saw us heading to Winslow, stopping to enjoy the many National Parks and Monuments on the way.
Wupatki National Monument features the remains of a large pueblo built early in the last millennium.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is the closest I've ever come to a recently-erupted volcano. OK, so it last spewed 900 years ago, but the lava's still there. Very impressive stuff.
Then there was lovely Walnut Canyon National Monument where we got to see our first cliff dwellings, abandoned by the Sinagua people about 600 years ago.
Lunch time. We picnicked every day, in wonderfully scenic spots, exclaiming to each other that "This is the life!"
After being led astray by Google Maps, we finally found our way to the fabulous La Posada Hotel in Winslow by "wine o'clock". More satisfied sighs ensued.
Photographs simply cannot do justice to the majesty of this incredible place.
Despite the sunshine, it was much colder than we expected it to be.
We stayed in Yavapai Lodge, a nice walk through the pine forest from the main viewing areas.
We learned about Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930) who laid the foundation of the National Park Service, defining and establishing the policies under which its areas were to be developed and conserved, unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done.
Breathtaking.
We ate Greek food.
We celebrated two birthdays.
We enjoyed the good company of friends. 
And we delighted in the presence of my father and sister. Somehow, out of all the photos taken, there is none of sister. But there's still time. Two whole weeks. Yeah!
