March 23, 2012
Got up kind of early in the morning because there were a couple of places I wanted to stop on my way into Phoenix, so I would not have to retrace my steps. I tried to do this as much as possible to cut out miles and time. Below is the view I opened my door to when I headed down for the free continental breakfast at the hotel.
I ate and got out of Flagstaff without a hitch. My first stop was to Montezuma Castle. This castle was built in a the side of a mountain and is the largest well-preserved cave dwelling in North America. Most of the castle is the original brick laid down by the Aztecs. About 50 yards from the foot of the hill/mountain that provided transportation, protection, and food for those dwelling in the castle. Though names after Montezuma, an Aztec ruler, there is no record of him living there during his lifetime. It was pretty cool to see. However, I was disappointed there wasn't a trail or hike to the Montezuma Castle. Once you entered, it was 200 yards on a paved sidewalk. I think they could do more with this place to utilize more than just they way it is set up now. For instance, placing a giant courtyard where people can hold receptions, fundraisers, dances, etc. with the Montezuma Castle in the background would be a huge hit and great scenery. O well, now on to Tuzigoot.
Tuzigoot is a pueblo ruin. A tribe lived there for a long time but abandoned it for some odd reason long before the colonials reached them in the West. There is no evidence as to why they left, and it is a great big mystery. It was cool seeing the preserved remains and how they built rooms on top of each other. There was also a pretty cool view from the top. You could see miles in all directions. Very easy to see friends, traders, and enemies approaching from all directions. Again, there was no hiking to Tuzigoot but at least, I got to walk among the ruins and up to the top room and look around.
After leaving, I started my way to Phoenix finally. On my drive in, I had planned on going to the Desert Botanical Garden. One problem, I needed to get in front of a television to watch the Xavier-Baylor game. So as soon as I had to deal with the traffic, I knew I wouldn't have enough time to go to the botanical garden and watch the game, so I drove to my hotel room, checked-in, and looked for a place to watch a game.
The area of the hotel was kind of sketchy, but the hotel room was decently nice. It was clean and had the basics that I wanted, so it worked for me. I searched extensively, in 10 minutes, for a good sports bar downtown Phoenix. First place, I could not find. The second place looked like no one was there. Finally, I gave up because the game had just started and just went to Hooters downtown. I just found a parking lot and didn't care the cost and walked as fast as I could with the game playing on my SWEET DROID BIONIC! I plopped myself at the bar and ordered a beer and began to watch how the Muskies were going to manage the large 20 point deficit. Sadly, they did not make it back. Since it was Friday, I was a good Catholic and ate a cheese quesadilla . I must confess, however, I forgot it was Friday in the morning when eating breakfast and ate a ham, cheese, and egg biscuit. I didn't realize it until I was about to order at Hooters. I was quite upset with myself. I had done so well for Lent. After the game, I drove back to the apartment to prepare for my big day in Phoenix. It was packed full of activities. The big guy needed his rest and be prepared to start early in the morning.
Go Big or Go Home
Photos of the trip:
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