Sedona

Sedona, Arizona!

Just as beautiful as I imagined, but more touristy than I expected. It is a little cool there in January, but that probably kept most of the tourists away.

The colors of the Red Rock are amazing, especially in the places where the sun enhances them.

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa

It was just as beautiful as I imagined it would be. This picture was taken from the golf course's pro shop. I only did a quick drive-by. I still hope someday to be able to actually stay here, even if it is for a single night.

The Biltmore is one of the 1,000 places I was supposed to see before I die.

Arizona

Palm trees
Sun
73 degrees in January

I love palm trees!
I love sun!

I am visiting my parents for the weekend, where happy hour is celebrated every afternoon. These retired people really know how to party and relax.

Crystal ball

My crystal ball (weather.com) says it may snow on Friday and Monday (Jan 28th and 31st) in Minneapolis. Those are my next two travel days.

It has been more than one month since I've been on an airplane and I am really itching to go somewhere. I booked my next trip back in September. I am going to Arizona this weekend to visit my parents. It should be warm - at least warmer than Minnesota. But I still have bad memories of trying to get to Vegas last month.

Here is hoping for no travel headaches this weekend!

11-12 December 2010

I think these are pretty accurate weekend totals for the amount of time I spent in airports and on planes.....this weekend.

Saturday-
4 hours on a plane
3 hours in the airport

and then back home when they closed the airport. I could have just about gotten to Europe in that amount of time. I am just trying to get to Vegas.

Sunday-
I am on hour 4 in the Salt Lake City airport. We have a plane, but don't have pilots to fly it.

Plus.....
4 hours on two different flights
7 hours in two airports - Minneapolis and St. Louis

It has been a very long day. Lesson learned.

Lesson = consult crystal ball before booking travel, especially during the winter months.

Salt Lake City

It has been 8 years since I've been here. I had forgotten how beautiful this part of the country is. I had a window seat and took it all in.

The lake
The snow-covered mountains
And...the reflection of the mountains in the lake.

I love water and I really enjoy the beauty and wonder of mountains. This city has the perfect combination of both.

I won't be leaving the airport, but felt compelled to comment on the beauty of my surroundings.

On-time flights

So far...only one of my flights has left on time. Unfortunately, it was the one I missed because my previous flight was delayed. I am feeling very confident that I will make it to Las Vegas tonight. Only 24 hours later than when I should have arrived.