Spring Break Trip - Day 4

Everyone woke up earlier (0630!) because of the time change and the time zones... Saw TONS of Border Patrol in this area - and some speed zones that used unoccupied cars with cameras on top of long poles. As we drove towards Tucson, realized that we would actually be able to visit the nearby Saguaro National Park - something that Mollie had asked about since we left Texas ("can we see the Saguaros?"). It was definitely worth the southern detour just to walk among these unusual giant cactii. On unexpected curve-ball: as we drove up to the visitors center, a thoughtful person stopped by to tell me that we had a deflated rear tire. After attempting to solve this problem with our portable air-generator, I ended up having to put on the spare. Luckily, this didn't really affect the plans - still got another Junior Ranger pin. One nice thing about having an Autoport near my work is that the warrantee on tires they sell is good anywhere in the country at other Autoports. After a short drive, the nice folks in Tuscon's Autoport started right away to fix the tire (valve stem). We were only delayed by about two hours, all told - and we had time to get lunch and check out the old aircraft "bone-yard." I did think a few times about my Aunt Helen (who lived here for many years until she passed away a few years ago)... As we drove out of town, Nicky called our cousin, Tiger, and found out that he could meet us for dinner in Phoenix if we made it there in time. Drive was pleasant - still saw lots of Saguaros - and we drove into Phoenix just as everyone was headed out (rush hour). Had a great Italian dinner with Tiger and Kerris - it was nice to spend some time with them outside of the once-a-year Thanksgiving visits. We (sadly) said goodbye and drove north on I-17 just after sunset. The drive to Flagstaff was interesting: back in the mountains (up above 8000 feet a few times), temperatures dropped from 81 degrees F to 36 degress F. Told the kids ghost stories as we drove along in the spooky darkness. I was actually concerned about all the "elk crossing" signs in the darkness, but we made it to our hotel (near US-29) OK. Everyone crashed as soon as we got in the room...