Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
This is: USA Road Trip 2011
Onwards to San Diego
| I woke up to the sound of
thunder at 0700 - as if there weren't enough issues to
contend with already. A quick check of the news showed that
the power outage problem had largely been solved and the
status of both my flights was showing as 'on time'. Thanks
to a helpful waiter who explained to me that I could use two
breakfast vouchers instead of one and order anything from
the menu, I had a very nice serving of Eggs Benedict,
feeling slightly cheated that nobody had bothered to explain
the system to me the previous morning. I left the hotel at 1045 and made a short stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, just off to the east at the first roundabout in Sedona. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it certainly seemed to be a popular attraction, with parking spaces at a premium. The chapel was built in 1956 and must have been futuristic to an almost shocking extent in its day. |
View Larger Map |
In the 21st century, I found it striking but nothing more. Apparently the people of Arizona voted it one of the seven man-made wonders of their state in 2007, so I guess I must have been missing something.
I reprised the Oak Creek route for my return to
Flagstaff, filled up the car for the last time and headed for the
small airport. I was too early to check in on arrival, so I sat and
read until the counter opened. Unfortunately there had been a
foul-up with my Phoenix - San Diego flight: I had paid to reserve a
seat (5F) in the small section of Economy between First Class and
Door 2, but was now told that I couldn't have it and had been
allocated 23F instead. The agent made a phone call after I showed
him my reservation, but it seemed that the best they
could manage to come up with was 8F in the main cabin. I was annoyed that I had paid
extra for something and now wasn't going to get it.
I had a late lunch at the airport's Blu Moon Cafe and was mildly amused when the server asked me: "Are you from Britain? Would you like vinegar for your fries?" She seemed a little put out when I declined: "But that's how you eat them, right?" I then nearly choked on my food when I noticed the Scottish connection of one of the interestingly named beers that was available! I could hear a thunderstorm raging outside, which was a little concerning, but I relaxed when the aircraft arrived without drama at 1435.
(Link to flight log in side panel)
I made a quick transfer to the next gate at Phoenix, where they were close to starting the boarding process for my flight to San Diego.
(Link to flight log in side panel)
I breathed a sigh of relief as I picked up my
suitcase from the carousel in San Diego, glad that my taste of
airborne purgatory was over. I sent a text to Bruce who, because of
restrictions due to construction work, was waiting in his car a
little off-site. A few minutes later, though, he had picked me up
and we were driving the short distance to his North Park apartment,
where I was able to have a therapeutic rant about how US Airways had
robbed me of fifteen dollars and subjected me to what I remember
calling 'a flying menagerie'.
Heaven help us when a frequent flyer's accustomed standards aren't
met!
We had much catching up to do over a continental-style
supper of prosciutto, salami, pâté, three different cheeses
(including an amazing Gouda variety with a surprisingly fudgy
consistency and taste), heirloom tomatoes and fresh figs. It was all
absolutely delicious. Somehow or other, we managed to get through a
bottle of champagne, a bottle of rosé wine and a final 'wee dram'
... hic!
Friday 09 Sep
Miles driven: 43
Trip total: 1951