Yet another roadtrip! The initial destination was Sedona, AZ. Our first night we were able to squeeze in amongst the other vans at the Huckaby Trailhead. In the morning we went bouldering!

We made quick friends with a local business owner (some tea shop in Sedona?), and two Phoenicians. They fit the stereotype: stoners sending hard problems and drinking beer. They had two dogs that were polar opposites: one young that wouldn't stay still and the other a sage old pupper. Matt almost sent a V2, Emily of course didn’t even break a sweat. The boulder we spent the most time on we figured out how to traverse along the bottom about ½ way around.

We attempted to work from the Van for Monday - Wed, but it did not go as planned. We had planned for one of us to work in a coffee shop and the other in the van so one of us could have a private space to do meetings from. In reality, Sedona was too busy. We couldn't find a single coffee shop that had space and was open. We ended up both working from the van at a trailhead and using the Starlkink Dishy.

Matt was able to get in a Sedona-esque ride before we decided to leave Sedona and its overcrowded roundabouts. The first place we headed was Cottonwood AZ. It was close and our main focus was finishing out the short week of work. We discovered the Cottonwood public library and while we didn't have any conference calls scheduled that day, it was a great success. Reliable internet, clean bathrooms, and quiet spaces make a comfortable working environment. Go figure ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

From Cottonwood we drove to Prescott on the idea that our friend Greg would be there and want to hang out. Unfortunately his plans fell through and had to head home early. The road from Cottonwood to Prescott has one of the most interesting drives through Jerome, AZ.

Wasting no time, Emiliy found oak barrels. Down in a basement off the main square is a meadery. They had many, many meads; perhaps 30 of which we were only able to sample about 14. The most impressive (according to Matt) was the Super Bee and of course we had to buy a bottle.

We spent the night camped off the main square in Prescott. This was our last work day before our “official” vacation could start. Requiring local coffee & donuts, Emily discovered Outlaw Donuts just off the plaza. Matt ordered a breakfast burrito and received more than expected. This thing was massive. It was $5.99. It was Matt’s breakfast and lunch.

After a productive coding day in the Prescott Public Library, our work-free adventure could begin. Just outside the city center are some wonderfully elegant rolling hills and the quality bike trails they deserve.

In need of a hot tub, Emily found the most adorable AirB&B; the “Mystic Goddess”. We dusted off our 6-pack from Albuquerque and spent as much time as our bodies could handle soaking. The host, Natasha, was more than accommodating and recommended a number of dinner destinations within walking distance.

The next day we departed beautiful Prescott (100% revisiting) for the city of sin: Las Vegas, NV. Mostly kidding. We met up with Matt’s sister and her Fiancé for a somewhat family-related Thanksgiving.

We were able to score a last-minute dinner buffet and stuffed ourselves silly debating which of the deserts—tiny pumpkin pie, tiny chocolate mousse, two-bite cheesecake, or a full slice of carrot cake—were most exquisite. There was strong contention as Leandra and Matt thought the pumpkin pie was the clear winner while Carlos & Emily were of the opinion the mousse and carrot cake were tied for most-delicious.

Friday found us at the one-and-only Area 15 containing Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart.

(there are many photos including those that move, movies?)

After Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart Emily & Matt found the Pinball Hall of Fame.

Regrouping with the young couple, we then readied for a quite fancy dinner at Momofuku. Emily & Matt think Naruto Ramen is actually better…but still Momofuku was nice.

Our last day we went on a gorgeous hike in Red Rocks.

I think we will need to revisit this place as well.