Hotel Robertso

Hotel Robertso has seen a heavy spike of visitors for the months of January and February. All sojourners have been from Ohio and seem to desire only two things: sunshine and temperatures above ass-freezing. We were happy to accommodate and even found a way to throw in a few extras like a day-trip to Sedona, cacti photo-op, or rock climbing.

Take recent guests Mr. Underwood and his wife Ellen. Their long weekend stay sported perfect 75 degree temperatures, blue skies and sunlight. Both had never been to Arizona before, never to the southwest and Mr. Underwood had never once in his life flown on an airplane. When asked about his first flying experience he expressed disappointment, "I expected more "g's"---like a roller coaster or something."

Before checking in, they checked out downtown Phoenix attending their son-in-law's shielding ceremony. After seeing Adam receive his shiny new badge, and get his picture with the county attorney they headed out for lunch. Mountains were never out of their line of sight and the names of each one given: South, Estrella, White Tank, Camelback. Lunch over, they rode happily west to their destination---and the rest of Friday was spent in a state of calm reminiscing and relaxation back at the apartment...errrr umm hotel.

Saturday stood ready and willing for a day-trip to Prescott. Only about an hour and a half north of Phoenix, the elevation can drop the temperature by 15 degrees or more. The scenic route added an hour, was lacking in bathrooms and put the travelers on a 2-way switchback mountain road to Prescott. Upon arriving, the couple and their hosts first spotted the local Safeway where the bakery had just taken crusty french bread out of the oven. This combined with salami, cheese and olives made for a tasty picnic snack.

Parking at the courthouse, the four walked the square of tiny artisan shops for a couple hours. On a whim, the tour decided to venture toward Jerome but after a wrong turn and the growing lateness of the day this notion was scrapped. By chance on the way out of town, the group stumbled on a place called the Granite Dells. Something akin to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado with giant boulders protruding suddenly out of the earth. It was the best of spots for a family photo op, shenanigans and climbing.

A very bright satellite, so bright and big to cause everyone to doubt whether it was heavenly at all, shone prominently along the path home. The remnants of the setting sun were a dim glow in the west with mountains only faintly visible. One last stop at the Rock Springs Cafe for a slice (or two or three shared) of their famous pie and a cup of coffee ended a day that we hope was as memorable for our guests as it was for us. Come again. We'll leave the sun on for ya'.