Linda Mac's Orlando Adventures

Today's Theme: Red Rock Welcome

We survived the monsoon that came through Phoenix Monday night at about 3 am. Apparently this is the tail end monsoon season here is Arizona. I didn't realize I was leaving hurricane season only to be in monsoon season in Arizona. Even with very little sleep I was up at 5:30 am. What's up with that? I headed down to The Cafe (deli/grab and go) here at Arizona Biltmore to get an overpriced cup of coffee from their version of Starbucks. Not only did the coffee cost double what it would cost at any other Starbucks, they hand you a cup and you fill it yourself!

I decided to take some sunrise pictures at the advice of Barrie from our Picture This blog. Oh, yes, I had to wait till 6 am for The Cafe to open. It was very peaceful and beautiful time. Except for the few golfers heading out I was all by myself when I heard a familiar and friendly voice, it was Deb Wills. I guess neither of us could sleep in anticipation of our adventure.

I passed some time by walking about the resort and talking some last minute photos. Deb, Linda Lou and I agreed to meet at 8:15 am (I was late, big surprise) to check-out and get some breakfast on the way to the airport. I asked if could go to U.S. Egg since they both raved about it. It was fantastic. The service was friendly and there were lots of menu choices. My steak and eggs couldn’t have better. The potatoes were a combination of home fries and hash browns. Yummy!

For what seems like the hundredth time, I heard the little voice inside my head saying “Let The Adventure Begin”. I have been hearing those words since I pulled out on the 192 Monday on my way to the Orlando Airport. It was at this point we started the hurry up and wait process. We had received info from Disney that our meeting time had been moved to noon instead of 1:30 pm since everyone was already in Phoenix or expected to arrive before noon.

Upon arriving the airport, that was immediately changed back to 1:30 due to someone’s flight beginning delayed. As time passed we introduced ourselves to the other adventures in our AllEars.Net group and the rest the tour. Beci Mahnken from M.E.I Travel with George and Ann arrived on airport shuttle just behind us. Mike and Tiffany, our Adventure Guides were on hand to meet us. Their are a total of 38 people in our tour and that includes about 11 children. WIth everyone accounted for it was finally time to board the bus head to Montazuma Castle.

The trip took about 90 minutes and we spend our time getting to know everyone. Mike and Tiffany talked about the history of the Phoenix area and the history behind the Sinagua Indians who built Montezuma's Castle around the 15th century. They seemed have just disappeared and researchers have just recently discovered that they may moved up to Colorado and merged with other tribles. On our way in the national monument, we picked up historian and local tour guide, Jack. Thunderheads rolled in just as we arrived so we delayed our tour for about 20 minutes. My photos are a little darker then I hoped for due the weather.

FINALLY, we are off to the Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona.