Flagstaff to Sedona via the Red Rocks Scenic Route; Sedona to Saddlebrooke, 20 miles outside Tucson.

Having gone to bed early following the Grand Canyon experience, we had no difficulty in being on the road by 7.30 am. The journey from Flagstaff to Sedona took us along the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway. It is a very beautiful route and an area very popular with campers and RVs.

The beginnings of red rocks told us that we were nearing Sedona. Sedona is a lovely little place but awfully touristy and, I would think, on the expensive side.

This cowboy high-fived someone else, then proceeded to pat me on the head. How patronising!

It was only 8.30 am so a bit early to join the hosts of other celebrities who have graced this tavern,

But it really too early!

                                               Everywhere is gearing up for Hallow'een.

Yesterday, at the Grand Canyon, we saw lots of Pink Jeep tours. This is their home and they have sponsored the next bit of pink sculpture.

Have you ever heard of a javelina? No I hadn't either and was attracted to this sculpture because I like pigs. "No", they shouted at me, "We are not hogs!" But they are cute, just like pigs are cute! And real ones are not pink. Shame!

After our morning coffee at 9am we got back on the road to Tucson.

And so we made our way around Phoenix, which was quite stressful on the driver, and in towards Tucson. As we got closer to our address on S. Winding Trail, we realised that we were going to be quite a distance from the city. We were climbing up into mountains that I later discovered are the Sants Catalina Mountains - a really beautiful setting. And here we are in Saddlebrooke, 20 miles from Tucson, in an idyllic setting, in the best home exchange house ever and with access to swimming pools, golfing (with golf cart and clubs provided!) fitness centre - all wasted on us!