Desert Love

 In early February, Mark and I celebrated a belated anniversary on a long weekend in the Sonoran desert of AZ.  With Emm still in hybrid learning and Bay willing to keep her for the weekend, it worked out pretty seamlessly. We dropped Emmrey off Thursday night in Laramie. Getting a bite for dinner at Corona Village Andale Rapido before leaving them.

We had a fairly early flight out of Denver Friday morning. Then waited in a horrendous line for our rental car once we landed in Phoenix.

We easily settled into our hotel in Happy Valley.

We spent our first full day hiking around the Spur Cross Preserve near Cave Creek. 

I was completely shocked to discover Mark had found my wedding ring and presented it to me in a similar fashion to our engagement. I was suspicious when the can of Pringles were offered as a snack (we haven't eaten original Pringles for some time). I lost my ring about three years ago when I took it off at the kitchen sink to clean dishes. I heard a clink when I wiped off the counter, but could not find it anywhere even after taking apart disposal and pulling out appliances. I was convinced that it had bounced just right and had fallen through a thin gap between the floor cabinets. Mark thought I was nuts to suggest taking the bottom trim off the cabinets to check. I kind of just let it go and got used to not having it. 

Apparently, Mark decided to follow my gut instinct several months ago and found it exactly where I suspected it was. He saved it specifically for this getaway. It was such a sweet surprise ... unfortunately it has shrunk a little;) and will need resized in order to wear it. 

Here's to 27 years!

We spent the rest of the day exploring the quaint little town of Cave Creek. We had the most delicious Navajo Taco for lunch. 

Such a fun place!

We exceeded our daily caloric intake with a stop at the Creamery before we left. 

We were so intrigued by this old elementary school property known as Mercado Escuela (School Market)

Our trips together typically include finding new places to eat. We tried Shane's Rib Shack near our hotel. One of us was more impressed than the other. 

Our second day we explored the White Tank Mountains. We followed a large figure eight trail up and around the Waterfall Canyon. 

The trail is sprinkled with native rock art. 

It was warm but comfortable in February. Hard to imagine doing it in the summer months.

Our evenings were spent catching the beautiful sunset at the Sonoran Desert Preserve just outside of town.

We hiked, soaked up the warm temperatures and ate more than necessary.

I was feeling so uneasy about going, but it was so worth it. It is such a recharge to just get away with each other every now and then. 

We left the sun and warm temperatures of the desert....

... and returned to the cold in the Rockies. 

I would melt here in the summer, but I could definitely get used to this beauty for 7-8 months of the year.