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Today we had to say goodbye to Phoenix. After (again) waking up around 6.30 a.m. we prepared for today’s trip. Then we went out for the last breakfast in Phoenix – whereto? To the Valley Eatery of course, where Andrada was pleased to see us again. It was delicious and rich like every time, and after some friendly words we said goodbye. Back to the motel, packing the car, checking out and off it went.

First to the gas station – yes, also here the prizes went up, although for German means $1.81 per gallon what is 0.37€ per liter still is a ridiculous prize. But we should see other gas prizes during our stay… Finally the van was filled up and we headed towards Flagstaff, to the Route 66! The way led us for many, many miles along the I-17. We made a stop at Sunset Point picnic area, with a admirable view over the countryside. Short after Prescott we left the freeway to take the route through Oak Creek Canyon. We saw a cloud of smoke from the highway; it emerged to be a wildfire. Shortly after the lovely city of Sedona we made a break to enjoy a vista over the canyon.

On it went, along a winding road, up into the mountains to more than 2000 meters in height. We again stopped at a big rest area, took a picnic and had a look at some exclusive cars of a little car reunion – Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini… Then we went on, and after 20 minutes we reached our motel, the Days Inn Route 66 in Flagstaff. There we got two rooms side by side with a connecting door – so in practice we had one big room for the next three days.

After some minutes, a cup of coffee (this time typical American weak) and a picture show we went off for dinner. This time we found a Mexican family restaurant, the Casa Bonita, which we liked very much – really good dishes.

On the I-17
On the I-17

On the I-17 from Phoenix towards Flagstaff

Sunset Point
Sunset Point

I-17, picnic area Sunset Point with sun dial

Wildfire
Wildfire

After leaving I-17 - a wildfire in the distance

In Sedona
In Sedona

Yes, there are also rotaries in the US, like here in Sedona

Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon

Overlooking Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, in the background the bridge leading over the canyon

Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon

Another view over Oak Creek Canyon, this time towards Sedona

Oak Creek
Oak Creek

...down in the valley it flows - the Oak Creek

Serpentines
Serpentines

There we had to drive along, in the background the smoke of the wildfire

Car reunion
Car reunion

A special car reunion

Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita

A meal in the Casa Bonita - here: tasty burritos