One of the highlights of our Stargazer Trips is visiting friends. Our time with Jay and Susan Kelly was magical. We had fun times hiking and exploring, catching up while relaxing on the porch and gazing out on the unique Escalante mountain ranges, and enjoying a tasty dinner at the Sweetwater Kitchen. And so much more!

We traveled back to Flagstaff for the next phase of Stargazer repairs. We hung out all day Monday only to learn an additional part was needed. Returned Tuesday and discovered another part was required. Today, Wednesday, Stargazer is back on the road! Many thanks to our new Mercedes Benz pal, Connor, who managed our repairs.

While in Flagstaff we took advantage of some local hikes and getting to know the city. Otto and I hiked to a very uniquely shaped tree, which of course Otto marked. Flagstaff seems like a great place with a terrific mix of young and old. We had dinner at the Dark Sky Brewing Company where we enjoyed “chopped” burgers and were surrounded by skeletons!

From Flagstaff we started heading east. Our first stop was Winslow, AZ, on Route 66, where we visited the Standing on the Corner Park while listening to Take It Easy. We were excited to see the Standing on the Corner mural, flatbed truck and troubadour statues (Jackson Browne and Glen Fry).

From Winslow we traveled to the Petrified Forest National Forest, including the Painted Desert. Our Park Ranger taught us about why the trees are now petrified and the weight of rocks, and then we drove and walked through the Park viewing petrified wood, petroglyphs (for our good pal Oggie Williams), and the Painted Desert Inn (an historic inn, once the home of Harvey Girls – definers of hospitality in the Old West), that has been turned into a museum. Melinda bonded with an incredible Native American weaver.

Stargazer rolled into Gallup, NM with no mechanical problems! Some good friends of Ralph were there to greet us!

Today I am celebrating the start of the Neil Young & Crazy Horse Love Earth Tour. Can’t wait to find out the set list from tonight’s opening concert in San Diego. On May 17th Brendan and I (Red Sox fans) travel to Massachusetts to meet up with Brother Keith and Quaker pal, Buddy Baker-Smith (Orioles fans), to watch Neil and the Horse! Counting the days!