We made it!

Quick update for you East Coasters before you go to bed and have to go to work tomorrow. Ha ha! We are in San Diego! But after a long day of driving, we are wicked starving and heading out to the Gaslamp District for the night. It is definitely a nice feeling to finally be here. You stay classy ...

What a difference a day makes ...

From the snow-capped mountain view driving in to Flagstaff from the Grand Canyon ...

To the desert foothills along I-8 in southern Arizona ...

To the Imperial Dunes just across the California border ...

Welcome to California!

So says the sign that you can't hardly see here ...

Final facial hair update

Technical difficulties all day yesterday prevented probably the most anticipated update of them all. Yes, I was sporting a recurrence of my ever so popular pedophile mustache. You may have noticed it in Moy Moy's pictures from the previous post (and might I say they are fantastic, but no pictures can do the Canyon justice), but here is the up close and personal version that sent the women and children running for the hills. I must say the highlight of Flagstaff for me was two nights in the hot tub in single digit temperatures. I had never experienced it before, but I am sure it will not be the last time. You just can't beat that feeling. That being said, the hospitality from the related Moy Moys (specifically the Clarks) was amazing. The meals and conversation were beyond enjoyable, but alas the German settlement of San Diago awaits, and I am excited.

Wonders of the World

It's been a bit since you heard from us. Rest assured, we've been very much enjoying the company, sites and generous hospitality of Flagstaff, AZ.

Last night we had dinner with a good number of the AZ Moyer (and related) clan -- Aunt Roz, Uncle Richard, Grandma Myrtle, Shannon, Jack, Ellie and a brief appearance by Phil. The food was wonderful (Rich made lasagna with green chiles and Shannon homemade Caesar dressing -- yum!) and the company even better.

We spend this morning with my Grandma (for those of you keeping score, I beat her in dominoes -- for the first time in at least 8 years), who was happy to give Andy the guided tour of her four kids. I did notice that there weren't any pictures of me in her entire apartment -- we'll have to do something about that soon.

After visiting with Myrtle, we drove up to the Grand Canyon. Being so close, how could we not? I'm trying to resist the very strong urge to post all of the many, many pictures we took between us, but I will resist, and post only a few. (Ok, I just posted them. I lack discretion (shocker) and there are more than a few. That's what the internet is for, right??)

PS - Weighing in only briefly (I can't resist) on breakfast in Albuquerque: Andy missed out in not opting for the carne adovada with his eggs. Shredded pork with a lot of sauce -- excellent red chile flavor (spicy!) that dyed my fingers a lovely bright orange, and fresh tortillas to sop it up with (A did have those). I seriously considered buying in bulk, and I will be back.

Hoos/Hokies rivalry alive out west

Moy Moy's got us cruising along 40 West in Arizona when who should we run up on but an Infiniti with Virginia tags and a Virginia Tech license plate holder. Well she latched onto their back bumper, and I scrambled to make the sign pictured above. Once complete, Moy Moy hopped out into the left lane, pulled up along side them, and honked. I had the sign displayed proudly in the window. Confusion quickly turned to disgust in their faces as they realized what was happening. Moy Moy then sped up and slid over in front of them. Lo and behold, here they come right back alongside us holding a Tech sweatshirt in the window. This is not over Hokies ...

I'm dreaming of a white 5th of January

This morning we ate at another Roadfood-recommended establishment, Frontier Restaurant in Albuquerque. It is right across the street from UNM. You wait in line to order and then a flashing green light tells you which register to report to, you receive a number, and an electronic board displays when your order is ready. The food was delicious. I had scrambled eggs, hash browns, and tortillas. One of my tortillas I filled with strawberry jam. With the other I braved their chili. It was very good and awfully spicy, but I survived. If you know me, you know this is an accomplishment.

We're rapidly approaching the Arizona border, and everything is covered in snow. Today so far has had the best scenery, and I have been snapping pictures at a rapid clip. It will be interesting to see how many actually turn out. More snow and very cold temperatures await us in Flagstaff. Little do they know, my fu manchu without soul (patch) awaits them. I think the lack of soul is an upgrade, but let's face it a fu looks good regardless.