the first day on the road

740a arise from restful sleep
750a Vy begin to pack SUV
800a "is this a full size suv?"
809a suv too full
815a Vy unpacks suv and repacks -- SUV configuaration part 2
820a SUV still too full since Vy wants to be able to see out back window, vy repacks her suitcase and removes all dark colored clothing. Amazing, it fits into carry-on suitcase.
828a "who forgot to make coffee?"
832a Vy smug with successful packing of suv
834a Ky inspects and returns... "where will My sit?"
838a Ky and Py make reservations for quality inn
841a camping trip scrapped...Py is sad. remove camping gear from suv... still no room for shoes
845a Vy unpacks and repacks suv -- SUV configuration part 3
847a shower, dress, pack beer in cooler... "where will food go?"
906a pull out of garage... trip begins! yay!
907a make a u-ee--pull into garage--get phone, watch, and water
908a pull out of garage - take 2 yay!
912a emergency stop at Starbucks... Mental note to selves: buy shares in Starbucks
925a Ky and Py take Dramamine.... SUV handles looser than sporty Sebring convertible
1055a decide to stop at Montezuma's Castle National Monument... Ky refers to map for directions... wrong map... looks for AZ map... can only find four (4), count ;'em FOUR! UT maps...interesting....
1100a stop at Montezuma's Castle... Py purchases "Barbie Doll", i.e., National Parks Passort, and gets first stamp of trip
1200p emergency stop to throw up since typing and Vy driving are non-compatible. wish learning curve was better.
1206p Py recalls I-17 does not go to UT...ends in Flagstaff... no AZ map... Py navigates to proper road... we think...
1208p strange material hits windshield... shocked passengers...monsoon season begins...Vy tries to find wiper control in rental suv
1209p monsoon ends
1210p roads signs direct us to US89 which heads to Grand Canyon... who needs AZ map?
1218p stop for gas... "which side is gas cap on?" Must pull out into traffic... yikes... Vy continues to throw Py and Ky around like rag dolls while improving suv manuverability skills. Py has no "o shit" handle.
102p stop at Sunset Crater National Monument for passport stamp and lunch. Pleasant under monsoon skies...thunder rumbles... or is that the volcano erupting?...
103p Vy smug again... able to unload lunch without unpacking entire suv!
104p sandwiches lacking without the tangy zip of Miracle Whip. Note to self: always pack knife with picnic lunch...bite of sandwich/bite of cheese hunk...bite of tomato?
111p Py spots a blue cardinal. should have checked out the bird identification book from library. inform Py that bird is a blue jay
125p Hike Lava Fields trail...monsoon continues to rumble
132p ranger informs us that lava fields attract lightening...more metal in soil. power hike.
144p stop at National Park sign to stage photograph
149p still there... note to self to take photogrsphy course
323p leave Wupatki National Monument and road trip continues
1022p Arrive in Springdale. Vy navigates scary hairpin turns excellently even though Py and Ky are squeemish for entire 45 minute ride.
1028p Open hotel room... only one bed. No other double queen rooms available. Py camps out after all...on floor.
1045p UT on mountain time... is really 1145p