Weather was heating up in Scottsdale – which means time to hook up the Magic Carpet (MC), hop into Mini Magic (MM) and head to a higher elevation. This year Williams, AZ was the first stop. We know – not a long drive, but staying along Route 66 is a favorite. The Grand Canyon RR RV Park served as the ‘base’ the last couple of stays. This is great as it is easy access to Route 66 and the Daily Queen;-) But, this year something new was in the offing – Railside RV Ranch. It is a little farther out, but still a perfect walk into town and all the restaurants. Also, it is on the Grand Canyon RR route – so every day at 7AM and 5PM everyone waves at the train passengers as they pass by on their way to and from the Canyon. Still makes me smile to think about it. And – we had a great spot for the ‘train viewing’ as well as a perfect arrangement for MM and MC;-)

There was even a perfect sky for the viewing of one of those ‘Super Moons’ – –

Another gem was discovered in this little town of Williams – Elephant Rock Golf Course! A very nice course and a delightful local couple to play with. Even got a good dinner recommendation – Western Steak House! Right up my alley. There was also a side trip to Flagstaff to meet up with friends – the Stinson’s – for a round of golf at Continental and to see their new townhouse.

Our attempt to find a good hike around Williams, yielded the Keyhole Sink Trail. This proved to be a very easy 2 mile roundtrip pathway through the ponderosa pines to a box canyon. Here, roughly 1,000 years ago, the residents of the area left petroglyphs detailing their daily life. One of the petroglyphs is a dramatic depiction of a deer herd entering the canyon – definitely a hunting area for these ancients.

After a great few days in Williams, it was time to move on. Clio, CA would be home for the next week. Had never heard of this area before some friends (the Sampson’s) recommended it – and when discussed with other friends (the Clarke’s), they alerted us to 4-5 golf courses in the area! What a treat. MM and MC found another nice home at Clio’s Rivers Edge RV Park in the pines. (Our particular space was a bit small – but, have a better spot picked out for the next visit!)

After getting settled in, we were off to investigate – especially all those golf courses we were told about. First up was Graeagle Meadows – nice course, but a little long. On the back nine G moved up to E’s tees and E moved up to the Jr. tees!!! All was good as the views were terrific.

Graeagle came with all the necessities – –

They also had a wonderful deck for lunch where a bluejay feeding her young in the nest provided our mealtime entertainment;-) Next course was Whitehawk, which was just as beautiful and a bit more friendly on length. Of the two, it was our favorite. Next time we will tackle Plumas Pines and the Grizzly Courses. Too many courses and not enough time.

The area had some stunning scenery, especially the road to Gold and Snag Lakes.

Driving a BIG loop road took one past the alpine lakes, the gorgeous ‘Alps’ and into Truckee, one of our favorites. There is one of the best ACE hardware stores, a cute little main street with lots of good shops (including a kitchen shop we love) and a favorite Italian restaurant – Pinetta’s. All in all – a very nice day;-)

Another day – another drive. This particular day it was decided to head over and take a look at the Grizzly golf course (which looked fabulous). Another course was discovered on the way – The Dragon course at the Nakoma Resort. Sometimes one just discovers gems by accident. The drive into the course was most interesting, as was the Lodge with an iconic roofline. Turns out this building in the middle of the forrest 75 miles from the closest bigger town is an original Frank Lloyd Wright design! It was beautiful. Definitely a place to consider for a future escape – –

So happy to have such wonderful friends who share their knowledge of places to visit, parks to stay in and golf courses to play. A BIG thank you to the Sampson’s and the Clarke’s for telling us about Clio and its many attractions! (Forgot to mention one more place to eat – The Iron Door in Johnsonville.)

Now it was time for the ‘Main Event’ before heading to Park City in a few weeks – meeting up with the Shoe Crew and our three granddaughters;-) Wait ’till you read about these adventures!

So grateful for friends who share – E & G on our way