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We had a relaxing few days in Mesa.  The Kia spent a couple of days in the shop (nothing major, just a lot of routine maintenance plus a cleaning), Cassie and I spent some time in Lori and Marlon's kitchen.  We enjoyed Mother's Day brunch with Lori, Jenna and Mark, Then it was Mother's Day dessert with most of the Gillespie's at Mike and Ginger's house.  Good to see everyone, though it was a brief visit.

We set out early Monday morning headed north toward Flagstaff and stopped first at a park in Payson for breakfast, then we made the short hike down to Tonto Natural Bridge.

Here's Cassie looking fabulous.

Next stop, Flagstaff.  We found another park bench and enjoyed our lunch from the Bashas deli.  A couple of blocks over from the park was a beautiful church.  We went to investigate after lunch.  The church is Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The doors were locked and the rectory was closed, so we didn't get to go inside.  

I found the crumbling gargoyles on the outside of the church fascinating. 

And this place near the train station?  I just liked the name.  Biff's.  We didn't eat here.

At the Lowell Observatory we wandered around a bit on our own before taking the Deep Space tour.  At the end of the tour we got to look at different lights and gasses through these fun spectral glasses. 

After dinner at Black Bart's, we set up camp for the night at Bonito Campground near Sunset Crater.  Nice little campground.  No showers, no cell service.  A true wilderness experience.