CJinMD
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2013
Welcome to my first trip report! We went on the Arizona/Utah ABD trip May 24-31 2017 - this was our first ABD trip, and hopefully not last! Traveling in my family was me, DH, and our two boys - ages 8 and 6. Our ABD group consisted of only 12 people total, with our kids being the only Junior Adventurers. The others in our group were two retired couples, a couple in their late 30s/early 40s, and a father/son (freshman in college). We had two guides, Troy and Mike, who I cannot say enough wonderful things about. 
I didn't take a ton of pics of the hotels because I was not intending to write a report, but you can easily find pics of those online.
We flew to PHX from Baltimore on an early flight, landing in Phoenix at 9:30 am, PHX time. We got off the plane and were greated by Mike right at the entrance of baggage claim. We were the first to arrive. He informed us that everybody was due to arrive early, so we could probably leave the airport earlier than the posted time of 1:30. He walked over to baggage claim with us and helped us with our bags. He took them away and told us we would see them again once we got to The Enchantment in Sedona - awesome! Since it was lunch time (back in Baltimore), we were pretty hungry. We decided on some pizza, at the suggestion of Mike. Once we finished eating, we made our way back to baggage claim to see if the rest of our group had arrived, and they had. I think we ended up leaving the airport about 11:30 or so. Mike and Troy showed us to our "stage coach" for the week, and we were excited that we still had the full size bus for just the 12 of us! Plenty of room to spread out!
After leaving the airport, Mike and Troy had us stop to check out one of the Saguaro cacti up close. It was a quick stop to just take some pics, but long enough for my oldest to slip and put his hand right onto the cactus. Needless to say, we got the award for the fastest use of the first aid kit ever on trip.
After our quick stop at the cactus, we reboarded the bus and started on our way to Montezuma's Castle, which was about an 1.5 drive. On the way, Mike and Troy pointed out the changing scenery and gave us an overview of how the trip would work and what to expect. I have to say, every drive went very quickly because looking out the window at everything was spectacular!
Once we arrived at Montezuma's Castle, mostly every one took the chance to use the restroom (yes, there one on the bus, but try to save that for emergencies only...). After the group was all back together, Troy lead us to an outdoor "lecture" area where he gave us some information about the history and geography of the area. It was very interesting! Mike also surprised the boys by giving them junior passport books for the national parks. Make sure you have passport books to get your stamps!
After we learning about the area, we had about an hour or so to explore on our own before heading back to the bus and making our way to Sedona. Because we left the airport early, we had some time to kill before we were able to check into the Enchantment. We made a quick stop at Bell Rock to do a mini hike. It was our first real time to see the beautiful red rocks of the area, and this stop did not disappoint!!
Finally it was time to make our way to The Enchantment! This resort is truly amazing, and check in was super easy and fast. Since we had some time before dinner, we decided to check out the pool area.
Dinner was all together that night - the Welcome Dinner. There was beer and wine to drink, and dinner consisted of make your own fajitas, nachos, etc. They did also bring the boys some chicken tenders. After introductions and eating, there was entertainment, which consisted of music and stories from the Hopi tribe.
We went to sleep a bit early, around 9:00 - everyone was tired from a full day of traveling and exploring, and the next morning there was an optional sunrise hike that I really wanted to do.
I will post day 2 soon!
I didn't take a ton of pics of the hotels because I was not intending to write a report, but you can easily find pics of those online.
We flew to PHX from Baltimore on an early flight, landing in Phoenix at 9:30 am, PHX time. We got off the plane and were greated by Mike right at the entrance of baggage claim. We were the first to arrive. He informed us that everybody was due to arrive early, so we could probably leave the airport earlier than the posted time of 1:30. He walked over to baggage claim with us and helped us with our bags. He took them away and told us we would see them again once we got to The Enchantment in Sedona - awesome! Since it was lunch time (back in Baltimore), we were pretty hungry. We decided on some pizza, at the suggestion of Mike. Once we finished eating, we made our way back to baggage claim to see if the rest of our group had arrived, and they had. I think we ended up leaving the airport about 11:30 or so. Mike and Troy showed us to our "stage coach" for the week, and we were excited that we still had the full size bus for just the 12 of us! Plenty of room to spread out!
After leaving the airport, Mike and Troy had us stop to check out one of the Saguaro cacti up close. It was a quick stop to just take some pics, but long enough for my oldest to slip and put his hand right onto the cactus. Needless to say, we got the award for the fastest use of the first aid kit ever on trip.
After our quick stop at the cactus, we reboarded the bus and started on our way to Montezuma's Castle, which was about an 1.5 drive. On the way, Mike and Troy pointed out the changing scenery and gave us an overview of how the trip would work and what to expect. I have to say, every drive went very quickly because looking out the window at everything was spectacular!
Once we arrived at Montezuma's Castle, mostly every one took the chance to use the restroom (yes, there one on the bus, but try to save that for emergencies only...). After the group was all back together, Troy lead us to an outdoor "lecture" area where he gave us some information about the history and geography of the area. It was very interesting! Mike also surprised the boys by giving them junior passport books for the national parks. Make sure you have passport books to get your stamps!
After we learning about the area, we had about an hour or so to explore on our own before heading back to the bus and making our way to Sedona. Because we left the airport early, we had some time to kill before we were able to check into the Enchantment. We made a quick stop at Bell Rock to do a mini hike. It was our first real time to see the beautiful red rocks of the area, and this stop did not disappoint!!
Finally it was time to make our way to The Enchantment! This resort is truly amazing, and check in was super easy and fast. Since we had some time before dinner, we decided to check out the pool area.
Dinner was all together that night - the Welcome Dinner. There was beer and wine to drink, and dinner consisted of make your own fajitas, nachos, etc. They did also bring the boys some chicken tenders. After introductions and eating, there was entertainment, which consisted of music and stories from the Hopi tribe.
We went to sleep a bit early, around 9:00 - everyone was tired from a full day of traveling and exploring, and the next morning there was an optional sunrise hike that I really wanted to do.
I will post day 2 soon!
Looking forward to your next report. Thanks.
