Just a couple more updates...
First, on the accommodation front.
I've booked our 2 bedroom suite at Sunnyvale Garden Suites Hotel in Twentynine Palms.
Front and entrance
Gardens
Hot tub deck
Room
Room courtyard
Also booked the Tower Suite at Bella Capri Inn & Suites in Camarillo, on their advice.
Front and entrance
Kitchen
Dining area
One of the bedrooms
I've sent a booking request to the Corral Creek Resort too, but will wait until I get the confirmation.
After much discussion between the four of us, we have decided not to go ahead with the Arroyo Grande rental. I'm disappointed because it looks amazing! But it was just turning out to be too much hassle just for 2 nights. We're currently looking at a cabin at the KOA (like a Big 4) in Santa Margarita - s'mores anyone?
We've also decided to ditch VRBO for Palm Desert, and are currently looking at a 2 bed 2 bath suite at Homewood Suites by Hilton.
Next, on the running front.
I've got my appointment with the sports doctor tomorrow morning before work (which means I have to leave home by 6:30am
there's dedication for you lol!). I really hope he has more to offer than everyone else I've seen so far!
Finally, on a completely new idea
DH has suggested we add a few days to the end of our trip, because he wants to do more flying to get AA miles
So guess who might be off to Arizona for 3 nights
Our very rough proposed itinerary for that section:
Day/Night 1: Overnight train from LA - Winslow
Day/Night 2: Drive to Payson via Homolovi ruins and Petrified Forest
Day/Night 3: Check out the Tonto Natural Bridge, Montezuma Castle, and end up in Cave Creek for a sunset trail ride among the saguaro cacti
Day/Night 4: Make our way to Phoenix and start the trip back home (via Chicago and LA...)
Boy, it was really hard to narrow it down for only 3 nights!
Trying not to get too excited though - nothing's locked in yet.