A funny thing happened on our way to a baseball game—
Pennie and Tom got married!
Each year, we travel to Phoenix or Peoria for Spring Training. The 2008 schedule revealed the Padres would be playing a couple of games in Tucson in mid-March. Never having been there, we discussed going to Tucson instead. We agreed it would be fun and began preparing our itinerary. On an Arizona web site, we noticed that the marriage license laws were the same as Nevada's--no waiting period, no blood tests etc., so it seemed to make sense that we could also get married while we were in Tucson.
We found a web site for a service called Serendipity House, which specializes in small, intimate weddings. They provide several options from simple to elaborate weddings. Since it would be just the two of us, we made arrangements for a simple ceremony including a cake, champagne, and a photographer.
The rest of the trip fell into place and we made reservations, bought tickets for several activities, and printed our complete Tucson itinerary.
The drive to the CA/AZ border was easy and uneventful. However, the desert between Yuma and Tucson was unexpectedly awash with various shades of green due to the recent spring rains.
As we entered Tucson, the major freeway (really, the ONLY freeway) US 10 was under construction, and Exits 254 through 259 were closed. No problem, we took the detour frontage road and, after hearing several annoyed "Recalculating!" comments from our Garmin GPS (we call her Greta), she had us back on track and in front of the Pima County Courthouse right on schedule. Danke schoen, Frau Greta!
When we asked the courthouse security officer where to get our marriage license, he told us (with a twinkle in his eye), "Drive about 15 miles east to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and ask the guy who dresses like Smokey the Bear. He'll tell you to come back here and go down the corridor to the last office on the right." I'll be here all week, try the veal. :*)
In minutes we had our license and were on our way to check in at the Alta Vista Bed and Breakfast. Although it is located about 16 miles east of downtown Tucson, it was one of the highest ranked B and Bs in Tucson and we soon found out why.
The lovely desert setting, the accommodations, the amenities, but most of all the fantastic care and service provided by the innkeepers, Gaila and Peter Smith.
We stayed in the Santa Fe Room, a bright room with a King bed and a private bath with shower, and a spectacular view of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The room offers a VCR, satellite dish TV and an in-room microwave, refrigerator, and a romantic Kiva fireplace.
Here's more from the Alta Vista web site:
We love to pamper our guests! Welcome to our romantic and serene desert oasis. We are perched high upon a hill with award winning views of the mountains and valley below. Enjoy our gardens, birding and wildlife observation.
Great hiking trails at nearby Saguaro National Park East. Amenities include: pool, hot tub, fireplaces, wifi, romantic courtyard with fountain, hearty and healthy breakfasts, afternoon tea and homemade desserts.
We were rushing to meet our 6 pm dinner reservation at El Charro, so Gaila was unable to give us the tour of Alta Vista. She did however, make the best brownies ever which we enjoyed later as a late night snack. She and Peter were terrific hosts, always looking for ways to exceed our expectations.
El Charro, housed in an old stone building in the historic El Presidio District, is Tucson's oldest family-operated Mexican restaurant, and is legendary for its unusual Carne Seca.
We each had special Margaritas, and of course, the house specialty--Carne Seca--lean Angus beef sun-dried to perfection, shredded and grilled with green chile and onions, and served with guacamole, Pico de Charro salsa, arroz & frijoles refritos or Charros, and corn tortillas. Think of it as carnitas, except with dry shredded beef, and it was very, very good.
After dinner, we went to the Leo Rich Theatre to see a production of Cabaret. Although the theatre is housed in the new Tucson Convention Center complex, this was a fairly amateurish production. We considered leaving at intermission, but stayed for the funny Gorilla number--If You Could See Her in My Eyes. Afterwards, we let GPS Greta guide us out of downtown Tucson and east to Alta Vista.
After dinner, we went to the Leo Rich Theatre to see a production of Cabaret. Although the theatre is housed in the new Tucson Convention Center complex, this was a fairly amateurish production. We considered leaving at intermission, but stayed for the funny Gorilla number--If You Could See Her in My Eyes. Afterwards, we let GPS Greta guide us out of downtown Tucson and east to Alta Vista.
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