January 5, 2017. Long flight to Phoenix

LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona WEATHER:  Beautiful.  Sunny. High around 70   We had to get up at 3:30 AM in order to have time to get to the San Juan airport, return the rental car, and go through security for a 6:30 AM flight.  Other than getting just a little bit lost in the dark on the way to the rental car agency, all went well.  

Our first leg was from San Juan to Houston, about a 4.5 hour flight.  We were on the tarmac, in line for the next airplane to take off, when they announced that we had to return to the terminal as there was a medical emergency on board.  We unloaded that passenger, and were finally off.

It was one of the worst flights we've ever been on.  For the entire flight, a 2-year-old next to us screamed in a very high pitch (not just cried) the entire time.  The poor mother was in tears when we landed. 

We had time in Houston for a quick bite, then another 3-hour flight to Phoenix.  We picked up our rental car.  When I flew on business when I was working for Mayo, I always used Hertz, so I still have my Gold status.  The car was in its slot with a 'Welcome Karmen Reid" sign.  Such are the perks....

We drove directly to the storage area, with some trepidation as to the condition of the Airstream and the pick-up.  Happily, they both seem to be in good shape.  No flat tires, no sign of burglary, no mouse sightings, no leaks.  Just a lot of dust.  George tried the pick-up engine and it started immediately.  The vehicles have been sitting in the hot Arizona sun for the last 11.5 months.  We did some cleaning and organizing, then went to our hotel.  Thankfully there is a laundry at the hotel, so I washed sheets and towels that were dust-covered.  

We found a great Mexican take-out place near our hotel, and made that dinner.  An early night for us.....due to a very early morning and a 3-hour time zone difference.