DESERT MOUNTAIN SPRING 2021

We felt so grateful to have been able to travel to Scottsdale in March 2021. We were even more grateful to spend time with Cameron’s grandparents, Pat and Jim (better known as Nana and Tapa), who we had not seen in over a year!

We were able to spend the whole week at the family’s Desert Mountain house and we had a very meaningful time with the grandparents. It was chilly for February so we spent most of our time in the hot tub or hanging in the house by the fireplace. This was our first time traveling there with Beatrix and she seemed to fit right in with Sam, their 80-pound black Labrador. She quickly became obsessed with Pat and Jim and we would frequently find her in their room or in their laps.

We took B and Sam on many chilly walks around the neighborhood, but anything was better than walking around Chicago. We went with Jim to the dog park everyday and got to meet all of Jim’s dog park friends who we quickly learned were many.

One thing we really love about Desert Mountain (besides the golf, pro shop and numerous restaurants) is there are tons of hiking trails a quick drive away while still staying in the community. We try to hike a few times each trip and try different trails if we are feeling adventurous.

Another perk of the trip was we got to spend time with Smoke and Anitra. We had originally planned for them to come pick us up from L.A. and we were going to drive back with them to spend a few days there before flying home. Unfortunately, Covid had other plans. We got rapid tested before the other family arrived because we like to stay extra Covid safe. My test came back positive even though I felt perfectly fine. We then proceeded to get tested three additional times and the other three tests came back negative. Phew. We were so panicked about giving it to any family members, especially to Jim and Pat. We quarantined for 24 hours until our PCR test results came back. Once it was negative we relaxed and assured ourselves my one positive test must have been a fluke. Though this ruined our California trip and our “desert zen,” we were lucky to be able to not be sick and to still spend time with the family. Smoke and Anitra were staying at a resort nearby, The Andaz, so we packed a day bag and chilled by the pool with them which was MUCH needed.

It took a while to shake the Covid scare away. We already had Covid back in October so the thought of having it again, on a trip and around family absolutely terrified us. We tried to make the best of it and were actually happy our trip was cut short because we were ready to go back home and back into our Covid safe bubble until we both could get fully vaccinated.

We want on one last hike before heading to the airport. Felt good to be together and have our good health.

Visiting Desert Mountain will always feel special to us. First, it means we are spending quality, elongated time with Pat and Jim. It also is the perfect escape from reality. I think I am becoming more of a mountain girl over the beach. You simply cannot beat these hiking views or desert sunsets.

Flying with Beatrix was a success. As you can see in the left photo, she is ready to be home in bed just like we were. TSA no longer allows emotional support dogs, but luckily Beatrix fits in the 20-pound rule so she can still fly with us. We found this carrier where we can fold it out so she can fully lay down so we feel much better about it.