North for NYE

Looking at the map this morning,  I realise that I’m heading a little too far east too early.

The Grand Canyon is North of Phoenix, and I’ve leaked my way south-east of Tuscon.

If I continue this way, I won’t get to the Grand Canyon, and I’m not sure that I’ll come back this close on the return journey.

So the next couple of days major in a bit off backtracking, seeing parts of Phoenix’s  surrounds that I didn’t get to last time, before I’m headed into Sedona, AZ for NYE.

The drive up is quite scenic, Sedona is in the middle of a National Park, and I get there early afternoon.

I’ve had a few days on the road now, and feeling a little gritty, I decide to spoil myself with a hotel for the night.

King bed, spa-bath, the works.

I’ve got that nice little pinot from Silver Strike to drink, so I plan on some cave time, albeit in a fairly luxurious cave.

As much as I love Charlotte, every man’s eye wanders occasionally, and the sweet curves of a chest deep bath, soft satin sheets (poetic licence), and room to walk around naked (it’s a much under-rated requirement) have tempted me to stray.

Settled into my new abode, I take a shower, grab a beer and start to run the bath.

A bath.

Unmitigated luxury.

Pure indulgence.

As I sink into the perfectly hot liquid, a sigh burbles from my lips and I feel that first rush of warmth envelop me.

Those few seconds have their own magic, full of anticipation and reward, just like a stolen first kiss.

45 mins, one hot water top up, 2 cold beers and god knows how many relaxing spotify playlists later, I’m restored!

Tranquilly I hop out, dry off and indulge in my previously mentioned requirement for a bit.

I’m not constrained anymore – not by the road, not by anything.

Suddenly I’m no longer in cave mode. I’m full of vim, with just a dash of vigour and a pinch of joie de vivre.

Google tells me there are a couple of options within walking distance for tonight – PJs Village Pub and Full Moon Saloon.

The latter had a flyer in reception – no cover charge, free champagne at midnight, a band.

Its still only about 7 so I take my time getting dressed, then go to grab the bottle of pinot from Charlotte’s arms to start NYE celebrations.

Now, I can’t see how Charlotte could possibly be upset with me, or why she would punish me, but the bottle is nowhere to be found.

Not where I left it, not rolled under a chair, nowhere.

She hasn’t taken it upon herself to exact vengeance for my dalliance? Surely not.

I search every nook, every cranny to no avail.

Damn – I had been looking forward to that all week.

The only logical outcome is that the bottle has fallen in with the rubbish and been thrown out.

Bugger.

My ebulliant mood has dimmed a touch, but determined not to lose my newly minted spirit I parcel up my disappointment and put it aside.

All it means is that I get to the local places a little earlier.

PJs is literally across the corner – I get there, wander in and quickly realise it’s probably not my place for tonight.

A little rough and ready, its packed to the rafterrs – no seats anywhere. More cars are pulling in by the minute so that’s not getting better quickly

A band is playing at cacophonic levels, drowning out any ideas of conversation,

Pass.

So onto Blue Moon it is then.

As I cross the road I stumble into a pothole, roll my ankle and fall to the ground.

Fuck.

Ok I get it – I’m being punished by the gods for my infidelity, but seriously!

Luckily my ankle isn’t too bad – years of ankle sprains have gifted me an uncanny ability to go with the roll and come out relatively unscathed. That and the lack of remaining ligaments means its probably going to bruise up but I won’t be in any significant discomfort.

This turns out to be true 5 mins later as I round the corner in the car park in front of Blue Moon with only the hint of a limp.

Blue moon is quieter than PJs, – I get a seat at the bar, grab a drink and start to check it out.

The people are a mix of locals and tourists, the band is yet to stat to play, and the owner/bar tender is pretty cool – though he looks rushed off his feet and has a weird chessboard layout for tabs and drinks that he keeps behind the bar.

I’m soon chatting away – nothing of note – just swapping travel stories etc. Patrons rotate in and out of the seats next to me at the bar – no idea why but people are coming in and out of Blue Moon rather than staying for the night.

Still it’s great for me – new faces to talk to every so often.

The band kicks in, it’s more my style of music, and before you know it its getting close to midnight.

Party hats are handed out, little plastic champagne glasses are poured, and the Times Square countdown is on the screens.

All together we count down from 10 to 1, then  the usual cry of “Happy New Year” rolls out.

Hugs and kisses from my current neighbours – 2 girls from Las Vegas, a  bit of a sing along with the band, and a quiet toast for those back home

Soon enough it’s time to head home – the patrons dwindling until the last 20 or so.

As I trudge back up the road to my mistress, Charlotte’s jealousy and actions notwithstanding, I notice that the temperature is down to 32 F or 0 C.

It’s been a good night to choose to stray (even if it’s only a little bit).