It all began last September with an off chance meeting with the SCCA at Phoenix International Raceway.  A small group of Phonecians met members of the SCCA at the track south of Phoenix.  The SCCA graciously allowed the club members to ride around the track.  We spoke of a Phoenix Children's Hospital benefit and so.....the idea was born.  Prescott seemed the best place to base ourselves as it is cooler than Phoenix, and centrally located between Flagstaff and Phoenix. 

 The regional event entertained Sky-Sol enthusiasts from California, Nevada and Arizona.  Many people met in Prescott on Friday afternoon.  We enjoyed relaxing by the pool sized jacuzzi and spent time oooooohing and aaaaahing over the newest changes to the vehicles in the parking lot.   We eventually made our way to the Gurley Street Grill for dinner.  Our excellent servers took great care of us while the 39 dinner guests enjoyed the patio area of the grill.  We met Linda and Scott from Prescott at the restaurant, and were joined by Gary and Kathy (also from Prescott) at the Comfort Inn for the ride over to dinner.  What a delightful time we had making new friends and visiting with friends we had not seen for many months.  

A cold crisp evening turned into a bright and chilly morning.  A few clouds lingered nearby as we readied ourselves for the descent into Phoenix and the heat of the day.  Some cars from Phoenix drove up in the early morning to join us for our drive down the backside of Prescott and down Yarnell hill.  Our friends Tony and Theresa in the Bull Run Solstice arrived in the early morning hours as well.  We were delighted to have everyone with us for the beginning of our weekend.  Three of the cars left a little early to scout for bicyclists and joggers, and enjoyed their ride down through the twists and turns.  The majority of the group numbering 22 in all, headed out shortly thereafter and soon found themselves at the bottom of the hill.  We pushed on quickly as we had to be at the Raceway by 11:00AM.  

As we entered at Gate 5 we were greeted by several other members from the Phoenix club who were able to join us for the day.  Nancy (from the Phoenix club) and Mike (from SCCA) came out to meet us and bring us in to the pits.  We took a much need rest break and signed waivers to have our cars and ourselves in the pits.  We numbered 28 cars at PIR.  We watched the practice races and anxiously awaited our turn on the track.  We were offered the chance for ride-alongs and many members quickly jumped at the chance to ride around the track with a professional race car driver.  Soon, it was our turn to go on the track.  All who wanted to go on the track were allowed to go out.  We followed the pace car for a couple of laps on the road course and then pitted so that drivers could swap out and then we were off again....WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!   What a fantastic time that was.  We enjoyed watching a race or two once our time on the track was done.  Our greatest appreciation to Mike and the SCCA for opening themselves up to us and allowing us to join them on Saturday for a few hours. 

Soon the group was off to South Mountain for a run up and down the hill.  There were a lot of bicyclists and joggers out so the ascent was fairly slow, however it is such a beautiful view that we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  We moved up our dinner time at the Kings Fish House and they were very gracious about changing the time for us.  Hot and tired, people began to arrive.  We were again out on the patio.  We were joined by Dick and Millie whom we had not seen in many months.  We were delighted that they were able to join us for the evening.   Even with the restaurant taking care of 45 members, everything was delicious, delightful, and dewonderful.  There were many compliments about the food and service that were offered.  It was truly a place I will revisit in the future. 

After dinner some people headed up the hill to Prescott.  Some of us thought we were on our way back up and suddenly found ourselves at an impromptu visit to the Pavilions car show.  No advance warning, and we had 17 cars from three states to display.  We had the D.J. announce the arrival of the Bull Run Solstice and showed off our very own celebrities Tony and Theresa.   People from all over came to check out the car and meet Tony and Theresa.  We hung out in the cool balmy evening for a couple of hours and finally took our tired troops back up the hill to relax before heading out in the morning.

Sunday dawned a little warmer than the previous morning.  It was a later start as we were already partway to our destination.  Some of the travelers from far away had to head home so we bid them a fond farewell and hope to see them at the next meeting of the region.  A small group of 15 cars headed through Prescott in the mid morning to drive up 89A and over Mingus Mountain into the small artist colony of Jerome.  We spent an hour poking around and shopping and in general having fun.  We met at the parking lot in front of the Ghost Town Mine for our run down to Cottonwood and lunch at the Tavern Grille in Historic Cottonwood.  The management was very gracious as we called and let them know we were coming and would be arriving soon.  Again, the service was very good and the food delightful.  When lunch was finished, we parted ways with half of our group.  Many still had many miles to go to get home and rest before a new work week began. 

 We took the last 6 cars and headed up through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.  The wind picked up ferociously and threw tumbleweeds across our paths.  Several hit our cars which now sport the war wounds of crossing the open area of 89A.  Sorry Christie, I know your car is new, but we will all be checking it out when we see you next.  The further north we drove, the colder it became, and still the wind blew.  In Flagstaff, we parted ways with the last three cars as they headed for Laughlin, NV.  Happy Trails to all.  See you soon....