Sedona to Torrance

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO1000
“Breakfast” Cottonwood, 2024

Today was a long travel day, starting in Sedona, Arizona, and ending in Torrance, California. We kicked things off with a yummy breakfast at the Old Town Red Rooster Café in Cottonwood before hitting the road. Bay took the wheel for the first leg, and I drove the California stretch.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/340 sec, ISO80
“Driver” Arizona, 2024

After a full day of driving, dinner at CoCo Ichibanya hit the spot. I usually go for level 10 spiciness, but this location now offers levels 15 and 20! Naturally, I had to try level 15. It was spicy, though I feel like their old level 10 from years back packed more heat. Either way, I’m definitely trying level 20 next time!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO320
“Katsu Curry” Torrance, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO320
“Spiciness Level” Torrance, 2024

A Day in Sedona

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/2700 sec, ISO20
“Sedona Sunrise” Sedona, 2024

We spent the entire day in Sedona, starting with a chilly but beautiful sunrise outside our hotel. Afterward, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the Coffee Pot restaurant before setting out for a few scenic hikes in the area. Later, we wrapped up the day by unwinding with a delicious beverage and burger. It was just about as perfect as a day could get!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1600 sec, ISO80
“On the Trail” Sedona, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/6.4, 1/1250 sec, ISO320
“Beautiful Vista” Sedona, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/1700 sec, ISO320
“Sana in Sedona” Sedona, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/4.5, 1/240 sec, ISO320
“Evening Refreshment” Sedona, 2024

Aliens and Tacos

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.6900000572505mm, f/1.9, 1/15 sec, ISO800
“Alien Encounter” Roswell, 2024

We kicked off the day with a quick breakfast at our hotel before heading to the International UFO Museum & Research Center. It was my third visit, and I feel the exhibits have improved a bit over the years. It’s still quite hokey but undeniably charming – definitely worth a stop!

Next, Bay drove us to Albuquerque, where we enjoyed a tasty lunch at Taqueria Mexico. Bay’s birria tacos were incredible, and my carnitas burrito wasn’t bad either!

I took over the driving afterward, and we arrived at our hotel in Sedona by early evening. A long travel day, but fun to spend it with family!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO50
“Driver” Roswell, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
“Birria Tacos” Albuquerque, 2024

Roadtrip Starts

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/14, 1/100 sec, ISO400
“New Mexico Sky” 2024

Today, we kicked off our road trip from Texas to California. I handled this leg of the drive, making a few stops along the way for food, fuel, and some photos — including this one after sunset. Once we arrived in Roswell, New Mexico, we settled in and headed out for dinner and drinks. I’d been eagerly anticipating that margarita since crossing the Texas/New Mexico border!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/20 sec, ISO3200
“Beverages” Roswell, 2024