From Phoenix to Page, Arizona via Sedona

 *Back-dated post from: 8th February 2023

Hello again from the high country in Arizona.

We departed Phoenix yesterday morning for another road trip in “Sheila”.

I decided to return to the beautiful Sedona in Arizona where all this began with the purchase of my 1931 Model A Ford, 4-door, slant window, Town Sedan, 13-years ago. Yesterday's journey bought back many wonderful memories for me.

Stopping for fuel in Flagstaff, Arizona. 'Sheila' surrounded by a little bit of snow built up on the station's driveway. Photo: Steve Core

Many years ago (13-years to be precise) when Nathaniel, my son & I were on our mammoth road trip in our RV from Phoenix to Anchorage in Alaska & return, Sammy my Model A Ford friend in Phoenix, mentioned that on the journey we should go to Sedona to meet another Model A Ford guy.

That is exactly what we did, for those of you that have been fortunate enough to visit this magnificent part of the world, this is where my love affair started with the purchase of “Sheila”.

Day 1 on the road in Flagstaff, Arizona. Looking up towards the ski area known as the Arizona Snowbowl. Which is located on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, the tallest point in the state at 12,637ft. Humphreys is the most recognizable point on the San Francisco Peaks, which are 11-miles north of Flagstaff.

Clyde-Ross Morgan & his beautiful wife LeeAnne welcomed us with open arms & looked after us like silk worms. However there was one catch to our visit.

When Clyde-Ross showed me his collection of Model A Fords, l (as l do) fell head over heels in love with his 1931 Model A Ford 4 door slant window Town Sedan that he had nicknamed “Sheila”. I asked him why she was called “Sheila” & you wouldn’t believe his answer.

Way back in 2004 Clyde-Ross & a bunch of other Model A Ford enthusiasts shipped there Model A Fords to Australia to attend the 2004 Australian Model A Ford National Rally & drove their cars from Sydney to Perth & return. While he was in Australia he just loved the word “Sheila” & hence that is where she got her name from.

The majestic view over the township of Sedona.

Once the Australian National Rally was over they shipped their vehicles back home to America. I said to Clyde-Ross that I wanted to buy “Sheila”. His response immediately was that it was not for sale.

You all know what I am like. I am like a dog with a bone & would not settle for his ‘NO’ response. After many hours of negotiations & most importantly the green vouchers that I offered him the purchase was completed.

That now gives you a little insight of how l came to own this magnificent 92 year old Model A Ford that I have had the pleasure to drive all over America for the past decade on my annual holidays here in the States.

In the Sedona Airport car park, located high above the township on top of the Mesa.

Now back to my story... Yesterday we drove the old girl 300 miles or 500 kms via our visit to Sedona arriving here in Page around 6:00pm, checked into our Hotel for a well earned rest before our adventures tomorrow.

Later on today we will be sightseeing the famous Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend River here in Page.

Tomorrow we depart Page, Arizona & move onto Hurricane, Utah which is the town that Steve’s favourite You Tube channel creator ‘Matt’s 4WD Off-road Recovery’ operates out of. Matt has 1.4 million subscribers on You Tube & Steve is hanging to check their operation out.

Steve Core and myself, having the 'Grand Slam' breakfast at Dennys Restaurant on special for just US$7.95. No need for lunch this day after such a huge breakfast.

Once we leave Hurricane, we will then head west & end up in Las Vegas, Nevada for the weekend. We want to check out the brand new Allegiant Stadium (nickname, the Death Star). Then on Sunday we will watch the 57th Super Bowl footy game on the big screen at Caesar’s Palace. Rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs to win.

That is just about all at the moment, stay tuned for more action from Warbo’s Magical Mystery Tours.

Catch up soon. Stay safe.

Warbo.