Here was the lineup for this year...from left to right:

1. Mike (my older brother) - met us there on Monday night.

2. Bruce - lives across the street from me.

3. Me

4. Mic - the faithful pilgrim on the annual voyage to Mecca.

This is the only picture of all four of us - choking down massive burgers at the Heart Attack Grill.

Since we're on the subject, Mike had to visit the Heart Attack Grill where they serve up nothing but FAT.  And the already-fat (people weighing 350 lbs or better) eat free! That guy walking away from the scale is heading to order his free meal.

Mic, Bruce and myself rented a car in Santa Rosa and drove down for less than the price of renting down there. And we save money for a flight.

Pics from the ride down - just north of the grapevine, a spectacular huge field of purple/blue flowers. No idea what it is.

North side of San Bernardino mountains.

Where we stayed - Carefree Resorts. Dennis runs the reservation desk and is getting golf bookings going. Sweet joint. We have 2400 sq ft to 4 of us. Nice pool /  hot tub.

Bruce fell in love the first day we were there...with Black Mountain. I think he walked it every morning.  The hike goes to the rounded peak on the left. This shot is a zoom from Pinacle Peak, and great walk.

Bruce posing with one of the local flowers on the trail. Definitely gotta watch your step.

Mike and I at the top. We all took the hike on Tues. morning before a round of golf in downtown Scottsdale. Our place is right behind Mike's head by the airstrip and golf course.

Looking South-east. Pinnacle Peak, another hike we took, is the small, pointy mountain in the distance on the right edge.

Wednesday morning Dennis got Mike, myself and his father-in-law on at The Boulders, a spectacular course, but very tough.

I wonder why they call it The Boulders?

Not a lot of fairway to hit, like hitting a green 180 yds away.

Dennis and Bill.

The three Farrells

Downtown Scottsdale after a Giants game.

Dinner at The Pink Pony

Thurs evening driving back from Scottsdale, Bruce and I do hike up Pinnacle Peak Park, an hour or so before closing.

The trails are gorgeous, paved with a fine crushed rock.

Zoom of Black Mountain from Pinnacle Peak.

The two to the left are herding folks in (including us) at the end of the day.

Beautiful at sunset. Bruce spots something under a boulder.

A desert spiny.

Home, sweet home