Road trip!

WARNING: The following is an off-topic collection of photographs snapped during a just-completed Nevada-to-Utah road trip. Like the trip itself, these pics haven't a thing to do with food, and so will likely be of no interest whatever to certain readers. Apologies. I'll get cracking on a new recipe ASAP.

Despite the despicable United Airlines' best — and multiple — attempts to thwart our group's plans, we managed to will ourselves to Las Vegas, pick up our vehicles and ride into Arizona.

We call this shot "The Ironic Road Trip of 2014."

The next morning's ride could not have commenced without Gorilla Glue and duct tape.

A couple days in and we arrived at a canyon that is indeed as Grand as they say.

Good thing we were all wearing thick leather boots and clothing with armor.

There is a town in Utah called Mexican Hat. It was a good staging area for our much-anticipated tour of Monument Valley.

And our lodge employed a couple of excellent barkeeps.

The beer wasn't bad either. It's Utah. Get it?

Here's a food shot for you. Steaks cooked outdoors on a swinging grill.

Good advice.

If you have never been to Monument Valley, Utah, you really must think long and hard about altering your status.

It is everything that I anticipated.

Much, much more, actually.

We were all in agreement on this. (The bandanas are for dust protection, so save the snarky remarks.)

Sadly, we ran into forest fires back in Arizona.

And a United Airlines executive too, just before being treated to his company's dreadful "service" from Vegas back home to Maine.