SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Yesterday turned out to be one of those perfect vacation days I dream about in the middle of January.

We had few things on our agenda, so that allowed us time to soak in the scene without rushing from destination to destination.

I didn't know what expect on our trip to the Brewers / Indians game at the Indians' new stadium in Goodyear, but I figured it would take forever to get there. We're located on the northeast side of the valley, while Goodyear is quite far west. But the 45-mile ride went quickly and effortlessly and we showed up before the first pitch (for a change).

The Goodyear stadium may be my new favorite in the Cactus League. It's surprisingly classy and elegant, with dark wood and brushed aluminum throughout. Beyond the berm in right field, they've built a tiny field for kids to practice on while the grown ups watch baseball. The stadium also has luxury suites, which seems funny for Spring Training. Beyond the outfield, you can see retired jumbo jets parked at the local airport. It's really a cool scene.

On the field, the Brewers pounded the Indians, pouring on 17 runs. The team has scored 27 runs in the two games I've seen. With offensive production like that, who needs starting pitching?

Of course, we had to leave early again to get Paul to the airport. That trip took way less time than we expected, so we got back to the Xona Resort Suites for some serious relaxation under the hot, Arizona sun.

Speaking of sun, it did warm up here Friday, and the clouds parted. In my book, there's not much better than a day of baseball in the sun, followed by an afternoon in the hot tub before dinner. We spent a long time soaking and talking to other travelers, including to a visitor from Appelton.

We ate at the hotel's restaurant last night, an upscale casual place called the Asada Desert Grill. Something about vacation brings out the red meat eater in me, and I ordered the fillet. All four of us enjoyed our dinner, though we're still a little spoiled from Wednesday's meal at the Westin.

I like this hotel and its amenities, but it seems to have a little bit of an identity crisis. The rooms are huge and mostly well appointed, but our showers are a little funky. The restaurant served good food, but at higher end prices. I'm by no means complaining about our stay here, which has been nothing but comfortable.

However, this is an ideal spot for people traveling with their families, or for extended stay business trips. In other words, practicality outweighs luxury here, which for many, should seal the deal in the upscale part of the city.

After dinner, we didn't get too ambitious, meeting our local friend, James, at a great Scottsdale bar called the Coach House. The place filled up, but most of the good people watching happened on the patio. Smoking is banned in bars in Scottsdale, so we enjoyed watching people come outside to literally step to the left of a yellow line on the ground where smoking is permitted.

We drove to the Coach House but cabbed it back, for safety's sake, and I'm hoping our rental car is still there. We'll see what kind of twists this trip takes if we got towed.

Today should be another fun one, with the Brewers coming back to Maryvale to take on the Cubs. This afternoon, we check into the Intercontinental Montelucia, which apparently is where Barack Obama stayed recently. Then tonight, we hope to visit and review Karl Kopp's new restaurant, Hanny's, before we embark on what James is calling our light rail pub crawl.

I'm tan, somewhat rested and very ready for whatever today has in store.