Out with Dr. Bill: Palm Springs Pride and a Southwest Soujourn

One of the most standout moments of the weekend was Mark and Brad's pool party, which captured the warmth and inclusivity of the weekend. Friends from across the country joined, including Luigi Laredo and Alex Mach, whose New York City wedding I recently wrote about, and Paul West, a mentee of mine and longtime Fire Island Pines share house member. Seeing these friends and reflecting on our shared history reminded me of how much Pride is about connection–both to our community and to the moments that have shaped us.

Palm Springs Pride was the perfect balance of celebration and reflection. From the whirlwind of events to the peaceful poolside conversations, the weekend reminded me why these moments matter so deeply. Pride is about joy, resilience, and belonging, and this year's celebration was a beautiful reminder of all three.

A Southwest Sojourn: Nature, Friendship, and Stunning Landscapes

I couldn't shake my desert fever, so I decided to stay out west and spend some time at our home in Tucson, Arizona. Eric and I made the most of it by hosting three dear friends–Philip McCarthy, Matthew Simonetti, and my first (and closest) friend in NYC, Rick Bingham–for an unforgettable week in the Southwest.

November is the perfect time to explore Arizona. The scorching summer heat is gone, replaced by crisp mornings and comfortably warm afternoons. From sprawling desert vistas to lush, forested mountains, Arizona's beauty feels even more alive this time of year.

We gave the boys a whirlwind Arizona initiation, starting in Tucson, moving on to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, and ending our adventure in Sedona.
The first of our Tucson adventures took us to the stunning Sabino Canyon, a serene desert retreat in the Santa Catalina Mountains. We rode the narrated tram up into the canyon, learning about its history, geology, and wildlife while taking in breathtaking views of towering saguaros, vibrant ocotillos, and rugged cliffs. The tram's route wound along a paved road, crossing picturesque stone bridges over Sabino Creek.
At the final stop, we began our hike back down, walking alongside Sabino Creek. While the creek babbles during certain seasons, it was dry this time–a reminder of the desert's ever-changing rhythms. Even without water, the dry creek bed added to the rugged beauty of the landscape, and the quiet allowed us to fully appreciate the grandeur of the cliffs and the stillness of the desert.

We also explored Saguaro National Park East, where iconic cacti stood like sentinels under the dramatic Arizona sky. Hiking among these giants was humbling and inspiring, and was made even more meaningful by sharing the experience with friends.

Our days ended with peaceful evenings by the pool, toasting the incredible sunsets that painted the desert sky in hues of red, pink, and gold. Tucson's sunsets are their own kind of magic–an ever-changing masterpiece that feels both grounding and uplifting. Sitting poolside with friends, watching the colors fade into twilight, was a soul-enriching reminder of the beauty in slowing down and savoring life's simple joys.

Experiencing the Sonoran Desert I grew up loving through the eyes of my New York friends was incredibly heartwarming. Their awe and excitement as they took in the towering saguaros and sweeping landscapes made it feel like I was seeing it for the first time all over again.

After wrapping up our time in Tucson, we headed to Flagstaff for its refreshing mountain air, staying at the historic Little America Hotel–a cozy retreat surrounded by towering pines. Eric took the lead, giving us a personal driving tour of the city he grew up in, sharing childhood stories and pointing out favorite landmarks that made the experience even more special.

One of the highlights was a stop at Buffalo Park, a scenic 215-acre open space featuring expansive trails, breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks, and a tranquil high-desert landscape. The leisurely hike offered a perfect mix of exercise and reflection, surrounded by the natural beauty of Flagstaff.

We ended the day with dinner at La Fonda, a family-owned gem tucked along historic Route 66. Known for its traditional recipes passed down through generations, La Fonda delivered bold, authentic Mexican flavors paired with the warmth of a welcoming atmosphere. As we savored their dishes and sipped on prickly pear margaritas, it felt like we were part of their extended family–a perfect ending to a memorable day in Eric's hometown.

We got up bright and early to make the 75-mile drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, excited to experience one of the world's greatest natural wonders. At the entrance, we pulled out our annual National Parks pass, which has seen plenty of use as we always look for opportunities to visit these incredible places. It not only expedited our entry but also reminded us of the many adventures we've already had–and the ones still to come.

From the South Rim, we ventured down into the breathtaking depths of this iconic landscape, taking in the sheer magnitude and beauty of the towering rock formations and expansive vistas. The hike was both exhilarating and humbling, as every twist and turn revealed a new perspective of the canyon's timeless grandeur.
After our descent, we capped off the experience with a hearty, well-earned meal at the historic El Tovar Hotel–a landmark that perfectly complements the awe-inspiring surroundings. What made this journey truly unforgettable was experiencing it through the eyes of dear friends who were seeing the Grand Canyon for the very first time. Their sense of wonder and excitement added a fresh layer of magic to a place I've always cherished.

After our unforgettable time at the Grand Canyon, we got up bright and early for one final adventure. With a quick pitstop at Starbucks for caffeine, we headed south toward Sedona. The drive was a scenic delight, transitioning from the rugged grandeur of the canyon to the vibrant red rocks of Sedona–a place I knew would leave everyone speechless.

The highlight of our visit was Devil's Bridge, a natural sandstone arch standing 54 feet tall and spanning 45 feet across–the largest of its kind in the area. The trail wound through Sedona's stunning red rock formations, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The final stretch–a short but steep climb up the mountain–pushed us to embrace the challenge.

Reaching the top was worth every step. Matthew, Eric, and I ventured onto the narrow, 5-foot-wide ledge of the bridge itself. Standing there, with the vast drop below and panoramic red rock views stretching out before us, was exhilarating and humbling. It was a powerful reminder of nature's beauty and our small place within it.

Sharing that awe-inspiring moment with friends made it even more meaningful. Sedona was the perfect finale to an incredible trip, filled with discovery, connection, and unforgettable memories. It left us all in awe–and eager for the next adventure.

Through the connections made, the moments shared, and the awe-inspiring landscapes explored, these past few weeks have reminded me of the incredible beauty in celebrating diversity, cherishing friendships, and embracing life's unforgettable adventures.