We like to hike - and to explore. We have found that both of these interests can be well satisfied in the Phoenix area. Phoenix is located in a valley (the "Valley of the Sun" as promoters refer to it) with mountains all around. The city and region have created many public parks with walking, hiking, biking and horse trails through them. Because of the terrain, the trails vary from flat and level to very strenuous hikes up mountain sides. Couple that with interesting desert flora and fauna and you can see why we like to get out and about.
On Thursday, January 29, fortified with a good bacon and egg breakfast, Jack and I drove to South Mountain Park. After driving up to Buena Vista Overlook and taking in the city of Phoenix laid out at our feet, we began a 3.5 mile hike to "Fat Man Pass". Not sure what this was, we certainly figured out what they meant when we came to a VERY narrow cleft or split in a massive rock that was only about 12 inches wide. The trail led right through so we sucked in our breath and wiggled our way through - the rock was shiny and slippery from many bodies rubbing as they went through. There was also a naturel tunnel to creep through and another spot to slide on our behinds down a large rock face. It was a fun day!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Prescott and the Granite Dells
On Monday, February 2 we took an all day trip with our friends Dan and Barb Bloem to Prescott, the original Territorial capital of Arizona. It is a two and a half hour drive north from Phoenix, so we got an early start but stopped about half way at the Rock Springs Cafe for some of their famous mile high pies. Mmmm good! Prescott is at a much higher elevation than Phoenix (5300') so the temperatures were slightly cooler (65F) but the sun was shining in a clear blue sky. We wandered around the old town square and looked into the Palace Saloon first opened in 1860 - the place that Wyatt Earp played cards and "Little Egypt" did her belly dancing to entertain the cowboys who came in from nearby mines and ranches. The Sharlot Hall Museum told the story of the early days of the Arizona Territory.
After lunch, we drove north of Prescott to the Granite Dells. Watson Lake was created by the damming of the Granite River and there are a wonderful jumble of rocks in and around the lake. In the distance, we could see the snow capped San Francisco Mountains and Humphries Peak just north of Flagstaff. A very photogenic place!
After lunch, we drove north of Prescott to the Granite Dells. Watson Lake was created by the damming of the Granite River and there are a wonderful jumble of rocks in and around the lake. In the distance, we could see the snow capped San Francisco Mountains and Humphries Peak just north of Flagstaff. A very photogenic place!
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