Arizona Fact of the Week...

Origin of Name: a Spanish version of the Pima Indian word arizonac for "place of the small spring" or from the Aztec's arizuma meaning "silver-bearing"

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

As the summer is winding down here in Arizona we get really excited when the temps are sub 100, and that was the case yesterday, so we (actually hubby) decided that we should go someplace.  We both were really tired of being coped up in the house!  Seeing as how it was already later in the afternoon, I knew it had to be someplace close by.  I always have a suggestion on where to go because I despise sitting around, since I do so much of that at my job!  I suggested that we go to the Riparian Preserve.  As a serious hobby photographer I am always looking for good locations to take photos and this place is on my top 10 list of great places in the area!  He agreed, so we packed up the dogs and headed out.  It was the first time that we have taken them to this place…as a matter of fact this was my hubby’s first visit, as well.  I have been there a couple of times to take pictures. 

The preserve is a series of ponds with walking trails.  A true paradise for bird watchers and photographers.  There are many different species of birds and tons of different types of dragonflies. There is also a hummingbird garden and butterfly garden!  So even if you are not a professional photographer or birder, just go check this place out…you won’t regret it! 

You can read more about the preserve here…   http://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/riparian-preserve-at-water-ranch/about-us

Things that seemed so strange to me when I moved here

Drivers Licenses are good until your 65th birthday!!!  In Michigan, every 4 years you have to renew! 

Property taxes are lower, but car registration is higher (complete opposite in Michigan)

Car battery last longer in colder weather...I've changed more car batteries since I've been here.  It's true!

Grass is a luxury!!!  I miss grass so much.  We have grass in our neighborhood, sure, but it's not the same as having right in your own front (or back) yard!  I love the smell of fresh cut grass!!!

NO changing of the clock!!!  Huge for me.  :)  I do not miss that at all.  I really think that I feel better in this time zone!

Yield signs mean nothing to people here.  This is a super pet-peeve of mine...when exiting off the freeway, people driving on the service drive always ignore the yield to ramp traffic signs...ALWAYS!  What is up with that???

Everything wants to either bite, poke, pinch or sting you here... from cactus, to scorpions, black widows, snakes and the occasional mosquito.  So watch were you walk and shake out your shoes before putting them on.

No chain link fences here!  I love most communities here have cinderblock walls for fences, you rarely see chain link...except in construction zones!

No pot holes!  The roads here are soooooo much better than in Michigan!  There are some bad roads but they are far and few between. 

Just a 2 hour (or less) drive from Phoenix you can be in a completely different environment...from desert to pine tree forest.  From 110 degree temps to 70 degree...if you love snow, in the winter you can visit it anytime you want...and then leave it!  AND, if you love the beach...just a 4 or 5 hour drive or 45 min flight you can be sitting on the beach in beautiful San Diego!  :)

And one last thing on this list...Is the sun is ALWAYS shinning!  I do not miss the giant cloud and gloomy days in Michigan. 






 

Arizona fact of the day

In Arizona, it is against the law for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs.

 

Arizona fact of the Day...

Next time you enjoy a refreshing margarita, thank Arizona. The country's first barrel of tequila came out of Nogales in 1936.

 

You're Welcome!  :-)

 

The Salt River Wild Horses

Here are some of my photos of the Arizona Salt River Wild Horses.  The BLM is planning on removing these beautiful horses from the area.  However, there has been great outcry about this and the round-up has been postponed until December...for now.  There is a group working very hard to keep the horses right where they are, but fighting the BLM is no easy task.  If you want to see these beautiful horses just head out of town and head to Tonto National Park, and head towards the Salt River...BTW, get a pass before you get there.  They do not sell pass there!  You can even buy a pass on line.  Here is a link with more info. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=fsbdev3_018744

 

salt river wild horses



 

Roosevelt Lake

Take a drive on Apache Trail, which is such an incredibly scenic drive, and be sure to stop at Tortilla Flats for some Prickly Pear Ice Cream!  If you do continue on from Tortilla Flats the drive can be a little scary, from there it's gravel and has lots of curves, but at the northern end of the trail you will come to Roosevelt Lake.  Stop and check out the damn and all the beauty that surrounds the lake! 

 

Worth the drive! 

Cool street in Downtown Phoenix

The name of the street is called Palm Lane...how appropriate! 

 

These large palms line the street of unique style homes.  I love driving down this street! 

 

 

 

Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tucson, AZ

San Xavier is about 10 miles south of Downtown Tucson.  The mission is on the Tohono O'odham San Xavier Indian Reservation.  It's the oldest European structure in Arizona.  During the day you will find locals selling all kinds of things in the parking lot of the mission, from Fried Bread to T-shirts.  My first visit here was late at night, and it had a super creepy vibe to it...some of us decided to hike up the little hill next to the church but about 1/3 the way up you are greeted by stone lions, and it was at that point I could not go any further.  I became overwhelmed with a feeling like I didn't belong there.  Like I was trespassing on sacred land.  I have since been back a few times, always during the day and now have no problem passing those lions, cause I know now that this is a place for folks to enjoy the beautiful view of the mission and the lands surrounding it. 

 

 

 

Devil's Bridge, Sedona AZ.

A Great Hike!  Doesn't get much better than this!

 

Devil's Bridge is a Natural Sandstone Arch in Sedona.  It's about a 2 mile roundtrip hike with lots of beautiful scenery to see along the way.  It's considered a moderately difficult hike with about a 400 foot climb, some can be awkward, but not too bad and totally worth it! 

 

 

As the monsoon season comes to an end...

This summer has been hot...I know, shocker!  A hot summer in Arizona...REALLY?  Yep, about this time every year I have had it with 100+ degree days and air conditioning!  Don't get me wrong, I love AC and couldn't live without it, BUT, I just want to turn it off and open the damn windows!  I start to get cabin fever, just like I did in Michigan in the winter.  Except here you can actually go outside!  :)

This summer there were fewer dust storms than last year, but 1 is always too many!  It makes for great photos, for sure, but they just start to become annoying when you have just cleaned your pool or car or windows...and here comes another one.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the cooler days and back to hiking and all the other things I love to do here!   

 

Past dust storm...

 

 

Telegraph Pass Trail - South Mountain, Phoenix, AZ

...is one of my favorite places to hike that is close to my home base.  There are several hiking and biking trails in the South Mountain Park, and even horseback riding, but my fav is Telegraph Pass for hiking.  I'm not sure how many times I have hiked it but it's in the high double digits for sure.  It is considered easy to moderate and 2.30 miles roundtrip. There is about a 500 ft elevation gain, so not for the flat hikers.  There are even ancient petroglyph's right along the trail...but please, don't be "one of those people" and climb on them...please!  Note that this trail can be crowded and there are mountain bikes, too. 

Ok, I'm not a super fit person, but I walk and hike regularly and for me, the hike up will get the heart pumping and IMHO is a really good workout...unless you are one of those super fits that pass me running up the trail...then this might be too easy for you.  :-p

The beginning of the trail is paved, but becomes gravel and there are many rocks of all sizes and shapes that you will be climbing over. 

The round trip hike takes me about 45 mins, but I like to stop and look around and take some pics.  Oh, and dogs are allowed!

If you aren't up for the hike you can drive...if you do that, a must is the Big Ramada which offers the best view of Phoenix.