I apologize for the craziness of this blog, but I don't have the patience to start all over again. This first hike belongs later in the story. Oh, well, I'm over 50 - so that's my excuse! This National Monument is north of Phoenix and is beautiful! We read that this path would involve getting our feet wet - not this year!
The hike is very easy and the rock colors are spectacular! Enjoy!
The hike is very easy and the rock colors are spectacular! Enjoy!
This restaurant used to be a hotel - many famous people stayed there. It was way out west at the time.Now it is just east of hwy 19 between Phoenix and Flagstaff. We stopped there for lunch. They are famous for pies, but Jim passed on a birthday treat, because they did not have peanut butter pie!
WHAT A HAPPY CAMPER!!!! The following is a picture of a happy birthday boy - why? because he is in "HIS CHAIR". Check out the fun things we experienced while away. After we returned home, his one comment was "It's good to be in my chair!" What an easy to please guy!
Sorry - somehow the Cabela's picture was deleted from where it belongs. I am unable to insert it further down in the story, but I still wanted to include it - it is a great place!
The Arizona Stata Fair is another of our once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It is a good thing that we only planned on an afternoon there. We used to spend several days at the Illinois State Fair, so this was a very disappointment. We did find this blacksmith show interesting. This husband and wife travel for 7 months of the year.
While she speaks about the history of blacksmithing, he made 4 candle holders. She said that the head guide and the blacksmith were the only paid ones on a wagon train. A full blacksmith shop was included in every boat. A very enterprising man bought a boat for $20 and sank it in the San Francisco harbor near the shore. He then cut off parts of the boat that he did not need and set up his blacksmith shop right there! The boat itself was cheap, because no one wanted to sail it back east. Everyone was coming out west at that time. She had a delightful Scottish accent.
While she speaks about the history of blacksmithing, he made 4 candle holders. She said that the head guide and the blacksmith were the only paid ones on a wagon train. A full blacksmith shop was included in every boat. A very enterprising man bought a boat for $20 and sank it in the San Francisco harbor near the shore. He then cut off parts of the boat that he did not need and set up his blacksmith shop right there! The boat itself was cheap, because no one wanted to sail it back east. Everyone was coming out west at that time. She had a delightful Scottish accent.
Some of the artwork at the fair.
The lumberjack show was really poor! You can sorta tell by the look of their announcer. What an outfit! The Stihl folks that came to the Springfield State Fair were really professional. We decided to watch it and did enjoy the short show they provided. We certainly enjoyed the dog doing the log rolling!
Check out the storm clouds. It was rather cool that day - into the 60's!
Check out the storm clouds. It was rather cool that day - into the 60's!
We were blessed with a Priceline reservation for this place for $20 a night! They also gave us a small refrigerator to use for no charge. Check out the limo that came with the deal! (Just kidding about the limo!)
We had a nice visit with Aunt Pat and Uncle George! They look younger than we do!
We had a nice visit with Aunt Pat and Uncle George! They look younger than we do!This store is wonderful! Almost like a museum!
Aquarium - lots of BIG fish!!!
Camelback Mountain Hike
Camelback Mountain Hike
This was the turn-around point for us. We hiked about 1.5 hours up and it is a rugged hike. Then we saw this challenge and decided we'd pass. The climbers ahead of us were pulling themselves up the cliff with the help of the handrail. One lady was descending and hanging onto the cyclone fence, so she would not fall. I can say that we were the oldest ones on the hike that day. Many of the hikers were running up the mountain - yes, running! It is surrounded by populated areas and seems to be very popular. We actually had to wait for a parking spot. It is worth it. Even though we did not complete the hike - the views are beautiful!
Interesting rock within a big rock!
We also enjoyed a Western Music Concert in Tucson
. Katy Creek, Call of the West and The Desert Sons were our favorites. The lone performer pictured in Jon Messenger. He was drunk and laid out on the stage at the Rex Allen Days concert. We learned that he is the current President of the Western Music Assn and he appeared to be quite sober this day.
. Katy Creek, Call of the West and The Desert Sons were our favorites. The lone performer pictured in Jon Messenger. He was drunk and laid out on the stage at the Rex Allen Days concert. We learned that he is the current President of the Western Music Assn and he appeared to be quite sober this day.
