North Mountain

Today, when temps got into mid 50's, we added an extra layer and set out
for a hike in North Mountain. The trail, Maricopa, was pretty steep compared to other trails that had inclines mixed with flat areas.
Had to stop a few times on way up and commune with nature, and catch your breath.
The terrain was jagged, not much vegetation; guess cacti can't grow out
of rocky mountainside.
The sky was blue and the scenery was awesome; different than WNY.

It was mild enough to have a picnic lunch, with the mountains as a backdrop.
The only " wildlife" was chipmunks, who must get used to getting handouts
from hikers....not from this hiker- they are wild animals, after all!

Reading around the pool was the afternoon activity. As long as you stayed in direct sun, it was fine.


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Thompson Peak

Today was sunny & warm– perfect for a morning hike. The tall cacti are amazing-
In attached pic, notice the height- David is 6' tall, so cacti is???
Guided hikes spotlight the geology and flora and fauna; may try to take one.

The Gateway trail was mostly uphill for first half of hike; thin air gives your lungs
a good workout. ...you need a few water breaks/ breathing breaks along the way,
but the scenery is quintessential SouthWest: desert and mountains and blue
sky. The hike down was much easier; just need to watch for loose stones and some
rocks that pop up. Bike riders were doing this trail- must have great stamina!

Afternoon " activity" was reading around the pool:)

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Piestewa Peak

Warmed up enough to play outdoors. Piestewa Peak has pretty steep trails,
some rocky "steps" , and a view overlooking the city of Phoenix. First hike was a short one, before picnic lunch, then a little longer one on the
steeper trail. Boy, you get winded quickly....a good chance to stop & enjoy the scenery.
Interesting to see greenery growing out of the rocks and the various types
of cacti.
Mineralogists would have a field day here....colorful rocks, marble-like flat stones,
red and orange patterned slabs and black ones that looks like onyx. Maybe I should
check it out; could strike it rich (although they frown on removing rocks or plants).
Here are a few " back to nature" pics ( hiking is not for the fashionistas:)

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Gateway Trail

I was feeling better today, so we ventured out for trek in the desert, instead of
a hike. It's a gentle trail- no steep climbing- but the scenery is just as dramatic!
Mountains in the near distance, lots of cacti and different vegetation....and
some of the bushes are starting to flower- bright red.
The trail we chose was about 2 miles, then I stopped and soaked up some
vitamin D, while David did another short trek. The temp was about 54 degrees
and it was bright sunshine; back home we would think this was a heat wave.

It's nice to be outdoors, communing with nature!
I'll take some pics, but if you scroll down to last year's blog, you'll see lots
of hiking photos, including some of the same spots we'll do this year.

Stay tuned...

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Scottsdale, Az 2013

First hike was @ Lost Dog Trail; we hiked for 2 hours ( more than planned for 1st
time) and made it to Taliesin overlook ( FLW's Taliesin West can clearly be seen
from here); elevation was 2100'.
Weather was sunny with bright blue skies; temp in a.m. was mid 50's, then
heated up to 74 in afternoon...nice!

We're checking out restaurants that we found previous years; one of the favorites
is closed, but there are lots of choices. Tues night's choice was Olive 'n Stone-
tasty food, decent wine, nice atmosphere ( and Happy Hour til 7:00)
This condo is a couple miles from last year's, so we can easily get to familiar sites.

Pool area is nice- and it seems pretty deserted- perfect! I got into hot tub - really
a " warm tub" , but relaxing none-the- less.
David checked out the gym ( I'm on vacation, so can skip it:); it looks pretty well-
equipped.

More as we go along...

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Vienna-con't

A few addendums: David's grandfather, Michael, fought in the Austrian army under Franz Joseph ( and it's his royal
home that we just visited) .  Michael also got to meet Franz Joseph....the story goes that he won a mustache contest....
he was known for a  luxurious mustache and received a mustache cup ( with a special rim to keep it out  of his coffee).
Franz Joseph did meet with the local people and listened to their concerns.  So, guess I married into a family that
hobnobs with the Royalty, after all:)

And, we must be doing a pretty good job of blending in with the local Austrians, as we were given a German menu and the
waitress started her conversation in German....she was surprised that we needed English menues.

Yesterday, we strolled down to the museum Quarter and visited the Kunsthistorisches museum ( Fine arts) ..built in .1871-1891, It is spectacular- from the 
entrance to the rotunda to the marble pillars- not to mention painting of the greatest artists. .....very large building with several galleries...couldn't do justice to all of it.  We spent about 2 hours getting " cultured" then headed to cute Italian restaurant for lunch ( guess
we've had enough German food ). Waiter even brought me a free dessert cause he wanted me to try it!
Next was the Natschmarket- a semi enclosed marketplace with everything from fruits & veggies to meat, fish, wine, cheese,
scarves, crafts etc,,,,.fun to stroll...many, many cafes for people to sit and visit and watch the world go by.
Popped into St Stephan's again to see it in daylight...windows are not ornate stained glass, but marble is beautiful- various
colors and altars are filled with gold- a virtual gold mine. 
Stopped for a wine at our previous spot- the Nite Dive...turns out the owner taught diving for many years, all over the world-
Asia, the Maldives, Egypt, Red Sea...interesting to chat with him.  We got talking about wines and he brought us a glass of
the "new " wine- not quite finished fermenting yet...it has potential.  And, he said they have their own Octoberfest in Vienna....
any reason to party:)
Tuckered out- back to Hilton to use sauna and relax.  This vacation stuff will kill ya:)
We thoroughly enjoyed Vienna- so much to do and see and lots of reasons to just "be"......

We're at the airport now, awaiting our flight to Washington.....looks like we're on schedule, so far.

Vienna-day 2

Started off bright and early with an almost-private walking tour ( only 4 of us)....strolled from main strasse to inner old town and heard
details of the buildings and what goes on in them....even the inside tales, not found in the guide books:)
On to the Imperial Palace......beyond belief in opulence...it rivals Versailles.  Our guide took us through the living quarters of 
Franz Joseph and his wife, Sissy.....fun to see how they lived and, again, hear the nitty gritty stories.  Guide lives in this area and 
was very knowledgeable.  And, the Silver Museum, a separate part of the palace....had audio tour...silver, painted china, glass
ware ( Debbie- you would love this part)....can't even imagine the cost...it kept many craftsmen and artisans in business for
many years.
Included ( so I HAD to stop) was a cafe stop with sachre torte ( not sweet enough, so they add whipped cream:) And coffee
with more whipped cream. That was lunch # 1.
A unique museum: a clock museum......Megan- you would like it for the mechanical workings; Kate: you would like it for
the creative art work on the clocks.  There were even picture clocks- beautiful paintings with a real, working clock in the painting.
The clocks all chime on the hour......locksmiths are the ones who originally figured out how to keep time in a precise manner.
2nd lunch- @ nite dive ( sounds Awful, huh? ) Well, it was cute, After going down several flights of stairs, and had  delicious soup-
I had goulash soup to die for.....And, we had a toast to JoAnn for her bday:)
We found an Irish pub first, but it didn't open til later.
Finally. we went to a concert @ St Peter's church.....so much guild, marble, paintings....you didn't know where to look first....stunning.
Church was packed for concert......we didn't last til the end...too tuckered out.

Vienna

Ahhh, ornate architecture, bustling streets with quiet alleys off the main ring/strasse...strolled along the Strassering all the way to Museum Quarter, where many museums are grouped together...buildings are old world ornate and amazing.  Some bldgs, especially churches were started  when one style of architecture was popular and finished with another- somehow, it still "works". Strolled around large park- well kept and lively with locals and tourists alike.  Parliament bldg is HUGE-guess the politicians have the money.  Later we found Julius Meinel- a unique grocery store that makes grocery shopping fun:) it has wine bars, cheese stations, any kind of food one would want....outdoor
cafe is great for people-watching.
Great dinner @ Fadinger's-NOT  a tourist spot.....couldn't do justice to the meal, but it was delicious.
(Tom- I'll save the address for you).
All toured out by 9:00.
Guten naben...

Budapest– day 2

ventured off on our own.....funicular down the mountain ( great view, of course) and walked across the chain bridge to the pest
side. ....fun surprise: the marathon was going on, right across the bridge...looked like an international meeting of the best athletes- 
flags  from all over the world ..much cheering and music....fun to see.  
When I used to got to NYC with girlfriends, we were there several times for marathon weekend- extra fun.
Went back to St Stephan's church to soak up the art and serenity.  Then, on to a famous street ( ut) with ornate buildings),
followed by  the pedestrian area. Kate– I checked out the H&M on the Pest side- bought a cute top.  I think we may have to toss some
clothes to make room for the new stuff:)
Strolled along the Pest side of the Danube and stopped to  soak Up the  local flavor at an outdoor cafe... taking some time to chill
and just "Be".  I feel accomplished to order beers, get bill, check for service ( tip ) included or not and pay in local currency..all in Hungarian language and Cyrillic alphabet...whew! I  think I need  another beer.
odd thing: big fancy hotels do not provide free wifi, but small cafes and information booth and park( where I  am now) do.  
Meeting friends  for dinner for our last night here....
Budapest is beautiful and worth a return visit.

Off to Vienna in the morning.  .
Bye til then.....