Wild Things

So, yesterday we decided to check out a "new" mountain to hike...
South Mt Park..


The terrain was pretty rocky and the scenery not as dramatic as other hiking areas.
The view from one of the upper ridges was of city streets ( not the most scenic, huh?),
so the decision was made to find another trail and see if that ridge was better.

Hiking along and some movement caught my eye.....it was a coyote!!! He looked
very well-fed.....and, contrary to what I've heard, he didn't scamper away when he
saw people. He kind of eye-balled us, decided we didn't pose a threat, and sauntered
under an ocotillo bush for a bit of shade.
David wanted to keep hiking further along that trail. I didn't trust that the coyote
wouldn't be looking for lunch by the time we came back along that path.

Things go through your mind: What are you supposed to do if a wild animal approaches?
What exactly do they eat? Are they scared of humans? ( this "wiley coyote" didn't look
a bit scared). Can they be rabid and crazed? ( like in those awful movies).

Needless to say, we got a photo while backtracking....no need to get any
closer to nature...not the wild parts, anyway:)

Phoenix Mt Preserve

I never get tired of gazing at the mountains....
Today's hike was on a moderate trail about 1.5 miles and it took about an hour;
then we traversed to another trail and hiked for a while more.

Picnic areas ( called Ramadas) are plentiful...and you can munch
and stare at the blue, blue sky in comfort.

After all the strenuous activity, a bit of R&R was called for...
pool is heated, but still feels a tad chilly until you
get in and get swimming. A good method is to go from
pool to hot tub to lounge chair ( I think that counts as
3 activities!).

Scottsdale has lots to do, if that's what you want..
It's a golfer's paradise....and has lots of walking/running paths.....
many small art galleries, as well as bigger ones in Phoenix and
Tempe...shopping galore.....lots of restaurants of any variety
that suits your taste buds......and, of course, the mountains
and opportunity to hike.

I'll read this blog and take out my pictures when
the snow flies back home......perpetual vacation-
if only in my mind:)

Phoenix Mt Preserve and Desert Botanical Garden

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 looks like steps leading the way....nature made!


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Up to the treetops...
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 Great view of the city waaaaay down there...


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 David descending from one of the peaks.


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 Mountain woman:)


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 Desert Botanical garden


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 How tall is that cactus?  David is 6' tall.....


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a splash of color in the desert
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 Look at that blue, blue sky....never get tired of looking "up"


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 Pipe Organ cacti ( well named).

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(download)

AZ in the winter

Winter usually conjures up thoughts of snow...and cold temps...and hot chocolate.....
Well, winter in the NE anyway.

Phoenix is a different story....
last week it seemed like summer: blue, blue sky and brilliant sunshine; temps around 72...
this week is a different story: winter rain storms coming from the West, causing more rain than
this area has seen in 5 years. Aren't we lucky to be here to see history in the making:)

So, you just have to play outdoors when you can.
Today was tennis- -found a tennis club open to the public and
got lots of exercise- mostly chasing balls! But, hey, it still counts!

The rain clouds were moving in after lunch. So, when it rains,
go shopping!!! A shopping excursion to Tempe ( a university town),
then "home" as Mother Nature unleashed her fury.

The mountains will still be there next week, when things dry out.
Hiking makes you feel close to nature...and makes you realize that
you sometimes have to get out of your comfort zone to appreciate
the world that surrounds you....well worth the effort!

Stay tuned for more fun outdoors- between the raindrops!

The Southwest beckons.....

 


At the risk of alienating my family and friends in the NE ( where it was snowing 'n blowing when we left), I will
share tales of life in Phoenix ( actually, Scottsdale)...
I will minimize the trauma of "getting here" ( which is never fun); suffice to say I got my exercise sprinting through
the airport in Washington to make connecting flight.  They just about closed the door behind me ( and 40 people
missed the flight....Murphy's Law: when you're running late, your next flight is right on time!).

Friday morning found us out to breakfast - always a treat! Then off to the grocery store to stock up
on picnic goodies and grill food- and , of course, vino.  Unlike NY, AZ sells wine in the grocery stores.
Afternoon was spent poolside, pretending to read until the sun and jet lag made a perfect combo for a nap.
Temps show 70-ish, but it felt a lot warmer in the sun and out of any breeze.
It's as quiet as can be---ahhhh!
Grounds are well-maintained and it's soothing to see greenery and flowering cacti.

Other condo-dwellers told us about a walking path along the golf course and along a small lake.
It's a great way to start the day! Sat and Sun mornings, we took an hour walk.
Next venture will  be tennis..several courts around and we brought racquets.
Hiking trails are plentiful, naturally, with mountains all around.....we'll start out
gently..no use overdoing the "fun."

Last night, we returned to an Indian Restaurant that we found last winter.  Food is
great!  Owners are young and aim to please....a mixed platter was filled with
several tasty choices- all done to just the right degree of spiciness.
The chicken dish was in a creamy sauce - yummy ..
And, a bread called Pashwari Naan ( kind of nutty) was delicious.
Never did find that at home.
Too bad they can't cater in for "the wedding"  :)

Today was a wee bit overcast...limited pool time, but plenty of R+R time.
Gas grills are all around the grounds and chicken is marinating as we speak.
Grilled chicken, rice, fresh veggies and a crisp white wine..who all is "in" for dinner?
Netflix will deliver anywhere, so there was a movie waiting in our mailbox when we arrived.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods...drop a line when you get a chance; it's
always nice to hear from family and friends.

I'll scoot for now.....


Delta Saga

  
 Join me in voicing your concerns about the 'little guy" getting  swallowed up by the
 giant corporations- in this case, Delta Airlines.
 
 Misinformation by one of the Delta reps resulted in an additional cost of $90 and wasted use of "Sky Miles" ( Delta's frequent flier  program).
 This may not seem like a big deal to the Delta execs, but it is to me!
 Why should I pay for a company rep's wrong information?
 
 After several emails and phone calls, it appears that they will  "file" any further correspondence from us ( nice customer service,  huh?).
 Part of their response stated that they "value our  business"......hmmmm, how, exactly is that shown?
 
 Our Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, is currently investigating  abuses in the airlines' frequent flier programs.
 I will be glad to add to his bundle of complaints and plan to share  my experience with him.
 
 So, if anyone out there has an issue with Delta ( or other airlines), share your story!