Papago Park - our climb up to hole in the rock

We finished off our day by taking a hike in Papago Park where we climbed up to the Hole in the Rock.  This was an easy hike but still it was fun to do it and enjoy looking out over Arizona.

The weather was really nice this afternoon and it was great for walking.  We finished our day by enjoying dinner at Cantina Loretto - Gourmet Mexican food.  We had some amazing guacomole made for us at the table and enjoyed a relaxing evening together.  We're all pretty tired so I think it will be another early night.

She'll be coming around the mountain when she comes....

We went horseback riding today at McDonalds Ranch in Scottsdale.  We road from Scottsdale to Phoenix.  For most of us, it meant riding a horse for the first time in probably 35-40 years.  We can all feel the muscles in our legs and bottom ends.  It was really fun to ride around the ranch.  We had a great leader.  His name was cowboy George. We had quite an interesting conversation with George. He told us all about his where he got his spur's and chaps.  I didn't realize that they are usually custome made to  your size.    Ralph loved his chaps, The chaps are used to help protect them from the needles off the cactus.  These needles are so strong that they penetrate the leather on the cowboy boots. 

There was a total of 6 of us riding with George.  He kept us amused with jokes along the ride.  It was really interesting to see all the cacti in the the desert and also to spot wildlife as it skirted the various bushes.

Our horses were pretty gentle.  Teresa was riding Zorro - we laughed when she got that horse as she asked for the tamest one that they had.  My horse was called Hobo - he was a nice gentle horse who listened very well.  Lawrence was riding Cisco. Cisco was a tailgating nibbler.  It was interesting as George was telling us that they picked the horse around the person riding it.  Lawrence likes to drive close to others and he admits to being a nibbler as well.  Ralph was riding  horse named Static.  This was a really nice horse as well.  At the end of the ride Ralph was asking if we could have a nice trot back to the ranch.  I hoped that George would say no as the ground was not very level and every muscle in my body was screaming out in pain.  I was ready to get off that saddle and have a nice hot tub.  Lucky for me - George said, not this time.

It was a great ride and we had a lot of fun.  We saw alot and learned alot.

First round - Eagle Mountain

We woke up to a cooler morning.  It was 50 degree's and a bit chilly.  We were prepared for that as we had all brought sweaters with us and Teresa and I had a blanket over our legs.

The course was challenging for us today.  This course circles the mountain and unless you are in the center of the fairway you will find your ball on an angle.  Needless to say, we all learned how to hit balls on an up and down slope. 

Ralph was todays challenge winner with the most on the greens in regulation.  Congratulations Ralph.  He played a great game and shot an 83.

 

Crucifixion thorn

I was thinking about one cactus that we had seen while walking through the Botanical garden yesterday.  It was called the crucifixion thorn.  It brings to mind the pain and suffering that Jesus undertook to save us from our sins.  Can you imagine how painful this would have been?

 

 

 

 

 

A fun day of exploring

 

As you can imagine, we were all tired last night, so we headed off to bed at around 9:00 p.m.  Needless to say, our internal clocks have not adjusted to the time change and we all found ourselves wide awake at 6:00 a.m. this morning.  It was quite funny. Breakfast was finished and we were sitting around wondering what we were going to do for the rest of the day.

We made a decision to go and treat ourselves to a Starbucks and from there plan the day. 

We had a few ideas that we wanted to explore.  Our first part of the day was spent at the Botanical Gardens in Scottsdale.  It was so beautiful there.  This garden is full of cactus that grow locally.  Many of them were either just finished blooming or coming back into bloom.  It was really quite beautiful.

Teresa and I were so excited to see these glass sculptures from the Chihuly glass collection. We had seen this in Seattle earlier this year.  Can you believe that this is made from glass?

 

 



  Inside an Ad-Kimel Odham household

To give you some perspective on the size of the cactus. They were huge.

We now know what to do when we find mesquite pods.  They can save your life if you find yourself lost in the desert.

 

We even got to enjoy some wildlife as there were plenty of butterflies, lizards and birds to be seen.

A beautiful thrush carrying a branch for a new nest.

Can you spot the lizard? They blend in so well.

 

 I am very glad that we went to visit this garden in the morning as it became quite warm in the afternoon.  Once we were finished exploring, we headed to Old Town Scottsdale where we thought we might find some lunch and check out the area.  It was interesting although after a couple of hours you are tied of all the jewerly stores and looking forward to coming home.

Jay I took this picture for  you.  This car was made 100% out of chrome. Can you believe that!

 After relaxing at the Condo, we went out to enjoy a light dinner at Gordon Biersch.  Little did we realize that there was a football game nearby.  Boy was it busy in this area.  It tooks the boys about 30 minutes before they could find parking.  Oh well, we enjoyed our dinner and that is what counts.  I think it might be another early night as I can feel myself fading already.

 

We sure are having a wonderful time.