It's About the (RV) Journey....: Last day with our special visitors.............

Time for one last hike before our guests head back to NJ. The White Tank Mountain Regional Park is not far from us, and we wanted to start winding down after 2 fun-filled days. We opted for the waterfall trail again, and another flat trail that had a combined mileage of about 3-3.5 miles. When we started out, it was pretty cool, but as we walked we all warmed up comfortably. Elaine in her multitude of shirts and sweatshirts....me in my sleeveless shirt....hahaha.

the waterfall trail at White Tank Mountain Park

hhmmm.....is it hot or is it cold?

Enjoying the hiking experience

Come on girls....no shopping until we finish hiking!

We picked this area because we wanted to show Jo and E the petroglyphs, as well as the great views and desert experience. We all were amazed again that there was no water at the waterfall. It had rained earlier in the week, but I guess that was't enough.

its all about the light

more petroglyphs

still enjoying the desert environment

petroglyphs

heading into the waterfall area now

the rocks are really something too, by the by

As we make that final turn for the waterfall.....there is nothing but a small pool of water. You can see where the water would fall from, but just no water. HHmmm.....we heard that there is a waterfall immediately after a rainfall. One of these days we may actually go and check it out for ourselves.

ready?

here we are...at the waterfall....just the pool is here

isn't this fun Jo?

smile:)

passing a cairn

It started getting a bit hotter as the sun got stronger, but we were ready for one more desert trail before ending our Arizona hiking experience with Jo and E. We were looking for wildlife....and were very excited when Elaine spotted a lizard. That was it....just a few birds and that one lizard (that we could see)!

ready for another hike!

We had fun looking at all the different saguaro forms, some just make you laugh. I don't know why. After our hike, we enjoyed a nice hiker's lunch...you guessed it....peanut butter and crackers. And some fruit to round it out. What can I say? We had a fabulous view!

be sure to look for javelina

woah

love these smaller cacti "trees"

more saguaros

another scenic lunch spot

start of another trail....for another day

Before leaving the park, we had one last stop. The "Crested Saguaro"!!! We did not spot any on our other hiking adventures this week, but we knew for sure where this one was. We just had to stop and take some pics!

Jo and the crested saguaro behind her....doesn't she look happy about that!

After spending the morning hiking, we decided to check out Westgate-the shopping and entertainment complex located right next to the University of Phoenix Stadium - Home of the Superbowl. Since we had already eaten a lovely lunch (haha), we skipped the restaurants and headed right to the outlets. Pretty nice actually. Lots of outdoor seating for Tom to enjoy the really nice weather! The area is really ramping up for the Superbowl, and the Probowl, which is this weekend. Each time we ride by the stadium, it seems there is a new venue built up in the parking lot.

home of the Superbowl....but the shopping/entertainment is right next to the stadium-and that's what we're interested in!

Back at the campsite, we had time to relax a bit before dinner. The sun was pretty strong, and we moved our way across the patio to be comfortable. Once the sun started to go down though, it got pretty chilly and we headed inside to eat. We were all a little dismayed that their visit was coming to a quick end. But what a visit it was!! We all had a great time.

looking for the shade

the sun is like a blowtorch

puzzle queen!

so nice in the shade....very relaxing and cooling

finishing up dinner

In the morning, after a nice brunch at the Bar and Grill at the Golf Resort here at the campground, we headed to Sky Harbor. Good times were had by all:)