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:)

Cheers...to a great few days in Phoenix

Heading back to NJ

here it is-home of the Superbowl

I think they are ready now

Cave Creek and Carefree.......

After an early morning fix of caffeine, and a hearty breakfast, we were ready for another exciting day. We headed up to Cave Creek for a morning hike. Cave Creek Regional Park is part of the Maricopa County park system. I've mentioned this before, and I'll say it again, the park system in Maricopa County is excellent! The trails are very well maintained, and the visitor centers are nice. Not only are there bathrooms, but they are really clean! There are also very well appointed picnic spots. For more information on Cave Creek Park, click here.

A Starbucks Stop

Ballooning here too:)

We stopped in the visitor center to get a good map, and had a nice chat with the friendly park employees. The trail we picked out looked to be a good one....and it did not disappoint! There was enough elevation gain for nice views into the surrounding valleys and hills, but yet the hike was not difficult. It was a nice pleasant 3.5 mile hike we all thoroughly enjoyed. We were hoping to see some form of wildlife....a roadrunner or javelina, but we didn't. Not surprising, since the trails were well used. There were a lot of hikers on this beautiful day.

Ready?

Ready!

lots of saguaros here

dramatic rock experience for Richie's benefit!

going up

we're good....

pretty views

are we going up again?

pretty hillside in the desert

the trail winds around the mountain

lots of neat views

so many different cacti-they all look different

this is a fun trail!

lots of nice views

more cacti

pretty, isn't it?

look-the start of the trail

cool landscape...check out the rock

going up and around

break time....stay hydrated!!

that's a pretty tall cactus behind me

having fun on the trail

views from another side of the mountain

love the cacti...all so different

like people

trying to tell us something?

capturing the view

we need to pay attention here!!

more cacti

still having fun?

its about the light too!

What is that?

we are still going up

what??? Better have another sip!

a view of the trail down

what are you checking out there Tom? Is it a crested saguaro?

a dead saguaro...quite an infrastructure

another view up the hill

everyone still behind me?

how pretty

lots of saguaros....and is that the parking lot down there?

heading down now

love these

saguaros....they are all different!

more

we were way up there

howdy partner

pretty scenery

The picnic areas and ramadas were so clean and located at various points throughout the park. After our hike, we found one with abundant shade and a nice view, and had a simple hiker's lunch to tide us over for a bit. We wanted to nourished for our little trip to Carefree!

lunch on the go

can you see the huge home built into the hill? in the middle-looks like a spaceship with those windows

Who wouldn't want to be on Easy Street in Carefree? It was pretty nice....just sayin'. The street signs are goofy and fun in the sundial area of Carefree. The many shops and restaurants surrounding a beautiful art park were great....but we were lucky enough to visit on the weekend of the Fine Art and Wine Tasting Festival!! What an unexpected treat that was! The artwork and other creations were exquisite, and quite expensive. It was wonderful to "windowshop" - such beautiful works by these talented artists.

Entering Carefree

that's where I want to be for a little while

fine art and wine show in Carefree

E wants to be here for a bit....at the corner of Ho Hum and Easy Street 

Jackie's? Let's check it out (too bad your not here too Jackie! and Lisa!)

The largest sundial in the country is in Carefree, right in the middle of the shopping area. For more information about the sundial and Carefree, click here. The gardens and sculptures nearby were particularly nice too, and a great place for a little break in the shade!

the famous Sundial....largest one in the country

really nice art park here too

lots of sculptures

and water features

and beautiful desert gardens

now that looks inviting to me...the sun is just wicked here

now there's a picture.....resting up for more shopping

are you having fun yet Tom?

I hope you stay on Lucky Lane and Easy Street in the next few days:)

I'm ready for Ho Hum Road for a bit myself

Late in the afternoon, we ran out of steam and hung out at the patio and listened to some music. It was also the wine tasting area, and from what I understand, it was really good. I had the lemonade-which was really fantastic! The music-well-it was ok. It was a really pleasant break in the shade!

that wine was red when you got it....must be the light 

shop till you drop E!

fun times in Carefree!!

sporting our matching Sedona t-shirts and dorky hats like good little twins (hahahah!)

Before heading back, we stopped in a nice restaurant in Carefree - Venue? I actually forget the name, but it was delicious. Fresh food and a nice atmosphere. Perfect ending to the day. Oh wait, the sunset was the perfect ending!

the daily "sunset show"- a simple pleasure we enjoy every day!!