Saturday, February 28, 2015

WEST PARK LOOP TRAIL…RELAXING HIKE

Friday, February 27 – We headed to Papago Park this morning in Phoenix, Arizona, to hike the West Park Loop Trail.

West Park Loop Trail

This trail is listed as easy with mostly smooth and wide paths. We decided to make it a little more challenging by hiking the trail higher up on the mountain. The views are nicer up there, and the trail is rougher and more strenuous. If you choose, you can even move further down the mountain and walk on a paved park path that circles the park.

West Park Loop Trail

West Park Loop Trail

West Park Loop Trail

There is even a large amphitheater.
West Park Loop Trail

There are two buttes we hiked around.

West Park Loop Trail

West Park Loop Trail

It is recommended to hike counter clockwise around the buttes. Not exactly sure why that is recommended, but we chose that direction regardless. The easy trail is listed at 4 miles in length. The more difficult route we choose to hike ended up being about 5.5 miles in length.

We got some beautiful views of the city of Phoenix from the higher trail.

West Park Loop Trail

One unique vision was the never ending line of air planes taking off from the Phoenix airport. It was like a never ending train. One after another about 15 seconds apart lifting steeply off the runway and disappearing on the horizon. Where the heck are all those people going....ha ha!

West Park Loop Trail

We took a side trail up to the top of the smaller butte. Some very neat views of the surrounding area. If you are a more adventurous climber, you can ascend the bigger butte also. That takes some pretty steep rock climbing and of course you then have to figure how to get down. We chose to pass on that challenge. Old bones reportedly break easy. Actually, we didn't see anyone attempting that climb.

West Park Loop Trail

This is a more leisurely hike then some we've done recently, but we enjoyed it. You can take it easy or increase the challenge, if you wish. It is close by and does not require a long or tedious drive to reach the trailhead. if in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, We think you might enjoy it.

West Park Loop Trail

Thanks for stopping it by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!

Friday, February 27, 2015

THE BOYS OF SUMMER…THE CLEVELAND INDIANS

Thursday, February 26 – Although the Cleveland Indians and the Spring Training Cactus League don't begin games until Tuesday, March 3, we decided to head to the baseball field in Goodyear, Arizona, to enjoy the team at practice. Man did we have a good time!

Cleveland Indians spring training

We started our visit at the Stadium where the games are held.

Cleveland Indians spring training

We were here three years ago; it seems like yesterday. We walked briefly around the stadium for some necessary photo opts.

Cleveland Indians spring training

We then stopped in the team store to check-out the “Spring Training” t-shirts. Yep, we each got one!

Cleveland Indians spring training

The Indians practice down the road from the stadium with the team spread out on seven different fields. The public has access to four of these fields.

The fields are awesome!
Cleveland Indians spring training

The players walk down the sidewalk to the fields to give fans opportunities to take pictures and shout out words of encouragement. It always surprises us how different many of the players look in person. On TV they appear bigger in some cases and smaller in others.

Nick Swisher and Ryan Rayburn
Cleveland Indians spring training

Michael Brantley. Marsha thinks he is just so cute and an excellent ball player!
Cleveland Indians spring training

We are both Indians fans but Marsha takes it one or two steps further than Paul. She's crazy about them! She took numerous pictures and even got a picture with the former manager Mike Hargrove (1991–99). He led the Indians to five consecutive AL Central Division titles in 1995–99, and World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997.. Marsha says to the ladies…He is so handsome close up!

Mike Hardgrove

Later during practice, Hargrove was hitting balls and tossed one to Marsha remembering her from the photo opt. Does Paul have something to worry about here? Ha ha!!

Marsha and Indians ball

We were a little surprised to see Terry Francona, the manager, actually hitting the ball to the players during infield practice. WOW! Thought those top guys only did the managing....LOL

Tito Francona

We watched the team practice for quite awhile. We saw some infield drills, pitching practice and then finished up the morning with batting practice. What beautiful swings these professional players have. Amazing!

Kyle Crockett did an outstanding job for the Indians last year.DSC01105

Jason Kipnis had his ups and downs last year. Hope there are more
ups than down this year.
DSC01130

Carlos Santana looks like he has slimmed down quite a bit.
Carlos Santana

Our catcher, Yan Gomes, had an outstanding 2014 season.
Yan Gomes

After a couple hours the team began moving toward the indoor facilities so we called it a day and headed home. It was a fun and interesting day. Next week the games begin, and we have plans to attend at least three games. Go Tribe!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

A GORGEOUS HIKE….GRANITE MOUNTAIN

Wednesday, February 25 – We enjoyed a wonderful hike this morning venturing to Scottsdale, AZ, to the Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. What a beautiful area Scottsdale is with the nearby mountains, rocks, desert and beautiful southwest style homes.

DSC00948

We chose the Granite Mountain trail in the Northern Region of the preserve.

Granite Mt.

Granite Mountain

The trail was one of the most beautiful hikes we've done. We were amazed at the spectacular desert views.

Granite Mt.

We hiked the gentle, curving trails that are smooth with gradual ups and downs. All around us were gorgeous mountain vistas and neat mountain boulders.

Granite MT.

Granite Mt.

Granite Mt.

The desert is ready to burst out in bloom, and we were lucky to see some of the plants giving us a sneak preview of the upcoming splendor. The birds welcomed us singing their little hearts out in the morning air. We stopped frequently just to enjoy their tunes.

This little humming bird was so entertaining.Granite Mt.

The bees were everywhere.
Granite Mt.

No idea the name of this beauty.
DSC01026

We saw several other groups enjoying the trail this morning. A few other hikers, a group on horseback, or were those mules, and mountain bikers enjoying the ups and downs of the trail. We did end up getting a little lost (actually just twisted around and off our planned route) and hiked further than planned.

Granite Mt.

Granite Mt.

We ended up covering 6.22 miles in a little over three hours. That included a side trip out to Balance Rock. We were actually tricked by an impostor on our way out to Balance Rock. The first balanced rock was not the rock of our intended destination.

The Impostor
Balance rock

We reached the “real” Balance Rock after covering the 1.3 miles down the trail. It proved a great place to stop and enjoy our “brunch” before heading back to the Granite Mountain trailhead.

Hiking up to Balance Rock.
Granite Mountain

Balance Rock
Granite MT.

This whole area is covered with hiking and biking trails. We will definitely be back to explore the area further. Check out this area if you are looking for some beautiful hiking environments in the Phoenix, AZ, area.

The End
Granite MT.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!

Saturday, February 21, 2015

ART ON EVERY CORNER….MESA, AZ

Thursday, February 19 – Marsha convinced Paul to do another Volksmarch in Mesa, AZ. We started at the Best Western Hotel to pick-up the map and directions. It begins with a tour of downtown Mesa, which we both enjoyed.

This mural wrapped around the entire building. Mesa, AZ

Man are they spending some money in Mesa. It is a beautiful city.

Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ

They are extending the Mesa light-rail train through Mesa and into Chandler. This is major construction and big time money! It is close to being finished and is really a nice addition to the downtown area.

Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ

Scattered throughout downtown Mesa there are 38 different sculptures that make up the city's public art collection. Here are just a few…

The Big Pink Chair
The Big Pink Chair

Flowering Stiletto
DSC00884

Booked for the Day
Booked for the day

They Are Waiting
They Are Waiting

Here is a webpage that has all the sculptures with information about each one. There are so really neat pieces.

The Volksmarch then took us on a side spur outside the downtown area. Paul doesn't understand the purpose of these “off the beaten path” detours. There wasn't anything to see but the back of a couple hotels and some empty streets. Marsha did pass the post office. She was looking to buy some stamps.

We then returned to Main Street and finished up back at the Best Western Hotel.

Friday, February 20 - We met up with fellow bloggers and RV'ers Sharon and John (On The Road Of Retirement), Sandie and Jim (Where Are The Dixons), and Jeri and Terry (Just Wanderin’) this afternoon for happy hour at SanTan Brewing Company in Chandler, AZ. We were with these friends in Quartzsite about a month ago but enjoyed their company so much, we wanted to get together again before we began moving all over to different parts of the country.

We enjoyed tasting several of SanTan's micro brews and finished the afternoon with dinner. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed reminiscing with our friends. It's such fun to share past experiences we have in common with fellow RVers and discuss future plans as we contemplate future travels.

L-R: Paul, Marsha, Jeri, Terry, Jim, Sandie, John, Sharongroup at brewery

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!