Friday, March 25, 2016

Arizona Day 4


Day 4
I woke earlier than normal to get an early start on the day. Vacations go to quick and this one was. We decided on climbing Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. The mountain gets its name from its shape which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. The trail is about 1.4 miles long and elevation is about 1,300 feet. The trail is marked extreme difficulty but you can see people of all ages challenging it.

There are two locations to access the hiking trails on Camelback. The lot we used way back in 2000 was full so we circled the mountain to get to the other trail. The second trail has no lot so you have to park on the street a good distance away and hike to the hiking trails. The area is very built up with houses and golf courses now surrounding the base of the mountain.

Hiking up and coming down was a steady stream of people. They looked like ants. Jimmy made it up about ¾ the way, Ruth and I made the summit. Going up and coming down I rounded the path a bit and strayed off trail. It saved time and distance.

After hiking Jimmy wanted to go to a few stores. I said I would drive him but in the middle of it I had it. I couldn't take it any longer. Being on vacation and seeing nothing but the same corporate stores as at home made me go bonkers. Scottsdale is a fine area but it is corporate heaven. We went to a local grocery chain called Fry's. On one street there were two Fry's on the same side separated by maybe a half mile. If you have money there are plenty of upscale places to eat that aren't corporate its the middle income restaurants that are all corporate and nothing else.

I even ventured off in the opposite direction towards Fountain Head. Nothing. Then to Fort McDowell thinking I could find lunch. Nothing. OK don't laugh but I thought theres an Indian reservation lets find an Indian restaurant surely they have to eat and cornbread sounded good. I know corn doesn't grow in Arizona, at least I think, but Indians do make cornbread, don't they? Well you can laugh now. Nothing on the Indian reservation, nothing but a casino at the entrance. But we did see a Road Runner. That was exciting and the scenery wow so beautiful. But still no lunch. So back to Fountain Head and Senor Taco which made tacos so small they looked like baby tacos not sir size.

For supper we ate at a place called White Chocolate Grill. When they first told me I thought they said white chocolate girl and we were heading to a strip club. Sort of as the NY strip steak I had we was superb and desert which I seldom eat was wow good.

As far as temps the heat sort of arrived but still not that bad. I think it hit low 80's.

Thought I had while driving through the Indian reservation. Its desolate and barren now in modern times. Can you imagine the hardships the Indians faced a 100 plus years ago when they were forced onto these desert lands? Sad.

Gotta GoGo!
Carey

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