Arizona Day 5

Day 5
Woke early again but this time I had no choice because planned was one big event, the Verde Canyon Railroad. It is in the Sedona/Jerome region which is about 120 miles from Scottsdale. The trip is not that far time wise though because speed limits hit 75 but most including myself drive a bit above like 85 or so. And yes there is also traffic way out in the middle of nowhere.

The route drives through a couple of small towns and like the others in Scottsdale they seem to be dotted with gated and golf communities. Cottonwood was interesting. I like to visit that small town again.

We arrived about 45 minutes before the train departure but Jimmy worried we'd be late so there was no stopping for anything to eat. Inside of the Verde Canyon Depot /gift shop was a snack bar but typical of most the food were limited and overpriced. So leaving Jami and Jimmy behind a mad dash was made to Cottonwood to buy a cheaper burger which in comparison was not that much cheaper but I'm sure the flavor was much better. I zoomed back just in time as they were boarding, talk about fast food.

Inside of the train was impressive. It is a fully restored vintage train. We sat in First Class that was laid out. Each group had their own little section. Ours had two comfy and I mean comfy couches facing each other with a coffee table between. Large windows to look out with air conditioning but not ice cold. Kettle chips were on the table, champagne or hardened cider was served complimentary. All cars accessed the open-air cars equipped with wooden benches and canopies.

After settling into our seats the hostess made the announcement welcome to Verde Canyon Railroad, this is a four hour ride..... we also have a buffet set up for you with subs, chicken wings, olives, tomatoes, cheeses, crackers and small brownies. I killed myself running for a burger and wala they had a buffet. Oh my! Even though I was stuffed I over ate on the chicken wings and olives.

Now about the ride. It was my first experience on a train and it was a great experience, I just loved it. The constant chatter of the rail, the slight sway, the view made it so very relaxing and enjoyable. The train moves at such a leisurely pace that your mind can wander. Mine did and I thought of all the movies that were set in trains, finally I could vision it. No one on board came up murdered and no jewels were stolen but I still imagined it could happen.

The ride takes four hours and is 20 miles in length. As the journey goes on the scenery gets better and better. Words are hard to describe the beauty. When it first starts you ooh and awe and say looked at that, everyone does it. But after awhile you run out of words and just stare in complete amazement. What beauty, can't say it enough. The beauty is so magnificent we forgot about our comfortable couch and stood at the railing of the open air car. The ride does not feel like four hours because your mind is engulfed by what you are seeing. You don't realize that you stood for almost the entire train ride.
Amazing.

Gotta GoGo!
Carey

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

Day 3 Arizona

Day 3

This trip reminds me of 2000 when I was in Arizona. The weather then was also abnormal. I remember Walt's father in law Larry saying I don't understand it, its usually hotter and dryer. I replied well according to my calculations three out of five days are cool and wet. There was even minor flooding that year because of the rain. No rain this year but it has been cool with steady winds. I traveled light but I sure could have used a sweatshirt. I am told Arizona gets hot but I haven't experienced it yet.

Day three has been a fun day, It started off a bit slow but gained steam near the end. I joined Ruth, Jimmy and Jami by the pool. While they swam I had my morning coffee. After their swim and my coffee we ventured back to Carefree and Cave Creek to finish looking at the stores and whatever else we could see in the area. Before arriving there was a brief stop for a quick lunch at scenic Tonto Bar & Grill at Rancho Manana on the edge of Cave Creek. The soup I had was superb. What was it? I forgot. Oh well.

What I really like about Cave Creek there are no corporations. According to their travel brochure … the town doesn't have a single national chain store. Every shop is individually owned and operated. Right up my alley. A lot of the stores carry the same southwest merchandise but its enjoyable as I love the unique look. The Town Dump is a store worth checking out,

Carefree is the next town over and almost blends in with Cave Creek so its hard to tell where one town starts and the other ends. Their motto is Home of cowboys and caviar, where the old meets the new. Carefree has the Carefree Desert Botanical Gardens it is small but worth a visit. They have a nice display of a variety of cactus's. The shopping center is between Ho Rd and Hum Rd which runs off of Easy street. After shopping it was dinner poolside with burgers and lots of veggies.

Jimmy and Jami stayed put so Ruth and I went to see bull riding in Carefree., hey I liked the town, Now this was a honest to goodness throw back, real cowboy culture still exists. It was held at the Buffalo Chips Saloon and Steakhouse. What an experience. The place is so rustic and old looking. nothing fancy, a big concession stand that makes all kinds of food, scattered worn picnic tables, a couple of fire pits where people were either roasting snacks or standing near them staying warm (this is Arizona), with rickety wooden stands around a well worn bull riding pit. You get real close to the action. It was something to see. And admission was free. I just loved it.

I think Bernie and Hillary need to see a bull riding rodeo. They would change their minds quickly on equal pay for all. The men give a good ride, the women are shaken off quicker than a flea on a greased hogs back.