Phoenix: Barely Landed and on the Move.

After a night in Mexico City, Mike and Kathy picked us up from the Phoenix airport and whisked us through the pouring rain (yes, that is correct … a rain storm in the desert), to our condo in Scottsdale.  We spent the afternoon provisioning the condo and keeping an eye to the sky as the raindrops were eventually replaced by blue sky.

The next morning we were on the road to Tucson for an overnighter.  First up was the Pima Air and Space Museum.  We met friends Shawn and Jerry, and the six of us joined a trolley ride through the outside exhibits.  Highlights were the Presidential jet from the Kennedy era, the Guppy (worst looking air plane ever), all types of helicopters, and fighter jets covering all eras.

Due to a Recent B'Day - Someone got in as a Senior!

Full Size Replica of the Kitty Hawk

First TWA Passenger Liner

The Guppy

DC3

After the trolley we made our way inside the first of three hangers depicting aircraft used in WWII, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and the first war in Iraq. 

We saw a perfectly preserved B29 used in the bombing of Japan and while it was not the one that dropped the first atomic bomb it was there for the fly by show of power when MacArthur signed the treaty for Japan’s surrender. 

B29 - Sister Plane Dropped Atomic Bomb

B25 - Led Bombing Raids of Germany - WWII

As well, was an actual buzz bomb identical to the ones used in the bombing of London.

Buzz Bomb 

We ended the day with a meal at the Poca Cosa in downtown Tucson.

Day two in Tucson was dedicated with the first desert ride of the season.  Some biking folks consider Tucson to be the most bicycle friendly city in the United States.  In the very near future they will complete a 130-mile loop of the city.  We were fortunate to ride a 35-kilometre section of the River Path under blue sky.  Our course also took us through the University of Arizona campus and we stopped for coffee and pizza at the Time Market.  It took about two hours and was a good start to the biking season.

First Ride of the Season

Bicycle Tool Station Along the Way

Through the U of Arizona

Lunch Spot

After a relaxing two hour drive back to Phoenix it was time to plan the next days activities and the logistics of attending the Vancouver Canucks game in Glendale, just outside of Phoenix.