Golfed, Hiked, and Biked

We have had a few busy days.  Monday we golfed, Tuesday we hiked and Wednesday we biked.  All these in temperatures that ranged from 30 to 35 degrees C and under brilliant blue skies.

The golf day was a bit of a day off compared to the Piestewa hike the previous day.  Mike did the research and we chose Paradise Valley.  It is an executive, 4145 yard course, with mostly par 3’s and 4’s, with a single par 5.  We only paid $30 each including a pull cart.  (We chose to walk so we could call it exercise.)  When I asked if it was the senior rate, the pro shop the gentleman replied, “Sir, at Paradise Valley we are all seniors!”

We Had The Hole Surrounded

The Duck Wanted to Caddy

It is Not Good To See Your Form in a Photo

Our Gallery

We Were Ignored by the Turtles

We all had some good shots to talk about and some poor ones to forget.  The fairways were hard and produced some good bounces and we think the desert air might have added to our distances off the tee.  One drive was reported to have cleared the 250-yard green but then again, none of our eyes could definitively say it didn’t bounce an awful lot.  All in all it wasn’t a bad day for a walk.

On Tuesday we hiked the desert Peralta Trail just outside of Apache Junction. It is highly rated by Trip Advisor and the fact it was in Apache Junction meant we could repair to recommended Dirt Water Dick’s Tavern and Restaurant immediately following for hydration.  Hydration would be important in the 33 C, with extremely dry air.

We left the condo around 9:30 am. (Yes, I set an alarm to be ready that early), and drove 50 minutes east to the trailhead.  We had our choice of numerous trails and chose the Peralta for its relatively short distance up (about 5 k each way), with an elevation change of around 500 meters.  It was advertised as being quite strenuous but with an end view worth all the effort.  After dutifully registering we set off on the rocky trail.    

Every Dark Line is a Different Trail

It is spring in the mountains with lots of colour everywhere.  I am not sure the pictures truly reflect the scene.  I also suspect the new scrub plant greens and all the blues, fuschias, yellows, oranges, reds, and purples of the wild flowers will be short-lived as the temperatures soar and the ground dries. 

When we finally reached the trail end, “Saddle”, the view was truly breathtaking.  We posed for pictures and started our descent.  Some of us struggled going up and some going down.  Peralta is not a hard packed surface.  There is high stepping over and on rocks on the way up and small measured steps on the way down.  All four of us were relieved to reach the car at the end and were all proud of our accomplishment.  After a short stop at Dirt Water Dick’s it was home for some pool time and more hydration.

Almost There - Target Little Tree in Distance

Made It!

Well Worth the Work

Met a New Friend On Way Home

Wednesday was a biking day.  The Phoenix area is well set up for biking.  The city has many defined bike lanes and off road paved bike paths.  We started with a loose plan but quickly adapted to what was in front of us and headed north on a paved trail.  We stopped a local biker and discovered we were on our way to “Reach 11” on the north side of Scottsdale.  The area is accessed by a paved trail and then you are faced with a hard packed trail network of desert choices.  The local we met described it as an area you could ride “forever”.  We didn’t choose “forever” but chose a path and a predetermined distance to direct our return.  There was lots of desert vegetation and many warnings to be watchful for rattle snakes and scorpions off the trails. 

The trip was not without challenges.  We had four flat tires and only carried two new tubes.  Unfortunately the McWhinney’s had three of the flats and only had one extra tube.  Fortunately, mechanic Mike had a tube patching kit and made relatively short work of the repairs.  The Keys on the other hand discovered our CO2 gas canisters for refilling tubes had leaked and since we don’t carry a pump, were much relieved the McWhinneys did.  We only ended up travelling 37 k but under 35C heat, it was a good effort.

Luckily We Found a Bunker Tunnel for a Fixit Shop!

Smiling - Before Three More Flat Tires

Thursday is a day trip to Sedona.  It is to be a 38C+ day here so we are looking forward to the cooler temperatures of the mountains.  Maybe we will hike, maybe we will just ride in an air-conditioned car.  It is to be determined.

Hike to Piestewa (Squaw) Peak

Today’s physical activity was a hike. There are many peaks to choose from around the Phoenix general area. Mike researched local hikes and we decided on the “moderate” rated Piestewa Peak, locally known as “Squaw” peak. It described it as short (1.6 km) climb but very taxing. It also included a warning, “Hikers, walkers, sightseers and runners alike flock to this prominent peak like moths to a flame, drawn here in part because of it proximity to the city of Phoenix.” In other words, be warned it is a busy trail. Regardless and undaunted, we left the condo and drove the short distance to the trailhead.

Picking Our Route

And Away We Go

The guidebook was not exaggerating. It was Sunday morning and we had difficulty finding a parking spot. It was one busy trail.

Lots of People on the Trail

The hike became difficult at times and we were clutching at rock outcroppings just to take a step. One of the other hikers described it best when she described it as one continuous stair climber but without the uniform stair heights.

We Posed for Pics But More so for Resting

Still Working On This Selfie Thing

It took us 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach the peak. The views were amazing and the effort generated high fives all around.

We Felt Pretty Good About Our Accomplishment

After a half hour of gazing at the 360-degree views we ventured down. Coming down was a challenge. Lots of people, narrow trail, slippery gravel on slate rocks, and uneven terrain. We took our time and made the downhill in 1 hour. I’ll confess my legs were good on the way up but jelly-like on the way down. More high-fives when we got safely down but the previously planned 5 km hike around the circumference was put on hold.

Much Easier Going Down

It was home for lunch and a rest. More shopping at Albertsons’s next-door and then off to the driving range to get ready for tomorrow’s golf at 10 am.

We finished the day with a hot tub and evening cocktails.

Settled in Scottsdale

We have already settled into Scottsdale life.  The condo is great and we had our first 28 km bicycle ride this morning after a first night out dinner at Rusconi’s and many bottles of beer and wine.  This afternoon was about filling the food larder and taking advantage of the wine and spirits sale at the Albertson’s across the street.  We saved $148 off a $380 grocery bill at the “celebrate our customers” event.   They even gave out free hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks. After we got home and stowed the goods, I visited the well-appointed condo fitness centre, Mike researched golf T-times, Kathy read about live country music events, and Deborah had a nap.  We all reconvened later by the pool and hot tub.  I think we are going to enjoy this desert retirement experience.

Our Hosts Where There to Greet Us on Arrival

Tuscany Villas Scottsdale - Suburb of Phoenix

Nice Grounds

Ladies at Play in the Kitchen

Mike Working the Newspaper

We had a good four-hour drive from Las Vegas to Phoenix.  We ignored the Freeway Interstate 84 for the more picturesque Highway 93 South and stopped in Kingman along the famed Route 66 for burgers at Mr. Dz’s.  The diner atmosphere was full of nostalgia and the town in general is cashing in on the Baby Boomers “Route 66” nostalgia tourism.  The rest of the drive was through a moonscape of fields of boulders stacked as if by hand.  There is not much greenery between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Route 66

Mr. Dz for Cheese Burgers

Sharing a Root Beer With Marilyn

We got a couple of good pictures of the Banana Dog in Kingman.  The Banana dog story is not completely clear to me and I don’t think Deborah has anything much more elaborate to add.  Suffice to say that a group of women have adopted this porcelain pooch and have made it their mission to ensure the dog has some varied experiences.  This trip is Deborah’s turn.  Deborah’s pictures tell part of the story to date.

Banana Dog Was Excited About the 1954 Chevy

Banana Dog Could Read the Sign to "Stay Off"

We Think He Thought He Was Escaping But Alas ... No he is still with Us.

I am writing this as we spend out first hours by the pool.  The air is dry, the temperature is warm and the pool water is cool.  The evening meal is being planned and the first cocktails have been poured.  We will blog again when more things start to happen.

Upscale Scottsdale Neighbourhood

It Is Nice to be Warm and Dry