Phoenix AZ, Lake Pleasant

I've been driving out to Phoenix for many years and have done the Carefree Hwy stretch after Wickenburg to get to the I-17.  On the way, I would pass the entrance to Lake Pleasant and wonder what it was like.....finally I know!:)  Very much like Lake Mead as those of you from the Vegas area can see.  The surprise was the bar at the marina, looks like a fun place to party!  We did indulge in a beer and a bite.

The other surprise for the day was rain, we arrived in full sun at Lake Pleasant and left in the rain:

Phoenix AZ, Thunderbird hike

A few days ago we hiked a trail in Thunderbird Park in the neighboring city of Glendale.  We were on the trail at 7am because it was going to be 90 degrees!  There were quite a few people already up there.  Nice to see.

ASU stadium in the distance

always nice to see balloons!

the same balloon on the left and more coming up on the right side of the hill

 

Phoenix AZ, Kerry in the spotlight;)

Last weekend, my brother-in-law, Kerry, performed with the Arizona Winds in a pre-Veterans Day concert.  Gemma, Mike and myself attended to enjoy the show.  They played some difficult pieces and I though they did well!  All that practicing does pay off:)

Kerry is warming up his trumpet.....

Phoenix AZ, squirrels

Check this out;)

Phoenix AZ, Sonoran Preserve

Our first hike in the area was a trail in the Sonoran Preserve.  A nice hike with good vistas of the surrounding area we got on the trail about 9am and the next hike will be a little earlier as it is still a bit too warm for me here!

Today is my birthday and Mike and I are heading out in a bit to enjoy an afternoon concert in which my brother-in-law is playing the trumpet;) and afterwards Gemma, Kerry and Mike and I are on to an Indian restaurant for dinner!  Sounds like fun to me:)

the nest in this saguaro belongs to a great horned owl which were told had 3 chicks here last spring!  It is right off the trail.  Must have been quite a sight!

from the trail, I zoomed in on Gemma and Kerrys house....the adobe style just left of center:)

lots of cholla cactus in this area

Phoenix AZ, last pics from Willow Lake

We did get our for our first Phoenix area hike today but before I go there I want to share my last outing in Prescott by Willow Lake.  I rode my bike on this trail and had to turn around eventually because the trail went into the rocks and I am not capable of riding my bike under those conditions.  A beautiful area none the less and I had a great time.

here is where I'm looking at the trail and thinking I will not be going much further:)

the butterflies love this plant!

this is where I turned around;) ok for walking but not for a bicycle