Phoenix, Friends, Fresh Tires

And lots of down time warming up

We had 5¹/₂ days here…the first 2¹/₂ days, out-and-about, it was >90^o. The last 3 days it was ~80^o, and we spent 2 of them ignoring the options for exploring we’d “planned”, and just hung out in the trailer with the windows open, catching our breath and catching up on “stuff”. Yesterday was Game Day and perfect weather for it.

Arrival Day

We got here in time for that Lake Pleasant Cruise with Ginny & Benny. One of the >90^o days, it was good to spend the mid afternoon on the water, in the shade. Then we went finally got to see Ginny & Benny’s winter Peoria home and tour the development they live, and catch up. It’s been awhile (the only people we’ve “camped with” multiple times, we “usually” see then on the road!)

Taking off on Lake Pleasant Tour
A few sailboats out on Lake Pleasant, although not very windy or even breezy!
Great getting together with Ginny, whom Gail has known over 30 years

Circumnavigate Phoenix Day

We started with some personal touring and then did some chores, driving clockwise around Phoenix…east to Scottsdale, south to Chandler, west/north to Glendale.

Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert laboratory, where he and his apprentices lived, worked, and pushed the boundaries of architectural innovation, nestled in the Sonoran Desert.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, a 30 acre park in the heart of Scottsdale, including the Scottsdale Railroad Museum. It was a quick stop, checking out the museum exhibits (e.g. Arizona’s Merci Car, the historic Peoria Depot, and more). We took a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and the 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel. We had to, once we found out that Stillman went to RPI. Lastly, we did a pretty fast walk-thru the Model Train Exhibit
We are Airstream, to buy new shocks for Lizzy, to install later this summer (and then the Chandler Costco for lunch.)
Goodyear Tire to get new tires for The Beast…2nd set…~60K miles each of the 1st two. (and another Costco (#63) near there, for supplies.)

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Office
Looking at the main Taliesen West building from the “Prow”
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Living Room…chairs to left by fireplace build from one piece of plywood
Scottsdale Railroad Museum-Arizona’s Merci Car—in 1949 the French people sent the Merci Train to the U.S. filled with gifts for the American people.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park-riding the Paradise & Pacific Railroad into the tunnel
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park-riding the 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park-riding the 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel
Scottsdale Railroad Museum-Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No. 6 and Roald Amundsen 1928 Pullman Car
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park-Model Train Exhibit

Phoenix Day

A lovely (if a tad hot) day with Ginny & Benny touring us around downtown Phoenix.

St Mary’s Basilica, a quick stop at a beautiful church and garden.
Walking around a bit, including a stop at the Historic San Carlos Hotel
Huss Brewing, for a great lunch
Heritage and Science Park & Rosson House Museum, where we got a private tour of the house
Bolin Memorial Park/Arizona Capitol Museum
Drive through the historic Willo neighborhood

St Mary’s Basilica
Heritage and Science Park & Rosson House Museum
Rosson House Museum
Rosson House Museum—Doctor’s Office
USS Arizona Memorial at Bolin Memorial Park
House of Representatives Chamber (1901-1960) from the Gallery at the Arizona Capitol Museum
Saying Goodbye to Benny & Ginny after a great day in Phoenix

Last day…a game at 1 new MLB Ballpark

Chicago Cubs @ Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Park (#15)
We attended yesterday’s afternoon game, very exciting! First, we arrived with the roof closed, and got to see it open…very different from how the Mariners T-Mobile retractable roof works. As for the game…Slow & Steady for the first 7 innings (7th inning score 3-2 Cubs). Then, in the 8th inning (after we saw lots of Cubs and Diamondbacks fans leave), the floodgates opened. 8th Inning/Final Score: 10-6 Diamondbacks