Phoenix, Arizona – Part One

Temperatures cooled ten degrees in the Phoenix valley so we left Payson on Sunday, October 13, 2019, and headed into the metropolis. We had been avoiding the big city the past few years, so it was time to stop and visit family and meet new friends.

On our drive to Phoenix, we were impressed that a couple of Westys kept up with us. They’d pull away on the downhills and we’d catch them on the inclines. Climbing a particularly steep grade, we had to pass and leave them behind.

We also marveled at the amount of saguaros marching up the hills.

Ingrid from Live Laugh RV (livelaughrv.net) recommended Pioneer RV Park as a place to stay in the Phoenix area. We enjoyed our stay so much we extended a couple of days. The best part was sharing a couple of happy hours and dinners with Ingrid and Al. Thanks, guys. We had a great time talking with you two.

Our nephews on my side of the family, Scott and Jared, picked us up for dinner one night. It was fun catching up with them and meeting Scott’s better half Leslie and their daughter Alycia. I hope we can stop for another visit soon.

Our next family visit was with our niece, Kelly, and her family on Jon’s side. I promised myself on this trip I would take photos of people. Not quite in the habit, I left my camera at the trailer, so no photos of Kelly and her family. We had a delicious dinner at her house, though. I enjoyed talking with her granddaughter about all her toys (oh, so many toys) and meeting Kelly’s husband and mother-in-law. I even warmed up to the dogs, as long as they didn’t get too close. My fear of strange dogs has not abated, especially when they growl and bark; however, I can tolerate them once I get to know them.

Kelly and her husband are both in real estate. Who better to ask about all the new construction we had seen? We learned that 200 people a day moved into the greater Phoenix area from 2017 to 2018 and Maricopa County—home to Phoenix—was the fastest-growing county in the U.S. No wonder we saw so many housing developments pop up like mushrooms from the desert floor.

Sightseeing is always at the top of our “to do” list and Phoenix was no exception. Below are a few of the places we visited. The rest will come in Part Two.

Desert Botanical Garden

The behind-the-scene docent tour at the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden was a treat. One of only twenty-four botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the garden operates with 106 regular staff and approximately 730 volunteers donating 67,364 hours of their time. They have 55 acres under cultivation containing 4,482 species in the living collection and care for 39 rare and endangered species. The photos below are a small sample of what a visitor will see.

The doors opened to the public in 1939, but World War II halted activity in 1942. A visitor center opened in 1961 and over the years, a library and butterfly exhibit were added. Multimillion-dollar expansions led to research facilities and a desert landscape school.

The garden is open daily; however, check the website for early or all-day closings. Tours are offered from September through May, the best time to visit. June, July, and August are too hot to walk on the concrete and gravel paths.

We enjoyed watching the butterflies in The Butterfly Pavilion. Some of them flitted around so fast we could barely see them, while others landed on flowers and spread their wings as if posing for a photo.

We definitely recommend spending a morning or afternoon at the Desert Botanical Garden. Come for the cactus and stay for the art, music, and culinary activities.

Pioneer Living History Museum

While Jon watched football, I went to the Pioneer Living History Museum.  Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the 90-acre property depicts the Arizona territorial period between 1863 and 1912. Some of the buildings are authentic and others are historically accurate reproductions. The museum is a popular place for weddings, field trips for schoolchildren, and special events. Preparations for the All Hallows’ Eve event were in process during my visit.

On some days, costumed interpreters dressed as cowboys, lawmen, miners, gunmen, and Victorian ladies roam the grounds, which must make the town come alive.

Stay tuned for more sightseeing in the greater Phoenix area, including visits to Cave Creek and Carefree, Old Town Scottsdale, Rosson House Museum, and Lake Pleasanton Regional Park.

Safe Travels