Bye Bye till Xmas

Another wonderful visit to Phoenix is ending. We are now in the airport grabbing lunch and waiting for our delayed flight. It is going to be a late night but the time change is working for us going home. (Guelph is 3 hrs ahead)

Reflecting back on the last couple of weeks we realize how lucky we are to have had such great company to share our love of Arizona with. The condo felt empty when Faye and Bob left but we kept busy day tripping and going to the movies or watching movies at home and sitting by the pool. Yesterday we rode the bike to Cave Creek and went to a Coffee and Crepe shop we found. I think its Cave Creek's hidden gem - family owned by Russians who it seems have as much passion and history of crepe making as the French.

Although sad to leave we are looking forward to seeing the dogs who we miss so much when we are away. I also miss my Mom especially since she was in England for two weeks and a couple of days after she got home, we left for our trip.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the blog. It seems to be a nice way to share "Lynn and Craig's Excellent Adventures" with a few photos and updates.

Bye for now!!
Lynn
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Fun Day - again

Had a great day today.  Craig went off for a ride on the bike this morning to see if he could test ride some bikes at a motorcyle demo day in town but with the 3 hour wait, it did not work out.  I ran out to my new favorite store, The Container Store, here in town and bought a few things for the condo.  It feels great to get organized even though we don't have much here. 

Toured around later this afternoon and then met up with friends for a Desert Belle Cruise at sunset on Saguaro Lake. It was so lovely!!  Not a big lake but there were a number of boats and some people were camping around the area as well.

pulling out from the dock

getting dusk

coming back to the dock

After the cruise we found a Chinese restaurant and had a lovely dinner - food has been very good this whole visit.  I think it would even be "Mom approved"!!

Only a few days left here for this trip.  It has flown by so fast and we have managed to do and see so many things. We have been to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Williams, Jerome, Tortilla Flats, Canyon Lake, Cave Creek and more!!

Well, time for some shut-eye. 

g'nite all!!

Rainy Day

The weather has changed here, had heavy rain in the night.  Much cooler today so all the windows are open and it's lovely. 

Our fabulous guests, Faye and Bob, are back home safe and sound now and we are on our own.  Still keeping busy though.  Last night we went to Bike Night at the Westgate Mall which is always interesting to see.  Some people are such posers and I have never seen such a variety of motorcycle apparel.  From super short shorts with cowboy boots to flip flops on the ladies.  Some of the guys just had on sandals and shorts too.  Anything goes and helmets are not required.  A neat mix of sport and fancy bikes and some amazing paint jobs.  Ate dinner there and the food was great - nice places to eat since it is the Jobbing Center where hockey games and concerts are also held. 

The house is all clean, beds are all changed.  Now to figure out what to do for the rest of the day.  Oh, I know - EXPLORE some more!! 

Hope everyone is having a great Friday.

Lynn

Cave Creek etc

Had a lovely time yesterday and explored the Cave Creek shops and had a nice lunch.  The items for sale in this tiny town are so unique but unfortunately too big to bring much home unless you have a truck.  Here's some painted metal flowers and wrought iron things.

There is just so much.  Another store has beautiful woven rugs but those items don't fit in our northern climate very well and look out of place sometimes. 

Had an amazing dinner out at the Hilton resort (600+ rooms!) built on a mountain in town and the dining room (called A Different Pointe of View) overlooked the lights of the city.  This photo is a bit blurry but you get the idea.

We like it so much we made reservations for Christmas dinner.  The restaurant has won a lot of awards and the food was amazing and the service excellent. Definite A+ place!!

Now our wonderful guest are packing and we are sad to see them go.  It will be so quiet without them.   

Goldfield Ghost Mine, Canyon Lake & Tortilla Flats

Stopped in at Goldfield Mine. Bob's favorite place after the Grand Canyon. It is off season so no gun slinger or street shoot-outs today.

Next stop was Canyon Lake. Beautiful spot and on such a beautiful day there are a number of boats and water skiers out.

On two miles further to Tortilla Flats and lunch at the saloon. Note the walls behind Bob and Faye are papered with dollar bills.
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Saguaro Lake stop at the Salt River

Having a day out exploring. It's our first time at Saguaro Lake which is about half an hour from the condo. Lovely spot we will have to come back to with a picnic and lawn chairs. And bathing suits since you can swim here and on the other side of the lake is a beach.

On our way now to Canyon Lake and lunch at Tortilla Flats. A sunny 90 degrees today.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Grand Canyon

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Grand Canyon

We are back from the Canyon and relaxing at the condo. It has been a long couple of full days but we have seen so many beautiful areas. Going in and out of the Canyon you have different terrain and go from cactus to pine trees. I will post more photo's once we get the internet working.

Hope everyone is enjoying the blog so far.
Lynn.
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Here we are at a stop on our way out of Sedona. Beautiful day! Heading to the Grand Canyon now.

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Sunset in Sedona.

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Monezuma's Castle

Nice stop on the way to Sedona. Busy today with a few buses. When we were here in the spring it was full of flowers. Most are hanging by a thread now with the heat.

Next stop will be Sedona.
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Lookout

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Meet Faye and Bob!

On our first stop at the lookout on the way to Sedona.
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Packing etc.

The little pile of clothes and items to bring along is building up in my closet.  Not too much to bring since I have myself outfitted in the condo and don't really need much.  Hopefully I will have shopping success and bring home a few nice things too.  

The big news - the big bike is being shipped down for us to use over the winter while we are there.  We will enjoy some nice rides and more exploring.  Sent some riding clothes, jackets and helmets along with the bike so we are set to go.  We will also be able to hit Westgate City Center Bike night on a bike!!   This is a cool attraction to check out and there are some amazing sights both in people and their rides.  

Can't believe it is almost here.  This weekend will fly by and then we will be off!!  Hope our friends are as excited as we are.  Maybe this is why I can't sleep? 

Cave Creek shopping. Favorite spot.

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ok, still learning this blog business.  I think I am getting somewhere now.  

We are now 12 days away from the trip which is so hard to believe!! Wow, that comes fast!  Really looking forward to seeing some sights and having fun with great friends.  I will have to make sure I tell them about the "free-pour" when you order a margarita!  Those can be dangerous!   You don't realize how much you've had until you stand up, or try to.  

Bottoms up!! (very large Cactus Pear Margarita, location - Sedona, Arizona)

13 days and counting, can't wait to sleep in the best bed ever!!  Looking forward to showing our friends all the reasons we love Arizona.  

Condo pics

 The entrance

 The pool

 Living room

Master bedroom

20 days and counting.  Looking forward to the familiar couch and grocery stores.  I love finding wonderful in the area and the quality is so great.  BBQ here we come!!

Friends are coming with us - their first time to the Canyon and Sedona.  Must have the camera ready to capture their faces.

Making fall and winter plans.  Tough call - a cruise, a resort, or beautiful Phoenix?  I think Phoenix win for many reasons.  It's a sunny warm spot with lots to do and see.  Yup, it will be Phoenix in the fall and again at Christmas.  Maybe next year we will do something different.  Maybe....