Leaving Scottsdale

Tuesday, March 26

After our usual breakfast on the patio, we went for a walk along a "green belt" walking, biking trail in Scottsdale. It is difficult to keep things green here due to the extreme heat so it is great to be able to walk amongst the grass and trees.










Next we had our final golf game at Mountain Shadows.


What a gorgeous day.




It was a little hotter today so we came home and jumped in the pool and hot tub before gong to Jim's favorite pizza place ~ Grimaldi's .
We just missed the sun set but we caught the huge moon rising in the sky.


John deemed Grimaldi's one of the BEST pizzas he's ever had ~ quite a distinction!
















See the moon ~








Wednesday, March 27


Unfortunately we had to start planning our departure ~ laundry, packing repacking, getting the oil changed in the car so we took care of these things in the morning and then went for our last hike. This time we went to Fountain Hill and hiked about 21/2 hours on the Scenic trail. Each of our hikes has been unique in its own way. Today was over cast (what? not in blue sky Scottsdale) which actually made hiking a little easier.

The views were spectacular ~



Interesting camping area ~






















There were not as many wild flowers on this hike but more panoramic views.
The Mexican poppies were vibrant though ~





We met a friend along the trail ~ a non-poisonous Gopher snake ~ rarely seen along the trail the ranger said. As we were showing the picture to the ranger for identification we were feeling proud that we had seen a rarely seen snake until another couple came in with their picture ~ a large rattle snake! Ok ~ you win ~ but ours is less often seen.


The Brittle bush was in full bloom and bordered the trail.








the Four Peaks ~















That's our trail down there ~








The haze made it difficult to see the mountains in the distance. We had the McDowell Mountains on one side and the Superstition Mountains on the other.


What a great hike!

We really felt all of that hard work deserved an ice cream lunch at Sweet Town in Fountain Hills.




On the way home we drove past Fire Rock ~ ooh photo op ~






We made sure we were in the hot tub in time to watch the sunset and we were rewarded with a great one.
We had 10 seconds to set the camera ~


John's first attempt ~ almost


















Then Jim ~ a little closer ~




Third attempt ~ success













Cheers to another great leg of our trip!

Touring Taliesen West

Monday, March 25
Monday morning we toured Taliesen West which was architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school in the desert from 1937 until his death in 1959 at the age of 91. Taliesen was designated a National historic landmark in 1982. He believed in designing structures which were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture. He was a leader of the Prairie School movement of architecture and was recognized in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time."

Frank Lloyd Wright

John & Jim waiting for tour with McDowell mountains behind

Wright wanted to confine and expand people with space thus the use of small doorways and passages opening into larger open spaced rooms. He felt high ceilings were a waste of space. He built for the "average" person ~ "anything over six feet was a waste of space" said he.
















He also tried to use all natural materials from the area in which he was designing a building. Taliesen was built with , stone and sand from the Sonoran desert.
















Due to fires at his other homes, Frank incorporated reflecting pools and fountains in the design so the water could be used to douse a fire if necessary.












He also enjoyed designing furniture for the buildings he designed so the lines would be carried throughout the structure.




~ the dinner bell




The theater he designed at this winter home for his friends "Taliesenites" ~ built with "95% acoustic perfection."

~ sitting the "Frank" way ~








We drove by a couple of his houses in Scottsdale which are located in Cactus Gates, Ed and Karen's neighborhood.








We are fortunate to have homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the Rochester and Buffalo area as well. It was very interesting to see his work and learn about the man himself. John had little interest in this tour before we went but he really enjoyed it and wants to learn more about this interesting man.





















Pool time was a priority before John went to meet an old college buddy that he hasn't seen in 48 years!




They enjoyed catching up on old times and we enjoyed hearing the stories the next morning.

Gail and Jim took Lynn to Kierland,
a beautiful up scale area with a Westin Hotel, golf course, stores and restaurants. It was a lovely warm evening as we strolled around from store to store (Jim was such a good sport) and more impressive at night with everything lit up.




Beautiful Easter displays were set up in the square.