They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself. - Andy Warhol, The Philosophy of Andy Warhol - US artist (1928 - 1987)

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Arizona Highways

Hello, What a wonderful Memorial day weekend it was. We decided to get out of town and go to Phoenix, Arizona. We also rented a Toyota Prius Hybrid while were were there. That turned out great and what an amazing invention. I would recommend one if you are wanting to cut down on your gasoline consumption and costs. Here are few of the amazing sights and things we did.

On Saturday, we headed out on our adventure.











Our first stop was Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves an ancient Hohokam farming community and "Great House." Created as the nation’s first archeological reserve in 1892, the site was declared a National Monument in 1918 “in order that better provision may be made for the protection, preservation and care of the ruins and the ancient buildings and other objects of prehistoric interest thereon.”





After looking at the ancient ruins we noticed the hummingbirds playing. This one stopped so I could take his photo.





Our next stop was the Colossal Cave Mountain Park. These caves have quite a history from their creation millions of years ago to shelter for Indians to a hideout for the robbers of a Wells Fargo train. The cave tour was not only interesting, but we got a private tour, just the two of us and a tour guide.







When we exited the cave tour we drove to the Saguaro National Park. Enormous cacti, silhouetted by the setting sun, for most of us the Giant Saguaro is the universal symbol of the American West. And yet, these majestic plants are only found in a small portion of the United States. Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical giants, on the edge of the modern City of Tucson.







Here is what a dying Saguaro cactus looks like.





Sunday morning we headed north toward Sedona, Arizona. It was a beautiful drive.







We also stopped a Slide Rock park.





After the visiting the park we headed back to Phoenix.



I hope your Memorial Holiday weekend was restful and exciting too.

8 comments:

Laurie said...

Thems some pictures. I like the
baby moo bull.

So, you gonna tell me when you're
gonna clean house in the nekked?
You can always take some pictures
:D

HUGS!!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos! The banner on my blog is one (of many) from the AZ desert we took a couple years ago while traveling between PHX and Tucson. I actually went on my senior trip to Sedona (a very long time ago). I was a little bummed the Casa Grande ruins weren't bigger when I saw them.

A Lewis said...

Absolutely fantastic photos! You guys did a knock up job.

Anonymous Blogger said...

I didn't get a chance to read the entire post, but those pictures were amazing

WAT said...

Arizona is a great state. I love its rich Native American and Spanish history. Great photos, and a pretty good time of year to visit indeed! Not so hot yet!

I would love to own a PRIUS. With gas prices climbing the way they are, and the need to help our global warming issue, I find it sensible to have such a car now more than ever. I hear there's a waiting list though. I'd have to look into it and trade my current Corolla.

YvesPaul said...

Not as exciting as yours for sure, great pics!

dit said...

Thank you all for the compliments on the photos.

laurie - You are too kind. lol

bridgeout - It is an amazing area.

lewis - thank you again.

anonymous - not nearly as "Hot" as your story. lol

wat - You should check, if you are interested. A friends recently scheduled a test drive and drove one home. In my opinion, I would spring for a Touring edition.

YvesPaul - Thank you. I love adventures.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos and I love the macro shot of the hummingbird. The warm "terra cotta" colors are always a sight to be seen as part of the landscape. If I'm not mistaken those cacti are federally protected and cannot be dug up or face prison time. ACK! Thank you for sharing the fun time you had.