Week 2

April 15

Travel day from Tucson to Surprise (Phoenix area), AZ

Picacho Peak along I-10 - site of the westernmost battle of the American Civil War.

April 16

Not having any Phoenix area literature prior to getting to Phoenix, we spent the morning pouring over literature for our stay here. Then we set out in search of the Apache Trail east of town, a scenic byway. It took us about 5 hours total with 1-1/2 hours spent on only 22 miles of unpaved road. It was definitely a white-knuckle ride but worth it with stunning views.

Tonto National Monument Cliff Dwellings overlooking Roosevelt Lake

Upper cliff dwelling

Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake Dam

Roosevelt Lake Bridge - the longest two-lane, single-span, steel-arch bridge in North America

The Salt River running through the Tonto National Forest

Note the road that we were on!!

Superstition Mountains

April 17

Today we set out in search of mansions, castles, mountain peaks, soda fountains and a Basilica all located in a short drive within or just outside of Phoenix.

Taliesin West - A Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Piestewa Peak - named in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat in the US military, and the first female soldier to be killed in action in the 2003 Iraq War.

Camelback Mountain - The English name is derived from its shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel.

Wrigley Mansion - is a landmark building constructed between 1929 and 1931 by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr.

Tovera Castle - ca. 1931 was constructed in a unique three-tier fashion bearing a strong resemblance to a traditional wedding cake, and as such has earned it the local nickname "The Wedding Cake".

MacAlpines Soda Fountain - ca. 1928 -- Yummy milkshakes

Rossen House - ca. 1895 and still sits in its original foundation in downtown Phoenix's Heritage Square.

St. Mary's Basilica - founded in 1881 and staffed by the Franciscan Friars since 1895. The church was completed in 1914 and is home to Arizona's largest stained glass windows collection. Another one of the many beautiful churches we've been to in the US.