Welcome to cowboy country. Where you could mine at 'the crik' and then spend your whole pay at 'The Palace'-drinkin', gamin' and with women of disrepute in the back room upstairs....
We started our day on Saturday with an early walk around Prescott Square (which incidentally is a rectangle but that just does not sound as nice). Mike King a special Rotarian with an amazing knowledge and passion for his town showed us the highlights and shared some of the rich history. It is not hard to think about how it was less than 200 years ago.
Businesses and abandoned babies were won with the turn of some dice.
A big fire in 1900 cleared out Whisky Row, the haunt of those looking for entertainment then and now. 'The Palace' saved its fantastic bar by patrons carrying it across the street out of harms way to the square!
The walk was fascinating and Mike knew it all! We enjoyed a lovely lunch with some Rotarians at an day long assembly and then ventured back in time to Sharlot Hall Museum. Named after the founder, our guide, Jodi introduced us to Sharlot's great poetry.She was in character and usually dresses up to complete the return to 'the olden days'. It was cool! We also saw examples of architecture and got a feel for the way life had been for those first settlers and pioneers. What a fantastic facility obviously a proud part of the tourist trail in Prescott. The Phippen Museum was our next stop. We are getting very good at getting in and out of the van.
Sally has a wonderful talent for seat belt placement so no one is injured, hung or maimed while alighting... Anyway the Phippen is a celebration of art and heritage of the American West. Some wonderful artists have dedicated their talents to immortalising this important time in the history of Arizona. The last stop after freshening up at Mikes lovely home was the Chino Valley Rotary Beer/Wine night with art auction thrown in. We enjoyed looking at some varied art (knowing that Kincade print would be too hard to fit into our suitcases) while sipping a variety of ales and wines (Jacobs Creek was there I am sure because we were!). By this time I think we were all fading a little (yes I saw you Peter) and after some nibbles and meeting some locals we headed back to our hosts to rest. I apologise we did not blog last night but the days are BIG. Just for the record...I think I prefer tainted dove to shady lady....maybe in my next life!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
On Easy Street
Another quick touching-base this evening, this one from Prescott (pron. PRES-ket) - and apologies for the fact our reporting is slightly disjointed. We cannot always each get to a computer AND when we do we are inclined to double up on our story-telling!
So, you're up to date with the Cabela's store, after which we met and dined with Glendale Rotary Club and Gordon Biersch - really good night, really long day.
Yesterday (Thursday 15th) we were honoured to visit Luke Air Force Base (and we have decided we now each need our own call-signs and that we should talk in acronyms more), after which we met and dined with the other Glendale Rotary Club at Knights of Columbus.
What I have been asked to tell you about, though, is our afternoon yesterday. We took a journey north-east from Phoenix through an area of incredible hillside homes and Rolls Royce Convertibles to a place called Carefree. And there, on Easy Street (just off Nonchalant Street) we found AZ Wine. Barbara (Kirsty's host) arranged for us to meet with her brother Richard who took time from his (really very busy) day in the store to introduce our eyes, noses and palates to some scrumptious local wines. (We also amused ourselves by wandering through his store exploring labels from all around the world, including of course Australia.)
Last night we each enjoyed our last evening with our Phoenix hosts and this morning we made for Prescott. Watch for more details and photos soon!
Over and out for tonight,
Ruf [toying with this one for my call-sign?]
So, you're up to date with the Cabela's store, after which we met and dined with Glendale Rotary Club and Gordon Biersch - really good night, really long day.
Yesterday (Thursday 15th) we were honoured to visit Luke Air Force Base (and we have decided we now each need our own call-signs and that we should talk in acronyms more), after which we met and dined with the other Glendale Rotary Club at Knights of Columbus.
What I have been asked to tell you about, though, is our afternoon yesterday. We took a journey north-east from Phoenix through an area of incredible hillside homes and Rolls Royce Convertibles to a place called Carefree. And there, on Easy Street (just off Nonchalant Street) we found AZ Wine. Barbara (Kirsty's host) arranged for us to meet with her brother Richard who took time from his (really very busy) day in the store to introduce our eyes, noses and palates to some scrumptious local wines. (We also amused ourselves by wandering through his store exploring labels from all around the world, including of course Australia.)
Last night we each enjoyed our last evening with our Phoenix hosts and this morning we made for Prescott. Watch for more details and photos soon!
Over and out for tonight,
Ruf [toying with this one for my call-sign?]
Friday, April 16, 2010
Oh yes I will take that synthetic life size elk home!
Cabela's
With our lovely guide Pat who had worked out all the stats in metric just for us and she walked liked us. But I would have enjoyed her navigating the store back wards....She was going to hunt a turkey this weekend. I wish her well!
Oh my, perhaps I did see the most gobb-smaking place yesterday and I have tried all night to get my head around it.
Picture this, a white beach, rolling surf. No not really- I mean. A huge outdoor sports store complete with mountain, plane, stuffed animals worth millions, gun museum and fish pillows!.
A place where you can see trout in an aquarium and then purchase products to catch their relatives.
There would be enough camouflage clothing to look after many African villages (and never see them again!).
One of my favourite spots was the stack of Winchester ammunition just in an aisle as tall as me almost (well it was pretty big). You could buy a hand gun off the rack too!
After perusing the clothing, camping gear, guns and canoes I ventured up stairs to the 'House and Cabin' section and restaurant. I could have bought a night light with tent and fire or an elk jerky sausage.
At one point I looked over at this huge store and just shook my head in wonder. How does Jamie not know about this place? Thousands of others do! People all over the States travel on average 2 1/2 hours to get to a store and then 4 hours wondering around the store.
Once I spotted the life size plastic elk and the turkey to match I thought anything was possible and began to see the attraction. Well there was also FUDGE!. They make over 200 kilos a week in store and give away samples to die for.
I just had to ask the girls to share this with everyone and I hope you will all check out their website as they have bargains unheard of in Australia. Yes Jamie that is permission on some level....
A week has gone by and although I still have not slept through, I feel less surprised each morning as I prepare for another day with Vanilla and Cinnamon Coffee mate and my dear host Barbara. Our support here in Phoenix has been great. We have met so many lovely people and felt welcome and special where ever we have stepped.
Tomorrow is another adventure and we say Goodbye to our first week. After Cabela's I KNOW anything can happen.
Just for the record I am sending the elk by post (I thought it would be nice at Christmas in the front yard). It was only $250 and after all it is only money........NOT
With our lovely guide Pat who had worked out all the stats in metric just for us and she walked liked us. But I would have enjoyed her navigating the store back wards....She was going to hunt a turkey this weekend. I wish her well!
Oh my, perhaps I did see the most gobb-smaking place yesterday and I have tried all night to get my head around it.
Picture this, a white beach, rolling surf. No not really- I mean. A huge outdoor sports store complete with mountain, plane, stuffed animals worth millions, gun museum and fish pillows!.
A place where you can see trout in an aquarium and then purchase products to catch their relatives.
There would be enough camouflage clothing to look after many African villages (and never see them again!).
One of my favourite spots was the stack of Winchester ammunition just in an aisle as tall as me almost (well it was pretty big). You could buy a hand gun off the rack too!
After perusing the clothing, camping gear, guns and canoes I ventured up stairs to the 'House and Cabin' section and restaurant. I could have bought a night light with tent and fire or an elk jerky sausage.
At one point I looked over at this huge store and just shook my head in wonder. How does Jamie not know about this place? Thousands of others do! People all over the States travel on average 2 1/2 hours to get to a store and then 4 hours wondering around the store.
Once I spotted the life size plastic elk and the turkey to match I thought anything was possible and began to see the attraction. Well there was also FUDGE!. They make over 200 kilos a week in store and give away samples to die for.
I just had to ask the girls to share this with everyone and I hope you will all check out their website as they have bargains unheard of in Australia. Yes Jamie that is permission on some level....
A week has gone by and although I still have not slept through, I feel less surprised each morning as I prepare for another day with Vanilla and Cinnamon Coffee mate and my dear host Barbara. Our support here in Phoenix has been great. We have met so many lovely people and felt welcome and special where ever we have stepped.
Tomorrow is another adventure and we say Goodbye to our first week. After Cabela's I KNOW anything can happen.
Just for the record I am sending the elk by post (I thought it would be nice at Christmas in the front yard). It was only $250 and after all it is only money........NOT
Stepping into the past for an Ice Cream Social
Apologies from us all for no update last night - we had a LONG day and all collapsed into bed in the end.
I'm just providing a quick update on yesterday morning's experiences:
A visit to two historic places - Manistee Ranch and Sahuaro Ranch - the former being a popular venue for Ice Cream Socials in years gone by (and apparently there is another one coming up next month!), the latter bringing to mind Gone With the Wind, with the grand entrance for receiving calling cards and so on.
A visit to the Xeriscape Garden project - low water, drought-hardy plants. (I have some literature for Cooma's Community Garden group.)
A feast at Camalones Mexican restaurant with Sue (Sarah's lovely host) and with Dick and Judy Martin - Judy is an author who kindly gifted us with signed copies of her book about Arizona's history!
A foray into Westgate, amidst TV crews and fans preparing for last night's Coyotes vs Redwings Ice Hockey game.
And a fantastic tour with Pam and Shaunda of the Cardinals Stadium. The grass field lives outside and is rolled into the stadium on rails for each game! So cool!
Two amazing examples of guides walking backwards while delivering their tours - Nancy (Sahuaro) and Pam (Cardinals Stadium), we salute you!!!!
I'm just providing a quick update on yesterday morning's experiences:
A visit to two historic places - Manistee Ranch and Sahuaro Ranch - the former being a popular venue for Ice Cream Socials in years gone by (and apparently there is another one coming up next month!), the latter bringing to mind Gone With the Wind, with the grand entrance for receiving calling cards and so on.
A visit to the Xeriscape Garden project - low water, drought-hardy plants. (I have some literature for Cooma's Community Garden group.)
A feast at Camalones Mexican restaurant with Sue (Sarah's lovely host) and with Dick and Judy Martin - Judy is an author who kindly gifted us with signed copies of her book about Arizona's history!
A foray into Westgate, amidst TV crews and fans preparing for last night's Coyotes vs Redwings Ice Hockey game.
And a fantastic tour with Pam and Shaunda of the Cardinals Stadium. The grass field lives outside and is rolled into the stadium on rails for each game! So cool!
Two amazing examples of guides walking backwards while delivering their tours - Nancy (Sahuaro) and Pam (Cardinals Stadium), we salute you!!!!
Busy busy busy!
Well we have been busy girls and guys (Jim, our driver and friend has been with us every step of the way!)
Wednesday was a tour filled day for us. I will let Kirsty fill you in on our afternoon. We visited both the University of Phoenix Staduim - Home to the Arizona Cardinals and Cabalas - a HUGE sporting goods store. But more from Kirsty on that.
*I will say that Kirsty did acquire the skill of walking backwards like all good tour guides can while talking!*
On Wednesday morning we toured two historical properties Manistee Ranch (toured by Carol & Chuck) and Sahuaro Ranch (with Nancy), both in Glendale. Two different properties with a lot of stories to be told.
We also visited a "Xeriscape Garden" which is a garden which doesnt particularly require a lot of water. (There will be a much more technical way to tell this tale, excuse my wording!) We were taken around by Jo who was passionate about her job and had been doing some fantastic work sending out the environmental message to Glendale.
It was interesting to hear that although parts of Arizona are in drought, they still do have many sources of water and do not yet require water restrictions. Drought is something that we can all relate to, with Sarah telling us Goulburn's water level was down to 7% at its lowest point.
We had lunch at another amazing mexican restaurant (those who know me - Im loving the mexican food!) with Richard and Judy Martin. Judy was kind enough to give us a copy of her book - "Arizona Walls If only they could speak".
My camera is dead, by hopefully the girls will provide a few photos.
Today - Thursday was a great day. We toured the Luke Air Force Base this morning, presented to the Glendale Rotary Club at lunch and visited the AZ wine company for some wine tasting in the afternoon.
'Say hi to your mum for me'
(Im practising different sign off's - what do you think Aussies?)
Wednesday was a tour filled day for us. I will let Kirsty fill you in on our afternoon. We visited both the University of Phoenix Staduim - Home to the Arizona Cardinals and Cabalas - a HUGE sporting goods store. But more from Kirsty on that.
*I will say that Kirsty did acquire the skill of walking backwards like all good tour guides can while talking!*
On Wednesday morning we toured two historical properties Manistee Ranch (toured by Carol & Chuck) and Sahuaro Ranch (with Nancy), both in Glendale. Two different properties with a lot of stories to be told.
We also visited a "Xeriscape Garden" which is a garden which doesnt particularly require a lot of water. (There will be a much more technical way to tell this tale, excuse my wording!) We were taken around by Jo who was passionate about her job and had been doing some fantastic work sending out the environmental message to Glendale.
It was interesting to hear that although parts of Arizona are in drought, they still do have many sources of water and do not yet require water restrictions. Drought is something that we can all relate to, with Sarah telling us Goulburn's water level was down to 7% at its lowest point.
We had lunch at another amazing mexican restaurant (those who know me - Im loving the mexican food!) with Richard and Judy Martin. Judy was kind enough to give us a copy of her book - "Arizona Walls If only they could speak".
My camera is dead, by hopefully the girls will provide a few photos.
Today - Thursday was a great day. We toured the Luke Air Force Base this morning, presented to the Glendale Rotary Club at lunch and visited the AZ wine company for some wine tasting in the afternoon.
'Say hi to your mum for me'
(Im practising different sign off's - what do you think Aussies?)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
More pictures!
Cerrata Chocolate Factory.. waiting for our samples... mmmm
The Bead Musuem (the only in the world!) Artwork with real butterfly wings. (Couldnt do that anymore!)
Caroline is begging someone to take her out to ball game! (Note to team, i would have put my own picture in, but im sure my eyes were closed)
Jane's convertible.. travelling Arizona in windswept style. (Thats Carl driving, not Jane for those of you playing at home).
There has been so much happening.. Ill keep this brief as the girls are providing super descriptions so I just wanted to share some photos.
Go the A team! Day 6 tomorrow!
A pitcure tells a thousand words...or some at least!
Since Caroline has given you a verbal snapshot of today, I thought I would pretty it up with some images to put it all in perspective .
My ENORMOUS taco salad at Bitzee Mama's in downtown Glendale. I put the business card there for perspective , but even still, it doesnt come close to showing the sheer size of it. Needless to say, I didnt eat much of it, and after a while the taco started to collapse from the pressure of all the food. You don't go hungry here - it's all part of the hospitality!
The first rattlesnake sighting. Yep, we were scared!
The team , including Craig (from the Arizona Team that came to Australia and a member of the Phoenix 100 Rotary Club) and Jim (our driver for the week and an honorary member of the Glendale Kachina Rotary Club) listening intently to Marissa at the Cerreta Candy Company.
Tomorrow's agenda includes:
- Tour of Manistee Ranch
- Tour of the Xeriscape Garden (which Kirsty and I are very excited about - and planning to 'steal' some ideas from for use in our own gardens)
- Tour of the Historic Sahuaro Ranch
- Lunch at Westgate
- Tour of the
University of Phoenix Stadium (our universities would be shamed if they saw these stadiums!) - Tour of Cabela's - Michael and Andrew, by the looks of it, you would quite possibly die if you walked into this shop/store - a sportslovers heaven!
- Presentation to the Glendale West Rotary Club
We have 2 more days in Phoenix (& its lovely nearby surrounds that we have been exploring) before we head to Prescott.
Day 5, 44 more days for me to go and the benchmark has been set VERY VERY high!
Much love to everyone at home.
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