Renaissance Glendale Hotel And Spa

... visiting. It's great to see an old friend with a great family, but it also makes you reflect. It was the first time I really got to play with and study a two year old. And now I know why they say an angel watches over all small children. <br>Erin and I have decided to make our visits more frequent in the future.

... footed in the Pacific Northwest, you don't think about where your water comes from. And reclaimed water? Yucky.<br>But here in the desert reclaimed water is what makes the golf possible. And in Arizona, golf is king.<br>Water courses through Phoenix like an Oregon holiday--wet and extravagant. I cringe to see man made ponds, lakes, waterfalls and rivers in this desert decorate developments like baubles on a tree.<br>But when you know they've ...

... sunbelt section of Arizona and California. We've arrived a bit early - the true snowbirds head south after Christmas - but all the same I have to have a plan and we will need reservations at most places. <br><br>We will be staying mostly at membership parks. These require even more planning since you can only make your reservations a certain number of days ahead of time. So, here's where you can find us this 'season'<br><br>11/15/2009 - Manteca ...

Hiking in Phoenix twists your mind. Because you actually hike IN the city. But not in the city like down city streets--you're in nature preserves that wrap you in solitude, surround you with desolation, and thrill you with singular beauty. All this while being actually very close to the congestion and stress of the city you're escaping.<br><br>We hiked up Lost Dog Wash Trail in the McDowell-Sonoran Preserve ...

... Lauren ha the ipod playing. We also did coach introductions where you had to tell the coach about the person sitting net to you which was fun. We stayed at the Marriott which was great. Scottsdale is like the stereotypical cowboy/dessert town with seats made from old wagons and cactus's everywhere, felt almost like going back in time. Dinner was at a Greek restaurant where they were quick to get ...

We started our trip from Tempe, Arizona (see how we currently lived there). Our goal was to find a new life and our destination was the south-west, southeast, and notrth-east sections of the United States.<br><br>So it was time to say our 'Good byes.'

... and sound. Princess, our young cat, walked slowly out to greet us and could hardly believe what she was seeing. I found Meemo (older cat) in John's living chair and when I called to him, he jumped up and ran to me, chirping his happiness all the way. This was a fun trip. We enjoyed new vistas and experiences, enjoyed great weather and are happy to share our adventures with you.

After Tombstone we went o Arizona Mills ( a 3 hour drive, but on the way to Glendale) for a 'shop till you drop' expierence. Our last day in Arizona, we stay - again - at Larry's place in Glendale, Phoenix. Larry took us for dinner to his favourite Mexican joint 'Popo's. De margarita's were delicious, the food came in enourmous portions yet was very good. Afterwards we had - again - a nice chat with Larry.

... as much as we desired seeing a mountain lion, I think we were somewhat relieved to have reached the base without seeing one. Before we departed, the ranger advised us that two hikers not too long ago realized they were being stalked by one in the park. Yikes. It was a glorious hike (see photos) with temps in the 40's and very little wind which is unusual. Afterwards, we headed to Carlsbad Caverns which for some reason we had set fairly low ...