Friday, March 9 - Saturday, March 13
Phoenix: A Bustling Desert Metropolis
Trading the scenic red rocks of Sedona for the urban sprawl of Phoenix, Arizona's capital city, felt like entering a different world. The surrounding suburbs like Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa sprawl outwards, while a complex network of freeways weaves through the landscape.
Our first observation: the desert heat seems to translate to a looser interpretation of the speed limit. Motorcycles whizzed by us at alarming velocities of 120-130 mph, and even cars frequently raced by in excess of 100 mph, the old west is truly still alive.
The initial freeway frenzy was a baptism by fire! Thankfully, our trusty navigation system became our hero, expertly guiding us through the labyrinthine freeway interchanges and steering us onto the right course. Despite the initial chaos, we soon settled into our comfortable hotel in Mesa for a four-night stay, eager to explore the vibrant heart of Arizona.
Exploring the Sun City's Gems:
Phoenix offered us an array of experiences. Here are the highlights:
Desert Botanical Garden: This captivating outdoor space quickly became our favorite Phoenix attraction.
Heard Museum: While not Tom's personal favorite, the museum offered insights into the cultural heritage of the region.
Downtown Phoenix: A visit to the Arizona State Capitol provided a glimpse into the city's political heart. We also explored the Footprint Center, a must-see for an NBA fan in our group.
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve: This unique site offered a fascinating glimpse into the area's ancient past.
Blooming Marvels in the Desert: A Surprise at the Desert Botanical Garden
Confession time: I wouldn't exactly call myself a plant enthusiast. But the Desert Botanical Garden completely transformed my perspective on cacti and desert flora. Across 140 acres, this botanical exhibit was a must-see. Beyond the iconic cacti, the garden showcases a collection of desert plants from around the world, all thriving in the arid Arizona climate.
The vast array of desert plants goes far beyond cacti. I was impressed by blooming wildflowers, towering saguaros, and unique desert succulents. Oh, and the garden's butterfly exhibit was a delightful surprise. I almost took one home on my shoe.
Here are just a few of the 87 photos that I took while exploring the garden:
 A colorful view across just a section of the catus garden |
 Octopus Cactus |
 Yucca aloifolia, commonly known as the Spanish bayonet |
 The famous Shoe Monarch Butterfly |
 Golden Barrel Catus - with fruit |
 Woodpeckers peck holes in Saguaro Cactus for a nest |
Heard Museum: A Cultural Journey?
The Heard Museum: a Phoenix institution and a must-see on Becky's itinerary. While it wasn't exactly my interest, I soldiered through for the greater good.
In all seriousness, the Heard does offer a look at some of the artists and artistic heritage of the Southwest's indigenous people. From historical artifacts to contemporary works, there's a lot to explore.
Tip: If you're an art enthusiast or particularly interested in Native American culture, the Heard Museum is definitely worth a visit. For the rest of us, it might be a good place to just spend some time and chill.
 Yes, they have exhibits at the Heard |
 Now this is my type of exhibit! |
 They have great baskets on display |
 And, you can play with dolls |
A Taste of Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix might not offer the unique charm of some other Arizona destinations, but it provides a window into the bustling heart of the state capital.
Our downtown exploration included a stop at the Arizona State Capitol. We opted for a self-guided tour of the original building, now a museum that sheds light on Arizona's political past. After witnessing the (sometimes lively, mostly chaotic) workings of Arizona's state government, we ventured over to Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Suns basketball team.
Even though we haven't personally experienced the electrifying atmosphere of a Suns game live, we've witnessed glimpses of the passionate Phoenix fanbase through televised Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns matchups. The sleek, modern arena, nicknamed "The Valley's Footprint," exudes energy even from the television screen. Catching a Suns game is a quintessential Phoenix experience, and we can only imagine the roar of the crowd and the intensity of the game in person.
 Arizona Capitol |
 NBA Sun's home court |
A Step Back in Time: Exploring the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
For our final day in Phoenix, we explored the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve nestled amidst the Sonoran Desert landscape. It is an open-air museum showcasing the work of ancient peoples. A quarter-mile trail winds its way through the landscape with a black volcanic rock hillside bordering a valley.
These petroglyphs, etched directly onto rock faces at all heights on the hillside, offer a glimpse into the lives of the Hohokam, Patayan, and Archaic cultures who inhabited this region for thousands of years. While the exact meaning behind each symbol remains a mystery, they offer a powerful connection to the past. The petroglyphs are estimated to be between 500 and 5,000 years old.
Theories
Theories abound about the purpose of these petroglyphs. They may have served as a form of communication, recording stories, ceremonies, or even astronomical observations. Perhaps they held religious significance, serving as offerings or prayers etched in stone.
However, I have finally uncovered the true intent behind these elaborate markings. Just like in today's communities, where there are groups of youth that "tag" buildings and walls in their area with graffiti. It seems very probable that the same occurred here hundreds/thousands of years ago. I can hear the chief of the clan calling out "Hey Johny, stop defacing those rocks! You are going to give us a bad rep with future generations."
 This pile of volcanic rock has been here for millions of years |
 These petroglyphs are high up in this pile |
 Translation: this is my crib, stay away |
 "Who are you looking at?" |