Petrified Forest, AZ

Decided to day trip today to the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert.  Hadn't been out this way in quite some time.  

 Find it interesting that where we are in N. AZ was once a rain forest, just north of the Equator.  Apparently approximately where Costa Rica now lies.

 To look at the current landscape and think that it was once lush, green, with rivers, and lots of vegetation is mind boggling

 Some of the trees of the petrified forest

 Wondering how the petrification process happens?

 

 Antelope. 

 Petrified tree bridge.

 Telling us all about the local topography.  Personally wasn't so sure about this guy.  Seemed a bit shady.



Checking out the views.  So much vastness and open space. 

 And this is why I don't take selfies.  Well that and the fact that selfie part of my camera is broken.  I'm impressed you still have the glasses, Audra.

Reading the trail guide.

Ended the day with a quick stop in Holbrook.  Might have to come out and support the Wigwam Hotel some day.  

Saratoga Springs, New York

Last weekend I was off again to upstate NY for wedding number 2.  This time I had an opportunity to spend more time touring around Saratoga.

 

 I was fortunate that my hotel was right on Broadway and walking distance to many restaurants and shops. I endulged in a crepe at Ravenous and some delicious mac and cheese at Druthers, a local brewery

 Putnam Market.  This place was great.  I would definitely need the employee discount if I lived in Saratoga.  A plethora of spices, cheeses, oils, meats, desserts etc, etc. 

 The springs of Saratoga.  Here is a quick snapshot of the few of the springs of Saratoga I saw. 

Saratoga known for its horse races had several statutes of horses around town celebrating this event.  For what I hear the town just goes crazy for about 6weeks.  

And of course the wedding.  Held at the Hall of Saratoga. It was beautiful, fun, magical, and true all at the same time.  Everything one would want in a wedding.  Everyone had a great time dancing, and drinking, laughing and drinking, eating and drinking

 

 The first dance.  I'm happy to say that both these people are my friends

 my table.  Oh crap I don't know, what did I choose for my meal?

And reconnected with another ex-tufts RN.  Great catching up

 Saratoga winery held a pig roast feast the night after the wedding.  There was an artist making "sculptures" with a chainsaw, corn hole, live music, beers from a local brewery, and of course roasted pig. 

 Thanks Dwight and Diana for inviting me to take part in your special day. 

 

 

Lake George, NY

Took a quick trip to upstate NY for a wedding with mom and Kate.  The trip started out with some girl passing out in the lavatory onto the guys sitting next to me.  (yes, I had the coveted middle seat.  I know everyone is jealous).   Her saving grace.  Her pants were still up.  After the eventful flight and no sleep on the redeye we made a quick stop in Saratoga Springs.  My mom actually went to college here.  And had breakfast.

 Our breakfast spot.  Parkside Eatery.  And stuffed ourselves full with yummy food.

 Mom, standing at the sign of her Alma Mater.  She went here for a few years and then moved on.  Something about no boys...  I'm actually headed back this way in a week for another friends wedding.  So keeping my Saratoga segment short

 Then off to Lake George.  Just a quick trip up some Interstate in Upstate NY.  We had a great dinner overlooking the lake which is about 32 miles long

 And enjoyed walking up and down the main street.  Which boasted some interesting novelty shops, quite a few arcades, several putt putt courses, and a haunted house.  Being there for only one day I was unable to partake.

 The MiniHaha.

 Some pics from our ventures wandering by the lake

 The local wildlife. 

 And the wedding venue.  Absolutely gorgeous day out.  Warm, slight breeze, not humid.  Wasn't sure I was in NY. 

 We had fun dancing, and talking around the campfire later in the evening

 A few more pics of  the venue

the happy couple.  I did not get a good picture of them.  But, then again that's why they pay for a photographer.  I was too busy having fun.  Congrats Chris and Cara.

Tucson, AZ

 Ventured back to Southern AZ and the heat for the long Labor Day weekend.  It'd been a few years since I had been down that way and it was definitely nice to get back. 

 

 

 Our hotel was up in Marana about 20mins north of Tucson. Marana is definitely growing, but we stayed poolside and at the hotel for the majority of the stay, except one trip to Tucson to meet up with a friend for breakfast.

Definitely no complaints about that.  The pool although a bit chilled at first, felt great once you got in.  I got some pretty good runs down the water slide and we ended our days with a nice glass of wine while listening to a flute player the hotel employed each evening.

 The area is beautiful to explore.  We managed to get a walk in every morning before it got too hot and take in some beautiful desert sites

Saguaro Cacti

• the largest cacti in the US
• roots are only 4-6 inches deep
• can grow to be 60ft tall and weigh 4800lbs
• is found in the Sonora Desert (AZ and Mexico)
• live to be about 200yrs old





 

A saguaro after it has died.  The "ribs" can be used for furniture, roofs, fences.  Wonder how long this one was there.   Did 200 years of history walk past this guy?

After our morning walks we had complimentary breakfast.  And not just a yogurt and an orange with a bowl of  Cheerios.  These breakfasts were great with lots of options.  Reminded me of breakfast when I have traveled in Europe.  Then down to the pool

where we lounged for hours.

 

 

 

And then evenings enjoying a nice dinner outside.  I didn't get any great sunset pics, but they never disappoint . We always ate at their restaurants.  My most interesting, daring meal a PB&J Burger.  Yup, it is exactly what it sounds like.  A burger with peanut butter and jelly on the bun.  Nope, I'm not pregnant and yup, it was good.

A great trip.