The next day I started out at the Heard Museum in Phoenix which focuses on the native peoples of the Southwest. It contains historic and contemporary artifacts, as well as art exhibits. Heard offers free tours throughout the day so I had to take one. The guide took us around the museum and showed us various items like baskets, kachina dolls, and traditional dress, explaining the significance of the pieces. The guide even recommended places I should go to in the area…if only I had more time!
The outside area had works by different native sculptures, and a monument to the natives that have served in the military. I was struck by the beautiful poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye and glad I took a photograph of it. The store has a great selection of jewelry that I could only window shop. Heard is a great place to spend time learning more about the native peoples of the Southwest, as well as viewing some great artwork.
We had lunch at the Barrio Queen in Scottsdale. The guacamole was made in front of me, and had pomegranate seeds in it, which gave it an amazing flavor! My friend was pregnant so no drinks for us. The decor is great since it is done in the Day of the Dead style, which really appeals to me. One day I will go to Mexico for the celebration. I also had tacos at the Barrio Queen and they were great too. I also recommend Scottsdale if you want silver jewelry since there are so many shops with so many beautiful pieces…
We drove around the area so I could see Camelback Mountain, which does look like a camel, and after to Pinnacle Peak. Pinnacle Peak is a granite summit that has trails you can hike, but you have to climb to get to the top. We walked around for a little so I could continue to soak up the landscape, but I did not climb to the top. I’m a hiker, not a rock climber. Walking around does make one hungry so we went to this amazing local burrito place for dinner, Los Favoritos. We have great Mexican restaurants in Chicago, so I am picky, but this place was delicious! My mouth is watering just writing about it.
Later that evening in Apache Junction, we built a fire and watched the sunset. You could hear the coyotes since they roam the area. Wine and great conversation followed, along with a full moon, which all together made it a great evening. I am really happy I had the opportunity to stay in Apache Junction since it felt so much more isolated and rugged…there are people there that still ride horses to get around.
The next day I visited the Desert Botanical Garden to see the different plants and flowers of Arizona. It’s a beautiful place to walk around. I’d also love to come for one of the concerts they host. When I was there, they had a special Day of the Dead exhibit with altars made by local artists. As I mentioned, I’m fascinated by Dias del los Muertos. The garden has a great collection of cacti and agave…as well as all kinds of beautiful landscape that you can walk around and photograph.
I’m a fan of cacti and desert plants. It’s a beautiful place to spend a couple hours if you like gardens and enjoy conservatories.
I drove to Canyon Lake since I had heard it is another must see spot. The lake was formed after the Mormon Flat Damn was constructed in the 1920s. The drive isn’t easy (I normally don’t drive through mountains), but worth it. It is a campground so you can camp there. I kept pulling over since there was so many beautiful views…it is a photographer’s dream! I drove as far as I could then spent some time taking it in. I’m glad I went later in the day so I got to watch the sun setting. It was the perfect way to end the day!