The Camelback Walk is a multi use path that meanders thru the parks, under roads, along the golf courses, lakes and communities of Scottsdale. It was designed to support the water flow of a hundred year flood, creating for us the wonderful open spaces to enjoy.
Things to do in Arizona
Spring is in the air
Spring is here! Our first Daffodil is in bloom! I love this time of year. We have trees starting to bloom (not the greatest for allergy sufferers) flowers popping up, and everything starts growing like mad. It is also time for Spring Training. For baseball fans, it is one more joy of living here in Arizona.
Arizona is home of the Cactus League . The Cactus League has 12 major league baseball teams in their training schedule. Scottsdale’s Stadium is the spring training grounds of the San Francisco Giants who’s first game starts Feb 28th against the Chicago Cubs .
Going on in Scottsdale
Winter has arrived up north, the holidays are all over, and people are ready to come visit Scottsdale and Arizona. I think January is one of our busiest months of the year. Especially this year.
January 12 – 20th is the Barret Jackson car auction.
January 13th is the PF Chang’s Rock and Roll Marathon.
January 28 – February 3rd is the FBR Open, formerly known as the Phoenix Open.
and on the day the FBR ends we have Superbowl XLII Sunday February 3rd here in the Valley of the Sun. With lots of parties and happenings in Scottsdale as well. Be sure to check out the Guide for Superbowl week in Scottsdale, and the Scottsdale Events Calendar to be sure you catch all you can while here.
McCormick Ranch Wreath Kits from the POA
Christmas Wreath Kits from the McCormick Ranch Property Owners Association are now available. This is the 25th year the POA has been doing wreath kits. The kits are avilable starting on December 12th. All McCormick Ranch residents are invited to come by the Association office at 9248 N 94th Street (east of Pima Rd, South of Via Linda at the end of 94th Street on the west corner).
They provide the fresh cut juniper and pine as well as pine cones and the tube frame as well as instructions. Assembly is easy, well lets call it simple. Be sure to bring your gloves.
I got started with the basics and had a bare spot where I placed my pine cones. All I need now is a pretty red bow. Have fun, and get creative!
6 Public Hikes set for December
SCOTTSDALE – The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy ends its fall schedule with six free public hikes in December.
Some of the hikes are on the newly opened trails on the west side of the McDowell Mountains.
All the hikes are led by experienced conservancy guides, who often stop to discuss the desert environment and answer questions from hikers.
Hikers should bring ample water and wear sturdy, covered shoes or boots. Hats, sunscreen and snacks are suggested.
No reservations are required. All hikes begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
For detailed directions to the meeting places visit the web site www.mcdowellsonoran.org or call 480-998-7971, ext. 100.
December’s hikes
Saturday – Scenic Trail – A 4.8-mile foothills loop in McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers unique mountain views. Mild inclines only. About 3 hours. Meet at the Trailhead Staging Area lot about 3 miles into the park off McDowell Mountain Road, which is the extension of Fountain Hill Boulevard at the north end of Fountain Hills, about 7.5 miles north of Shea Boulevard. There is a $5-per-car entry fee to the park.
Sunday – Ironwood Wash – A 7.5-mile round trip with a 800-foot elevation gain past a mountainside quartz outcropping into a high wash lined with large ironwood trees. The climbing is on gradual grades. About 4 hours. Meet at the parking lot southwest of McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and 104th Street.
Dec. 8 – Cactus Trail – A 3.2-mile loop along Little Granite Mountain past some of the finest stands of saguaro cactus anywhere. A few steep places but mild inclines otherwise. Allow about 2 1/2 hours. Meet at the north end of Alma School Road, north of Dynamite Boulevard.
Dec. 9 – Wingate-Bell Loop – The main trail in the new Gateway Area is a rugged, 11-mile trek through Windgate Pass and Bell Pass that involves more than 2,000 feet of climbing. Excellent East Valley and interior-mountain views. For very hardy hikers. Allow about 5 1/2 hours. Meet at the parking lot southwest of McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and 104th Street.
Dec. 15 – Desert Ecology Hike – Learn how deserts are formed and maintained in a 5-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation gain on the Quartz Trail. Grades are not steep. Allow about 3 hours. Meet at the parking lot southwest of McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and 104th Street.
Dec. 16 – Cathedral Rocks – A 5.5-mile loop to a striking rock formation that appears to have been a gathering place for ancient people more than 500 years ago. Mild inclines only. Allow about 3 hours. Meet at the north end of Alma School Road, north of Dynamite Boulevard.
This article can be found on the Arizona Republic website www.azcentral.com
Mighty Mud Mania
Mark you calendar! Friday July 27th.
Mighty Mud Mania – Bring your kids, or come and VOLUNTEER! Plan on lots of play, fun and cooling off in the mud. The event was started by Shout pre-wash treatment, but when the mud was too much for their product, they canceled the event. Scottsdale however kept it going.
Participation is FREE, just bring a no-perishable food item to donate to Vista del Camino Food Bank.
Where to go? Chaparral Park
Check out the City of Scottsdale website for all the details.
Have fun and plan on getting dirty!
