More Sightseeing

I must thank the Chamber of Commerce for the great temps during my mom's visit. Just as she leaves, we'll be headed back into the 90s (where I like them), so all is well.

We've been to the Cave Creek Carefree Days Festival (art show - photos from Magic Bird Festivals)



We've hiked part of the Kovach and Lost Dog trails on the Scottsdale side of the McDowell's.



The reason for the "part" is because there are painful little cactus burrs on the trails, which you might not realize until you have a little dog who finally refuses to walk in protest. Could you blame him?

Of course, we hiked the Overlook trail high behind the fountain (and the path around the fountain).



We've visited the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum just outside Tucson. We got a little lost when the GPS seemingly led us astray (there are no signs to the place until you're practically on top of it). It's worth the drive just for the views once you get there.

Yes, there are trails, so more hiking - yay!

Despite the grounds' map, it's rather confusing getting around this place, but you eventually hit everything. I love how the enclosures blend in with the surroundings.



I mean, how cool is this?

Another rare photo of my whole body, as opposed to just a discombobulated head in a selfie (

Like my halo? My hair was wigging out in the wind, hence
a little editing.

The museum specializes in fauna and flora found in Arizona, so has things like mountain lions, coatimundis, ocelots, bears, etc. They weren't that easy to see in the enclosures, so you may be disappointed when you don't actually see anything. A couple of the animals definitely seemed very agitated (bored perhaps), so that was a little concerning. There are programs that involve play; maybe they should implement them more often. The big horn sheep were looking at home, at least.




There were even a few animal guests not part of the display as a bonus. It kind of looks like he's singing opera, doesn't it? Fi-ga-ro!

Our favorite part is the hummingbird aviary. We both remembered more birds flitting around on our last visit, but maybe it was selective memory. Can you see the one in the nest?



At the end is a little aquarium (off the gift shop) with some not-so-native occupants.



It makes for a longish day, but we always think it's worth it. Mom got to spend an extra day and a half here when her early flight got delayed and turned into a late next-day flight. Too bad her luggage didn't get the memo. Oh well, there are worse places to have to unexpectedly extend a trip even without clean underwear.