Saturday 3/5/11

Karen loaded up the pickup with her bike and headed north to Cave Creek and Carefree, AZ where she visited Firecreek Coffee Company for a pre ride cup of Java fire roasted in Cave Creek. This was the place to be on a beautiful Saturday mid-winter to enjoy the golden sunshine of Arizona.  Art fairs, motorcycle groups, bikers, and boaters heading to nearby Bartlett dam were all congregating in this town on the outer fringe of Scottsdale. A quick stop at the Flat Tire Bike shop helped Karen choose her bike route for the day.  Bike shop worker, Crystal , had a route in mind that was scenic and interesting and away from the traffic. Within the first mile a group of 6 cyclists came along and Karen rode with them until they turned south to head home.  They were friendly, haling from Texas, Philadelphia and Michigan.  It is always fun to meet new friends on the road! From the photo below you can see the road was not well travelled. Solo once again, Karen headed toward Seven Springs Campground area where the pavement ended.  Wyoming's state slogan is well understood here in Arizona also: "Where the pavement ends, the west begins".

Beautiful desert flowers in bloom!

"The long and winding road" Beatles song came to mind as Karen pedaled along this stretch of open road. Thankfully, Karen had plenty of water as there were no places to stop! There were just a few friendly waves from passing motorcycle riders, and horse and boat trailer drivers.

Peace and quiet on this bike ride... just Karen and the bike and lots of wide open spaces!

Riding some of the roads around Carefree's town center was entertaining as Karen read the names of the streets: Easy Street, Ho Hum Road, Nonchalant, Sundial Circle, Tranquil Trail and Rising Sun.  It is no wonder this is such a popular place to live and play! After the 25 mile ride Karen popped into the popular spot, Big Earls Greasy Eats, for a ham and cheese sandwich.  OK, not the healthiest place to eat but it was awfully good!



Karen dropped a $20 bill in the ladies rest room and a lady tracked her down to return the money.  Nice folks in these parts!

While traveling back to the hotel in Scottsdale, Karen passed by the Heard Museum North in time to tour the American Indian exhibits and gardens. This is a smaller museum than the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix.  The collection of Hopi Katsina Dolls, Navaho, Tohono O'odham (people of the desert) and Apache baskets were highlights.  The jewelry, ceramics, textiles, elaborate beadwork and ceremonial dress of the Indians were inspiring as well. Just before closing time Karen had a chance to wander through the gardens of the Museum. The Zuni Girl with the pot on her head was just beautful with the cactus and desert flora surrounding her.

  

Karen purchased a Native American Book of Wisdom from the Museum's gift shop for her niece, Rachel.   Rachel has recently won her middle school and county website historical research project, and is now up for the state award in Florida.  Her project focused on the Cherokee Indian Nation, and the Trail of Tears. Yeah Rachel! A selection from the book from the Sioux Indian Nation was appropriate for time spent in this quiet desert garden: "The earth is your grandmother and mother, and she is sacred.  Every step that is taken upon her should be as a prayer."
Cam spent the day learning more about the CEREC machine and technoligical wizardy!  Not a bad looking place to go for classes! After Cam had some study time after a full day of lab and classes, we had another pleasant dinner outside at P.F. Changs.