Day 44-Wed, 11 Feb 09-Surprise to Stafford, Arix
Photos: Arizona landscapes.
What we might be missing in high temperatures, we are getting in the most wonderful driving sights. Because we’ve driven this area before, we decided to take ‘the road less traveled’ and stay off the interstate. After checking the map, we decided we would take the loop around Phoenix and then go east on Hwys 60 & 70. It turned out to be another major visual memory for this trip.
As we approached the distant mountain range in front of us, we could see it had a fair amount of snow coverage. Within an hour, we were steadily climbing that range and by the time we got to 4000 ft elevation at Superior, Arizona, there was a good covering on the ground. The sun was warm but the high elevation means it will stay on the ground a bit longer than usual. The cactus looks a bit strange covered in snow but they are all so big I doubt it does much damage.
We realized we were zig-zagging across the top of these mountains as the elevation stayed at 2700-3700 ft for most of the day. Some of the views were incredible and I think my neck is sore from constantly whipping my head back and forth to take in the gorgeous scenery.
There were a number of small towns along the way. Miami was at the 3700 ft elevation level and is a big mining community. This whole area of Western Arizona is the main copper mining producer in North America and it was easy to see the effects 60+ years of mining has had on the landscape. New mining techniques mean that contaminated water is used, re-used, and re-used again which I’m guessing is necessary in a State that gets so little rain, however the entire landscape has been changed digging the pit mines.
This whole stretch of highway is called the ‘Old West Highway’ and I need to do some internet research to find out why but suspect it was a viable route through the mountains (there, research done).
While I would liked to have gone up to the Grand Canyon area, the freezing temperatures and huge snowfall they just had prevented any trips North of where we were in Surprise. Flagstaff, near Sadona & the Grand Canyon had gotten so much snow the day before that it was virtually shut down.
We are staying in a lovely Comfort Inn tonight…I think I looked so pathetic the girl at the desk gave us a real deal on a mini-suite so it will be a bathtub soak tonight with all the trimmings and a little more stretch room in bed! We will cross in to Nevada tomorrow and then on to Texas. We did look to see what rentals were available in the resort where we stayed last night but they were just too pricey for us….that’s why it’s a ‘resort’ I guess. We both want to spend some time in Texas and Florida so considering the past 6 weeks have flown by, it’s no doubt time to be heading east again. California was an unplanned destination that we are so glad we did but there is still lots to see and do yet and we do have to remember we’ve got to head North at some point.
Love to the cousins and thanks for being such devoted ‘bloggies’. Until next time, love and hugs to my boys & girls, and to all of you. xx
As we approached the distant mountain range in front of us, we could see it had a fair amount of snow coverage. Within an hour, we were steadily climbing that range and by the time we got to 4000 ft elevation at Superior, Arizona, there was a good covering on the ground. The sun was warm but the high elevation means it will stay on the ground a bit longer than usual. The cactus looks a bit strange covered in snow but they are all so big I doubt it does much damage.
We realized we were zig-zagging across the top of these mountains as the elevation stayed at 2700-3700 ft for most of the day. Some of the views were incredible and I think my neck is sore from constantly whipping my head back and forth to take in the gorgeous scenery.
There were a number of small towns along the way. Miami was at the 3700 ft elevation level and is a big mining community. This whole area of Western Arizona is the main copper mining producer in North America and it was easy to see the effects 60+ years of mining has had on the landscape. New mining techniques mean that contaminated water is used, re-used, and re-used again which I’m guessing is necessary in a State that gets so little rain, however the entire landscape has been changed digging the pit mines.
This whole stretch of highway is called the ‘Old West Highway’ and I need to do some internet research to find out why but suspect it was a viable route through the mountains (there, research done).
While I would liked to have gone up to the Grand Canyon area, the freezing temperatures and huge snowfall they just had prevented any trips North of where we were in Surprise. Flagstaff, near Sadona & the Grand Canyon had gotten so much snow the day before that it was virtually shut down.
We are staying in a lovely Comfort Inn tonight…I think I looked so pathetic the girl at the desk gave us a real deal on a mini-suite so it will be a bathtub soak tonight with all the trimmings and a little more stretch room in bed! We will cross in to Nevada tomorrow and then on to Texas. We did look to see what rentals were available in the resort where we stayed last night but they were just too pricey for us….that’s why it’s a ‘resort’ I guess. We both want to spend some time in Texas and Florida so considering the past 6 weeks have flown by, it’s no doubt time to be heading east again. California was an unplanned destination that we are so glad we did but there is still lots to see and do yet and we do have to remember we’ve got to head North at some point.
Love to the cousins and thanks for being such devoted ‘bloggies’. Until next time, love and hugs to my boys & girls, and to all of you. xx
posted by Lynne @ 6:49 PM
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