Let’s start with the “Highlight of the week”. Dana had a birthday! On March 13, 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson began in the United States Senate. And, on March 13, 2011 Dana had a birthday. We celebrated with that all American food, Bacon! Yes Madelyn, Bacon and French Toast for breakfast. Also, real Canadian maple syrup. The rest of the day included bird watching, with new Nikon binoculars. (reports are that they are fabulous!). In the evening, after some badly needed pool time, Mike and Darlene joined us for dinner at El Charro mexican restaurant in downtown Mesa. It was an excellent meal. We adjourned to Mike and Darlene’s for tea and birthday ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Okay, let’s talk cycling. Last week saw Barry put in 7 hours in the saddle. This was down from the 10 hours from the previous week but the 7 hours were “quality” hours. Hill repeats and intervals. This past week also saw Dana put in her longest ride, 50 kms.
Let’s talk about the weather. This past week has been outstanding. Average daytime high, 80F. A few days in the mid 80s. What is great about this time of year is that it cools down in the late evening. The morning low temp is between 52 and 55F. Sleeping is not a problem. What is a challenge is getting in a decent ride in the morning before the temperature goes above 80F. Not a bad problem to have.
This past week we visited South Mountain Park. This is the largest municipal park in the U.S.A. It covers 46,000 acres. One feature that is interesting is the road that climbs 10km from the entrance to the peak. (I can’t wait to cycle this hill....). The day we were there we hiked one of the trails, about 4 miles, and were able to see the entire Valley of the Sun.
On Wednesday afternoon we took in a guided Desert Wildflower walk at Usery Mountain park. The park Ranger was very knowledgeable about desert flowers and we learned a lot about the beauty of the desert.
On Friday Dana and Darlene took in the Arizona Quilt Show in downtown Mesa. 400 quilts, more than 30 vendors. (Dana provided this info. I have no idea what this means.......).
Throughout the week we stayed in touch with our Canadian roots by watching the Brier on TV. Hat’s off to Jeff Stoughton for his inspiring win over the Glen Howard rink from Ontario. All the best to Jeff and the boys at the World’s to be played in Regina in early April.
These were some of the highlights from the past week. Pheuff! What a week it was. In deferrance to our family and friends back home, I have left out mentioning the many hours of pool time and tanning. It just seems wrong to go on, and on, and on about how much sunshine and hot sun we are enjoying...... oops... Enjoy the pictures!
View if the Valley of the Sun from the historic 1930's CCC building at Dobbins Lookout on South Mountain.
Dobbins Lookout at South Mountain Park.
Madelyn, this one's for you. The All American Birthday Breakfast.
One of the 400 quilts on display at the Arizona Quilt Show in Mesa.
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