Queen Creek Daily Photo

Oak Creek Canyon

2010-09-20T09:28:00.002-07:00

Oak Creek Canyon is beautiful. I think I may head up there when the leaves start changing color.

Pondering the Canyon

2010-09-15T06:48:00.003-07:00

I like this photo of my husband looking out over the Grand Canyon because it puts the size of the Grand Canyon into perspective (somewhat) and because it shows him sitting on the side of it. There are places you can actually come right up to the edge, which is actually kind of scary, and I like that this photo shows that (but I don't like the idea of him sitting on the edge and possibly slipping--don't misunderstand that!). Every year, several people are either hurt or die as a result of falling into the canyon.

Bears and More

2010-09-13T09:29:00.003-07:00

Caitlin Court in Glendale has beautiful historic homes, many of which have been turned into boutiques and restaurants. Who can resist the big teddy bear on the porch of Bears and More?

Beads anyone?

2010-09-10T09:32:00.003-07:00

The Bead Museum in Glendale has more than 100,000 beads and beaded artifacts, like this beaded jaguar's head from South America.

Yes, they bite!

2010-09-09T10:56:00.003-07:00

About an hour south of Queen Creek, near Piccacho Peak, there's an ostrich farm/petting zoo. If you've never been up close and personal with an ostrich before (or if you have kids), it's worth the stop. You'll be able to feed the ostrich, deer, and birds. I think there's also a "big truck" ride that takes you out into the desert. You can also purchase ostrich souvenirs like dusters made from ostrich feathers and ostrich egg shells.

Big Nose Kate's

2010-09-08T08:52:00.003-07:00

Anyone who has seen the movies Tombstone or Wyatt Earp knows about Big Nose Kate, Doc Holliday's girlfriend. Her name graces this restaurant in Tombstone.

Biosphere 2

2010-09-07T06:37:00.003-07:00

In 1991, four men and four women sealed themselves into a $150 million science project called Biosphere 2. (Biosphere 1 is the Earth.) Their goal was to spend two years in an airtight, self-contained environment, growing their own food and recycling their air and water. The experiment didn't go exactly as planned--an unusually cloudy year resulted in reduced photosynthesis, and oxygen from outside needed to be pumped in. Still, the Biosphere 2 is considered a modern engineering wonder.

Montezuma Castle

2010-09-01T04:16:00.002-07:00

I'm going through some of my favorite travel photos. This is one from Montezuma Castle, ruins left by the ancient Sinqua people. Apparently, soldiers from nearby Fort Verde thought (wrongly so) that these cliff dwellings were part of Montezuma's empire, and hence the name "Montezuma Castle" stuck.

Arizona Sugar Company

2010-08-30T08:51:00.003-07:00

During my visit to Glendale on Friday, I learned that the giant brick building at 51st and Glendale avenues is an old sugar beet factory. W.J. Murphy organized the Arizona Sugar Company to raise sugar beets and built this factory in 1906 to process them. The factory closed in 1913. Since, the building has served as a production facility for Squirt soda concentrate and soy sauce, but has remained vacant since 1986. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Oatman

2010-08-25T10:02:00.003-07:00

I love Oatman, so much so that friends tease me about it. But, what's not to love? The adorable burros pictured here were abandoned when the mine closed. Today, they have the right of way in this town along Route 66 in Arizona. You can have your picture taken with them and even feed them, but beware: they are wild and do kick and bite!

Sunset

2010-08-24T08:49:00.001-07:00

I took this last night at the base of the San Tan Mountains in Queen Creek.

Kitt Peak

2010-08-23T09:38:00.002-07:00

I wrote a blog post (http://www.arizonatravelandadventure.com/) about Kitt Peak National Observatory today. It's one of my favorite things to do in Arizona although I can't really put my finger on why.

Hot Air

2010-08-20T06:57:00.003-07:00

I love the balloons from Hot Air Expeditions with their cactus design! I took this photo a few years ago when I got to ride in one of the two that went up that morning.

White Dove of the Desert

2010-08-19T09:06:00.004-07:00

I took this photo a few years ago of Mission San Xavier del Bac, but I doubt it's changed much. The mission, also referred to as "The White Dove of the Desert," has been undergoing renovations for years now. Unfortunately, though, I believe there's funding problems, and this portion of it still needs repairs.

San Xavier is located just south of Tucson. It is one of the missions founded by Father Kino.

Thanks for the Rain

2010-08-17T08:43:00.002-07:00

I was going through some old photos, and this one struck a chord. Thanks for the Rain by Joe Beeler is located in downtown Wickenburg. Ironically, we haven't had much rain this monsoon season, but maybe if a little thanks in advance might do the trick. There's a slight chance of storms tonight.

Hotel Vendome

2010-08-16T08:50:00.002-07:00

Here's another Prescott photo. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Hotel Vendome was built in 1917. At the time, it was advertised as an "attractive small hotel with 30 rooms and 16 baths, wide verandas upstairs and down, attractive lobby, hot and cold water in all rooms, night and day phone services with buzzers in all rooms..."

The Vendome has an interesting past. Sometime around 1920, a woman sick with consumption either owned or managed the hotel. One day, she sent her husband out to get medication and he never returned. Distraught, she locked herself and her cat in Room 16 and refused to eat, drink or come out. Today, Abby reportedly haunts Hotel Vendome. She and her cat are reportedly friendly, and Room 16 is the most popular room with visitors.

Masons in Prescott

2010-08-13T09:29:00.004-07:00

Just to mix things up a bit, I thought I'd post this photo of the Masonic Temple in Prescott. After we visited Arcosanti a few weeks ago, we spent some time in Prescott. Masonic buildings have such interesting architecture, I think.

Fenders

2010-08-12T14:00:00.003-07:00

This is part of the Fender guitar display at the Musical Instrument Museum.

Zydeco

2010-08-11T08:33:00.003-07:00

This is a frottoir or scrapper from the zydeco display at the Musical Instrument Museum. I really enjoyed watching and listening to these performers. In fact, I lingered here longer than many of the other displays. I think it was the lively, upbeat music that did it.

See and Hear

2010-08-10T06:36:00.004-07:00

The technology they use at the Musical Instrument Museum makes visiting worthwhile. You get headphones and a receiver as you enter, so when you approach a display, like this one, you can see and hear an instrument being played. Same goes for distinct styles of music or geographical regions. So, if you approach a jazz display, you'll see video of jazz performances and, of course, hear the accompanying music. If you approach a display on the music of Tibet, you'll see and hear Tibetan musicians.

For more information on the museum, check out the Arizona Travel and Adventure blog I maintain with two other writers. We'll be blogging about the Musical Instrument Museum throughout the week: http://arizonatravelandadventure.com/?p=623.

Trumpet

2010-08-09T11:07:00.002-07:00

I have more Arcosanti photos, but I'm going to break it up a little with some photos from the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. I went for the first time yesterday and had a blast. Way more than you can possibly see in a day!

For Stargazers

2010-08-05T08:49:00.004-07:00

I know...Arcosanti is getting a bit old, but I had to include this photo. Architect Paolo Soleri planted the tall cypress trees in the background to remind him of his native Italy. I'm not sure what the purpose of the column is, but note how the stairs are NOT at 90 degree angles. They actually recline so you can sit on them after dark and watch the stars.

Architecture at Arcosanti

2010-08-03T08:41:00.004-07:00

I love the lines and architecture of Arcosanti. That, plus the gorgeous blue sky had me a bit camera crazy that day. Wish I had more time on the tour for photographs...

Above is a picture of the common area roof, two semi-circle concrete structures. I've included a picture below to give you a better idea of how it looks.

Sleds

2010-08-02T09:45:00.004-07:00

During our tour of Arcosanti, I noticed these sleds on the stairway. The irony? Not only was there no snow, but it was over 100 degree that day!

Figs

2010-07-30T08:49:00.002-07:00

Arcosanti grows much of their own produce onsite. On our tour, we saw apricots, olives, grapes and tomatoes.

Bronze shop dome

2010-07-27T09:49:00.002-07:00

This is the dome roof of the bronze shop, where workers create bronze Soleria Windbells.

Ceramics Dome

2010-07-26T11:48:00.005-07:00

Yesterday, we visited Arcosanti, an "experiment in urban living," about 50 miles north of Phoenix. Designed by Paolo Soleri, this urban development demonstrates how people can reduce human impact on the environment by living in a compact, highly-integrated community. Although it was meant to be the home of 5,000, Arcosanti has rarely had more than 100 inhabitants.

This photo shows the dome where inhabitants make ceramic bells. Soleri is known worldwide for his ceramic and bronze Windbells.

Houseboat at Sunset

2010-07-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

An experienced skier

2010-07-16T12:16:00.002-07:00

Learning to Ski

2010-07-15T07:12:00.001-07:00

Kids' skis and a shovel for the sand

2010-07-14T12:39:00.001-07:00

Quads

2010-07-13T11:44:00.001-07:00

Parker Dam

2010-07-12T23:26:00.002-07:00

Not too exciting but Parker Dam created Lake Havasu...

Water tube fun

2010-07-09T10:21:00.001-07:00

London Bridge

2010-07-08T12:58:00.001-07:00

Boats going through the channel under the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. (Yes, it's the "real" London Bridge, moved bring by bring to Arizona in the 70s.)

Antelope Canyon 2

2010-06-29T07:18:00.003-07:00

I've included people in this photo to get a little perspective. In some parts of the canyon, you can stretch out your hands and touch both sides.

Antelope Canyon

2010-06-28T11:03:00.002-07:00

You need a Navajo guide to get to Antelope Canyon, just a few miles from Lake Powell. The good news is the guides are very easy to find in nearby Page or at the entrance to the canyon.

Water slide

2010-06-11T13:03:00.003-07:00

I wish I had taken this photo a split second faster, but it's still kind of fun. He's flying off the slide on the back of the houseboat.

Lake Powell Houseboat

2010-06-08T06:09:00.001-07:00

Horseshoe Bend Overlook

2010-06-07T08:20:00.004-07:00

If you've paged through any Arizona guidebook, you've seen this exact shot of the Colorado River. I hiked to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook on Friday to take this one. Horseshoe Bend is located just south of Lake Powell, near the Arizona-Utah border.

Flowers of the Palo Verde

2010-06-02T10:17:00.001-07:00

Cardboard box destroyer!

2010-06-01T10:14:00.002-07:00

My dog, Charlie, loves to rip apart cardboard boxes, especially soda boxes. As soon as he hears you unloading soda or trying to break down one of the boxes, he'll run up, steal the box out of your hand, and run around trying to keep it from you. When he gets tired, he rips it apart and leaves the mess, of course!

Phoenix from the Superstitions

2010-05-28T09:02:00.002-07:00

In the foreground, you see pools of water along a trail leading from Gold Canyon Ranch into the Superstition Mountains. In the background is Phoenix.

Almost pool weather

2010-05-25T10:20:00.002-07:00

It's almost time to jump in the pool again, so I brought this photo from last year out to celebrate the upcoming season!

Our Lady, Part 2

2010-05-24T08:57:00.003-07:00

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2010-05-21T12:47:00.004-07:00

A few months ago, I posted a photo of the old Catholic Church on Ocotillo. I don't think I ever published a picture of it's newer counterpart, Our Lady of Guadalupe, located across the street. I tried to find some history about the congregation, but on their Website, it is said they were still in the process of writing the history of the parish. I'm not sure if that means a book or just something for the Website.

Rabbits

2010-05-20T11:32:00.004-07:00

These rabbits came to nibble on the grass in the shade of my yard yesterday. I was very curious about what happened to the one rabbit, his ears are so tattered. (I wish the lighting had been better.)

Quads

2010-05-19T10:27:00.002-07:00

Nothing too exciting today....just two quads after our ride through Bull Dog Canyon.

Bull Dog Canyon

2010-05-17T08:59:00.003-07:00

Bull Dog Canyon is located north of Queen Creek, just south of the Salt River. It's great for four wheeling, riding ORVs, horseback riding, hiking or biking, but you need a permit from the local ranger station.

Some treasure hunters believe that the Lost Dutchman's Mine is actually located here, in Bull Dog Canyon, not in the Superstitions.

Abandoned RV

2010-05-14T08:38:00.004-07:00

I've had this photo for a long time and haven't published it because it's unsightly. But, right there, at the base of the San Tan Mountains, there's this abandoned RV with broken windows.

Crane

2010-05-13T11:02:00.002-07:00

Last of the bird photos...

Duck

2010-05-12T07:03:00.004-07:00

Continuing the bird theme...a duck from the Gilbert Riparian Institute

Creepy bird

2010-05-11T08:33:00.002-07:00

I don't know what type of bird this is, but I think he is a little creepy looking. He's another one I saw while trying to find a letterbox at the Gilbert Riparian Institute last weekend.

Geese

2010-05-10T19:51:00.003-07:00

Goose "family" walking on a dry lake bed at the Gilbert Riparian Institute...The water had been drained from the lakes for one reason or another

Flowers

2010-05-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tulips

2010-05-06T17:29:00.002-07:00

New York 3

2010-05-05T10:18:00.002-07:00

30 Rock: It was great to see some of the iconic places that appear so often on TV and film, like the Atlas in front of 30 Rockerfeller.

New York 2

2010-05-04T10:30:00.002-07:00

Chrysler Building
Such a contrast to our wide open spaces in Queen Creek...

New York 1

2010-05-03T06:37:00.003-07:00

I hope no one minds that I post a few photos of New York. I was there recently and took a few shots that I like. I'll update my Queen Creek photos in the meantime.

Tohono Chul Park

2010-04-09T10:29:00.004-07:00

I wrote a post today for Arizona Travel and Adventure on Tohono Chul Park, so I thought it was only fitting to post a photo here as well. Check out the blog at www.arizonatravelandadventure.com.

Balloon over the San Tans

2010-04-08T08:15:00.001-07:00

We don't often see hot air balloons in the area (they mostly take off south of Chandler), but on this particular Saturday, the wind blew the balloon our way. It flew over the San Tan Mountains.

Hummingbird

2010-04-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

I saw this hummingbird on my walk at the Gilbert Riparian Center.

Spring flowers

2010-04-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Observatory

2010-04-05T15:06:00.002-07:00

Observatory at the Gilbert Riparian Center

Gilbert Riparian Center

2010-04-01T09:27:00.002-07:00

Spring has sprung, so to speak! The weather is gorgeous and flowers are blooming at the Gilbert Riparian Center.

More BBQ

2010-03-24T09:45:00.002-07:00

Chandler BBQ Throwdown

2010-03-22T12:26:00.001-07:00

I went to the 1st Annual BBQ Throwdown in Chandler this weekend.

Desert Botanical Garden

2010-03-17T09:35:00.003-07:00

The Chihuly display at the entrance of the Desert Botanical Garden

East Clear Creek

2010-03-16T13:28:00.002-07:00

We took a hike last fall and stopped on the way home at East Clear Creek, north of Stawberry.

Deer in Queen Creek

2010-03-15T06:46:00.004-07:00

On Saturday, as I drove up Hawes Road, I saw deer near the Sonoqui Wash. It took me by such surprise that I hit the brakes and pulled to the side of the road. Luckily, I had my camera with me. I later learned that someone in the area owns deer, so these animals were probably his and had just gotten out somehow.

Bird

2010-03-12T15:20:00.004-07:00

Things have been a little hectic lately, so I haven't been able to post as much as I'd like to lately. Here's a shot from my trip a few weeks ago to the World Wildlife Zoo. I don't know what type of bird it is.

Blimp

2010-03-08T11:32:00.002-07:00

It may not be a very exciting photo, but I love the blue sky.

Baby Kangaroo

2010-02-26T08:25:00.002-07:00

Camel

2010-02-25T07:01:00.003-07:00

World Wildlife Zoo

2010-02-22T14:20:00.002-07:00

We went to the World Wildlife Zoo in Litchfield Park on Saturday. These two parrots sit at the front entrance. For some reason, when we saw them, they weren't getting along very well.

Old Church, Old Chair

2010-02-19T07:21:00.004-07:00

This is the old church from the posting last week. The chair caught my attention, but I photographed it because I liked the red roof, white building and blue window. I wonder why the chair was left there, out in the sun like that.

Desert

2010-02-18T08:42:00.003-07:00

Nothing too fancy today....just a picture of the desert where we rode quads. Lake Havasu would be straight ahead towards the mountains.

Truck Stuck in the Wash

2010-02-17T08:36:00.003-07:00

We rode quads in the desert around Havasu on Saturday, and I came across this old truck stuck in the wash. It was probably abandoned in the wash (stolen and set on fire?), and when the wash flooded, the sand that came with the water buried it up to the axle. Just a theory.

Winter Blast

2010-02-16T10:38:00.004-07:00

I spent the three-day weekend in Lake Havasu City, which is why I haven't been able to post until now. On Saturday night, we watched Winter Blast, the Western Pyrotechnic Association's fireworks extravaganza. Here's a shot of the finale.

The Building Next Door

2010-02-11T09:50:00.002-07:00

I think this must be the parish hall next door to the church. The paint is obviously peeling, and it hasn't been used for quite some time.

Old Church

2010-02-09T09:17:00.003-07:00

I heard that this old Catholic Church was mostly attended by the Mexican laborers who worked the local farms in Queen Creek. I haven't been able to confirm that. Obviously, it hasn't been used for quite some time, and I'm afraid it won't be too long before it is torn down.

Montezuma Well

2010-02-08T06:08:00.003-07:00

Although I've been several times to Montezuma Castle, it's been a very long time since I've been to Montezuma Well, ancient Sinqua dwellings built into the rocks around a natural sink hole. It's beautiful!

Aerial Sedona

2010-02-05T12:05:00.004-07:00

I spent yesterday in Sedona for an assignment, and I finally got up the nerve to do the helicopter ride. Although I've always wanted to fly in a helicopter, I managed to talk myself out of it. Yesterday, I finally went through with it...and I'm glad I did!

Guinea Pig

2010-02-02T08:47:00.002-07:00

I took this photo of my daughter's guinea pig. The framed photo was supposed to be a Christmas present, but I ran out of time.

Dust Storm

2010-02-01T08:27:00.004-07:00

I snapped this photo about a week and a half ago, the afternoon the big storm moved in. I had decided to pick up my daughter at the bus stop because the wind was blowing so hard and happened the have my camera with me. I didn't realize it, but a tornado watch had just gone into effect for Queen Creek. We didn't actually get one, but two touched down in North Phoenix, around Cave Creek.

More Snow

2010-01-29T08:15:00.004-07:00

Okay, I don't get a lot of opportunity to photograph snow, so I'm sharing more of my photos from last weekend. This was taken near Flagstaff, just south of what is known as the Arizona Snow Bowl.

Frost

2010-01-27T10:43:00.003-07:00

Frost on posts near Sedona.

Weekend Snow

2010-01-26T06:58:00.002-07:00

This photo was taken just north of Sedona on I-17, which had been closed at least part of the day before (Saturday).

Sedona Snow

2010-01-25T07:31:00.002-07:00

I left Friday for a speaking engagement in Sedona. For a while, it didn't even look like I'd be able to get there with all the road closures, but we made it. The weather, however, scrapped our plans for Saturday, so we spent some time checking out the Red Rocks covered with white stuff.

Flooding

2010-01-21T08:18:00.002-07:00

We've had worse flooding in QC but not for a while. This is my front yard.

Red Rock State Park

2010-01-20T07:11:00.004-07:00

Red Rock State Park will close in June.

Tonto Natural Bridge

2010-01-19T09:43:00.003-07:00

I'm very disappointed that our state legislature is making budget cuts that will force the closure of 13 state parks. Over the next few days, I want to pay tribute to some of them. This is Tonto Natural Bridge.

Barrett Jackson

2010-01-18T09:51:00.003-07:00

In honor of the Barrett Jackson car show that opens today, I thought I'd post a photo from last year. This is a 55 Chevy. Love it!

Flowers

2010-01-15T08:23:00.002-07:00

I don't know what type of flowers these are, only that they grow on a bush in my yard and they're bright, beautiful colors.

Lee Lee Supermart

2010-01-14T07:18:00.003-07:00

They have a little take out counter located within Lee Lee. I've had the samosas, little Indian fried dumplings of sorts, but I've never had any of the meats. You can see the duck. They also serve chicken feet, pig ears, and pig stomachs.

Cucumber

2010-01-13T08:28:00.003-07:00

I think this is some type of Asian cucumber, but I can't remember for sure. I took the photo at Lee Lee Supermart in Chandler, which is the Valley's largest ethnic market. Of course, they offer Asian foods, groceries, spices, and more, but they also have the spices and products of almost any country you can think of? Need a specific noodle for that Sri Lankan dish you're preparing? They have an aisle for Sri Lanka. How about a spice for that Brazilian dish? Got it! It's a great store to wander around.

Florescent Rocks

2010-01-12T08:27:00.003-07:00

Here are some florescent rock samples on display at the Flagg Gem & Mineral show on Saturday.

Scorpions

2010-01-11T08:27:00.003-07:00

Sorry I've been a little inconsistent in my posting lately...I've been working on an iPhone travel application, focusing on Phoenix. Saturday, I took a break, though, and went to the Flagg Gem & Mineral Show, where I saw these scorpion paperweights.

Lemons

2010-01-07T07:18:00.001-07:00

Lemons from my little tree

Railroad Sign

2010-01-05T08:23:00.003-07:00

We rode our quads in the desert Sunday, somewhere east of the Superstition Mountains and southwest of Superior. I came across this old railroad sign. It looks like the only thing it's used for anymore is target practice.