Arizona {Day 6, 7, & 8} - Scottsdale/Work Meeting

Most of the second half of my trip was work meetings and meals so I didn't document much of that (for obvious reasons).  Actually, I often would like to take pictures of some of the events or elaborate dinners, but I am often the meeting organizer and I don't need any additional attention as the photographer. 

Here's a few I snapped along the way...many with my phone...

This was the setting for one of our work dinners in the middle of the desert (literally).  I'm sure the sunset was beautiful and I was very sad to only catch the tail end. Unfortunately, we got lost and were much later than we hoped to be. Those dirt roads in the desert all blend together and are nondescript (and aren't exactly clear on a GPS)!  I think we drove in circles for over an hour.

A few of the resort...

This resort had a FlowRider by the pool. It provided lots of entertainment in our free time. My Dad wanted me to try it but the cost and risk were a little too high for me.

Savoring some down time on one of the many hammocks placed in a quiet spot around the resort. My meetings were over and most everyone had already left to head back to the east coast. What a great napping spot!

I feel like I should know what those circles are and where I was flying over, but I had and have no idea. When I looked out the window, I was almost disturbed by all the circles. I don't believe I had ever seen this landscape before.

The ability to fly still amazes me...

...and despite not loving it, I so appreciate being able to see new places far from home with only a few hours of travel.  

Arizona far exceeded my expectations and it's definitely on my "must visit again" list!

Arizona {Days 4 & 5} - Scottsdale

Here I am finally getting back to my forever-ago trip to AZ...

Based on the fact that Day 4 in Arizona could be summed up pretty quickly, I combined this day with the next. 

Day 4

The previous busy travel days called for a lazy one around the pool and then dinner out in Old Town Scottsdale that evening. The weather was beautiful and it was the perfect type of vacation day.

And that pretty much covers it. A lot of sun and not a lot of activity!

Day 5

We took advantage of the time difference (that we still hadn't fully adjusted to) and walked around the hotel property this morning as the sun was coming up. 

And there's the moon, which kept popping up in my pics this day...

Based on a recommendation from a neighbor back home who is now living in Scottsdale, we decided to hike Piestewa (Squaw) Peak this morning before having to pack up and head to hotel #2 for my work meeting. There was some question on whether Camelback was open, which was our first hiking choice, so we went with Squaw. And we were glad we did. It was just right for what we wanted...good exercise, a couple hours long, great views of Scottsdale and Phoenix, and not too difficult for us at the higher elevation. 

This peak had many trails but we picked the Summit, grabbed our water (definitely need an ample supply for the dry climate!) and protein-packed snacks, and off we went.

The terrain of the trail

Our parking lot down below...

Taking a break. The heat and height starting to take its toll...

We made multiple stops along the way to take in the scenery and snap photos.

And there's the moon again...

And we finally made it to the top!

A little friend I found on my descent...

So much easier going down and we didn't have to take as many breaks :)

And we still managed to squeeze in some pool time after our hike before packing up that afternoon.