OWAV:) 03/03/11, 6am, 45°, Clear

Up early to start another day in the land of the sun.  Yesterday we headed east, an hours drive, where we toured the Desert Botanical Gardens, that has been in operation since 1939.  We visited there six years ago and it has grown and changed since then.  Now we follow a brick path which takes us in a circle around the gardens with gravel paths leading off of the brick path, going either to the inside or the outside of the brick path.  They have many different kinds of gardens including cactus and succulent, agave yucca forest, wildflower, plants and people, (food garden)  shade, herb, (closed) oasis, (with a pond) and a butterfly pavilion (seasonal).  Interspersed everywhere are the large cacti and trees of the desert area, along with many birds, butterflies and a few four legged critters.  We found the food garden to be very interesting, as stations along the way, manned by volunteers, explained how the different plants were used for food by the early tribes, that inhabited the desert.  

It is a little bit early for the desert flowers to be blooming, especially since last week was cold with little sun.  Of course the trade-off is that things are a little greener and alive looking.  The many shades of green are also apparent as we walk through the different areas.  

Something new that has been added to the gardens are metal figures, made entirely out of discarded metal found by the artist, welded together and painted in bright primary colors.  They are placed throughout the gardens, adding color, sometimes, seeming a little out of place against the natural colors of the desert.  We wondered if they will still be there a few years from now.  Of course, as usual, the brick path leads to the gift shop, where an array of garden decor, clothing, food and books await the garden visitors.

We are soon on our way and since we are in the area we have decided to visit the Phoenix Zoo.  We arrive at noon, so to rest after walking for two hours, we sit and eat a very over-priced hotdog and split a coke.  I spot a "train" full of people and see it as an easy way to see most of the animals, rather than walking and fighting the crowds.  We take the thirty minute tour, knowing that most of the animals are going to be shaded up for the day.  We saw giraffes, antelope, ostrich, watusi cattle, lions, tigers, rhino, toucan, baboons, elephants, camels, anteaters, meerkats, cheetahs, flamingoes, and tortoises.  Decided that was enough for one day and headed "home".

We quickly change into swimsuits and head for the pool, after a nice swim and sunbathing for a couple of hours, I catch up on email and scrabble.  When I get back to the condo, Herb has popcorn fixed for our "supper".  

A ballgame is on the agenda for today. More later.   OWAV:)