Chandler

 

Last June, Papa and I checked out murals in downtown Phoenix. It is fun seeing the colorful artwork, the creative ideas. This week, we went to Chandler, Arizona to see a few of their downtown murals. We didn't find a large selection, but those we found were in a very walkable area. On a beautiful fall morning, it made for a great outing. Fresh air, sunshine and an easy walk. Plus we walked by several intriguing restaurants and shops enticing us to spend more time exploring in the future.

Speaking of future, guess what else was happening in downtown Chandler? A crew was working on the initial stages of installing the tumbleweed Christmas tree. They were putting up the framework that will hold the tumbleweeds. It is an annual trip to see the tumbleweed Christmas tree illuminated!

We couldn't let such a beautiful morning end, so we stopped by the Veteran's Oasis Park in Chandler. What a true oasis! There is a short trail around the lake where we saw people fishing. Several groups of people and families were enjoying the walk. There is even a Solar Walk with stations for each of the planets. What a fun way to combine being outside, a little exercise and learning for the kiddos. 

In addition to the main sidewalk loop, there are several gravel trails that branch off. I noticed people with binoculars so bird watching is also big. In many ways, it reminded me of The Riparian in Gilbert. We also noticed several ramadas, each one named. A few of them had small groups of people enjoying coffee. Nice park. 

During our recent road trip, we enjoyed several hikes around urban and rural lakes. The magic of water. Gotta admit, now we're curious: How many urban lakes, oasis areas are there in the metro area. We might have a new obsession?

On The Road Again

This is our fourth road trip of 2023. It tantalizes with possibilities. If all works out as planned, we will accomplish long-term goals, set personal records, and create remarkable memories. That's forward thinking. Today, let's just get started!

Like chapters in a book, this adventure has four chapters, or travel legs. The first leg we will be heading primarily East. Stop #1 is the town of Superior, which doesn't get as much attention as Arizona's popular tourist spots like Phoenix or Sedona. Before we reach Superior, we pass Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a wonderful spot to take a leisurely stroll and learn about native plants. Boyce Thompson is located off Highway 60 about an hour east of Phoenix. It is a favorite

day trip for us. We have been to the arboretum several times, yet we rarely continue into Superior. Today, we will explore Superior.

Superior has a population just over 2,000. It was originally settled as a silver mining town after two claims were made in the late 1800s. Those two mines together were later known as the Silver Queen Mines. In 1910, they were owned by millionaire Colonel Boyce Thompson. Yes, the same Boyce Thompson who, in 1923, established an exhibit of plants from around the world on land outside Superior. That exhibit eventually became the arboretum barring his name. 

The mining history of Superior is definitely the foundation of the community. Today, what's striking about Superior is the number of colorful murals along the Main Street.

From Superior we head to Miami, a beautiful drive. No, not Miami, Florida. Miami, Arizona. Miami is 20 miles east of Superior, "next-door" to Globe, which is another 10 miles east. The sister communities are referred to as Miami-Globe, both known for their mining history and colorful wild west stories. Miami is just under 2,000 people and maintains much of its historic character, especially along Main Street. There is the old Bullion School, now the Bullion Plaza Museum, which is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Another photo stop was Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Not officially a mission, but there is a Spanish influence. It is an active church so we snapped a quick exterior photo and continued on our journey.

Like most road trips, the first day is more driving than play. We did stop at a cute coffee/gift shop in Safford, The Main Bean. It is right on the corner, easy access off Hwy 70, The Old West Highway. Great coffee, despite the quizzical look Papa has in the picture. I chuckled at the little signs next to our table. Tempting! The goal is to make it to New Mexico before sunset so off we go!. 

One more stop: Bowlin's Trading Post is over a hundred years old and has ten different locations throughout New Mexico and Arizona. They feature wonderful Native American artisans, beautiful jewelry, pottery, and wonderful crafts and artwork. Papa was tempted by a coonskin cap but decided it wouldn’t work on the golf course. 

About 30 miles east and we pass the Continental Divide just outside Lordsburg, New Mexico. One could say that "it's all downhill from here." OK, obviously getting tired when the corny jokes start to happen. Time to settle in for our first night's sleep on-the-road. 

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Murals

Exploring murals in the area has been on my list for years. We have viewed murals on Route 66 and in cities like Los Angeles. Why not check out our local area? 

Roosevelt Row

We started our two-hour mural tour at Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix, around 695 E Roosevelt Street. We parked along the street and walked