Malibu to Scottsdale, Arizona

So, finally our drive has started. A very, very early rise to enable us to leave the house by 5am for the 450 mile journey to Scottsdale.

We left Malibu in the dark and, as it was a Sunday, we had very little traffic as we took the I-10 freeway due east across Los Angeles.

After about an hour's driving, we had a magnificent sunrise over the mountains.

We reached Palm Springs at about 7am and passed the huge wind farm that defies belief. It is simply enormous, with hundreds of wind turbines. The beautiful desert landscape is scarred by so many turbines scattered across the foothills and the valley where the freeway runs.

After about two hours, we stopped for breakfast and then continued our drive east reaching the Arizona state border at about 10am.

 Arizona is celebrating its centenary this year.

We were now going from Pacific time to Mountain time, which meant we had to put our watches forward one hour to 11am.

All along the road there were giant cacti, many of which are starting to flower. They look like giant sentries standing to attention.

Shortly after crossing into Arizona, we went through this town. The photo is especially for our daughter-in-law, Kate, a mad keen Buckeyes fan!!

We reached Phoenix at about noon and skirted round the centre on our way to Scottsdale.

Can someone tell me what this stadium is called near downtown Phoenix?

We reached Scottsdale at about 1pm and tried to check in, but our rooms weren't ready. We decided to have a snack by the pool and then go and visit Taliesin West, the home of Frank Lloyd Wright. It was a short drive to the house, which is located in the foothills above the Arizona desert. As we were buying our tickets, we learnt from the cashier that Arizona does not have summer time and, as a result, we shouldn't have put our watches forward. Suddenly we had gained an hour!.

We did the 90 minute tour of the house. Our guide, Peter, was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot about Wright and how Taliesin West has become a centre for architectural education. Below are some photos of the house.

 

We returned to the hotel. By now the rooms were ready and we were able to unpack our bags and have a well-earned rest.

This evening, we are meeting up with our Texan friends, Kenny and Dee Anne and also Fred and Ernie. It will be a great reunion.

Tomorrow we start the long drive north which takes us to northern Arizona and then, the day after, into Utah.

Post Script

A fun evening was had by all and here is the photo to prove it.