TD2 2019 Adventure - AZ - Dropping in on my sister and BIL

By this time, it had turned cold across most of the country.   Originally we were heading for Albuquerque, but we needed to get further south.  So we made arrangements to head to my sister's home in Scottsdale, AZ.

There we had some great meals and conversations with Linda & David, but largely left the camera at home, except for few walks and visits.

Here we learned the fascinating news that my sister and I likely had a half-brother!  So before departing, we made arrangements to meet him and some of his family the following weekend (more on that later).

So we're off for a few more Arizona adventures in the meantime.

Desert Roadrunner on one of our walks

Brief photo album can be seen here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/crisp_travels/albums/72157711813025766

Antique Car Show and Sunset Dinner

So after a nice walk in the Sonoran Desert, it's time to get back to the community.  Let's go check out a few cars from an antique car show being held at my sister's church.

Gotta Love the Flames, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

More Discrete, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

We All Scream, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Early 'Vette, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Next we had dinner at my sister's golf club where David was being recognized for winning his flight in their recent tournament.  Beautiful sitting out on the patio while the sun was setting.  I do love the golden hours.

Bloomin' Cactus, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Carol's Glow, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Good to Finally Visit, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Watching the Sunset, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Mesquite Sunset, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Finally, after a great day, we caught the end of the sunset at their house, and the following night, had a colorful storm pass through as well.

Ocotillo Glow, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Desert Lightning, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Colorful Storm, Antique Car Show, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

So Linda and David graciously took us around to see various sites and activities while we were visiting.  They caught on quickly (with a camera hanging around my neck all the time), that photo-ops would be welcomed.

So our first stop was to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, a very popular destination for easy hiking in the Sonoran Desert.

Good Year for Water, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area (CA), Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Our Hosts, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Lots of Saguaro Cacti, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Resting on Saguaro Bones, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Desert Poppies, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

That Sucker is Big, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Backlit Ocotilla, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

We've Got Some Bloom!, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

This Is a Ranch!, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Beautiful Desert Landscape, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Majestic Saguaros, Spur Cross Ranch CA, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

We had a great walk, and as you can see, many photos were taken.  My new 16-35mm wide angle lens has become my go-to lens for so much landscape photography.  Plus my general purpose 28-300mm telephoto lens has something marring the inside of the lens, so I am in the market for a new longer range lens.  Time for some online reviews.

Visiting my Big Sister

So we made it to Scottsdale, AZ where my sister and brother-in-law now reside.  My sister has been quick to point out they have lived here for 14 years, and this marks my first visit.  Hey, I've been busy! ;-)

Its a very nice community, so I am glad I could bring a high quality addition to the the neighborhood.  As Cousin Ernie famously said:  "That there's an RV!"  (Oh sure, you should check out the clip.)

That There's an RV, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Love the Xeriscaping, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Dramatic Mesquite, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Lots of Saguaro, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

And Big Ones, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

David & Linda, Steven & Carol, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Adds to the Neighborhood, No?, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Don Quixote On Guard, Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

There are wonderful walking trails all throughout this Active Living community.  Being from New England we were surprised just how much we liked the xeriscaping; to the point when we saw any sort of lawn, it just looked out of place.

And it was nice to stay in their lovely house, and go see many of the sights around their area.  So more to follow.