Apache Junction & Florence , AZ
We stayed in the Desert Gardens RV Oasis while in Florence. Nice place and the price was right. Free!
We visited the nearby Casa Grande Ruins National Monument while in the Florence area.
Built in 1450 AD. and preserved as a nat'l monument in 1918, the structure is quite impressive.
This owl seems oblivious to the historical significance of the ruins.
Susan's girlfriend group stayed at this home near Bodega Bay.
The weather along the California coast was quite nice for her visit.
Susan's friend "Sam" captures a picture of the coastline.
Spring was blooming in the Gold Country during a side trip Susan took to her stepmom's home.
Sheri and Allen join Susan and me at a spring training game in Phoenix.
Let's play ball!
And the pitcher winds up to deliver....
This is the Dolly Steamboat upon which we enjoyed a dinner cruise on Canyon Lake.
We were joined by our friends George and Claudia on the cruise.
As the sun began to set, the hills took on a wonderful character.
Moon over desert mountain.
George and Bill pause for a picture.
We visited the sculpture garden while at the Phoenix Museum of Art.
A whimsical female version of Zorro.
This is titled "Five Dancing".  Looks more like headless men walking in the afternoon sun.
The sculptor Robert Arneson's self portrait.
This is the main entrance to the Boyce Arboretum in Superior, AZ.
There were many walkways through the arboretum showcasing a huge variety of southwest plants.
Spring was blooming in its grand splendor throughout the gardens.
This cactus plant only blooms on one day and we were there for the "event".  Know what it is? We don't.
This is a demonstration garden on what you can do with southwest flora.
A blooming red-spined barrel cactus.
This Yucca plant in bloom caught the sun very nicely.
The gardens were dramatically framed by the rugged mountains.
Ok we got the hint...
The lizard bench invited us to rest for awhile.  We just looked and moved on.
Mic.. key... mouse.  Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse... well you get the point.
The Monstrose Totem Pole cactus was quite unusual.
The Boojum Tree is quite unique. It grows 4"/year and this tree was planted in 1927.
Colonel Thompson, who founded the Arboretum, built this Picketpost house into a rock cliff between 1923-28.
Some homesteads were established along Queen Creek which are now part of the arboretum.
A interesting addition to the  gardens was this replica of an Australian sheep station.

Florence, AZ
Bodega Bay, CA
Apache Junction, AZ
Boyce Arboretum
Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures were featured at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens.
Near the entrance was Chilhuly's "Sun" sculpture and it was quite impressive.
The Chihuly sculptures were integrated thoughtfully throughout the gardens.
The "Crested Saquaro" cactus on the right is very rare in nature. It is very unusual.
Mimicking the cactus behind them, the "Blue Fiddleheads" capture the afternoon light.
You would think this are orange balloons, but no, it is "Squero di San Trovaso" Chandelier.
Several Chihuly glass creations can be seen in this picture.
As one visitor stated, "I would like to have had the bubble wrap contract for this exhibit."
Catching the waning afternoon sun, the "Scorpion Tails and Bamboo" scupture was beautiful.
Seems to me if you are going to float your boat the floats would be outside the boat?
The mysteriously named "Blue and Purple Boat" fit perfectly here.
Ice cubes looking for gin or "Blue Polyvitro Crystals"?  You decide.
"Blue Reeds, Marlins and Floats" was the name of this installation.
This is the "Orange Hornet and Eelgrass" Chandelier.
The "Chiostro di Sant'Apollonia Chandelier" was a not too modest 13' feet in length.
The 27' tall "Saffron Tower" before the sun goes down.
The "Saffron Tower" lights up the gardens when the sun goes down.
A small corner of the gardens was made enchanting by these lighted green glass scuptures.
As the lights came up in the evening, this "Mexican Hat and Horn Tower" took on a unique character.
The "Sun" and the moon dance with the cactus.
Chihuly Exhibit