Possum Kingdom Lake: Graford, Texas

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Nicki

The Cliffs Resort on the Lake Front was a nice stop for us on or way to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

The Cliffs Resort on Possum Kingdom Lake Photo by Andrew Leggett

The drive from Austin on HWY 183 was pleasant. Mostly two lane highway filled with lengthy green grass and wildflowers with an occasional burnt tree standing among them making an interesting contrast. We wondered if they had been burned in controlled fires.

The Cliffs Resort Photo by Andrew Leggett

Our corner room at the inn was nice. It was lovely to eye the lake while perched on our balcony 200 feet about the water with a panoramic view. Well worth it to get a lake view room.

The Cliffs Resort Photo by Andrew Leggett

I was told the lake is 10 feet low this year, which is not surprising for Texas, a drought- ridden state. Bicycling during the day did not work out. It was sunny and in the 90°s during our visit. We tried the PK hike and bike trail but did not last long, and optioned to ride around the golf course in the evening. Another time of year perhaps.

The Cliffs Resort on Possum Kingdom Lake Photo by Andrew Leggett

Meals at Cliffs Chaparral Grille were nice and quiet, as we were nearly the only ones there. The food was good but not exceptional.

The Chaparral Grille at the Cliffs Resort Photo by Andrew Leggett

We ate at Selina’s on the peninsula. We were desperate for a/c after trying a ride. It felt good to be inside but the food was average Tex-Mex.

Possum Kingdom Lake Photo by Nicki Hurd

The drive around the lake was pleasant.

Possum Kingdom Lake Photo by Nicki Hurd

There was no shade around the lake to escape in after a swim so we took advantage of the pools at the Cliffs, which were nice.

The Cliffs Resort Photo by Andrew Leggett

To get some relief from the heat, it seems you would need to be out on a boat to make full use of the lake. The marina has a beach but we did not stay without shade to hover in.

The marina at the Cliffs Resort Photo by Nicki Hurd

We look forward to exploring the trails another time of year.

May 2013

Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Nicki

Art in the desert where Andy Warhol meets Frank Lloyd Wright.

Scottsdale is at the heart of the Sonoran Desert with golf courses, posh resorts, and a university nearby.

Scottsdale Mall Photo by Nicki Hurd

The downtown area has the historic Old Town, and on the edge is the Scottsdale Mall; which is not a shopping mall, but lovely green gardens, full of bubbling fountains, historical buildings, and sculptures; surrounded by a few eateries, a hotel, and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Photo by Nicki Hurd

Sculptures were allocated at each vicinity.

Scottsdale Mall Photo by Nicki Hurd

It was a lovely day to walk around and take it all in.

Old Town Scottsday Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

Had a look around inside the vibrant Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, populated with art pieces and a Glass House..

Glass House by Therman Statom Photo by Nicki Hurd

The adobe color that is found on the earth here, is used throughout the city on fences, and roadways, in a way that makes it of the earth and all that is around it, which should have made Frank Lloyd Wright proud. He lived, worked, and is honored here. Known for his organic architecture, which is site-specific,with form and function as one.

Montelucia Resort Scottsdale, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

I stayed at the Montelucia Resort & Spa on the first night, as it was where the conference I came to attend was held. A beautiful place for a conference.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Photo by Nicki Hurd

The following nights I stayed closer to Old Town at El Dorado Resort , vacation suites. It had plenty of room, and it was near enough to bicycle to most things I planned to see.

El Dorado Resort Photo by Nicki Hurd

While bicycling around downtown I found Tapas Papa Frita on the canal just in time for happy hour.

Arizona Canal Trail Photo by Nicki Hutd

The prices were so great…I had to take advantage and get a good sample of treats.

Tapas Papa Frita Photo by Nicki Hurd

Breakfast was gorgeous at Distrito at the Saguaro Hotel located on the Scottsdale Mall.

Ceviche de Atún at Distrito
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Started with Ceviche de Atún: yellowfin tuna, serrano-coconut sauce, lime sorbet, tomatillo, tostaditas and finished with Carne Asada adobo rubbed hanger steak, plantain gremolata, refried beans, red rice.

Carne Asada at Distrito Photo by Nicki Hurd

After meandering around the Mall and Old Town, I motored to the Desert Botanical Garden.

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

Full of native plants and amusing sculptures.

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The last supper (Happy Hour) was at Geisha A Go Go for sushi. Behind the bar glaring out at us are portraits (posters) of Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Sid Vicious winking at us.

Geisha A Go Go
Photo By Nicki Hurd

The sushi was good, and the drinks delicious. I was spoiled by the prices for Tapas the night before and had to adjust to the tab…still but still only around $20.

Geisha A Go Go
Photo by Nicki Hurd

On my last evening there, the bathroom window was open at sunset and looked like a frame for the orange and blue colors the state is famous for in many paintings. It is easy to understand why so many painters come here to recreate it. It allows such a brilliant use of colors.

February, 2013

Montelucia Resort & Spa: Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Nicki

A sanctuary nestled in a valley with views of the Camelback Mountain, a symbol of Phoenix with a summit elevation at 2704 feet.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The conference days were long…and I could not wait to recline in the over-sized luxury chaise lounge on the patio and watch the cottontail bunnies hopping across the gorgeous landscape among the orange trees.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

There really was nothing missing from this oasis if you like relaxing in a peaceful environment. It was almost too dark and quiet at night.

Montelucia Resort & Spa
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The bath tub is contoured to the shape of the body, allowing you to lean back while supported. I wondered if relatives have gone missing there. Found later soaking away.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

It cost more than the accommodations that I select when it is not being expensed, but seemed reasonable for a spa.

Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Febuary, 2013

El Dorado Hotel: Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Nicki

They have done a brilliant job recreating the pop culture of the 1960’s from when the hotel was built, with a modern flare.

El Dorado A Vacation Suites Hotel Scottdale, Arizona Photo by Nicki Hurd

El Dorado Hotel Scottdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The location in Old Town is great.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Reception was helpful and assisted me with my bags to the unit. Which was a one flight walk- up.

I cycled around on one of their cruisers on the first day.

Downtown Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

After setting off on the bicycle the seat tipped back and was stuck, but luckily I was near to Bicycle Haus, where I stopped for suggestions and Kale graciously secured the seat upright within minutes, saving my back, and I was back on my way exploring downtown.

Downtown Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

My impression was that many of the hotels in Scottsdale are more like motels, with some units that are waiting to be refurbished.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The view from my room was festive.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

They were clearly once apartments with a kitchen, dinning area, full living space, and a bedroom. There was plenty of room. It reminded me of a Chelsea Apartment that I had when I lived in New York City. I booked it because I saw a great rate online. Once Scottsdale taxes were added it was a higher rate. Wifi is included.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

There was work being done on the other units while I was there but it wasn’t noisy or intrusive.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Unit 203 wasn’t fully refurbished. The thermostat was not adjustable and it got a bit stuffy. With the windows opened I could hear the music from the main area and it is only one flight up, leaving the windows accessible. I wasn’t comfortable leaving them unlocked over night.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Housekeeping came while I was in the next morning, gave me great recommendations on where to eat, and did a brilliant job scrubbing the place.

El Dorado Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

There were plenty of seats in the common area around the pool.

I’d enjoy staying here again but I would ask for one of the units that was fully refurbished….and I would play croquet.

February , 2013

Desert Botanical Garden: Phoenix, Arizona

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Nicki

Exhibits throughout add much needed humor to the hot desert.

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, Arizona
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The locals were commenting on how cold it had been this year. It was February and by midday….I did not want to leave the gardens, but I was looking to get out of the sun.