I've talked about my favorite hikes in Northern Arizona, and now I'd like to tell you about my favorite walking hike just a few miles from my home in North Scottsdale. This is a short one, just one mile if you do the loop. It's steep - but worth the walk.

The trail leads up to the Sears-Kay ruins and is located northeast of Scottsdale off the Seven Spring Road.  You reach it by getting on Cave Creek Road and heading towards Bartlett Lake. When you get to the Bartlett turnoff, go straight for another 3 ½ to 4 miles. Cave Creek turns into Seven Springs Road and the ruins are well marked at the entrance. The parking area has restrooms, some shaded picnic tables and BBQs. It is a great place to have lunch.

The ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name comes from the fact that the ruins are located on the property of the Sears-Kay Ranch, which was founded by J.M. Sears around 1887.

It's a steep, but short, walk up the hill to the ruins which are perched atop a mountain. You have a 360 degree view of the untouched land to the north and can even see city lights to the south. The ruins are rock bases of walls that supported the buildings. There are signs throughout the small village that tell you about the people who lived here and how each structure was used. There are approximately 40 room sites that would support about 100 people. It is noted that the village was occupied from about 1050 to 1200.  It's amazing that there are any signs of the village still remaining.

The village was part of a network of Hohokam villages that stretched throughout the state. The Hohokam's are ancestors of today's Pima Indians, and were farmers more than hunters. This is evidenced by the terraces below the housing area that were used to plant and grow squash, corn and beans. They also harvested native plants and traded with their neighbors. This tribe was well known for designing and building elaborate canal systems, which were the forerunners of the valley irrigation systems for agriculture.

The village looks down on the Camp Creek which is usually dry. I always contemplate the fact that water would have had to come from that creek. 

This is a great hike for young children as it is a short walk, and it is fun to walk among the houses and try to imagine living there so many years ago.  Give it a try, it's worth the drive. Plus, you will be able to experience history while getting some exercise.

Summer Hiking on Mt. Humphreys in Flagstaff, Arizona

Today was a clear, beautiful day and just right for a short hike on the Aspen Loop at the base of Mt. Humphreys. Even though we are at the bottom of the mountain, the altitude is still over 9,000 feet. 

With my husband and two yellow Labs, we set off from the parking lot at the Lodge at the Ski Bowl and started downhill into the pines and aspen groves. The trail meanders through pines and aspens, fields of ferns, and beautiful wildflowers.

It's always good to learn something on every hike. I've attached a picture of a small, delicate yellow flower. It has a big name - Senecio Franciscanus.  It is protected by the federal government and is found nowhere else in the world. 

On the hike, you are treated to a fabulous vista looking toward the town of Flagstaff to the South. We were in a large open field which serves as a "bunny slope" during the winter ski season. 

We soon entered the aspen groves and followed a winding trail through the trees. Our hike took about an hour and we figure it was about 3.5 to 4 miles. It's a loop - so you are assured of ending up back at the parking lot.

Keep in mind that in late summer there is always a possibility of thunderstorms - so be sure to head out early and watch the sky!

To reach this great hike you drive out of Flagstaff on State Highway 180 until you come to the Snow Bowl.  Take a right on Snow Bowl Road and drive up the mountain until you reach the big parking lot just before the ski lodge (about 7 miles).  Park at the end and start the trail at the Forestry signs.    

When I first moved to Arizona from Northern California, I thought I'd miss the pine trees and great outdoor activities of the Lake Tahoe area.  Once we settled in Scottsdale we were invited to Flagstaff for a weekend.  Fell in love with the town and surrounding areas and ended up with a summer cottage at Forest Highlands.  The best of both worlds - two outstanding highly ranked golf courses while on property and outstanding hiking in and around the town of Flagstaff.

One of my personal favorites is the West Fork hike down highway 89 towards Sedona in the Oak Creek Canyon.  The best way to enjoy this hike is to get there early.  It's a very popular hiking area and the parking lot quickly gets full.

At the head of the trail are remnants of an early settlement, including a very old apple orchard. This was the site of the Mayhew Lodge which was abandoned many years ago and finally destroyed by fire.  Stone flooring and walls remain, plus a unique storage area built into a cave.  This is the official start of the trail which meanders through the trees next to the Oak Creek for about three miles.  At the three mile point the canyon narrows to the point that any further travel would have to be in the creek.  I think they refer to this as Canyoneering at this point.

Take along a hiking stick as you are required to cross the creek several times and the rocks are quite slippery.  Unless you want to get your feet wet, use the stick to help you keep your balance. We've done this hike in the winter also and the creek is iced over in many areas as there is very little sunshine getting through the covering of trees.

It's hard to describe the beauty of the red and white cliffs that dominate this hike. The reddish/orange rock is Coconino sandstone and the white is Kaibab limestone.  There are many signs of erosion on the walls of the canyon that form beautiful shapes and caves.  Although the creek water level is quite low most of the time, it still provides a cool, refreshing atmosphere as you walk on the trail among wild flowers, butterflies and large fields of ferns.

To reach the West Fork hike you can start in Sedona or Flagstaff on Highway 89A and go to mileposts 384 and 385. The official car park is the Call O' The Canyon and there is a daily parking fee. It's a very level trail and suitable for children.  It is a place the whole family can enjoy.  We always take a picnic lunch and sit among the ruins next to Oak Creek among the Mayhew Lodge ruins to enjoy it.  What a great way to get great exercise in a tranquil setting.

Click for more information about the hike.

Carefree, Arizona is a small, intimate little town built around a newly updated square and is located just north of Scottsdale. The architecture and landscaping are based on Spanish adobe architecture, and plenty of cacti and desert plants are used. This is definitely not the place you would expect to find an authentic English Tea Room.

I'm not sure of the exact date Joanne Gemmill opened the doors to her small shop, but I believe it was around 2005. I stopped in for lunch one day and was enthralled! Years ago, I spent a year living in England and didn't think I'd ever find authentic scones with clotted cream - but I certainly found them here.

When you enter, you are offered the choice of many formal hats to wear during tea. White linen cloths and napkins are used, with sparking silver and crystal completing the scene. Although the Team Room offers a varied menu of salads and special sandwiches, it specializes in authentic British Teas. My favorite is the Duchess of Bedford's Formal Afternoon Tea that comes with three tiers of goodies. Tea sandwiches, scones, and petit fours are all enjoyed with your choice of freshly brewed teas.

One thing that stands out is a very special tea called the "Nursery Tea" that features items that would appeal to the younger set. I don't think I've been in the Tea Room without enjoying the sight of a group of young ladies, all with hats, enjoying their formal tea. Joanne also offers etiquette lessons to young people and partaking of a formal tea gives them the opportunity to practice what they've learned.

If you are thinking about going but don't know what to do with the man in your life, I can assure you there are always a number of gentlemen enjoying the fabulous food and beverages.

In addition to dining, there is a tiny section of the Tea Room that offers authentic bone china tea cups and other small items for sale.

I would suggest you make a reservation as the Tea Room has become popular with the local residents as well as the visitors to this quaint little town.

More Information:
English Rose Tea Room
201 Easy Street, Suite 103
Carefree, Arizona
Phone: 480 488 4812
For more information or directions, go to the website at www.carefreetea.com

Living in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, we all know that cars are an essential part of our lifestyle. Even though public transport is available in downtown or more urban areas, it's rather sparse in areas like North Scottsdale.

I recently found myself needing to rent a car for a couple of weeks. As a Realtor, my car is one of the most important tools I have. I did some research and realized that renting a car at the airport would cost considerably more due to extra taxes levied on rentals originating from there.

So, I started to look for a rental facility closer to my location in North Scottsdale and I called a number of offices. While many of the offices I called fell under a brand name, they are owned by an individual. When I reached Roger, the owner of the Budget Rent a Car office on Cave Creek Road, I immediately knew it was going to be a great experience. He answered the phone promptly, answered all of my questions and had an estimate immediately. In some cases he also offers a pick-up service, but that wasn't going to work for my situation. When I went to pick up the car, it was ready and waiting for me right in front.

I have now gone back to Roger a second time when I needed to rent a car for a few days.  Again, his customer service exceeded my wildest expectations. I highly recommend you give him a call when you need a car for a few hours or a few weeks. He'll be able to solve your problem and give you an excellent rate. His office is located on Cave Creek Road in North Phoenix,  just a short distance south of the 101 Freeway. Give him a try - you won't be sorry.

Budget Rent A Car
19401 Cave Creek Road
Phoenix 85024
- About 1 mile south of Cave Creek Road and the 101
(602) 437-1273

The Bad Donkey in Carefree, AZ is a local treat with a great name...
I heard on the news today that July 2009 was the hottest July on record in the Phoenix area, averaging 107.8 degrees during the day. Does this even remotely sound like weather than would encourage you to go home and prepare a huge meal? My answer to the hot weather has been to visit my friends at the Bad Donkey in Carefree, Arizona.  Located on the corner of Cave Creek Road and Tom Darlington, just north of Scottsdale, it's convenient, service is snappy and the menu is perfect.

They specialize in subs, pizzas and salads.  They offer 5 or 6 choices in each category, but the best thing is to build your own.  They have a unique menu called "The Mother List" consisting of your choice of bread, meats, cheeses, veggies, premium veggies, sub dressings and salad dressing. Salads are fun as you can order small or large salads and create your own masterpiece from the ton of selections in front of you.

I admit I haven't tried the subs as of yet, but frequently order the pizza to go - especially during the football, basketball, baseball and hockey seasons.  Since the sports seasons seem to overlap, pizza is always a good answer for a quick and delicious meal in front of the TV.

You can dine in at the quaint tables (inside and out), or order your food to go.  I've never had a long wait, and I always like to spend time in the restaurant as the staff is always friendly and outgoing. Plus, you never have to remember what day they are closed because they are open 7 days a week.

Oh - did I remember to mention there is an ice cream parlor next door? The Dinky Donkey serving dessert is just a few steps away!

The Bad Donkey
37636 N Tom Darlington
Carefree, Arizona
Phone:  (480) 824-1500
To check out their menu go to their website at:
www.thebaddonkey.com

Hours: 
Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM
Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8 PM

If you are looking for a way to beat the heat in Scottsdale or the surrounding areas this summer, Harold's Cave Creek Corral in Cave Creek, AZ has gone all out to install misters on the patio areas of the restaurant and kicked up the air conditioning inside to keep you cool. 

Harold's is difficult to describe...

• Is it a "cowboy" establishment?
• Is it a "biker" establishment?
• Is it a "yuppie" establishment?
• Is it a "snowbird" establishment?

As hard as it may be to believe, it is actually a wonderful combination of all of the above...

Although we listen to the radio saying the economy is bad - it certainly hasn't cut down on the folks who like to hit Harold's for a big rack of ribs and cold beer. The free popcorn machine is still working overtime and everyone is snacking while they watch their favorite sports on the many television sets around the place. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner or to snack and watch the game. Portions are large and prices are good.

In addition to the extensive menu, Harold's books some great entertainers who provide excellent music and some really good "boot stomping" country music just right for dancing. Who knows, you might just learn how to line dance on a special evening.

So if you want to beat the heat and have a great time, better get on down to Harold's. Bring the entire family - all ages are welcome!

Harold's Cave Creek Corral is located at 6895 E Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek, AZ. You might want to call for reservations, especially on the weekends at (480) 488 -1906.
http://haroldscorral.com/

Beautiful 1,715 square foot condo for sale in the sought after North Scottsdale Grayhawk community of Encore. Experience Amazing McDowell mountain views from the front and views of the community pool complex from the back patio. This single-level condo on the ground floor has 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms and an attached 2 car garage.

The unit features granite slab counters and maple cabinets and is one of the finest in the Encore community. Encore at Grayhawk is close to everything - shopping, restaurants, entertainment, golf, freeway access, medical care - you name it. Come see turnkey living at it's finest.

For more information and to see additional photos of this wonderful home, please visit the Featured Listing page for this condo.

Listed for $540,000

This beautiful golf course home is located on 7th teebox of Apache golf course at Desert Mountain. The home has unimpeded views of the green and Apache Peak - Simply breathtaking!

With two bedrooms, two and-a-half bathrooms and 2,576 square feet, it is the perfect size for a second home. The home features a large guest suite, great room, contemporary architecture, an oversized spa and grill for the outdoor entertaining Scottsdale is so famous for.

The price of this home includes membership to Desert Mountain. Desert Mountain is a guard,gated, luxury community located in far North Scottsdale. It has 6 Jack Nicklaus golf courses, 6 clubhouses, a top-of-the-line workout center with spa services, a tennis complex, hiking and walking trails and multiple swimming pools including large lap pool. Living in Desert Mountain is a lifestyle that is hard to beat.

For more information, please visit the Featured Listing page for this home.

Listed for $989,900

Welcome to your luxurious mountain retreat at Forest Highlands in Flagstaff, AZ. This elegant, multi-level retreat was built to capture the essence of living in the pines with a fantastic view of Mt. Humphreys in the distance.

It's all about casual living with a well-appointed kitchen adjoining the dining area and outdoor deck. The large deck area is designed to entertain friends and family. On a cooler evening, enjoy the warmth of the beautiful rock fireplace. On warmer nights, you can sit outside and BBQ a great meal for everyone.

The unique centerpiece of this home is a curving staircase adjacent to an impressive rock indoor waterfall. In the large family area on the lower level, you can enjoy playing games, watching TV or just relaxing on yet another private deck. With two guest rooms, each with a private bath, entertaining family and friends is a breeze.

This wonderful home is located in the guard-gated golf community of Forest Highlands. Forest Highlands amenities include two golf courses, one of which is the top-ranked course in Arizona, two clubhouses, swimming pools, running/biking paths, hiking trails, stocked fish ponds, a wonderful summer recreation department for kids, and so much more. Membership to Forest Highlands is included in the purchase price of this home.

Listed for $1,950,000

For more information, additional photos and a virtual tour, please visit my featured listings.