Nostalgia

Today was all about nostalgia. I have many strong memories from when I spent a summer in Phoenix 18 years ago and I wanted to revisit some of my favorite places. So, Matt and I got up at 7 to beat the heat and made the 1.2 mile trek to the top of what was formally known as Sqaw Peak. The hike was basically an outdoor stair climber and took us a hour and a half. The mountain looks so small from the ground.

After the hike, all I wanted to do is lay in a chair. So that’s what I did!

Another event I remember from when I was little was eating at the Satisfied Frog in this mini western village in Cave Creek.

Though the original restaurant was no longer there, we found another bbq joint in it’s place.

Moose Drool!!

And lots and lots of meat.

Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, baked beans, slaw, rolls.

Mmmmm.

And then we drove to red rock country…

and discovered a charming condo in Sedona.

But before we settled in, we got back in the car and drove to my favorite memory: Slide Rock State Park.

It’s a natural swimming hole carved right out of the red rocks.

The best part is the natural water slide. I can see why I was in love with this as a child (I was pool and water obsessed).

There goes Matt!

It wasn’t all smiles – the water temperature was brutal! I was expecting warmth in AZ!

Showers!

We dined at the famous Elote Cafe in Sedona. I had a prickly pear and a hibiscus margarita over the course of the night.

  

And now I know why this place is famous. That pile is a fire roasted poblano chile stuffed with fruit chutney, nuts, corn, potatoes, jalapenos and who knows what other vegetables topped with local AZ goat cheese, shoestring potatoes, and a verde sauce. It was so.damn.good. Another silent meal for Mat and I because we were that mesmerized by the flavors in our meals.

Plus rice and beans that I finished off with corn chips.

All the meals are starting to accumulate and we left feeling too stuffed to walk. Luckily we had driven to dinner because of a huge thunderstorm, so I was quickly transported to the couch, where I retired for the night.