Gilbert Riparian Preserve

Today mom and I visited the Gilbert Riparian Preserve.

As we walked around the ponds, we saw lots of ducks

a small turtle

some sandpipers

egrets

and lots of wildflowers 

Apache Trail

A must-do drive in the Phoenix area is the Apache Trail. It's a scenic road that winds from Apache Junction, past Canyon Lake,

then to Tortilla Flat. We stopped here for an ice cream and to walk around a bit.

From there the road changes to gravel. In good weather you can drive a regular car on it. There's a nice lookout (Fish Creek Vista) where you can walk around.

We saw lots of spring wildflowers along the route, including lupins and poppies.

We also liked the different rock formations.

The gravel road continues until you reach Apache Lake, 

Then the road changes back to pavement,  and you exit near Roosevelt Dam. 

This road can also be driven the opposite direction.

Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine

I've driven past here many times when driving the Apache Trail, but never stopped before. Today I decided to stop. While it's as much of a tourist trap as I expected, there was also a lot to see.

Japanese Friendship Garden - Phoenix

Today we visited the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix. It's quite small, but is also very serene and peaceful. 

Desert Botanical Gardens - Phoenix

Since I have family in town visiting, I get to play tourist in my own city. Today we visited the Desert Botanical Gardens.