What a way to kick off the month of December!!
The day began with another amazing breakfast of French toast, sausages, fresh fruit, and of course….coffee with Baileys. From there the 3 of us (Darlene, Lynda, and I) hit the road headed for the light rapid transit train station where we caught a train headed for the town of Tempe and more specifically….Mill St station. Mill St borders the university (Arizona State University) campus and what a great place to visit. Mill St tees onto the Tempe Lake recreational area where the Ironman Race is run each year. The park hosts many festivals and events and the one that really caught my eye was the New Years Eve bash that they hold at the historic centre of the park as that is the same place where Tempe was born….so what better location to host the annual new year celebrations. I love the idea that they’re honouring the history with an annual party that will take place regardless of whether or not there is a committee to plan it. After wandering Mill Street and checking out a couple of the shops, nooks and crannies we found….we hit the Hippie’s Cove for their lunch special – Burritos – yummy!
After we’d had our fill of Mill St it was time to catch the train back to Mesa (about ½ hour ride) so we could catch a few rays at pool side since the weather finally warmed up today and temperatures in the sun were approaching the 30C mark – again…..yummy!
Poolside provided an opportunity to chat with some of the great people we’ve met during our few days at Mesa Spirit and to catch up on our laundry as the next time we find a place to wash our clothes…they may be standing up by themselves.
After another dinner at Darlene’s (we’ve decided to name her restaurant the “Triple D”, Darlene’s Dine & Dash) we were back in the car and headed for the Mormon Temple where there are literally millions of Christmas lights on display for all to enjoy. The Temple grounds are open to the public (at n/c) and they’ve included everything from the wise men AND their camels to lighted palm trees high overhead and the bright star over the manger to gardens filled with illuminated flowers. I’m not doing the sight justice at all…..it is one of those things that you have to see to believe……the display takes months to set up and they do it twice each year…once for Christmas and another display for Easter. What amazing commitment!
Tomorrow morning will be time to say good bye to Mesa Spirit and our friend Darlene as we head back to the same light rapid transit train station to catch the train that will take us near the Phoenix Airport where we’ll then pick up a free shuttle that will take us the rest of the way. What a deal that is!! To catch the shuttle from here to the airport would be $25 each but the train and free shuttle will only be $1.75 each – yep….we’re on a budget now folks!
Don’t know how often we’ll be able to access wi fi from this point on but will keep up with the journal and post whenever possible.
Look out Mexico….L & L are en route ;-)
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