This blog began thanks to my desire to be a tourist in my own city. As a frugal explorer, I always appreciate advice on free or low-cost things to do. This post is an attempt to compile a list of such activities in my area. I hope to add to it regularly. Any more ideas on free things to do? Send them my way!1. Check out the lawn games at the Yard.2. Hike at one of the countless Valley trails.3. ... Read more
Ragnar Del Sol 2014 Recap
February 21 came out of nowhere. I had been training for Ragnar Del Sol for a few months, but it still seemed so far away. Suddenly it was a week before Ragnar and I had a list of things to do and buy. The night before Ragnar we decorated our vans with window paint and packed some our belongings. One of my teammates was sweet enough to bake carrot cupcakes for the birthday girls on our team. I ... Read more
A birthday canoeing and camping trip to Saguaro Lake
** This post contains affiliate links to camping supplies.When Graham told me he wanted to celebrate his birthday by camping at Saguaro Lake, I was nervous. We had an incident with some raccoons and skunks on our last camping trip there, though I admit it was because we were lazy about putting our food away in a timely manner.Our first step to prepare was to buy a used canoe, his birthday gift. We ... Read more
First Visit to Queen Creek Olive Mill
Graham and I took our visitors to the Queen Creek Olive Mill for a tour and breakfast on Sunday morning. I didn't realize how far of a drive it is from central Phoenix. It's best to make a day of it by also going to Schnepf Farms across the street. For $5 each we took a tour of the olive mill. We learned so much about the mill's history, how to make olive oil and olive-oil quality. Now I know ... Read more
9/11 Memorial Healing Field at Tempe Beach Park
I visited the Healing Field at Tempe Beach Park today to reflect on the 12th anniversary of the terror attacks. Each of the nearly 3,000 American flags represents a victim. It's an emotional experience to walk amid the rows of flags. Each has a card attached with the name of the victim and notes on the person's life, as well as where the person died. Healing Field is hosted by the ... Read more
Ragnar Del Sol 2013
My first Ragnar relay, Feb. 22-23, was an unforgettable experience that pushed me to my limits and gave me an unrivaled sense of accomplishment. Ragnar is a 12-person, 200 mile relay race, with courses around the country. My nerves didn't let me get a wink of sleep the night before Ragnar Del Sol. Our team had met to decorate our vans and pack some of our stuff. I came home and finished ... Read more
Kayaking and camping at Saguaro Lake
My return to Saguaro Lake's campsites was just as memorable as the first trip. Instead of canoes we rented inflatable kayaks from Arizona Hiking Shack near Thomas Road and 32nd Street in Phoenix. We inflated the two kayaks on the parking lot using the pump we were provided with. In a few minutes the kayaks were ready to go; one would carry most of the camping gear in two large watertight ... Read more
Camping and canoeing at Saguaro Lake
I'm going to Saguaro Lake this weekend, so I thought I'd recap a memorable 2011 camping trip. Did you know there’s a camping spot at Saguaro Lake accessible only by boat? Our problem was that we don’t own a boat. The solution? We rented a canoe from Arizona Outdoor Fun in Phoenix. It cost $40 a night in December 2011, but the price has since gone up to $70 a day or $50 each per day if you rent ... Read more