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
Spring training 2014: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch Glendale
My first spring training game of the year was the day after the rainstorm that broke the 70-day dry spell. The clouds made for lovely views over the field.I sat next to enthusiastic Dodgers fans who came from LA for just one day to watch this game. They were thrilled to see their favorite players.Tommy Lasorda watches the game. As the end of the game neared, the clouds rolled in. ... 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
Back to Arizona Fall League
Going to a Fall League game this month brought back some fond memories of games at Scottsdale Stadium a couple of years ago. This year I went to Camelback Ranch Glendale to see the Glendale Desert Dogs play the Peoria Javelinas. It was a perfect fall evening, with temperatures in the 60s. I was even a bit “cold” as I sipped my iced tea. It wasn’t the same without Sue yelling out “Best in the ... Read more
Arizona Cardinals training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium
When Cardinals training camp was in Flagstaff, it offered Phoenicians an opportunity to escape the heat. Sadly, I never made the trek north to see the team practice at NAU before training camp was moved to the West Valley.Now that the practices take place inside the nicely air-conditioned University of Phoenix Stadium under a closed roof, fans can still escape the high temps, at least for a couple ... Read more
Waterfall at White Tank Mountain Regional Park
The recent rains convinced Graham that the waterfall at White Tank Mountain Regional Park must be flowing. I have heard that it's usually dry, so I've only ever made the trip to the West Valley park to mountain bike. We hopped in the car and ventured west, all the way to the Cotton Lane exit on the Interstate 10. From there we made some wrong turns but ended up driving north on Citrus Road and ... 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