I'm just glad I don't live in a trailer.....

Since arriving in Phoenix we have enjoyed the luxury of staying in two beautiful homes, taking a break from our camper van. Our first stop was at former neighbours Dave & Susan's winter retreat in the Desert Mountain community. With 6 Jack Nicklaus designed courses available to the members it is a golfer's paradise and was also hosting the Senior PGA final tournament (Schwab Cup) while we were there. We went to the final day of the tournament and followed the final two groups around the course, spending most of our time watching the final group and eventual winner, Tom Lehman, destroy the rest of the field with a 5 stroke victory. It was fun to watch the action up close although a little disheartening to realize that almost all of the 30 players who qualified for the 'seniors' championship were younger than we were. Perhaps there is another tour that I should start dreaming about.

Dave and I did a morning hike up Sunset Summit and continued further on to China Wall. There were many more trails within their hilly community and the active residents seemed to be making good use of them. On another day we golfed on one of the 6 courses that backed on to Dave & Susan's property. The men walked while the women rode.......the ladies made the better decision as the climbs and space between holes took their toll on me during the back nine (part of the host's strategy I'm sure and it worked out in his favour as I faded down the stretch!).

Our next stop was in Scottsdale to visit with Rhonda's uncle and aunt (Murray & Mavis) who spend their summers in their NW Calgary home and down here in the winter. They also have a beautiful home which backs on to the Troon golf course and have been wonderful hosts.  We have enjoyed catching up with them and their family, and spent Tuesday evening following the U.S. election results. We`re glad to see an end to all the negative campaign ads and pleased to see that Sheriff Joe (pink outfits for the inmates) was elected again for a 6th term. Yesterday Murray and I went out golfing while the ladies relaxed at home. Today the ladies will have pedicures.......Murray and I declined the invitation to join them.

We have one more visit planned while we are here with some Cottonwood friends (Brian & Shirley-Ann) and then we will move on to Palm Springs.

Sunset Summit trail

China Wall

Dave & Susan`s