Montezuma Castle, Arizona

Montezuma Castle, one of 4 historic and culturally significant areas claimed as a National Monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. What a forward thinking outdoors man he was. A near 1,000 year old story preserved in this limestone cliff. One of best examples in North America of cliff dwellers.

This ruin is a 20 room high rise. Visitors to the park used to explore it first hand after climbing up a series of steep ladders. Due to decay, the site was closed to the general public in 1951. It is now only open to Park Rangers to check on it's condition. Visitors are able to walk around and get a good look from below and above; from the paths surrounding it.

The castle was vacated some 600 years ago by the Sinagua (Spanish word meaning sin and water, without water).

It reminded me of our fascinating tour years ago at Mesa Verde, which is also now closed to the public. To think of how advanced their life was boggles the mind.

I highly recommend this as a must stop when in the area. Summer months are hot, bring sunscreen and water. In all season's good walking shoes/boots are a must. Leave your sandals at home, or back at the hotel.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Black Bean Soup. Look how beautiful it is. You're scratching your head and wondering why I'm showing you a picture of black bean soup, with a post title of Grand Canyon, right? We had the advantage of being there in winter. In winter, it's far less crowded. Not many people want to bundle up like we did. No, I'm not in the picture of the 3 bundles of coats, hats, hoods, scarves etc. As usual, I'm behind the camera, with a cold hand pushing the shutter. lol Since we were there during non season we were able stay at Kachina Lodge and walk to the main lodge for dinner in the fine dining room. It's my understanding reservations must be made way way in advance to stay on property during peak season and eat at The Lodge. And since we were there during the winter, we saw sites a little differently than most summer visitors do.
Hopi Point noted for it's sunsets is on the West Rim. We made it just a few minutes before the sun set. The first picture is just before, while the 2nd one is as it's setting. It doesn't take long, and is unbelievably dark and cold in a flash. No camera captures the feel of The Grand Canyons. They really are just mammoth, so much more than the lens can see. Much of area is closed in winter, as the trails become very slippery and dangerous with ice and snow, so we hiked less than we had planned. But, we did tromp quite a bit in the snow and loved every minute of it; freezing wind being quite a problem.

Yes, I still recommend you go; just bring your long johns!

Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix Arizona

Monarch Butterflies, trying to catch them in flight was a challenge. They're so beautiful. When I was a child they were abundant, now they are protected and we can see them in various Butterfly Gardens around the states. These are in The Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix.
It was extremely hot the day we were there, thus the sunglasses and hat pulled way down on my eyes. I did have on lots of sun screen and we walked slowly throughout the 50 acres enjoying over 130 rare desert plants. You often don't see me, The Traveling Suitcase; because I'm the one behind the camera; but this is me showing you the sign indicating we're in The Sonora Desert.
These are HUGE, one was large enough hubby could stand in the middle of it. I wanted you though to see the whole exhibit by Patrick Dougherty, titled Childhood Dreams. These are constructed with tree saplings. To date, Patrick has made over 200 massive sculptures globally.
Look at the detail and color in this one cactus! It's awesome. There were so many, I took 100 photo's the day I was there and everyone was interesting and unique. The gardens has a 63 year history of conservation and research of rare desert plants throughout the world.
There are many educational programs open to adults and children, a garden shop, gift shop, and patio cafe. Something for everyone. Through out the year many special events take place, such as Music in the Gardens on Sunday from noon til 2pm.

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills is a spectacle all year long. In summer people picnic, and hike. In fall folks enjoy hiking, and the fall colors. In all seasons wildlife is abundant.










We've visited and enjoyed this area many times in all kinds of weather; but find it too be almost mystical during the snowy cold months of winter. There is much to explore at Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow, Cantewell Cliffs, and Rock House. You can take a leisurely walk or a more rugged hike. In any weather you're apt to see some fantastic sites. Who doesn't enjoy a water fall? The frozen nativity above is a water fall; but look how special it is during the winter.

We stayed in this fabulous little log cabin in the woods where we able to warm up at the fireside after a cold hike. Looking up at the full moon at night as snow blanketed the woods and our little cabin was very peaceful. This really is quite a get away, and only an hour from home for us. Reading through the journal inside the cabin shows people come from far and wide to enjoy Hocking Hills all 12 months of the year.

Hocking Hills is located in southern Ohio, near Logan and easily accessible for a day trip from anywhere in the state. The parks offer camping, cabins, and plenty of family oriented activities.

Traveling and Insurance

My family (Daddy, Hubby, and Darling Daughter) and I recently traveled to The Columbus Zoo to see the Christmas Lights. It's like walking through Disney. Twinkling lights everywhere. My camera didn't really capture how beautiful they were though which is a bit disappointing. I love my family and wouldn't think of making even a short journey like this without good car insurance. Something I hope you don't take for granite.

Why do you need car insurance? You need insurance in case of theft, vandalism, or accidents. Car accidents happen every 5 seconds here in the U.S. Nationally, 14% of Americans don't have auto insurance. Perhaps if they realized this easy way to get insurance quotes from multiple companies in the US, from the comfort of their computer chair more folks would be covered.

As we enter a new year, many folks are looking for ways to save money. So, from the comfort of your home save yourself time and money as you get car insurance quotes, it's free. Free fits my budget, how bout yours? Are you thinking about buying a new car? Are you driving an older car that you feel needs less insurance? Or maybe you've got a teen about to get his or her's license--you definitely need to get auto insurance quotes!

I highly recommend taking your family to see the lights at zoo. There are over 3 million LED lights, and it is magical.

Homestead Resort, Park City, Utah

Think back to your days of high school English when you might have been asked to write a large list of descriptive adjectives. Words like gracious hospitality, luxury, pamper, serene, breathtaking beauty, superb service, and food for the soul would certainly appear on a list of adjectives describing Utah Resorts.

Homestead has something for everyone, in any season. This Utah Resort nestled in the picaresque Wasatch Mountains can boast 120 years of exquisite hospitality and Best of State Vacation Resorts 3 years running. This 4 season country resort has much to offer families of all sizes and budgets. Individual rooms, suites, cottages, executive suites, and condo's all with beautiful timeless quilts beckoning you to make yourself at home. Wheelchair accessible and pet friendly room are also available.

Activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing at nearby Sundance and DeerValley Resorts, fly fishing (lessons available), golf (lessons available) on a championship course, tennis, hiking, indoor fitness center or maybe you prefer to meander along the manicured gardens taking in the fresh mountain air or pamper yourself at The Aveda concept Spa. The most unique activity though is the 55 foot limestone crater filled with water ranging from 90-96 degrees. This crater is a perfect place to learn to scuba dive and is the only warm water scuba destination in the Continental United States.

Last post for 2009, Thanks for the Award

What a nice way to end the year, with an award. Thanks to Storybeader
I enjoy looking at the beautiful handcrafted one of a kind jewelry on her site. Do take a look and let her know I sent ya.

With the award comes a few responsibilities....

Here are the rules for the award acceptance:
(1) Thank the person giving the awards
(2) Copy awards to your blog
(3) Place a link to their blog
(4) Name 7 things people don’t know about you
(5) Nominate 7 bloggers
(6) Place a link to those bloggers
(7) Leave a comment on their blogs letting them know of their awards

Seven things you probably didn't know about me:
1...I used to dream of being a good swimmer when I was young, which is pretty funny cause I can't even float. I've apparently got lead in my bones and not at all buoyant in the water.
2...I like wine (dry white and red). You might know that if you've visited my other blogs. Sandy's Space
3...I knit and crochet, mostly for charity. You might know that too if you've been to my other blog, Bridge and Beyond
4...I'm old as dirt. I do feel that way sometimes. I don't mind saying I'm 59 years old, never understood the secret thing women have about their age.
5...I hate to shop, didn't get that female gene, unless you're talking about yarn shopping
6...I don't watch much TV, and rarely without yarn in hand
7...I love visiting, and photographing gravestones. Not because I'm a morbid; but because I love history and want to document old stones before they're gone.

Now to nominate blogs...
1 Shelly at Wine at Five
2 Bev at Romancing Italy
3...Ann at Tuvabox
4...Doug at Historic Travels
5...A craft blog I just found out walking this am
6...Anne at Small Town Mommy
7...Swapna at Crafts and cooking who is given special notice as my very first non-family commentor on my very first blog post here on Traveling Suitcase.