Phoenix. June 2, 1982

Phoenix - Arizona Wednesday 2nd June 1982.

Today we saw the town of Phoenix, or should I say the city of Phoenix. It was like any other big city, except for the palm trees and the occasional glimpse of the hills, barren and brown in the distance. The architecture of the build­ings varied from the modern 'glass tower' to the older 'western' style with solid brick construction and looking very strong and dignified. Like most modern American cities, the main shopping areas were not downtown, there, there were only banks, hotels, and insurance companies and hence not too many people.

Those that we did see were dressed in business suits and looked as if they would be right at home behind banking and insurance desks. There seemed to be less 'sleaze' than San Diego, perhaps the western city doesn't have those same sorts of problems.

The city area, buildings and people ends fairly quickly, giving away to residential areas, some of which are obviously very expensive. Palm trees are every­ where, and if the streets and houses are well kept, the scene is quite attractive. 

Failing to find any shops downtime, we went north up 7th avenue to a shopping centre, J.C. Penney's, Goldwaters and the like. It could have been in S.D. except for the weather. One thing we noticed was the different of range of gifts in gift shops. Indian pottery, ceramic bells and statues were beautifully done, white base with oranges and browns, a very clean look and feel. Western clothing was everywhere, wouldn't mind a genuine western hat. I think we’re going to see a lot of things that we'd like to take home, but room will not permit.

Tomorrow, off to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, I'm looking forward to seeing one of the wonders of the world, Oak Creek Canyon, which is on the way should be interesting also, books I've seen on it make it look green with running streams and snow-capped mountains.
The motor home hasn't missed a beat, makes a few strange noises occasionally, must be all the power gear attached to it, I think.

 

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