LOWER INDIAN CLIFF DWELLING in TONTO NATIONAL PARK EAST OF MESA

Tuesday we got an early start with breakfast at Red Mountain Cafe' near Mesa Regal. Then drove out east and into the mountains again, some with a much different look.  I know that I have shown them before, but this was as seen through the eyes of Victor.

After driving through this tunnel, we pulled off in a viewing area.  Often there are rock climbers to be seen, but not today.  Victor did climb down a very short way to take pictures of the canyon.  But he decided that it was not to be done in flip flops.

Views of the cliffs and rocks on the opposite side of the road.

On to Tonto National Monument Cliff Dwelling with a view of the Roosevelt Lake in the valley.

The Indian's engineering was amazing.

I opted not to make the climb this time because of trouble that I have been having with a knee.  No point in pushing the problem along!  They have a wonderful waiting area with a nice film! Then Victor opted not to do the climb to the upper dwelling on the opposite hillside this time.  Guess he will just have to come out again when we are back here.

We then continued on north along Roosevelt Lake which is only at 44 % capacity at this time.  You can see that in the shoreline and the boating dock all above water.

Boat Dock

Traveling on along the lake, you can see that the mountains have changed.

We stopped off to take a look at the Roosevelt Dam.  I took a picture of the one poster which tells of the early Salt River which feeds this Dam.  Notice the lack of water at times and then the flooding in those pictures!

Very tired by now, but still looked for Power Square when back in Mesa where there was a used book store.  We all like used book stores, but did not buy this time.  Too hungry to wait for my cooking at home, we stopped at Coco's Restaurant.  We were all happy with our food choices, and I'm sure it was not just because we were half starved! I was the only one with food to bring home.
Take care now and I will soon let you know how the rest of the week goes.  It will soon be time for Victor to leave.  Take care.

VICTOR SEES TALIESIN WEST

After our Grand Canyon trip, we had two days of much rain!  Thus when it began to dry off and warm up, we just lolled about home and I sat outside some. We got in a good walk around the park and enjoyed a spaghetti dinner at home.  Nice day!
Monday, February 2nd, we begin another week with more sight seeing.  We made a trip out north of Scottsdale to see Taliesin West, to see Frank Lloyd Wright's last home and the FLW Architectural School there.  It is a very interesting home and shows his incorporation of the outdoor effect and his favorite interest in eastern Asia.  FLW architecture has always been a favorite of Victor's. Enjoy the pictures.

Our very interesting tour guide.

Living area looking out over the desert valley
behind us.

FLW's  Eastern Asia interest.
Also a red ceramic tile to indicate that the home
was still maintained to his standards and design.

His living and entertaining room.

Furniture that FLW designed.

More FLW furniture.

Living area as seen from outside.

Victor getting down to business
of picture taking, that is.

Bedroom with bed nearer one of the many fireplaces
which were the only heat source in the home.
There is also a bed on the back side of the wall
to be nearer the source of the cool outside night air.

FLW had a great interest in motion pictures,
thus a room for his many hours of watching movies.
Many of the movies were fourteen hour uncut films
given to him by movie makers.

When forced to install glass, which was not
in the home in earlier years, he would not
permit corner framing to be a part of the
installation.

Lego replica of Taliesin West.
It took Lego's Architectural line developer
600 hours to design this set and it it over
200,000 pieces.

 I noticed in the gift shop that they had a Lego set of the FLW Falling Water home in Pennsylvania for $99.00

Theater area that can be rented for use.
Students also put on their own plays and such in this room.

Chinese Dinner Theater with great
acoustic design!

Ariel view photograph.

The gardens and artistic sculptures on display were also very enjoyable!
It proved to be a full and tiring day, with plans to go back toward Globe to see the Indian cliff dwellings on Tuesday, we had best get back home and rested up!  We stopped for dinner at Garcia's Mexican Restaurant and Victor treated!  It was very good and earned a vote for a return!
Stay tuned.