My friend, Denise, called Friday night and asked if I was up for a Saturday day-trip. She had heard that there was a Strawberry festival in Strawberry, Arizona...about 1 1/2 hours away. I think we both conjured up images of strawberry pies, jam, and milkshakes and being able to purchase fresh picked strawberries (or maybe even pick our own). It sounded like a fun way to spend the day.
We knew we were there when the traffic came to a complete stop as we entered the little community. Lucky for us, a car pulled out and left us a premium parking place at the exact moment we needed it. We started walking and following the crowds of people. Two blocks away, we found a few tarps and tents with craftsmen selling their wares--some jewelry, purses, rugs but mostly junk. We were hard pressed to find a single strawberry anything. After a lot of searching, we found a little group of church ladies in a kitchen putting together strawberry shortcakes, strawberry floats, and strawberry shakes. Apparently, the Strawberry festival was simply a craft show IN Strawberry, not a festival of strawberries. The good news was that it was a heavenly 75 degrees with a cool breeze blowing.
As we started the drive back, we saw a turn off for Arizona's Natural Bridge. I'd heard about it but never been there and we were both game for an adventure. It was a beautiful drive down the canyon and then a 10 minute hike to the very bottom of the falls (unfortunately, it was about a 30 minute climb back out of the very steep incline due to many rests to catch our breath).
After a stop in Payson for a delicious hamburger, we drove back home where the temperature was a "cool" 98 degrees. Thank goodness for quick get-aways.
10 comments:
What a fun trip! That bridge is amazing! wow...
Here in Ohio, we do have a strawberry festival where they do have all kind of Strawberry stuff everywhere. Awesome!
That is AWESOME. THe bridge I mean. The festival, not so much. Though, I do enjoy a small town festival now and then.
Did you buy any junk at the "festival in Strawberry?!" That is funny!! The bridge is so neat and at least you know how to have fun no matter where you land!
Spontaneous is fun! The natural bridge is great. Friends are the best, aren't they?
Nancy and Jim are in town. We went to dinner with them Friday night. It was such fun.
Sounds like a fun spontaneous Saturday adventure. I've always wanted to see that natural bridge too. Sounds like its not too far away. Have a good week.
Strawberry is where our family cabin is. If you blink you will literally miss Strawberry! We love it there. Dave's dad has the elk trained and they come down to feed every morning. So glad you got to visit the bridge. It was closed due to the economy but they reopened it for June and July. It is awesome!!
Laurie! This is a response to your response on my blog!
Thanks for the compliment about our ageless beauty! I dump the bad photos in the trash!
As for ward conference....I have totally changed. After teaching seminary every day for 13 years I came to realize that you don't have to take your couch and every flower arrangement in your house to have a good lesson. So, all I took today was 1 piece of paper. Can you believe it?
What a bummer about the "strawberry" festival! but the natural bridge looks beautiful! And at least you goit a yummy burger out of it and great company with your friend!
Oh darn it...the strawberry festival wasn't what you had hoped, but the day sounded like a great adventure nonetheless!
I don't think I could handle the heat you have in the summer! Any luck on the job front yet?
That sounds like so much fun, I'm a little jealous!! By the way... I have a new nick name for you next time I see ya! haha :)
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