Photo: Sunflower mine shaft

An old mine will have a mine shaft, of course. Abandoned mine shafts in the desert are a problem. Every once in a while a person will fall down them, sometimes when they are driving an all terrain vehicle over a mine cover that gives way. Sometimes, the mines were left uncovered or the covers have deteriorated.

There have been a few children who have fallen into old mines. There is an effort to install strong, durable covers over mine shafts.

This mine has a horizontal shaft, so at least people cannot fall down it like a vertical shaft. If you came across this old mine shaft, would you climb in? Stuart did, as I will show you tomorrow.

This week we are showing photos of some of the remarkable sights to Egypt on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: mine country

As the trail that Stuart drove rounded one of the bends in the road, you will see this unmistakable remains of an old mine. Stu chose this trail to drive because it led to the site of an old mine.

Every school child in Arizona learns that our economy was historically based on the "Five C's" -- copper, cattle, climate, cotton and citrus.

There are lots of old mines in the mountains, although this was not a copper mine. We will explore this one, through Stuart's photos, in the days ahead.

This week we are showing photos of some of the remarkable sights to Egypt on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Jeep trail

The Jeep trail that Stuart took included driving through some rocky washes. Fortunately, it was not as rugged as the trail that he took for instructional purposes.

On this outing he had a specific destination which provided some photo opportunities, which I will share during the next week.

One thing that is good about a rocky trail and old jeep road on this type of trip, it does not do environmental damage like people who drive all terrain vehicles over unspoiled desert plants.

This week we are showing photos of some of the remarkable sights to Egypt on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Theme day: Animal Food Focus

Here is a photo of my Mom's white boxer staring at some very rare prime rib.

The boxer's name is Stella.

Stella would not ever grab food off the plate so no need to worry that she will take it, but she will have an intense, singularly focused stare.

This week we are showing photos of some of the remarkable sights to Egypt on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

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Photo: High desert mountains

What is the point of learning how to drive a Jeep off road, as I showed in Stuart's photos yesterday and the day before? Well, one reason is to be able to drive on old dirt and gravel roads in the high desert outside of Phoenix/Scottsdale.

This is a photo that Stuart took on a trail east of the Superstition mountains, which are about 40 miles (64 km) east of Scottsdale.

This photo shows that with just a little gain in elevation, the terrain turns a lot greener than the low desert.

In the days ahead I will show some more photos that Stuart took during his road trip. I hope you enjoy them.

This week we are showing photos of some of the remarkable sights to Egypt on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: A rough ride

Yesterday I mentioned how Stuart went on an instructional outing with a local Jeep club. Here is another of the vehicles in his group of 20 drivers on this trail that was chosen for its opportunities to teach what a Jeep can and cannot do. This Jeep looks like it has scraped rocks a few times.

It took the 20 vehicles 8 hours to complete the trail. Stuart asked us to guess how far we thought the group traveled. As you can see from today's and yesterday's photos, it is pretty slow going for each of the 20 Jeeps to creep through such difficult terrain.

The answer is that the group travelled one-half mile (.8 km) in their 8 hours. Stuart reported that he learned a lot about driving his Jeep, but he does not plan to take any trails like that again.

This week we are showing photos of some of the remarkable sights to Egypt on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Jeep on a rough desert trail

The photos I have shown during the past week were taken by Dave's son, Stuart, while driving on a dirt road through the desert. Stu recently bought this Jeep, which is a remarkable vehicle.

In order to learn more about the capability of his Jeep, he want out on an instructional outing with a local Jeep club. Experienced Jeep owners taught new owners how to maneuver down the trail. With supervision and guidance, they could learn what to do, and what not to do.

Today is Sunday, so we have new photos posted today on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site. This week we are showing photos of some of the remarkable sights to Egypt.

Photo: Camelback Mountain in the distant haze

Near the top of Four Peaks, Stuart looked west towards the Valley of the Sun and took this photo through the afternoon haze. You can see the distinctive shape of Camelback Mountain in the distance.

Scottsdale is located primarily over the ridge of the McDowell Mountains, which is the ridge closer than Camelback in this photo. Phoenix is located on the other side of Camelback.

Although there is haze in this photo because it is pointing in the direction of the sun, this view is placed in perspective by the realization that Camelback is probably about 50 miles (80 km) away. Stuart said that he could even see the White Tank and Estrella Mountains on the west side of the Valley of the Sun, which are about 80 miles from Four Peaks.

Although Stuart has a point-and-shoot camera, he got to good photos and I appreciate his willingness to allow me to use them. He is always happy to share, especially if Dave or I need computer assistance. It helps to have a younger-generation techie in the family.

This week we are showing photos of the architecture and theater district of Chicago on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Roosevelt Lake

From near the top of Four Peaks, looking farther northeast, a portion of Roosevelt Lake comes into view. Roosevelt Dam is the oldest federal Bureau of Reclamation project in the country, with President Theodore Roosevelt traveling here in 1911 to dedicate the dam upon completion.

Roosevelt Lake is the largest of the Salt River lakes that store water supply for the Phoenix metropolitan area. At the time it was built, it created the largest artificial lake in the world. The lake inundates 10 miles (16 km) of the Salt River. Every year or so they will release water from the lake when it is at capacity, and water will flow in the Salt River like it did in the 1800's when Phoenix was founded.

Several weeks ago I showed some photos of a few of the canals in Scottsdale. This lake, and 5 other lakes, is the source of the water that is crucial to making life possible for the 4 million people who live in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

This week we are showing photos of the architecture and theater district of Chicago on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Top of Four Peaks

This is a photo of the top of one of the peaks of Four Peaks. Yes, there is a dusting of snow. The effects of a 1996 fire are still visible, as the high desert vegetation has not reforested the area fully.

Northern Arizona has large Ponderosa pine forests. At this lower elevation and higher temperatures, juniper is common.

My husband's son, Stuart, took this photo near the end of his Jeep drive up Four Peaks. I will show the final photo from this series tomorrow.

This week we are showing photos of the architecture and theater district of Chicago on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Jeep on the Rocks to Four Peaks

The drive to Four Peaks includes aa few places where the road goes across large rocks. Four Peaks makes a scenic backdrop for Stuart's Jeep, which he enjoys for taking drives and hikes in the desert around Phoenix/Scottsdale.

This week we are showing photos of the architecture and theater district of Chicago on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Fountain Hills from a distance

There is something remarkable in the center of this photo. The giant fountain that gives Fountain Hills its name is visible from about 10 miles away.

The fountain was installed in an artificial lake in 1970 by Robert McCulloch, one year before he bought the London Bridge and moved it, piece to Lake Havasu, Arizona. The fountain operates every hour on the hour.

When it was installed, it was the highest fountain in the world, although it is now the 4th highest. It can reach of 560 ft (170 m), about the same height as the Washington Monument. It usually shoots water 300 ft (91 m) high, as usually they fire up just two of the fountain's three 600-horsepower engines. The fountain shoots 7,000 gallons (26,000 liters) of water per hour.

Fountain Hills is a suburb, just over a ridge from Scottsdale. This view is from the road to Four Peaks looking back.

This week we are showing photos of the architecture and theater district of Chicago on ourViva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: High Desert Scene

This is a typical view of the high desert on the way to Four Peaks. Phoenix/Scottsdale is about 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level. With just a few hundred feet of additional elevation, the giant Saguaro cacti become even more common, as you see in this photo. There are prickly pear cacti in the foreground.

In March, this scene will likely be exploding with the color of wildflowers.

The resorts in Scottsdale have desert drive experiences that are popular with tourists. Drives, off-roading, and hiking in the desert are popular activities for residents.

This week we are showing photos of the architecture and theater district of Chicago on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: The drive to Four Peaks

One of the landmarks surrounding Scottsdale is the mountain called Four Peaks, for obvious reasons. These peaks are visible from most of Scottsdale.

This view shows the dirt road that leads northeast from Scottsdale, through the desert, up to Four Peaks. During the next few days on this website would you like to take a little field trip up towards Four Peaks?

Dave's son, Stuart, recently bought a Jeep and took this drive. He has given me permission to show some of his photos taken from an i-phone.

Today is Sunday, so we have new photo posted on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site. This week we are showing photos of the architecture of Chicago, with some nighttime scenes, including the theater district.

Photo: Southwestern Housing

Here is a popular patio home development in Scottsdale called La Villita. Spanish names are popular for streets and neighborhoods in Arizona.

You can see the Southwestern style of architecture that includes tiles, stucco, cactus, and chimneys.

Many of the newer residences in the past 15 years were built in gated communities.

Check out our new photos of the Wonders of Egypt at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Fore!

Scottsdale has many lovely golf courses.

Here is a photo of one hole at the McCormick Ranch Golf Course.

Check out our new photos of the Wonders of Egypt at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Colorful Sky Over the Water

Here are some interesting sunset colors.

The reflection on the water adds some drama as well.

Check out our new photos of the Wonders of Egypt at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Full Moon and Two Palms

Here is a photo of a full moon and I caught it right between the two palm trees.

The moon moves fully every four minutes so when taking photographs and getting your position, it takes some planning.

Check out our new photos of the Wonders of Egypt at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Traffic Calming

Here is a photo of a sign that says Traffic Calming.

You can see the design of the street is meant to slow you down. There are medians with plants and the traffic planners made sure the road was not straight like a racetrack.

Do you think these traffic calming techniques work?

Check out our new photos of the Wonders of Egypt at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Wedding on McCormick Ranch Lake

Here is a photo I took just before the wedding was occurring at sunset at McCormick Ranch Lake.

A beautiful night it turned out for the lucky couple.

Check out our new photos of the Wonders of Egypt at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Salt River Project Canal

Here is a photo of one of the canals that are part of the Salt River Project canal system.

The ancient Hohokam Indians developed the base of this irrigation system in the desert and, in modern day, the Salt River Project, built and expanded the canal system.

This is the canal where people walk, job and bike.

Today is Sunday so that means new travel photos. Check out our new photos of the Wonders of Egypt at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Bicyclist on Canal Bank

Here is a photo of a bicyclist riding on a bike path on the canal off of Indian School Road in Scottsdale.

You can see this bike path is far off the regular road so that it is much safer.

The canals are a great place to walk, jog, or bike.

Enjoy some of our travel photos of the Patterns of Tanzania at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Reflection on the Water

Here is a photo of a late afternoon reflection on McCormick Ranch Lake.

I have been trying to capture a lot of reflection shots lately.

The windows on this office building were very clean and shiny.

Enjoy some of our travel photos of the Patterns of Tanzania at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Heron Hiding in the Tree

Here is a smaller heron hiding in the trees at McCormick Ranch Park.

We have a lot of birds along the green belt in Scottsdale.

Many are migratory birds. Some people would not believe we have so many birds even though we live in the desert.

Enjoy some of our travel photos of the Patterns of Tanzania at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Traveler Musicians

Here is a photo of the Traveler musicians who were performing at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

They play great music and are always enjoyable to listen to and enjoy the wonderful desert we live in.

Enjoy some of our travel photos of the Patterns of Tanzania at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Reflection of Palm Trees

Here is a photo of a Scottsdale business building with two palm trees.

The sun is just rising and you can see the light and the great reflection on this dark glass corporate building.

Enjoy some of our travel photos of the Patterns of Tanzania at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Aloe Vera Plants

Here is a photo of aloe vera plants taken at the Forever Living Products, which makes aloe vera shampoos, etc.

Aloe Vera is a popular plant and it produces relief from sun burns. Just break open a leaf of the cactus type plant and rub on the sunburn and feel the heat dissipate.

Enjoy some of our travel photos of the Patterns of Tanzania at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Boat Dock on McCormick Ranch Lake

Here is a boat dock and a sunset on McCormick Ranch Lake.

We do not have many lakes in the desert and the majority are made by people.

Happy Sunday!

Today is travel Sunday so enjoy some of our travel photos of the Patterns of Tanzania at our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

Photo: Red Dinosaur in the Cage

Here is a photo of a red dinosaur in a cage.

This photo was taken looking down on the Phoenix Art Museum.

Kind of a cool photo with the kid sitting peacefully on the edge of the grass while the dinosaur looks on.

Enjoy critters and plants of Cape Breton Island at our Viva la Voyagetravel photo site.

Photo: Sunset at McCormick Ranch

Happy Friday!

Here is a photo of a sunset at McCormick Ranch Lake.

The birds are enjoying the last rays of daylight.

Enjoy critters and plants of Cape Breton Island at our Viva la Voyagetravel photo site.