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.
5 comments:
Another gorgeous shot over the desert. I haven't been out to see that fountain in years. I'll have to take a Sunday drive that way.
I had no idea that the same person responsible for building the world's tallest fountain in the Arizona desert was also responsible for relocating the London Bridge to the Arizona desert.
I know this site well. In fact, when we moved our family here a couple of years ago, we came in from New Mexico and then drove down to Payson, taking 87. I had never driven this far north in Arizona before---simply breathtaking coming down the rim. My kids were saying "when are we going to see a cactus?". It wasn't until we got close to Fountain Hills and seeing that Fountain shooting in the air that let me know we were getting close to our new home. It gives me goosebumps still today just thinking about it--After a 3 day trip with 9 kids, it was a sight for sore eyes!
What an amazing image Julie, not only the layers of mountain ranges, but then to see this fountain right there in the middle, how extraordinary!!
I've seen the fountain from Mesa. Well, at least the top part. It's kind of cool to see it from afar. But, your picture is wonderful.
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