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Taliesin West, Arizona

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Frank Lloyd Wright came to Arizona in 1937, when he was 70 years old.  He came here for his health.  This was not only his home and office, but was also a school and lab for budding Architects that were learning from the master. The place mirrors the materials, topography, and setting of the area.  The home sits at the base of the MacDowell Range and overlooks Phoenix and the Paradise Valley. Wright was heavily influenced by nature.  At Taliesin West , he worked to allow the building to flow into the surrounding landscape.  He used materials from the desert, matching for the most part colors and textures.   Our visit included a docent led two hour tour.  Taking the tour provided context that we would not have had otherwise. Approaching the complex you arrive at an outdoor courtyard.  Right away you see Wright’s influences.  The desert masonry tower announces its presence immediately.  Looking closer you notice a hammer imbedded high up on the tower.  There are several stories about th

Sedona, Arizona

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We have enjoyed three days here in the Sedona area.  It has been a busy week here just before Thanksgiving.  Over the weekend we drove up the Red Rock Scenic Byway, which runs between Oak Creek and Sedona, through the massive red rock formations that the place is famous for.  Each trail head we tried was parked to the limit.  The only viable option was to park in Sedona and take the hiker shuttles.  We chose to get an early dinner instead.  There is always something nice to see in Sedona.    From the left; Castle Rock (Red Butte), Bell Rock(Red Rock Sticking Up), Courthouse Butte Eagle’s Mountian), (Red Cliffs), Lee Mountian (Sheep Mountian).   The name in (parenthesis) is the Apache name.   We tired for the trailheads again on Monday, but alas, the same problem.  It was wine tasting for us.  It might take some serious strategic planning to take a hike in this town. We did have Sunday to visit the Montezuma Castle National Monument . While Montezuma had nothing to do with the place, th