March 2019 - Our annual trip to MLB spring training in Scottsdale last week took on a much different vibe this year as we stayed with my good friend Dan in his new home in North Scottsdale.
We arrived Saturday and headed out to Dano's new home in North Scottsdale. Dan is yet another to escape the crazy political and expensive confines of the great state of California and move to a beautiful rural horse community in the desert of Arizona. He bought a beautiful home and plot of land that is surrounded by like minded folk who love horses and the open dessert. His home is just adjacent to the Tonto National forest which is perfect for horseback and all other forms of off road transportation. We were fortunate to hit great weather this week with temps in the mid 70's to low 80's. Last week they had a freak snow storm which landed about 15 inches of wet snow on the ground!
Also great to see Dan's dog Walker. He's a big black lab who is full of energy and fun. Love to hang out and play with this big goof ball.
Tonight we had cocktails on Dan's roof top terrace at sunset and were joined by friends who also live nearby. It was our first opportunity to meet Dan's new friend Lynn. So happy that he is meeting people that are a good fit and have similar interests. Off to have dinner with the group then returned for a night of cocktails and conversation
Sunday were off to see the Giants play the Rockies at talking stick park, our first time seeing a game here. Nice stadium with great amenities. Its always cool to see the new prospects vying for a spot on the roster along with the seasoned vets working on getting their groove on. Unfortunately the G'men lost today but hey, it's spring training so the win/loss column doesn't count yet. Rumors around the valley say that with Bochy retiring at the end of this year our new coach could very well be the one and only Will "the thrill" Clark.
Headed back to the house following the game for dinner out and more friendship sitting around the fire in Dan's back yard enjoying the cool dessert night
Monday we trekked down to Old Scottsdale where the Giants were playing the hated Dodgers. The best thing about the Giants home field is its location in Old Scottsdale where there are tuns of bars, restaurants and hotels that make the whole experience walk-able. Another entry into the L column but again great to see the players and how the team is shaping up for the regular season. Lynn joined us for dinner in Old Scottsdale at Los Olivos for some authentic Sonoran food and delicious margaritas
Since we were leaving on Wednesday (short trip this year) we decided to skip baseball today and trek out into the Tonto on Dan and Scott's dessert rigs. Huge fun riding these machines through the open dessert, dry river beds and hill climbs. Cant beat the views either, the Saguaros are incredible here!