Sailing, sailing,: Casa Grande, AZ

Monday, March 20, 2023

Casa Grande, AZ

The Hohokam people understood the significance
of the sun's passage and arranged the building so
that the sun shone in through openings to signal
the spring and fall equinoxes.

That small hole in the center shows the spring
equinox with a beam of sun.

This distinctive roof covering was built in 1932. The CCC were here and built the administrative buildings and visitor center

As we drove north from Tucson a sign caught our eye, next exit Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This couple welcomes detours! We did hesitate when we saw it was 20+ miles away, but we had time and a hike would be welcome, so we continued on. Casa Grande means "Big House" in Spanish and it refers to the largest structure at the site, a 4 story building that was abandoned around 1450. This area was inhabited by the Hohokam people, or the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People. for centuries. but this particular place was probably active from 1150 to 1450. Overcrowding, drought, floods all may be part of the reason it was abandoned but the ruins have fascinated people since then. In November 1694 the first European viewed the site and gave it it's name. It's been a tourist attraction since then and many have carved their names on it - until 1891 when repairs and conservation started. It was declared a National Monument in 1918.

I wish the low growing blue flowers showed
up better here. They carpet areas of the desert.
You'll see a close up on my next post.

When we activated our Google Directions we had a nice surprise. We hadn't realized that our next stop, Foothills West RV Resort was in Casa Grande! We hadn't gone out of our way at all. It was still 20 miles away in the city but it was a beautiful drive over a mountain pass. We got to admire the "Super Bloom" ongoing as a result of the recent rains. The road was lined with yellow, orange and bright blue flowers.

And our RV park was also a nice surprise. Our site was spacious and the swimming pool, hot tub and big recreation room inviting. We sat outside having our drinks and neighbors joined us. From Minnesota, they spend their winters down here. I had thought I wouldn't be celebrating St. Patrick's Day but I was wrong. The next day was non stop party. The parade was at 3 PM, the cocktail hour started afterward, followed by a big Irish Stew dinner and capped off with a dance that night! We met a lot of people, all very nice and welcoming. But all 70 and above and country music/western fans (the bookshelf had a lot of Zane Grey etc.). It was slow dancing to Willie Nelson (and that was my favorite).

But it was a wonderful day, lots of fun. For example, at the dance everyone passed around tiny glasses and then homemade liquors! The parade consisted of wildly decorated golf carts and bicycles. Everyone threw candy at the bystanders. But most people were in the parade! We got a lot of candy. That morning we drove into the "Historic Center" of Casa Grande and walked around. Two of the highlights (TripAdvisor) are the Neon Sign Park and the Paramount Theater (still with a good schedule of live concerts). Photos are at the bottom below. The next day was a big one and will be covered on my next post.

Yes, I know I'm not wearing much green (there was some in the pattern). Scott and I, it turns out, don't buy green clothing. Next year, we'll bring 2 very St. Patrick's Day shirts.