First on the schedule was golf for the boys at the local Francisco Grande. The girls went with Mark and neighbor Odean to hike Picacho Peak. The summit is 3,374 feet above sea level, but it clearly warns hikers as they approach that this is a strenuous hike.
The girls were ready to take on the challenge with their favorite hiking guide, Uncle Mark! They both did well and managed the section that has chains to help you scramble up the rock face.
Some happy hikers who made it to the top!!
And they totally enjoyed the hike as well as the view!
But that is just the start of the day. Everyone returned to Palm Creek for a quick lunch at "The Bistro" on the patio. Then it was off to Lawn Bowling with neighbors Bernie and Joanne coaching everyone in playing this popular Canadian game.
Everyone played exceptionally well, especially Hailey who clearly excels at this sport. At happy hour she shared that she was adding Lawn Bowling expertise to her resume! It might have been the alcohol talking!
You can't go to Palm Creek and not experience Pickleball on one of the 32 courts in the complex!! We started with Harmony and Alex playing with Mark and Joan on one court. On the adjoining court Bernie and I played with Hailey and Andrew.
Then we switched to have the twins play as a team against Bernie and me and the boys played against Mark and Joan. Mark was out to show the boys that the old folks could compete and Mark and Joan took the game 11-0. But, Alex was not finished. Alex took on Mark and Joan by himself!!
You can't end a day at Palm Creek without experiencing the infamous "Happy Hour!" Next door neighbors, Jim and Cappy volunteered the use of their large covered area beside their home.
With patio heaters going, everyone could enjoy the cool desert evening. We ordered a huge spread from Chipotle. Not to overwhelm the available space we only invited about 24 of our friends from the street to join us for dinner and drinks.
We took our portable refrigerator loaded with beer and Bernie and Odean kept the glasses full! Odean made some interesting mixed drinks, poured some Canadian Gibson and provided a little birdie juice sample. Needless to say there was even some two fisted drinking going on!!
Bernie and Mark played the front nine with the boys and the back nine with the twins. Joan and I played with the girls first and then the guys. We enjoyed a fun lunch at the turn.
At the 18th hole, Harmony sunk her putt and celebrated!! You can't miss Bernie in his signature orange!
The boys joined the girls as they walked off the course. This happy group of Golfers is ready for drinks at the Ocotillo Grill!!
After a few more drinks and some delicious appetizers we said goodbye and sent them on their way to the nearby Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.
We had a great time and hope they left with a better appreciation of the joy of retirement living.
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