After picking up our rental we drove to the first campground at Lake Pleasant. Nomen est omen: it was a great start to our adventure and also a perfect spot for us beginners with showers, toilets etc. (None of us has ever camped before…) ☺️

Most US campgrounds are totally different from Austrian ones as far as I can tell. Many are basically not more than a certain area in the middle of nature that has designated sites and some amenities (such as showers or [pit] toilets) to share. That’s why there’s usually a lot of wildlife about and you feel totally sourrounded by and at the same time a part of nature. It’s absolute bliss! 😌

The first night in the camper was quite exciting as  both of us have never camped before, let alone abroad. Having said that, at about 2:30 in the morning we were suddenly woken by a strange noise. Something or someone (or rather several of them) was approaching the van! What could it be? We weren’t in bear 🐻 country yet, so what else might it be? I thought I’d heard hooves and as I was about to say so we heard a snort. We looked out of the window and saw….

… a herd of wild burros or donkeys crossing the campground! They were quite close to our van and passing it on their way in search of food. 🤩😍

The next day we were busy settling down in what will be our new home for the upcoming 38 days. We also walked on a nearby hill for a great view of the lake.

“In New Orleans you get boiled and in Phoenix you get grilled” the Lyft driver told us. He was right. Not quite sure what I prefer, though … 😉

Botanical gardens

Because the flora and fauna in the desert is so different from the Central European one we decided to go and see the botanical gardens first. We were not disappointed! Not in the least. You think the desert is all dull and doesn’t have anything to offer? Well, see for yourself! 🌵🌾☀️🐹🐇🦎🐦🦋

Oh and what did I do first in the botanical gardens? Dropped my (optical) sunglasses and they broke apart right in the middle… Perfect timing now that we finally experience hot and sunny weather 👌🙈😔

The garden is huge and has a lot to offer. Being home to many plants and animals of the Sonoran desert, the garden also features a butterfly pavilion and various trails dedicated to certain themes, like ‘The desert wildflower loop trail’. Besides, there was also a cooperation with glass artist Dale Chihuly going on and exhibits were distributed all over the place! 🤩

The best thing? Admission is usually about 30-40 $, but once a month the entry is free (community day). We only had one day (actually only the afternoon) in Phoenix. Guess what day it was when we were there? 😁😁😁

The beautiful sunset we enjoyed there was the icing on the cake! 🤩