Day 2 began where we left off in Old Town Scottsdale, Patties Bar and Grill. CJ, the owner, had coffee ready for us. The morning was a bit cloudy. I was moving a little slow and was concerned as Day 1 had ended with my feet developing some major blistering. I doubled up on the socks and was hopeful the shoes had broke in after almost 16 miles.

Joining us today was a co-worker, Carolyn Dahlin and her husband, Jason. We discussed our route and at the last minute, decided to change it and follow Indian School west. Dave had an idea that this route would provide a fun mid-morning stop for a Bloody Mary and also opportunity to stop at his house, located in the historic Arcadia neighborhood.

Notice Chrystyna and Caroline are dressed as if it were freezing out. They had grown up in Phoenix so these were WINTER temperatures for them. I had shorts on and was happy that I had an opportunity to wear one of my long sleeve sweat shirts from Colorado. It was mid-40s about the time we headed out.

I thought this building provided a fun photo op and snapped it. Camelback, again was ever present. You can see that it was starting to warm up and the clouds start to clear.

Here is one of the views of Camelback Mountain as we walked along the Arizona Canal on Indian School. Camelback is one of the toughest hikes in the Valley. It has a 1200 foot elevation gain in just 1.2 miles. Camelback towers over the valley floor at just over 2400 feet in altitude. It is a popular training trail as many will climb it multiple times in a day for a great workout.

Here’s another view as we make progress along the Canal on Day 2. Dave and I continue to debate the depth of the water in the Canal. Dave thought and thinks it is only a foot or two deep. I am sure it is at least 5 or more feet deep. This debate continues to this day.

This was one of the most unique finds of our four day walk, The Arizona Falls! Dave and Chrystyna have lived in Phoenix almost all of their lives and had never seen it.

Arizona Falls was such a neat surprise. Dave was obviously excited. The falls are actually easy to miss if you were just driving by on Indian School. Walking provided one of the advantages of taking in those things we either take for granted or just plain miss because of the pace we all tend to go.

Finally, we reached our mid-morning stop at the Arcadia Tavern, a trendy bar-restaurant on Indian School and 48th Street. The refreshment of choice was their popular Bloody Mary. We each had just one, being responsible walkers.

From the Arcadia Tavern we turned south and planned a stop by Dave’s house. We then walked to Thomas and continued west.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital was under construction. They were adding a huge addition to their facility. Kind of sad to think this is necessary. Since moving to Phoenix, I’ve heard of many stories about how lives have been turned upside down upon finding out a child had a tumor or cancer. It’s good such a quality place is here for them. I know a little about how that kind of news can shake your world up. The building looks like it will be a great place for those kids who will have to call it home.

Here is the view looking south on Central at Thomas. It was a relief as this was the home stretch for Day 2. My feet had really started to bother me, actually were painful. The walk had pretty much become a limp across the valley. It was not until I got home that I realized how bad the blisters had become. Anyway, this was a motivating view, knowing we now were so close to downtown Phoenix.

Our route took us by the famous Westward Ho Hotel and a sculpture titled Release the Fear. At the base of it were hundreds of guns that had been taken off the streets.

Day 2′s shadow picture. (Phil, Chrystyna, Dave)

It had been another longer day. We reached Seamus McCaffrey’s around 4:30. This was the night we had originally had grandiose plans to have a party, with a band, food and drink, and invite all our friends. In hindsight, that would have been a huge mistake. All we were thinking about now was getting a shower and getting some rest.

Day 2 ends. Quietly.

To see all my posts on the 2009 Valley Walk, you can click the category link Phoenix Valley Walk 2009.

All of Day 2 pictures are here: Valley Walk Day 2 Pictures.