Scootin'...

This morning, Joan asked, "Would you like to get out on the scooters?"

It took me almost a nano-second to get out: "Absolutely!"

This is the first time since we strapped them down in the cargo trailer at home that we have had them out.  Yes, I absolutely needed this.

It is a beautiful day here in the desert: sunny, dry, very little breeze, the high today around 80º.  I got the scoots out of the trailer while Joan put on her boots...

That is out on our patio area, with a sun-screen on the south-facing side.  Gearing up...

Heading out...

We are on the west side of Goodyear, and it is just a couple minutes to be away from most of the civilization.

West, then north, then west again, taking two-lane roads to Verrado...

Verrado is a planned community near Buckeye, AZ.  There is a small "town center" that has a small grocery store, a coffee shop, a wine bar/pizzaria, dentist - all the upscale amenities so you don't have to go into town with the riff-raff.  ;-)

The homes here are very nice.  Years ago, during the housing boom of the early 2000s, you had to get in a lottery to be able to buy a lot here.  Not sure what the current status of that situation is, but building is happening again.

Riding through some of the neighborhoods, it doesn't have the "sameness" (where all the houses look the same or very similar) of many planned communities around this area, but it does strike me as being a bit "Stepford Wife" feeling.  ;-)

Riding south from there, then west, we rolled into Buckeye.  Being frank, I haven't been a big fan of Buckeye.  When we have been there in the past, is seemed to be a place where you could kick butt in People of Walmart Bingo.  Maybe just happy to be out on the scoots, but we saw another side of Buckeye today... I can see why there is a lot of growth here.

Man does not live by bread alone... sometimes you need a donut.  We made a stop at the local Dunkin Donuts.  I had a chance to check the Scooter Tag thread on the scooter forum I enjoy... currently: "Your scooter by the ocean, the beach, or mountains."  That's a pretty broad category, but this part of Arizona is not known for oceans and beaches, but there are mountains.  I think we can find some mountains.  After we enjoy our donuts...

Out on the scoots, and a short jaunt north to the White Tank Mountains...

When you get the tag (aka a "grab"), you have to make another tag within two hours; so...

Your scoot at a Dunkin Donuts, because... it's worth the trip!

While stopped for the grab, a couple more photo ops...

Some saguaro cacti in the background...

More riding before heading home...

A road closure took us on a detour and more evidence of new building boom around here...

Not a bad way to while away the day.  Later, when Steph and Dan are off work, it will be time for "Burger Friday" - their way to celebrate the end of another work week.  We'll meet them with Five (Guys) of our best friends.