California - Day 3 - Phoenix, Arizona

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Thursday 16th September

Phoenix, Arizona
Overview

Phoenix is the capital and largest city of the state of Arizona, as well as the fifth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to approximately 1.5 million people, and is the anchor of the Phoenix metropolitan area (also known as the Valley of the Sun), the 12th largest metro area by population in the United States with nearly 4.3 million people.
Phoenix was incorporated as a city in 1881 after being founded in 1861 near the Salt River, near its confluence with the Gila River. The city eventually became a major transportation hub in North America and a main transportation, financial, industrial, cultural and economic centre of the South-western United States. Residents of the city are known as Phoenicians.
Located in the north-eastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has the hottest climate of any major city in the United States. The average high temperatures are over 100°F (37.8°C) for three months out of the year, and have spiked over 120°F (48.9°C) on occasion.
The Journey

The first stop this morning is at the Desert Tower,(09.30) some great views over the area, toilets and drinks are available as well a selection of postcards,(postage to the UK – 98c) books and maps. From here we start to descend into the desert, passing El Centro, then through the Sonoran Desert, we then cross the Colorado River and enter Arizona and our lunch stop at Yuma(11.30), during the afternoon we continue towards Gila Bend (14.30) for an afternoon stop, the last part of the journey takes us into Phoenix, where we shall have a look at the Capitol building before heading to the Hotel (17.00), the Hilton Garden Inn, outdoor swimming pool, bar and restaurant open until 21.00 for dinner.

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