Fourth of July

The 4th of July isn't quite as exciting in the Phoenix area as in other places. There is nothing to do until the evening when they have a couple of events and fireworks. We decided that we did not want to roast during the fireworks, and wanted to get out of the heat for a little while, so we went up to Fossil Springs. It was awesome. It took a little over 2 hours to get there, and then about a mile hike in to a really good swimming area. But it was worth every minute we spent there. We went with Devin and Marianne and enjoyed being able to swim in water that was cool. Here was one of the closer swimming holes. And a picture of all 4 of us.
Furthur up there was a large swimming area with some waterfalls and areas to jump from. Jeff and I under the waterfall. It felt great to sit there with the cool mist from the falls.
And a picture of the waterfalls. You might also notice that there was a little more vegetation than just cactus! We were there until the sun dropped below the mountain, and it actually got a little cold. But I enjoyed every moment of feeling cold. I litterally have not been cold since I was last in Utah.
The Springs were in the mountains just past the town Payson. After swimming we went and got some food and waited for the fireworks to start. The fireworks lasted a full 43 minutes. There were only a couple of false endings but the were fantastic. This was the only picture taken there and yes, we did have food in our mouths.

It was a great 4th of July, until we got back to our apartment about midnight and it was still sweltering hot.