Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Arizona Falls ~ a little field trip

When I read the list for Rinda's photo hunt I wasn't sure I'd be able to find a waterfall. I mean, I live in a big ol' city and when I think "waterfall" my mind goes to something more natural - water falling down a beautiful mountainside into a river below...

#18 - a waterfall
Rinda's 2014 Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt


I had a few suggestions from local friends with recommendations for local parks with manmade waterfalls and I figured I'd end up at one of those. That is, until Carrie came across this list for "100 Ways to Survive 100 Degree Weather in Arizona." That's how we found out about Arizona Falls.


Arizona Falls is operated by our local power provider, Salt River Project (SRP). It's a 750-kilowatt hydroelectric facility that provides power to 150 homes annually. I loved learning about the history of this place.


Back in the late 1800's, this was the location of a natural 20' drop in the Arizona canal. Locals used to gather here for recreational purposes and in 1902 it became Arizona's first hydroelectric plant.


The Phoenix Arts Commission is responsible for rebuilding this site, and it was "reopened in 2003 as a restored hydroelectric plant and neighborhood gathering place where visitors can learn, interact and reflect. The new Arizona Falls combines art, history and technology to generate clean electricity from the canal's waterfall." {source}


Carrie and I walked around the site, snapping photos and enjoying the novelty of the place. The temperature was noticeably cooler from inside the structure, and the roaring sound of the falls made it necessary to shout to hear each other. It was awesome!

You can read more about the history of Arizona Falls (and where it's located) by clicking here.
 
And you can check out the entire list of items for
Rinda's Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt by clicking here.

17 comments:

Susi said...

Nice find! Love the bits of history you've added. I'm a little behind on the hunt but luckily theres still plenty of time.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the info. I can smell there is a field trip for us for coming weekend...

Sian said...

I love that you found somewhere for a trip and showed us all something new..all from one find on the list

debs14 said...

I love how the hunt makes us look a bit further afield. A great waterfall find!

Ruth said...

I echo what Deb and Sian have both said ~ great photos.

Audrey said...

That is pretty cool.....I've been trying to figure out where I'm going to take a photo of a waterfall myself!!!

Alison said...

Isn't amazing what you can find on your own doorstep?!
Alison xx

Maria Ontiveros said...

I love this Deb. As I said on Instagram, this is exactly what the Scavenger Hunt should be about. Taking advantage of summertime to get out and about and do things.
When I saw this on Instagram, I was wondering it got be wondering about the difference between a waterfall and a fountain. Still want to look that up. And I can't wait to see your tattoo!
Rinda

helena said...

what a neat place and I do love how Rinda's list gets us out to new places

Karen said...

Fascinating place, and fab photos! Love that the hunt took you off on a field trip!

Irene said...

I would love to go see that. Looks like a cool place. Great pics and history.

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

looks like a cool place to visit!

tainted with a positive view said...

Love it - thanks for sharing.

Miriam said...

going to new places to find items on Rinda's list is my favourite part of the scavenger hunt. I love your water falls. Well done that daughter!

Becky said...

Great place to discover - glad you and Carrie had fun :)

Anonymous said...

fabulous !!! I love how the scavenger hunt gets everyone out and about discovering new things.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful catch and as "hydro family (we both worked for our company for over 25 years each) I can really appreciate it.

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