A photo speaks a thousand words, and a street view speaks a thousand memories.
That is what came to my mind when I saw this heartwarming video below presented by Google Maps- titled “Celebrate 15 years of exploring on Street View”
Not only does Google Maps Street View allow you to virtually explore new places, but it also lets you revisit familiar places.
One of my favorite areas to look back at on Street View is Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa At Gainey Ranch. It was one of the first places I visited when I moved to Arizona almost 6 years ago. I can still feel the afternoon desert heat of that day as I walked out of my rental car from the airport and into the hotel. I was full of innocence and dreams for what I perceived as a new start, and so in spite of my travel fatigue, I couldn’t nap for long in my room. I walked around, looking at the long extravagant halls and winding staircases, but what struck me the most was the restaurant’s open air seating. I ordered a burger and sat by myself, feeling so giddy. The sky faded into purple and pink strokes as the sun set, and the silhouette of the mountains stood in the horizon. It was such a magical moment- like a spark of first love.
Now and then, as I sometimes find myself trudging along, defeated by things not happening exactly up to my expectations, and as I find myself dragging along in a ho-hum routine, I bring myself to remember that day when I sat in that chair in Hyatt, facing the sunset and so full of hope. I trace my steps that I took that day as well on Street View and it’s like I’m back there again both physically and mentally… and a smile slowly but surely fills my heart.
Fellow local guides, what about you? What place(s) do you revisit on Street View due to them having a special place in your heart? 
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That’s a nice video @AZ_2021 . I do understand the desert heat that you are talking about since i live in Chandler, AZ. So when we moved we stayed in the hotel in Phoenix. I remember it was hot and that intense heat still can;t forget. Thank you for sharing your memory with us @AZ_2021 . Whenever it is peak summer try going to Payson city ( if you haven’t been there before ) and from there about 30 min up to Willow springs lake and Bear canyon lake ( there are more lakes as well i guess which i haven’t explored yet ). It is beautiful and easily about 20-30 degrees lower than here.
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Happy Friday @AnithaM
Thank you for taking the time to read and sharing your comment.
Yes, we are like twins. It was about 4 years ago, I actually went out to Payson, AZ in the summer. I woke up like 3 am that day so I could get there for a sunrise hike in Woods Canyon. It was the one rare day that I felt like going out early; normally, I like to sleep early.
So, I did sunrise hike and then I also saw Tonto Bridge from the overhang by the visitor’s center. Then, it got too hot so I had to drive back home. That was a fun day. You brought back another good memory for me.
Hope you have a great weekend Anitha!
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Very thoughtful post, @AZ_2021 . Also fantastic to see some AZ locals pop up on the boards. A belated “Welcome to Phoenix” to you and @AnithaM !
I like exploring the hiking trails and mountain areas on street view. Places like the Superstition Mountains that I’d explore growing up, or even just South Mountain, where my wife and I would hike most winter weekends when we lived on that side of town, bring back positive memories. Even just using the Time Travel feature to see how much my old neighborhoods have changed (even though I can drive there) is nostalgic.
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Wow yes it is nice to see some AZ locals here @JustJake . Never went to Superstition mountains, will definitely explore sometime with my husband.
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@AnithaM It’s such a wonderful place. The main park entrance is off highway 88 (Idaho Rd. Exit) in Apache Junction. There are some leasurly trails to just take in the view, or you can do the grueling hike to Flat Iron. If you head past AJ on the 60 to Gold Canyon, you can find the Petroglyph Springs and some shade in the afternoons, or the Peralta Trail is super nice, too.
Though, back in my day, there were no fences or fancy houses around the mountain. We would just wander out looking for the Lost Dutchman’s gold from any spot along the base.
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@JustJake
Hope you’re having a great weekend. Thanks for your welcome message and for your kind words.
I love the Time Travel feature- great idea! I agree- looks like Arizona is developing very fast. I was talking to someone who lives in Queen Creek, and he was saying years back it used to be pretty empty and they didn’t have all those plazas and houses.
I also like your idea for exploring hiking trails on street view; I will have to do that. I think i could even use that idea to scope out new hikes.
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Yes @AnithaM love to see it.
I agree with @JustJake The Superstitions Mountains are beautiful. It’s nice when you walk right in front of them from the parking lot, and the sheer size of them is amazing. I did the trail closer to the base of the mountain a few years back around September; it still got pretty hot so make sure to pack water.
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Yes @AnithaM , love to see it.
The Superstitions Mountains are beautiful. It’s nice when you walk right in front of them from the parking lot, and the sheer size of them is amazing. I did the trail closer to the base of the mountain a few years back around September; it still got pretty hot so make sure to pack water.
