On the hunt, rude ranger, and a lazy afternoon.....

Our Location: 

Superstition Mountain BLM, Apache Junction, AZ 

(all pictures taken with my phone)
(All scenic pictures taken at the trail head to Medicine Wheel)

 Didn't open my eyes until almost 7 am, then I didn't roll out until 7:30 am. A red tinge to the sky had my attention but not enough to get my dragging out any faster. Sounds windy out there today and the air felt coolish so I just stayed under the warm covers for a while longer. A text message from my sister had me thinking I should be up but well, that just didn't happen. 

Riley and I met in the kitchen around 7:40 am, hot drinks, chattering about a few things and that's how the early morning went. Nothing too exciting, just some emails and things. 

We had a quick sandwich for breakfast and headed out in the Dogsled with Doug & Yuma to see if we could find the trail Doug and I had noticed yesterday. It took us a few tries before we found it. We did find an interesting place to hike at the end of Meridian Road/Tomahawk Road, it's called the Medicine Wheel Trail. Maybe we'll try that some time we're in the area again. 

 

We eventually found the one we were looking for at the end of Tomahawk (different one than before, this is a different county) and McDowell Street, it's known as Bulldog Canyon. We found a couple there that couldn't get the gate unlocked as the lock wouldn't open. They were stuck on the inside, another fellow was stuck on the outside. We chatted with them a few minutes, learned a few things, and I gave it a try at the gate and managed to get the lock to open but I couldn't get it out of the hole. Eventually they did get it out as I could see in my rear view mirror but we were heading out in search of the Mesa Ranger Station to get a free permit to use the National Forest area. 

 

We drove the 20 minutes into Mesa to the Ranger station, just coming on to noon, about 10 minutes before the wonder hour. Popped into the Ranger Station, found ourselves a very unfriendly ranger behind the desk. Long story short, it took us two tries before we got permits into the park, signed this, read these, and get out it's lunch time. We left with paper work in hand and hopeful of what we'd find. We stopped at a roadside fruit vendor on the way home to pick up some grapefruit and oranges. Thanks for the grapefruit Doug.

 We headed back home and went our separate ways. After lunch I had a nap and read my book. I didn't do anything else all day except dishes. I am just feeling a bit washed out for some reason. Riley played her game, chatted on Facebook and put in her time. 

 

 

I headed outside to read in the sun/shade around 3 pm and before long Doug & Yuma came tooling along in their little silver jeep. Wasn't long before I heard the pounding feet of a canine as he raced my way to greet me and say hello. He wags that tail so hard I'm surprised he doesn't throw something out of gear. Doug also sauntered up and had a sit down. We chatted about his afternoon adventure and parted about 5:30 pm as the sun was heading down, the air cooling off. We made no plans for tomorrow and will just see how it goes in the morning. 

So that was our day. Nothing exciting but it was interesting. Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed our lazy day. Feel free to drop a comment. 

 

 

Seen these two horse riders on the way home. One horse was a bit more anxiety ridden than the other and wasn't too steady. Took a firm hand to keep in under control. 

Until next time.... take care, be safe, 

A bit windy today and you really can't see the mountains in the back ground but they are there...

 

Deb

A nice hike, cooler weather and a lazy afternoon.....

Our Location: 

Superstition Mountain BLM, Apache Junction, AZ

Up this morning just as the sun peaked over the ridge and so my room was bathed in sparkling rays of yellow light. A pretty sight to behold. Temps were warm as well, especially after I closed the vent at 2 am this morning. 

We are heading for that whitish/green/yellow area in the middle....

 

Up, dressed, downstairs, water on for a hot drink and starting to read posts, comments, etc by 7:30 am. Riley came out around that very time and we chatted about what we were each going to do today. Riley opted to stay home, make some salads, do the dishes and just hang out while I went hiking today. I offered to help before I left but she was happy to do it all by herself. Such a sweet young lady. 

We're closer. That's an old pit of some kind, the newer one being used is further to the left, it's directly across from the rigs. That hole is actually very deep with lots of mini washes where rain has taken gouges out of the sides. The old wooden sign is just plain, nothing written on it, its all worn away.

Around 10 am Doug, Yuma and I headed out for  a hike in the general neighbourhood. Not really sure where we were going, we spun along in the jeep until we reached the dead end, parked and managed to get some good information from a nice young man riding his quad. His buddy and buddy's girlfriend had already loaded their toys into the back of the truck.

You can see by the rocks we are already there, that's looking off toward the south. See the rain has been wearing a groove in the middle of the rocks. I wonder how many centuries before that will be a large chasm.

We started off in an westerly direction and eventually began aiming for some smooth white looking clusters of boulders off in the distance. Sandwiched between two much darker looking mountains, the yellow/whitish colour was an instant draw. It looked much more inviting than did the darker ones. The hike wasn't difficult, but some hills and washes made it seem much more labour intensive than it truly was. Some of the downward areas looked pretty steep but once we got started it was all good. Same with going up, once getting started it wasn't too bad at all. 

Just awesome, isn't it?

We managed to climb upwards without too much trouble, and continued all the way to the top. The views were absolutely awesome. We could look out over Apache Junction, Mesa and off in the distance I'm certain we could see the shimmering lines of more distant cities. As far as the eye could see there was layer after layer after layer of mountains. Dark blue, wrapped in haze they looked magical and mystical. Something from a fairy tale. We encountered two hikers, probably father and daughter as they too strolled along the top ridges of the boulder like mountains taking in the breath taking scenes below. Behind us was a more traditional desertscape with cacti, bushes, rolling hills and washes. Backdropped by towering mountains whose head wreathed in a low cloud only the shoulders and downward visible. To the east was the majestic Saddle Mountain, wrapped in myth and mystery. It's craggy appearance covered in a greenish tint reminding me of the famed Fanghorn Forest in Lord of the Rings. Centuries old, mysterious, mythical, magical and just a bit scary.

Out on those rocks we walked and looked down into the valley.....we could see for miles and miles...

We climbed to the peak of the nearby mountain on the north side the whitish boulders to see another spectacular view below us. On all sides we were battered with views of exquisite beauty, colours, shapes, sizes, tones, hues, slopes, slants, washes, gullies, some vast, some minor, all varying. And always off in the distance the ever present mountains. The once cloudless blue sky was now becoming more cloud filled, drifting and obscuring the sunlight at times, causing the already cool breeze to be a bit more sharp as we stood or climbed near the tops of the mountain. 

Various views today....

The path downwards was a bit more effort exerting as it never looks quite the same going the other direction. However, with no falls we made it safely back down. We debated about which direction the Jeep might be and the rigs as well. Finally we agreed on a direction, off we went. Mr Yuma always leading the way. He had no idea where we were going, only that he wanted to get there first. As it turned out the walk back to the jeep was much quicker than the walk out. We didn't have near the hills and valleys on the way back once we were down to the bottom. 

Interesting face, wouldn't you say?

Safely back in the dead end, Doug & Yuma climbed into the Jeep and I headed off down the road walking. We weren't far from our rigs and I felt a nice flat walk would do me good. We reached home pretty much at the same time. Said our see ya later and parted company. 

Looking over the edge of the bluff .....Apache Junction, maybe a bit of Mesa as well...and who knows what else those places may be over there...

Inside I chatted with Riley while making up a plate of salads, potato, mac, bean, and green, along with some dressing, taking it all over to Doug for his lunch. Back home I settled into my chair with my book, enjoying my salads, reading and just resting. I tried to nap after that but it just wasn't going to happen and so I ended up once more back in my chair but this time editing all 204 pictures from today's hike. Not to worry I won't put more half in this post. Just kidding, I promise not to put in too many. I also started writing this post and hopefully when night time comes I'll have it pretty much complete and can have a nice relaxing evening. 

 

More views off to the southeast....can you see the path down on the other side of the crevice? That rock over there almost looks like the back end of a turtle, don't you think?

Doug & Yuma came over to return the lunch dishes and have a chat. We moved outside and enjoyed the last few rays of sunshine but the wind was definitely chilly. We didn't make it until sunset before we all headed off toward our own rigs. We did however make plans for tomorrow. A driving day, not as long as the last one but a bit of a tour. 

Bright blue skies, great views, nice temperatures, what else could one ask for?

Back inside I called my other two daughters, Courtney and Bradey to chat for a bit. I haven't talked to them in a couple of weeks. They both survived the storm of a few days ago and both said neither of their cities were hit terribly hard anyway. They had balmy temps last week and except for the huge snow piles where it's been piled from driveways, roadways, etc there is no snow left on the ground. So I think it's safe to assume winter is pretty much over there. They can still get some snow but it won't last long even if they do. 

Amazing views no matter which way we turned.

After a chat with both of them I finally had a chance to finish this post. Although the time is now 8:46 pm and I still haven't posted this yet. So I guess I am not going to have an early evening. Somehow that never works out, does it? Hahaha...

I think they are either brothers or at least cousins....

I didn't get any sunset pictures as I was talking to my girls but there didn't appear to be much in the way of clouds anyway, so I'm sure it wasn't a spectacular sight. 

Top two pictures are crevices, look how deep they are! Bottom left is a picture of Doug taking a picture of me, as I climbed up one of the boulders to have a look. Bottom right is the boulder I climbed to take the left picture.

So there you have it, our Sunday here at Superstition Mountain BLM. Quiet, enjoyable, each in our own way. I truly enjoyed the hike, it was nice to have someone to hike with, and to share the views. 

Looking back the way we came, Superstition Mountain over there too. See all that light brown dirt, that's the road way we drove in on. The darker brown is the pit across the roadway from us. The brown in the middle is the oldest part of the pit they no longer use. 

If you look along that patch of green to the left you'll see a small white reflection, to the extreme left, almost out of the picture....

That's us...... Doug's MH on the left, and the Igloo with the Dogsled on the right. I'm sure I can see Riley waving at us, can't you?

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed your visit, and the hike. Where ever you are, and whatever you were doing this wonderful Sunday I hope you enjoyed it and had a fantastic day. Feel free to leave a comment. 

Can you see Doug resting on the rock?

Not sure what that yellowy type of grass is but it sure is pretty.

Until next time... take care, be safe, 

I don't know the name of the mountain but it sure is pretty with the cloud covering....

Superstition mountain also under cloud cover but it quickly blew away and we had bright blue skies again...

Deb

A morning out and a lazy afternoon......

Our Location: 

Superstition Mountain BLM, Apache Junction, AZ

(all pictures taken with my phone today, except the last two taken a few days ago with the big camera)

I slept well after about midnight. The folks were out having fun and I enjoyed listening to them gunning, running and shifting gears on their dirt bikes, quads and whatever else they may have been using. I'm sure it bothers some folks but me it doesn't. They're having fun, enjoying life and their toys, they truly aren't bothering us, they're on the roadway, not tearing down between the rigs and they seem to be having a great time. I think tonight will be a repeat of the previous one. After all it is Saturday night. They aren't any noisier than the coyotes that howl just down on the ridge most nights. 

The Dogsled in the bay a the Chevy Dealership....

I woke up with the bright daylight shining in and before my feet could hit the floor the sun was peeking in as well. Not cold at all, in the mid 40's/7-8C range. We didn't turn on the heat to even take the chill away. In fact I didn't wear socks or a sweat shirt to bed so you know it was warm. I didn't even pull the fleece blankets up over the duvet. Definitely a warm night. 

Not the greatest shot but lots furniture all with tiles as tops or seats, etc.

Downstairs I started reading blogs, making comments, etc. Before long Riley was stirring. I started the water for our hot drinks and we chatted about a few things on the agenda today. 

Again hard to get the shiny shot as there were so many people around...

We finished our drinks, gathered our things and headed out the door. Chatted with the folks across the lane for a few minutes as today we were going to be doing our own thing. Said our see ya's later this afternoon and parted ways. Riley and I in the Dogsled heading off to find the AutoNation Chevy Dealership as I had a message on the dash a few days ago about low coolant. Only showed briefly, once and it appeared a little low but nothing to warrant any kind of warning, or at least I didn't think so. However better to be safe than sorry. 

Lots of these vendors, shiny things to sparkle in the sunlight....

It took us only about 20 minutes to reach the dealership in Mesa. Drove right in, explained the problem, they called a tech out to look at it, we chatted about what had occurred, what the remedy should/might be, and we checked out with what they think is a faulty sensor. I have extra fluid, and if the message comes on again I've been assured I can just add the fluid I purchased and not worry that it isn't Dex-cool as suggested in the manual. No charge, enjoy your stay in Mesa.

From farther back he looked pretty real....

Our next stop was at a bank machine at a small bank we noticed on the roadside. No go, not an international ATM, so across the street to give the Big Dog a drink at $2.65 per gallon. I thought a pretty fair price. Tried their ATM, again, no go, not international. Pulled around the corner just before the swap meet, tried a Chase bank, again, no deal. Hmmmmm.....I wonder if the swap meet would have one? Let's take a try. So we climbed back in to the Dogsled, entered the huge swap meet parking lot, found a spot way down in the very back (next time I would park on the exit side lot), locked the Big Dog and off we headed to see what the market place had to offer.  It is called the Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet, it's easy to find with tons of parking, you can rent a scooter to get around the market place, lots of food, vendors, and stuff. 

This guy looks a little pasty but seemed able to sit on his own...

It was huge, rows and rows and rows, and rows, four long ones going east and west, and four joiners going north and south. Or at least that's what it looked like to me as we strolled along. It was fairly busy but Riley did very well, she was on a mission and so she had something specific to focus on and that helped a great deal. After about an hour though Riley suddenly just had enough, and spoke rather sharply, not rudely but definitely sharply to a woman that was simply standing in the middle of the walk lane and doing absolutely nothing. She wasn't looking at merchandise, or talking to someone or even just looking around, she was standing there while traffic had to part to get around her.  At that point I knew it was time to go. We ventured into one more store but couldn't find what she wanted and so we started making our way back to the Dogsled, sometimes walking inside out of the sun and sometimes outside away from the people. Didn't take us too long to reach the truck and make our way out of the lot. Truly an excellent place to put in a bit of time. If you enjoy the vendors at Q, or the Yuma market place, you would enjoy the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet located at 10550 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85209. It's bigger than the Yuma market place , prices are probably about the same, maybe a bit more expensive, lots of repeats in stores such as popcorn, nuts, shiny metal stuff. They do however  have TWO international ATM machines. I was very impressed with that little extra. Some live music as well, the band was pretty good, although we didn't stay to listen, too crowded. 

Don't you love his hat?

Our big purchase? Ten used books, and a hiking bag for each of us, holds a bottle of water, wallet, phone, keys, is light weight, washable, can go over the shoulder or around the waist. We're both pretty happy with that . We didn't get anything we went for but that's okay, we'll find that stuff some where else.

 

Outside in the sun it was shiny...

From there we headed the 5 minutes back to the Apache Junction Walmart, did our small amount of shopping as we were running low on fresh veggies for salads. A quick pop into the Dollar Tree across the way, they didn't have the charger cord I was looking for, but the Dollar General just up the street had it for $5 instead of the $19 Walmart wanted. From there it was a straight run home and we made it before 2 pm. 

 

Lots of group plantings of barrel cactus in many places here....

Doug & Yuma (Miss Adventure Travels) greeted us. Doug looks dashing with his new hair cut. Yuma was his ever happy self, jumping almost over my head. He's such a character!!! We chatted some more then I headed inside to help put things away, and have some lunch. I was hungry. Walmart rotisserie chicken, on a nice fresh bun with mayo, sharp cheddar cheese. Excellent sandwich. I then had a peanut butter one as well. 

Lots of these kinds of displays along our travels out here in the southwest...

From there I laid down for about a half hour but just rested. Enjoying my book and the lazy afternoon warmth. Soon I was back outside reading when Doug & Yuma popped back over for a few minutes. Doug had to run back to town so we offered to keep Yuma instead of having him left in the jeep or at home in the MH. Yuma was so sad to watch the jeep leave without him but he soon settled down and just watched the road. I took him for a short walk but then after putting on my runners I took him for about a mile or so walk along some of the trails just behind us. We walked up and down a number of hills, and all the time he was keeping an eye on home to see if the silver jeep was back. After getting back home we headed up the road toward the dead end where they are putting the fence, but stopped just short of entering the big parking lot. Back home once more we sat in the sun, I read my book and Yuma rested with his head on my knee watching the road. Before long the silver jeep came spitting through the dust and Yuma was so happy and excited. Delivering Mr. Yuma back to Doug, I said my goodnight's after we chatted about a possible hike tomorrow. Riley doesn't want to do anything tomorrow so she's going to stay home. We'll see what comes up in the morning. 

 

Just a beautiful mountain....

Inside I started a potato salad which Riley will finish tomorrow for part of our lunch. I offered to make a couple more but she wants to do that tomorrow. I'm just as happy to have her do it. 

See the jeep? Yuma and I just left here before it pulled up....

I started by editing the few pictures I took today, writing this post and settling in for the night. So that's it our day here in Superstition Mountain BLM. An excellent day, we enjoyed it a great deal. We hope you enjoyed your day as well. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a comment. 

Some of the many tall cacti near where we are parked....(taken a few days ago)

Until next time.... take care, be safe, 

Love these cacti......(taken a few days ago near where we're parked)

Deb

Warm day, aborted hike, quiet evening....

Our Location:

 Superstition Mountain BLM, Apache Junction, AZ

I think I slept the sleep of the dead. I didn't hear anything until just before the sun popped out. The back up beeper across the road must have jolted me or something because when I looked out my window the sun was almost laughing me over the edge of Superstition Mountain. So as you can guess, I missed the sun rise.

 

This was the view that greeted us as we pulled into the Lost Goldmine Trailhead parking lot.

The outside temperature read 44F/6.6C when I came downstairs. As quiet as a church mouse I started the water for our hot drinks, turned on the heater, and opened the shades. HRH Miss Kitty showed her regal self after the heater had warmed up. Riley was snorting and burping and making 'I'm awake noises' around 7:45 am.  Although she didn't make any verbal declaration until around 7:50 am. 

 

Gold Canyon is a quaint little place with almost all southwestern flavour architecture....

The sun is out and the sky looks blue, blue, blue. Today I think will be a hike down in the Gold Canyon area, but I'm not really sure. We'll have to see how that plays out. 

Looking up while starting the trail....

We had our hot drink, grabbed a little something for breakfast and around 10 am headed out to load up the Dogsled. Soon Doug & Yuma were also climbing in and off we headed. We needed to go to town first but were soon off toward Gold Canyon. It took us two tries to find the trailhead for the 'EASY' rated hike of Hieroglyphic Trail. We did find it eventually and around 11:30 am  we were starting up the path toward what was termed in the reading material as an easy rated hike with a waterfall, and petroglyphs. 

Off to the east of the trail....over there is the trail to the Lost Goldmine...

The trail was busy, very busy with lots of folks coming and going. The views were fantastic, and the mountain loomed ever  closer. Within about 25 minutes of our starting Riley pulled off the trail complaining of not feeling well. I thought perhaps a breather would help but alas it was not to be, Riley and I would be returning to the Dogsled, but Doug & Yuma carried on. 

Back at the Dogsled, having arrived safely we sat about patiently waiting for the return of our friend and his faithful side kick. The temps were warm reaching a high of 73F/22C. We noticed car plates from Alberta, Manitoba and of course many of the US states. People were constantly coming and going, all ages, sizes, with pets, without, numerous cycler's came and went as well. A very busy spot to be certain. 

A text message came in shortly before 2 pm saying Doug & Yuma were half  way back down. Right about the 2 pm mark we noticed them coming across the hardtop toward us. They both looked pretty tuckered and weary. Climbing in Doug confirmed that the trail was anything but easy and the distance was too far. He had however made it and taken some pictures to document his adventure. So I'm certain we'll all enjoy Doug's blog tonight (Miss Adventure Travels). 

The beginning of the trail was pretty easy going......

Back in the Dogsled we took or rather missed a turn and managed to tour the street to a dead end but witnessed some incredible houses and properties on the way. Back on the right track we were home within a very short period of time. It took us as long to come into the rigs on the short dirt road as it did to come to from the trail head parking lot to the end of N Hackamore Road. 

We went our separate ways upon reaching home. After a quick lunch I headed up for a nap, Riley called me at 5 pm.  I stumbled down stairs, fell into my chair, dozed off and on between pages in my book for another half hour. When I noticed Yuma looking in the screen at me. Doug & Yuma popped over for a visit and we sat outside until after the sun went down. They headed home, we came inside for the night. 

So there you have it, our attempted hike for the day, disappointing in some ways but not in others. I'm glad we didn't go further as it would have been too much for Riley and more than enough for me as well. We're happy Doug made it though and look forward to his pictures. 

Tomorrow Riley and I have plans to spend the day doing a few things by ourselves. In the next couple of days I'll start seriously looking at our route home as it's time to start heading that way soon. 

Thanks for stopping in, hope you all had a wonderful day. Feel free to leave a comment. 

Noticed this guy way over in the distance tonight....

Until next time.... take care, be safe, 

Goodnight from Superstition Mountain....

Deb

A footnote, as I write this post the full moon has climbed up from behind the mountain, showing golden yellow and as big as any I've seen. Too dark to get pictures for me but still a beautiful site to behold.