Tortilla Flats via Superstition Mountains

What do we do on a beautiful, warm, sunny day in AZ, which seems to be everyday lately? Go exploring. It doesn’t matter where because there are countless places to see and things to do. Todays journey took us out past Apache Junction to the Superstition Mountains and then on to Tortilla Flats. There are many stories to be told about the Superstition Mts and surrounding areas, such as, Goldfield Ghost town and the Dutchman Mine. Knowing it was too warm for us to go hiking, we made many stops along the way to get some better views.

Approaching the Superstition Mountains

 Weavers Needle in the distance. This was far away and we were able to get a good view with Robs new phone.

We made a stop at Canyon Lake, a reservoir and dam nestled in the valley of the mountains, with a campground at waters edge. Oh how we would love to spend a week or two there but getting the motorhome there would turn out to be a “trip from hell”, one we’re not willing to make. Making all the turns on narrow roads is not what we like to drive in the motorhome. Besides, it’s not like it’s some back country road….it’s a very busy place.

                                                              Canyon Lake

                                                           Approaching Canyon Lake  

After we pass Canyon Lake, the road signs indicate slow speeds, winding roads (which included many hairpin turns), and of course, a change in elevation, to get to Tortilla Flats on the other side of the mountain. The scenery was like eye candy. Making our way through the many turns brings us to Tortilla Flats which is basically the end of the road. As we stroll through town inhaling the aroma of tantalizing foods, we decide it must be lunch time and let our noses lead us to the local pub and restaurant. We have seen some pretty interesting decor in the local places we have visited and this one did not disappoint us. The seats at the bar are very unique, but I’m not sure about how comfortable they are and the walls in the entire place are covered in One dollar bills. We tried to guess how much money was there but it would be anyones guess, although I’m sure the owner has a pretty good idea. The weather and locale coaxed us down to the local general store to partake of some cold, creamy ice cream (but then who needs an excuse to have a yummy ice cream!) What a way to end our visit. Unfortunately, we had to turn around and retrace our route back home because a short distance ahead would be a very rough, rocky dirt road that leads to the Roosevelt Dam. Only the brave with 4 wheel ORV capability venture down it. But that’s ok, we knew all this before we started this venture. As we headed back it was an added treat to see the same sights but from a different view.

                                       One of several one way” bridges like this one along the way

                                                                 Part of downtown

Main Street

                                                                 Restaurant “wallpaper”

                                                                    Saddle bar seats

                                                                      Sign on Main Street

                                                         One of the many awesome views

When we experience days like this we feel blessed to live this lifestyle and we are amazed at all of Gods creations. I hope you are able to find the beauty in the things around you, regardless of where you might be. Look up everyone, it amazing out there.

****Hopefully this will be my last blog using this website. Going back to my original site but it doesn’t seem to be an easy move,

It’s a Goodlife

2 months exploring and 3200 miles racked up on the odometer and we are “home” for the winter. While traveling we only take care of the necessities knowing winter will leave us with time to take care of those pesky little jobs.  As mentioned in my blog earlier, you all are very aware that we have an ongoing “black tank” issue to deal with. Thank goodness it hasn’t gotten any worse but we know it’s not normal.  With a little bit of research (maybe a lot) Rob found a mobile technician with good reviews so he gave them a jingle and they were promptly out here. He guaranteed us he could fix it…I had my fingers crossed because we have heard this before. But by golly, an hour later he had that tank flowing like an overflowing river. Hallelujah! At last! He used a product that is amazing and it has worked perfect since. All Rvers dread that awful feeling when the  black tank takes on a mind of its own, and never quite sure when it is going to become stubborn enough and refuse to do its job.  Well, we finally got the upper hand and put this problem to bed.

 

Not knowing what our work schedule will be, we have had doctor appointments, dog grooming appointments, human haircuts, done minor maintenance on the rig,  bought new furniture, along with all the routine tasks. It has been too hot to do much outdoor exploring but cooler weather is on the way and we are already plotting and planning.

Compared to many "campsites", we are in a Cal-Am resort which is large and at least half are park models. Sites are not spacious but are adequate to satisfy us for now. They provide just about every activity you could ask for including grill at the pool and entertainment several times a week. Typically we stay to ourselves but I have already used the library,  computer room and Baxter uses the dog park several times a day.

                                                  Lots of room to run off leash                                                                                                    

                                        The dog park also serves as a flood control

The weather is still quite warm but we did venture out last week to the Bryce Thompson Arboretum. We were there a couple years ago and thought we had seen most of it....boy, were we wrong. We found trails we didn't know existed. I took way too many pictures, like I always do and I am sharing some with you.

I'm all caught up with our travels for now. we are looking forward to our workamping which starts Nov. 1.  Stay tuned for more antics and news from the Wandering Wolfgram's. Just remember, not all who wander are lost! We hope you find yourself outdoors wandering and finding new and exciting things to explore. And remember, while doing so to look up, its amazing out there.

 

Utah, and other good places

We have been to Utah before but mainly northern UT to Moab and surrounding area, basically driving through the rest of UT to get to our destination, so this was a treat to visit some of the other beautiful cities. Our first stop was Provo UT for 2 nights. This afforded us the chance to take a drive through Provo Canyon toward Heber. Wow, what a pleasant surprise. We were not prepared for this amazing scenery, ingenious road designs and, of course, the Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls provided us the opportunity to walk the quiet, cool trail up to the falls and then a leisurely stroll along the river.  After spending some quality time there, we continued on the canyon drive through the high rising, twisting road. I was sure Rob was not going to forgive me as we approached roads reaching higher and higher. But he did.  This can be rather challenging for someone with a height phobia. But I had no idea when we started out on this drive. I suggested we turn around and head back home for the day. After all, he does do all the driving everyday (by choice) so I felt like he needed a break.

                                                        Example of roadside beauty

                                                               The Provo River

                                                                  The Bridal Veil Falls

Next on our agenda was St. George, UT. Oh my! this place is awesome. It is near the border of AZ and stunning beauty. The three days we were there were busy ones. We were in the Red Cliff Recreation  Area and many trails awaited us. The only thing holding us back was the heat. It was in the 90’s, not exactly hiking temps but we planned them out so we wouldn’t do more than 2 miles at any time we were out. Downfall was that Baxter couldn’t join us because of the heat. He loves to go hiking with us. Not bad for a 15+ year old dog.

To the south of us was Snow Canyon. https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/snow-canyon-state-park.  Being prepared for a hike on a hot day is key, so with maps and water, boot and walking sticks, we hit the dirt. We were beyond pleased when we found a trail leading to a slot canyon. What hiker doesn’t love finding and exploring slot canyons? This was a small slot canyon but provided us with its beauty, cool air and excitement.  When we were done on this trail we were weren’t ready to quit so we continued on and found another trail that led us to a wall with writing from the late 1800’s written in axle grease. For a smaller recreation area in comparison to the many NP surrounding us, it did not disappoint.

                                                            Slot Canyon

                                                         Wall outside slot canyon

                                                           Massive rocks roadside

                                                 

  One of many lizards in the desert

                                           Writings on the wall in the hole in center of picture

To the north of us was the trailhead to the Red Cliff Recreation Area with a campground and multiple trails of different degrees of difficulty. In this heat the basic was difficulty enough for us. The trail we took said it was a short trail to a water fall (that is when they have rainfall, but not this year). Be sure find out the definition of short before starting out! I must admit had we not taken this trail we would have missed some stunning sights. Luckily we were able to find adequate shade along the way and we returned back at the car safe and sound.  We took in all the sights of the canyon before heading home. It may be a small canyon but it is huge as far as then a sights go.

                                                  An old dead hugehollowed tree stump

                                                        Views along the trail

                                                                Weird roots in rock

                                                 huge boulders holding each other up

                                                                      No water this year

                                                        Tree in middle of the wash

                                                                  Our pathway 

                                                                    Shaded refuge

Our time in Utah has come to an end for this year and we head to AZ but before we land for the winter we still have several stops to make to complete our trip. During our stay in MI this summer we became friends with Dave and Sue Straub, from Kingman, AZ. They had invited us to come see them any time we were in the area. Hmmm, I think we just might be in the area so we made plans to see them. They were very gracious to extend us the use of their yard (electricity and water too). It’s not too often you get an invitation like that. It was a great visit, even though it was a short one. Salena, their 4 legged companion is such a joy to be around also. Thank you Dave and Sue.

Before we got to Kingman, AZ we had to come through Nevada via the Lake Mead National Recreation area (Hoover Dam). This would prove to be another challenge for Rob as he drove over the dam, which by the way, he did just fine. As we approached Lake Mead we were taken by surprise at what we saw. It was so depressing to see the lack of water! It has been bad for years but the current drought has surely had repercussions here. Boarded up homes, dry marinas, and signs of deterioration.

                                                      Approaching Lake Mead                                     

         

                                                                  

                                                            Reallt low water levels

                                                  Another vie \w of water levels

                                                                         Sad.

Our time in Kingman having ended left us with one more stop before Mesa, and that is Cave Creek Regional Campground for a few days. Cave Creek, AZ is a cowboy town with modern touches and the SP is a great place to relax, hike and take in the beauty. We did a bit of exploring but the temps kept us from going too deep into the desert. 

                                                       Very large and private campsites

                                                                 View from our hike

                                                    Wonder what lives in here?

                                         Clay Mine used in beauty products years ago, closed

                                                        Taking a break

                                             The resident gopher turtle at the Visitors Center

Our Mi to AZ journey has ended for 2021 and what a journey it has been. We saw small town America at its finest, visited places we had never heard of, saw pitch black night skies with endless stars, wheat and corn field that went on forever, drove roads that seemed like they had no end, met people that were full of life and glad to see you, ate some of the best foods we have had in awhile and put 3200 miles on the rig. It's time to settle down for a bit so we will be calling Mesa home for the winter. You can bet there are many places out there for us to explore but only when the temps cool down. It's good not to be rolling for awhile but come spring, the itch to hit the road will creep up on me. Until then, we'll keep it local.

I hope you find yourself in a good place physically, spiritually and emotionally. Love and live like there is no tomorrow....today is a gift to treasure so make the most of it. Get outdoors, and don't forget to look up, it truly is amazing up there.