Apache Junction, AZ

Twelve days in Apache Junction wasn't enough! The weather was fantastic. There are more trails to be hiked, more adventures to be had, more restaurants to try, more shops to be shopped, and cacti to bloom. But the best part of the visit was visiting with friends and making new ones.

Leon's best friend growing up, Greg, and his wife Elaine winter in Apache Junction which is the reason we stopped. Just like old times they worked on the truck when some Freon needed to be added to the a/c.

We made several trips to the swap meet and visited over meals more often than we needed to.

The Moose Lodge was the ideal place for us to enjoy the new solar panels. Several WINs rolled through while we were there, some we knew and some we met. One morning ten of us gathered for an impromptu hugs 'n mugs.

We were delighted to get to tour Barbara and Ron's new home after keeping up with the progress on her blog. They are fun people who we always enjoy being around.

Not all the time was spent playing. Leon did a little work on the motorcycle/bike rack.

He even got in a ride, but only one.

Apache Junction is a different kind of place to be so close to Phoenix. This is the horse parking section of the parking lot at the Elks Lodge.

We could stay and play and visit more but new adventures await. On to Nevada.

Peralta Trail hike

The Superstition Mountains loom skyward east of Apache Junction. This is the location of the Lost Dutchman Gold mine. I read about the legend when I was in high school and have always been enthralled by the story.

Today we hiked in the Superstition Mountains on the Peralta Trail. It was a well worn rocky trail that began with a steady climb but became a little steep in spots in the second half. There were lots of hikers coming and going.

There were several streams to be crossed and plenty of rocks to climb on, over and around. Saguaro cacti dotted the hillside.

We stopped several times, once for a few snacks and were surprised to find several shady spots along the way.

Our goal was to reach Fremont Saddle which gave us a fine view of Weaver’s Needle, the famous pinnacle on the opposite side. With all our stops it took us 2 ½ hours, and that was just to the top.

Two more hours found us delighted to be back at the trailhead. We were proud! We met several hikers, much younger than ourselves, who did not make it to the top.

Then we realized we did not have to walk! We could have gone by horseback.

Or even perhaps with llamas, but why is the guy carrying a backpack. Isn’t that what the llama is supposed to do?

Silly Mountain

We are settled in at the Moose Lodge in Apache Junction, Arizona, east of Phoenix, soaking up the sunshine. My computer was not happy about the fall from the dash and quit operating. Well, actually it operated, I just could not see anything. So now with my new computer in lap I can continue sharing our fun experiences while sitting in front of Subway. Not far east from us is Silly Mountain Park at the base of Silly Mountain.

 After a picnic lunch we ascended the trails. We had not gone far when I stopped for a quick geocache.

We then zigzagged along the rocky trail ascending the peaks. In the distance lies Superstition Mountain and Apache Junction.

When we got to huff and puff trail we did.



We were pleased to reach the peak. It really wasn't all that steep. Lots of switchbacks. And I had to stop a lot to watch the quail on the hillside. Superstition Mountain is in the far background.

We stopped to observe the small flowers blooming. In about two weeks the hillsides should have an abundance of color.

We met lots of folks out enjoying the trails on the sixty something sunny day. There are geocaches all over the hills but I decided we should focus on the trails we were on. It was at times a little steep and one does not reach out and grab a tree as you descend the hillside like I am somewhat used to doing.

The poppies are just beginning to bloom.

Why does Leon appear to be waiting you might ask? Because I keep finding little flowers to study!

On the way back “home” we passed this most unusual palm tree, unlike the other palms we are seeing in the area.

Thanks to Barbara and her blog for letting us know about this Silly Mountain!