Appache Trail and Tortilla Flats

As our last few days wind down in the compound under the Thunder Rock we took the trail all the way to the Flats and a few miles beyond. The last time we were here the road was flooded out and given the low profile of our little tow car we could not move beyond the gift shop. This time we were able to get to the point where the road changes to gravel and becomes a single lane as it twists up, down and around the mountains. It is a beautiful drive and worth the white knuckles as you switch back and forth on the hairpin curves. We've decided that the next time were are in this area we will stay at the campground in the Flats. It is just $6 per night with water and sewer and the area has much to offer with hiking and water recreation with Canyon lake near the campground.

An evening with Dorothy and Lyle

Earlier this week we had Dorothy and Lyle over for dinner under the stars. After dinner we enjoyed a card game to top off a very enjoyable evening. A good time was had by all, even Blue who made a brief appearance during our card game.

Hiking Hieroglyphie Canyon Trail

We joined Lyle this morning for a 4+ mile hike up Gold Canyon on the Hieroglyphie Trail. The day started out with a little rain but as we walked up into the valley the sky cleared. Shortly after we started to see evidence for the first Americans that once lived and prospered in the region long ago. We reached an area where the water gathers in a small pool and Petroglyphs grace the rocks above the pool. The view from the upper valley was very special and best of all, we had the chance to share it with Lyle and his fellow hiking friends,

Evening song

From the late afternoon into the evening dark, the local coyotes sing their song. One afternoon the started yelping a little early so I grabbed the camera and went to the back of the compound. I was shocked to find that what sounded like a big pack of coyotes were just three walking by the back gate, up the fence line and out of sight.

Tonto National Forest

The Tonto National Forest, encompasses 2,873,200 acres and it is just out our back door. The largest of the six national forests in Arizona and the fifth largest in the US, it is packed with the vegetation common to the Sonoran desert, including the signature plant the Saguaro, with a good number of Cholla, Ocotillo, Hedgehog cactus, Mesquite and Creosote bushes. No trails for hiking and it is clearly not easy to walk in without planned trails. The cactus will get you when you least expect it. But that is OK, I can sit with a cold drink, watch the birds and listen to the coyotes all day.

Cactus art

Playing with some new apps for my iPad

Views of Tonto and Phoenix

Behind the compound site the Tonto National Forest. In front site the city of Phoenix. During the day we face the back and at night we look the other way to see the lights of Phoenix. Beautiful and very peaceful.

Amazing, and we are here for a month

Well all I can say is Gary found a gem with this one, and we are here for the month of Jan. If there is ever a time to join us, this is the time, come on down! We will pick you up at the airport and need to blind fold any that visit until we get you inside the compound.