Apache Trail

With Lisa's parents in town from North Carolina this past week she has been doing a lot of site seeing. They went to Jerome (a little mining town turned artist community), went to Sedona (aligned their vortexes) , sat around the pool (soaked up some sun), visited the state capitol (picked up a new state quarter) and took a drive on the Apache Trail.

I was invited to go along for the Apache Trail drive. It is about 40 miles long most of which is not paved. Can make for a bumpy ride.

Just as you get past the Lost Dutchmen State Park you get into the national forest. I don't remember the name right now but Lisa and I had to speculate about the word forest. When we think of the word "forest" trees come to mind. But, trust me, the are no real trees here. So does the word "forest" mean a group of some sort of plant life, can you have a "forest" of ferns, or rhododendrons, or cactus (as in this case)?

Well, whatever it means it is a beautiful drive.

The overlook at the top of the hill has a wonderful view of Canyon Lake. I'm not sure if this is a real lake or just a wide spot in the Salt River. Once again it doesn't matter.

Lovely isn't it?

Little creek that wonders along the road.

At the bottom of the canyon is the town of Tortilla Flats. Calling this place a town is being very generous. There are six residents. All of whom work at either the restaurant or the general store/ice parlor. Besides the museum (not open when we were there) there are no other buildings. There is a marina but I don't think that it is considered part of the town.


The picture of Mama & Daddy above is taken in the restaurant. Being from North Carolina they especially liked the bar stools made of saddles. Very Western!

The bumpy, dusty, beautiful drive ends at the Roosevelt Dam. It was built in the early 1900's (my way of saying I don't remember what the signs said).

It was a nice day trip.
Saw a bit of everything scenery, wildlife, and Western kitsch.
What more could you want?

Love,
M