Apache Junction, Arizona, Lost Dutchman State Park

Day 27-31, Sunday to Thursday, February 19-23, Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction, AZ

We drove east through Apache Junction and out the Apache Trail to this beautiful state park at the foot of the Superstition Mountains.  One problem being here is taking way too many pictures of the mountain, which you see from nearly all the campsites and trails! 

Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman

Mountains with saguaro, chain-fruit cholla, and palo verde!

On Monday, Jim rode the mountain bike trail around the campground, while Linda did a hiking loop.  In the afternoon, Jim spent some time studying for the Standard Radio License exam he was scheduled to take at 5 pm in Mesa.  Linda worked on blog pictures and documents – always behind on this project!  We drove down to Mesa, Jim successfully completed his exam, and we had a nice dinner at Appleby’s on the way home.  Jim has been enjoying looking at what ham radio operators around the world say and what they post on their websites.

Trail up Siphon Draw on a cloudy morning

View from upper trail, campground down on the right

View across to Green Peak

Blooming chuparosa in a wash along the trail.

Blooming Brittlebush looking back down the trail to the west.  Can see RV's in campground.

Jim's hard-earned license

 Tuesday was kayaking day at beautiful Canyon Lake.  No eagle pictures this time, but we did get turtle pictures!

Buckhorn cholla and view of lake from the road

Kayaks ready to launch

Heading up a creek to the north

Still waters as the canyon narrows

Ring-necked duck, a handsome fellow!

Heading up the Salt River arm

Stalagmites beginning to form in a cave that got eroded away!

Canyon Lake Dam

Big cliff as we head back across the lake to our launch site, a long paddle!

Wednesday Linda hiked up the Green Peak loop, just a lower shoulder of Superstition mountain!  Jim biked again – his painful heel still keeps him from walking very far.  Wednesday afternoon was laundry day at the Superstition Laundromat in nearby Apache Junction, always a non-thrilling but necessary event!  At 5 pm we enjoyed a concert at the Lost Dutchman ampitheatre by Marty Davis, a Western singer.  He sang bass with the Diamonds back in the 60’s, (Little Darlin'), has been in the music world his whole life.  He is a great guy, and we enjoyed the music and the sunset on the Superstitions.

Green Peak from the top of the trail

Looking back up at Green Peak from the trail down

Sunset on the mountains

We have taken so many Arizona sunset pictures!

Marty Davis, with a magic light on his guitar

 Thursday we got up, hustled to ready the motorhome for travel, and headed to Gilbert Ray County park on the west side of Tucson.  No reservations there, so we wanted to be sure to get a spot!