Saturday, March 12, 2011

Lost Dutchman Days

The Lost Dutchman Days are an annual celebration in Apache Junction, AZ. They actually happened 2 weeks ago, but with the contest and all, I'm just getting around to reporting on it.

There were lots of vendors and more than 30 carnival rides and 3 days of rodeos - all beneath the beautiful Superstition Mountains. WINs may recognize fellow member Ruthie's booth on the left.


I enjoyed the vendors, but the the best things for me were the animals from the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Adoption Program.


They were just beautiful! This pinto horse had the most gorgeous blue eyes.


Looks like I found a friend!


I always have to take eyelash pictures and this burro was very cooperative.


There was a petting zoo, where most of the animals were for sale. Wait a minute! They're selling their kids?!?


Oh, maybe they mean those kids, the baby goats.


Looks like the only guy not for sale was the turkey. Hmmmm.... Maybe they're saving him for Thanksgiving??


Back home, I walked around the neighborhood trying to get pictures of nests in saguaro cacti. But every time I got close, they would fly away. This Mourning Dove stayed just long enough for me to snap a shot. The Mourning Doves require some pretty big holes in the cactus.


I'm just amazed at the wonderful sunsets here, almost every night.

16 comments:

  1. Funny, I was just this afternoon looking at government volunteer positions and saw a BLM ranch hand opening, where the volunteer would assist with wild horse adoption.

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  2. Love the horse eyes and eye-lashes. And turkey heads are soooooo surreal looking!

    I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!

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  3. Love the horse eyes and eye-lashes. And turkey heads are soooooo surreal looking!

    I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!

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  4. Thanks for the great pictures!

    The blue eyed pinto was beautiful. I'm trying to figure out where I can fit him in the rig with the two greyhounds and the two cats. LOL

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  5. Wow your pictures are great and especially the eye shots... I would have loved that!!!
    Have fun & travel safe
    Donna

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  6. Looks like it was a lot of fun. I am sure there were times when some parents thought about putting a sign out "kids for sale" :)

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  7. What a gorgeous HORSE--and I love the burros too--so cute!! Very good find on the dove in the cavity--and a great photo too!!
    I just read in the AZ Highways Magazine...there will be Some star Gazing events and lectures at the Lost Dutchman on Friday Evenings @7:30 for the month of March...that would a fun thing to check out.

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  8. I'd be right there with you, taking photos of the animals. I don't think I've ever seen a horse with blue eyes before.

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  9. Loved the pictures of the animals and wow on the mountains in the background. That sunset is just breathtaking thanks for sharing :o)

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  10. Great photos. Don't believe I have ever seen a blue eyed horse. And the burros were adorable. Loved the shot of the dove. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. You should buy that burro. Then when gas gets so expensive that none of us can afford to buy it, you could hitch it up to your rig and still travel! ;c)

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  12. Great picture of the saguaro cacti.

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  13. I really enjoyed the sun set I drank a full pot of coffee waiting for it to go down never happen.
    As always really enjoyed the blog.

    Dan
    BubbaDan

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  14. We camped (in a tent in January) at Lost Dutchman State Park, years ago and it was so cold, right near freezing temperatures. We really loved the park though and the mountains.

    I love the burros and the piture of the eye is gorgeous.

    Kevin and Ruth
    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  15. Love those burros and congrats on getting your pass. Sounds like it was one of your happiest birthdays yet. Getting older can have its advantages. Would love to be out there cruising myself but for now will enjoy your beautiful photos.

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