Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Desert Is Getting Greener

It's time to go hiking! There are lots of trails near the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. The moonlight hike we went on earlier started inside Lost Dutchman State Park and required a $7 entrance fee. But if you go just past the park, and turn on First Water Road, there are lots of free beautiful trailheads.


This hike started about a half mile up the road at Crosscut Trailhead. Lots of beautiful cactus, and even a few flowers.


On the way back, you get a view of Four Peaks Mountain in the distance.


Just west of Apache Junction is an interesting sign on the Usury Mountains. There's quite a story behind it. Back in the 1950s, a pilot named Charlie Merritt was looking for a project for his Boy Scout troup. He decided that transient pilots needed a navigational aid to find Phoenix, then located far to the West.


I found this old cartoon from 1956 that tells the whole story.


On Wednesday, Phil and I went back to Superstition Skies to see our favorite band, Brant and Kerry, who play there from 5-8. We met up with Sandie and Jim of "Where Are the Dixons Today?" They are a really fun couple and we're planning to meet up again next Wednesday. Anybody want to join us?



I couldn't resist putting in another clip of B&K.
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15 comments:

  1. Jim and SandieMarch 27, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Can hardly wait until Wednesday!!! And I am so glad you posted that story about the marker. I've wondered about it just never took the time to research it. By the way - I "borrowed" the picture of the four of us. Thanks.

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  2. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    As usual a great post and really enjoyed the story about the sign on the mountain.
    Dan
    Bubbadan

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  3. DaveMarch 27, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Good clip of the band. I'm intrigued as to how the lost Dutchman park got it's name. Is it that obvious?

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  4. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsMarch 27, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    Great story and pictures.

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  5. SpokesMarch 27, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Have you been to Tortilla Flat yet?

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  6. Paul and Marti DahlMarch 27, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I really like your little video clips, they add a special dimension to your posts.

    With all the green I bet the temps are starting to go up, too.

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  7. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    I love the Phoenix stuff, hubbys sister lives there. Man on man I wish I could go hiking on those trails it is just so beautiful over there. Stay safe :o)

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  8. Lee and LoralieMarch 27, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Beautiful hiking pictures. Glad to hear it isn't too hot yet!
    I'm sure you had a great time with Sandi and Jim - they are awesome!

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  9. Sue and DougMarch 27, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    glad you had a great time with Jim and Sandi!!..bring on Wednesday!!

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  10. castelloMarch 27, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    Did you pay the seven dollars? Somebody has to keep these places open.

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  11. Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009March 28, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    The Dixons are two of our favorite people. Glad you got to meet them!

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  12. Lew and Jan JohnsMarch 28, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    I never get tired of looking at the Superstitions, either in person or in PICs. Thanks, Diana.

    Lew

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  13. palamineMarch 28, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    We are Jim and Sandie's friends Toni and Doug, Canadians eh! We'll be watching.

    Great posts.

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  14. RustedgrannyMarch 28, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Can hardly wait to look for that directional sign! Probably have to communicate with Phoenix approach the whole time! Town is bigger than it used to be. My feets are itching to trod those trails - thanks for pointing the way.

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  15. SondraApril 3, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    jI know its been fun being close to your sis and enjoying time together! I spent 2 hrs on the phone with my best friend who lives in Mesa she had spent the day at the Navajo/Hope pow wow and got a nice sunburn to take home with her--
    I hate that I missed spring in the desert again...ENJOY it while while you can! Here its still quite chilly--

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