My Time in Apache Junction

After the WIN Dance Rally, I scurried over to Apache Junction, AZ. This is one of my favorite places to spend time in the winter months.

The view of the Superstition Mountains from my rig are incredible.

One day, there were 2 Harris Hawks (I think) feasting on a poor little bird up on the light post.

I also got to go on a hike with my sister, Barbara, near the Superstitions...

I just love all the spires in view, although we were looking into the sun that early in the morning.

We got to see a Phainopepla, which I had never seen before -

And this little bird who had his mouth full...

And let's not forget the hugging saguaro! Looks painful...

On another day, I went out to find the wild horses that are north of Apache Junction.

Unfortunately, I didn't see any. Apparently you have to be here much earlier in the day.

But the views of the Salt River, and the unique trees along it, were definitely worth the trip!

WIN Dance Rally

Well, just when I was almost caught up on the blog, I fell off the wagon...

After Halloween at my daughter's in San Diego, I headed over to the WIN Dance Rally, held annually at the Fountain of Youth Spa and RV Resort on the east side of the Salton Sea in California. I think I've arrived!

That's it, right below the Chocolate Mountains.

Every morning and afternoon, we had a get-together on the patio.

We had dance lessons in the morning and afternoon, plus a dance almost every evening! I was too busy dancing to get any pictures except this one of some of the 110 participants.

But to me, the best attraction here is the many hot pools. This is the "Gossip Pool," and we had a great time here. It was my favorite!

We also did some trips to local attractions. I got here late, so the only one I went to was to the Mud Pots, over by the Salton Sea. There's lots of geothermal activity here.

The actual Mud Pots are blocked off now, but they are a geothermal mixture of mud, ash and water burping continuously.

We then went to the Salton Sea shoreline, and saw lots of birds. Apparently, they don't mind the smell of dead fish.

Yes, it really smells...

We then went over to see the obsidian next to the shoreline.

Dave found a chair on top of the obsidian. You never know what you'll find in this area!

There is lots of old stuff here -

Especially ships!

And every evening, we gathered to watch the beautiful sunset!

My Favorite Holiday!

Fortunately, going down Highway 395 leads directly to San Diego, home of my daughter. Their new home is high on a hill overlooking the entire city. Grandcat Ariel was trying to scare me to death on their balcony fence.

I stayed at the Elks Lodge in El Cajon. I've stayed here many times before, and they always seem to be repairing this pine tree...

We made a trip over to the other grandparents' house, probably the most decorated house in the city. This is only a tiny part of the decorations.

We're here for a pumpkin carving party for my grandchildren and their cousins.

Some of the results.

The 6 cousins. My grandchildren, Mara and Jonathan, are second from the left and second from the right.

We went back again on Halloween night, joined by Mara's friend on the left.

We had a very nice dinner, including ribs and intestines -

Cat poop -

Ear wax -

Pumpkin barf -

And poop!

Their house is so popular that there was a crowd out in front!

Well, I've done the Lewis and Clark circuit all the way from Kansas City to Astoria, then down the Oregon coast, across Northern California, then all the way down Highway 395 to San Diego! Time to settle in for the winter.

Joshua Trees, Rusty Stuff, and a Ghost Town

Three of my favorite things! My next stop was Yucca Valley, CA, where I saw all three! First off was a hike in Joshua Tree National Park.

This is my favorite hike in the park. The first big attraction is this old pink house.

Lots of old pieces of the past are lying around.

Next up is a rusty old car, which I tried to drive.

And farther down the trail, another rusty car. My favorite, half buried in the sand...

We finally get to our destination, the Wall Street Mill.

We walked around the back -

And into the interior of the mill. Just fascinating!

The next day, I drove out to see Pioneer Town, just outside of Yucca Valley.

It's not really a ghost town. It was built in 1946 as a movie set.

Roy Rogers was one of the original investors. They have entertainment on the weekends -

But during the week, it's a pretty sleepy town. This was the only new friend I met...

The Bath House is definitely my favorite building.

A fun stop! Next up - Halloween!