Hiking the Dutchman Trail

Again on Wednesday, we drove to the end of Peralta Road on the backside of the Superstition Mountains. About half way out, in the middle of that narrow dirt road, we saw a deer. It leaped into the brush so quickly that I missed catching it on the photo I shot. We all saw it though!

The kids had spent the night with us so it was a quick drive out there from where we stay. All told we hiked 2+ miles. We all hiked a mile in from the trailhead; Shelby and I stopped then and the three guys continued hiking for another + mile...I don't know just how much farther.

Our grands at the Dutchman trailhead.

Even though the trail was not difficult to follow; it was pretty rough at times.

At other times it was steep and narrow.

When we reached the saddle, Grandpa pointed out Geronimo's Cave high on a peak; they all had to point it out for me then.

Why yes, I was actually on this hike with them; whatever would make you wonder?!?

We continued our hike down the backside from that saddle.

A couple of early-bird hikers were coming out on that trail so we asked them to take a group shot. Rich had hoped we would at least get to this point so that we could see down and across this vast valley ringed with mountains.

This outcropping of rock was the end of the trail for Shelby and me. The kids loved climbing on it and were very careful because it dropped steeply off the backside.

From here, the three guys continued on. If you have very good eyesight or if you click to enlarge this photo they can be seen on the trail in the distance.

Shelby continued to explore the rocks and discovered her own little "house" where she could settle in for a rest.

Here come the guys, back to where we were waiting.

After climbing on the rocks again, we all headed back.

Rich had gone on ahead and, was already around this curve, when Dylan decided to go ahead and catch up with him.

Jackson and Shelby opted for the more languorous pace and stayed with me.

Have I neglected to mention how beautiful it was? The scenery. The weather. The trail. The kids' enjoyment.

After a time, we could see Dylan and Grandpa on the trail far below as they neared the parking lot.

Here Shelby, Jackson, and I are approaching the final rough section of trail before coming up into the parking lot.

The kids had so much more fun on this rustic, mountain hike than they ever do at an arboretum or botanic garden...hmmm

Just look at the happy faces as we head back to the RV Park. We got back just in time for our Wednesday Wings dinner at Filly's. This was the last of our Wednesday nights this winter so it was really cool to get to take the kids there and show them where we had spent all those evenings with our new friends.

Lovin' Life ~~ Hiking Life's Perfect Trails

Amazing Jakes

We spent most of the day Tuesday at Amazing Jakes which is a favorite indoor amusement park where the kids always have a great time. There are seven carnival rides, mini golf, bowling, laser tag, climbing wall, and lots of games. When we got there, they went first to the bumper cars where they all love ganging up on Grandpa.

The next line we joined was the one for the go-karts. They really zoom around that track.

Among the rides, there is a carousel

and a mini roller coaster that goes very fast, then stops briefly before going very fast backwards...so fun!

Grandpa and the kids played laser tag but it's in a separate room and I didn't go. Then the kids tried their best to get to the top of the climbing wall.

As though that wasn't enough excitement for one day, we all went to Dylan's baseball scrimmage that evening before coming back here where they are sleeping over for two nights.

Warming up to bat

Getting to second base

I wonder what we can do to continue this level of activity when we get back home. It's going to be a challenge.

Lovin' Life ~~ And Days Filled With Fun

Shelby's Baking Day

Monday we spent the day at the kids' house. I had promised Shelby that we would do some baking while I'm here; now it's our last week so it was time. Taking advantage, I did our laundry there too. Rich took the car for service in prep for our trip home. Our baking lessons started with the boys very interested and helping make the dough for the chocolate chip cookies.

It gets pretty boring after the dough is made and it's just the baking part. Jackson drifted away first and then Dylan picked up my camera to take photos of the family pets.

Dexter

Lightning


I don't know why he didn't take one of their fish, Abe.

In addition to the cookies, Shelby had asked to make lemon cake and red velvet cupcakes; her mom had asked for cheesecake. Shelby stayed with the baking all day...and it took all day.

She is spreading the cream cheese filling on the bottom layer of dough for our favorite cheesecake recipe.

The lemon cake had cooled and been iced first; we made a couple of sizes of red velvet cupcakes which she is icing here.

Sandee and Shawn were surprised at all the baked goodies when they came home from work. On our way home, Rich and I stopped to take photos of the snow covered Mazatzal Mountains to the northeast of Phoenix. Can you see the Four Peaks?

Lovin' Life ~~ And the Warm Smell of Baked Goodies

A Winter Sunday

While much of the Midwest was enjoying sunny temps in the 80s we were finally experiencing some winter on Sunday. Saturday night it had rained, the wind blew, and the temps dropped into the low 40s...brrr! Out here there is a bonus to that...my beloved Superstition Mountains were covered with snow! After an early morning hockey game, we were driving home and the clouds had cleared enough to see snow covering the entire expanse that we see from our winter home.

I put a roast, carrots, and potatoes in the crockpot for a typical winter dinner and later in the afternoon we took a drive to photograph more of the snow. Note the acres of saguaro and green ground cover at the base of the mountains.

Along the way, we enjoyed seeing more of the blooming cactus and wildflowers that are seen in abundance now. My favorite, the ocotillo, is pictured below with its flickers of flame shooting from the ends of each stalk.

Sunday morning's hockey game ended the season for Dylan and his Phantoms. He was disappointed that they didn't make it to the final, championship game of the tournament. Grandpa and I are just happy to have been here to see so many games this season, to see how much he continues to improve as a player, and to share in his love for the game. I hope we all get to do this again next winter! Here are a few shots from this past weekend. Dylan has a purple and white uniform, stickers on his helmet and a white blade on his stick.

Our season is also nearing an end. After the kids go back to school next week, we will be heading home. For now though, we have a packed list of things to do before then! By the way...that roast really hit the spot on a wintry day.

Lovin' Life ~~ Enjoying Some Winter

St. Patrick's Day!

Did we ever pack this Saturday full of fun and excitement! The first game of Dylan's hockey tournament started at 8:15 and they won in a great contest. Rich and I headed home from there to get ready for our drive out to Fountain Hills to join friends at the St. Patrick's Day Festival.

In the town center there is a large fountain in a lake that is surrounded by a lovely park. They claim the fountain is "world famous" and many come to see it erupt on the hour all day every day as weather permits. At noon on this day, the water shooting from the fountain was Irish green!

Along the street where we parked is the most beautiful and interesting display of cactus varieties I've seen outside of the Botanical Gardens and the Arboretum. With so many in bloom now, I took lots of photos but selected these few to include in a collage.

Paul and Janet sampled their first ever green beer while we all enjoyed corned beef and cabbage for lunch. Their dog, Moose, couldn't have any beer of course but he did try to sink his teeth into Janet's corned beef!

We had parked next to the town's Veteran's Memorial and I was deeply touched by this statue of an elderly man with a cane, in uniform, saluting the flags. When we returned to our car, I took this in an attempt to capture the essence of the town's tribute to veterans.

Going home we took the scenic route, delighting in the wildflowers along the road...

...to Saguaro Lake, another reservoir on the Salt River.

We stopped along this stretch of the Salt River to admire the rock canyon walls. This is another breathtaking drive; the area is a photographer's dream.

Not far from home we stopped to photograph this hawk sitting on a dying Saguaro cactus.

Arriving home we quickly changed back into warmer clothes and headed off to attend Dylan's second tournament game. Whew! This was another fabulous day!

Lovin' Life ~~ And a Variety of Activities