It is now nearing the end of February 2023. It is amazing how quickly time flies when one is retired and living in an RV, moving about from here to there.
The Chronicle last left off while still in Apache Junction, AZ. They finished off their stay there and have moved on, but not before getting in a nice hike at the Lost Dutchman State Park. This park is directly across the street from RV park F&O were staying at and had been on the list to visit the entire 2 weeks they had been there. It has a large assortment of RV sites (fully booked), hiking trails, picnic areas, and of course the Superstition mountains <- visually breathtaking. There may or may not be a secret mine full of gold up there somewhere, but F&O couldn’t find it. The critters opted for the Treasure Loop Trail, about 2 miles in duration. AllTrails suggested counter-clockwise and thank goodness Ollie heeded that advice. The trail goes up to the foot of the juts, around and back down. The ‘up’ portion of the trail is significantly steeper on the south side of the loop than the north side, so F&O got the hard part out of the way initially, and just cruised on the way down.
Flynn and Ollie took a driving trip to Canyon Lake, which was really an attempt to get to Tortilla Flats, which they never did find. The drive was similar to Hwy 1 in CA, with lots of hairpin turns and beautiful views of mountains. Oh, yeah, and a car over the embankment which had just happened as Karl was driving by. They checked with the driver, he was a ok (lame excuse about steering giving way), and he was damn lucky he didn’t go 1000 feet down the ravine. Carried on: the lake is beautiful, and it is hard to imagine that AZ has such a drought when places like this exist. While F&O would love to spend some time at this lake hanging out in Bebop, it would be impossible to tow the rolling condo there. On the return trip we spoke with the Deputy out with the wrecked car, which had been abandoned by it’s driver. In the words of the cop : The vehicle is mine now.
One other short stop for F&O while in Apache Junction – the name required it. We had intended to hike the short trail, but other RV matters prevented it. No matter, we go the photo!
Time to get out of the wind and cooler temps, head to Las Vegas for a week, then up to the Sierras to spend time with the family. As of this writing, we should be there….to be continued. Vegas has been good. We connected with some friends, attended another charity poker tournament, nearly died at the hands of Jason of Friday the 13th fame, took care of some business, and played some pinball. For those looking for cheap and fun entertainment in town, one cannot beat the Pinball Hall of Fame, located near the famous sign. F&O visited the Bellagio Conservatory (required each trip) with the added bonus of it is Year of the Rabbit themed, which is the editor’s animal year. Naturally there has been poker because Flynn is a degenerate.
The weather in LV has not been optimal, however not as gross as in CA -> our intended spot right now. Delaying the trip north was prudent, so here F&O still sit, in an RV park in the middle of Sin City. Over the past 10 days there have been high winds (pulled slides in), dusting of snow in the valley, lots of snow in the mountains, rain, and cold. However, these conditions don’t compare to what CA, and specifically our plans originally called for, is experiencing, so no complaints. F&O are going to ride it out for a few days, and try to get north in the short window available for travelling in the giant rig. Fingers crossed. No delusions about the weather once we arrive – not going to be fun but it will be an adventure!
Fin
Flynn
Great photos and adventures. Be safe on travels.