Thu - Mar 15/12

We were up early and out of the park by 10 am.

Our first destination was Valle del Oro, a Cal-Am sister park, for their regular Thursday Morning (1/2 day) Marketplace. The market was more crowded than I have ever seen it. We all found something, as I've said before, that we didn't know we needed.

I picked up a Canyon Vistas Cookbook (our home park) as much as for a souvenir as for a cookbook.

We stopped at Costco to fill up. The "Member Only" gas station is always packed (nearly 2 dozen cars at any time we have gone). The price is between 5 and 10 cents a gallon cheaper than most local stations.

We returned to Canyon Vistas for lunch. Thursday is the most popular day in the park for lunch. The Taco Salads (only $5.50) are huge. We each only ate half. The remainder, as usual,  would be our supper.

It was such a nice day we decided to go to Tortilla Flat, AZ which is situated on the "Apache Trail" (Hwy AZ-88). This road was built in the 1930's to supply materials for the construction of the dams along the Salt River. Factoid: GM (General Motors) Proving Grounds used to use the Apache Trail to test tires, suspension and vehicle maneuverability - you will soon know why!

It is  one of the most scenic drives in the area offering incredible views of canyons, lakes, desert plants and trees - Bonus:  the wildflowers and cactii are in bloom. The geologic formations are ever changing as you wind along the edge of the canyon walls. The cruise on Canyon Lake is a must!

The winding nature of the roads make for an average speed of about 15-20 miles an hour (on the paved parts). Often curves, all along the edge, can only be take at 10-15 mph.

Really, the only straight section is on each of the two single lane bridges along the route.

Tortilla Flat was packed, as usual, so we decided to continue onward and stop in on the way back. When you pass Tortilla Flat it will not be long before you leave the paved portion of the road behind. We only went as far as Milepost 222 which is where Fish Creek Hill begins. There are washrooms and walking paths here. They offer excellent views with informative signs. A word of advice - Don't stand behind the signs - they like to use them for target practice, using various calibre rounds, as judged by the holes!

If you choose to continue sections of road beyond here will be down to a single lane of "washboard" hard-packed ground. This is the most difficult part of the Trail as the road drops 1,500 feet in a very short distance. We have done the total distance to Roosevelt Lake previously. The views are fantastic and the trip should be taken at least once. However, be prepared to drive slowly and carefully - the last 20 miles takes over an hour!

If you do go to the end I advise taking the main (paved) road back through Globe, AZ. Coming back on The Apache Trail is even more harrowing. At least going (North) you were near the canyon walls. Coming back you are right along the edge. Besides, US-60 through Superior is a geological treat!

If you plan on stopping at the Tonto National Monument (also a must) leave early! It is best to make all the trip in daylight.

We stopped in Tortilla Flat on the return trip. It was still packed; but after a few minutes a parking spot opened up. There is often live musical entertainment and sometimes a "western gunfight".

You can have Prickly Pear Ice Cream in the store or a good meal (sit in a saddle at the bar) in the Superstition Saloon. No! You cannot take the wallpaper as a souvenir. Folks from all over the world pin dollar bills with their names on the walls of the saloon. (Actually. the staff staple them to the walls after you leave). The wallpaper is many layers thick in places and ...."priceless".

All that fresh air and sunshine took it's toll. We passed on swimming when we got back to the park. Supper was, of course - Course #2 of the Taco Salad and we all "hit the sack" early.