Sunrise Peak Scottsdale and Boyce Thompson Arboretum

 If you have seen enough cactus and dirt pictures, I get it. But that is what we have here.

 Mike had surgery on his face for skin cancer and was in the process of healing. We wanted to get out in the fresh air and thought an easy hike would be a good idea. Sunrise Mountain wasn't a stroll but uphill.

The trail wasn't too rocky requiring him to hang his head and watch where he was walking too much. But he did end up with a swollen eye by the end of the walk.

The wind was a little unruly at times but felt good keeping us cool.

We have been learning about the geology of the area and how the mountains were formed here. Volcanos, moving plates and continental shifting over time changed the shape of the Sonoran Desert.

A long trek down to the parking lot way down there. You can see the cones of dormant volcanos in the distance.

We had never been to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and decided to take the tour that was starting as we arrived. The volunteer was very knowledgeable and taught us much.

We came across this hummingbird nest as we were walking.

You can see the entrance on the side of the nest.

It was an easy 1 1/2 mile walk though the many different plants of deserts from around the world.

Queen Creek that Mr. Thompson would visit everyday.

Boyce Thompson's home overlooking Queen Creek to the southwest and the copper mines he owned to the northeast.

Desert pupfish and Gila topminnow are protected in Ayer Lake surrounded by some interesting volcanic rock.

There are many classes and educational opportunities offered throughout the year that would be great to attend. I find that I get much more out of experiences when a good docent is there to tell a good story.

Music by flute, didgeridoo, guzheng under the fall colors of the Chinese Pistachio trees made for a nice way to spend our day.

Lost Dutchman, Siphon Draw and doppelgangers

You have probably heard the saying that everyone has a twin. As I travel around the country, working in different hospitals, I truly  believe this. I see Sara here who was Jane somewhere else. Same look and mannerisms. We ride our bikes down the road and are sure Sid just rode past us.

When my kids were young, I was told that I had a twin that brought her kids to the same gymnastics place that I did. I had forgotten about the comment until one day I was heading out of the gym with Krista and Michael and in walked my doppelganger. We looked at each other and had a good laugh.

After working my two shifts, I always feel the need to be outdoors. Even though the temps were a chilly 45 degrees, we headed out to Lost Dutchman State Park.

My Favorite Martian?

The Peralta Family from Mexico developed a rich gold mine (supposedly) in the Superstition Mountains. Legend has it that the Peraltas died at the hands of Apache Indians and had never told anyone of the location of their gold mine.

 

As the story evolves, in the 1870s, Jacob Waltz, "the Dutchman" supposedly rediscovered the mine with the aid of a Peralta descendant. Waltz died in 1891 and he too never disclosed the mine's location. Supposedly he left hidden maps that several claimed to have found although to this day there has been no evidence the mine has ever been located. I wonder if this was where his cabin was.

Over the years, thousands and thousands have tried to find these lost riches. Many have mysteriously died or disappeared during the hunt fueling even more mystery and superstition. Today the legend lives on at "Lost Dutchman State Park" in the shadows of the Superstition Mountains.

This may not be gold but a real treasure.

It doesn't matter how many times we hike here. I have to take lots of pictures and just sit a while once we get there and soak it up. Maybe, I just don't want to climb over the boulders going back down. 

I pass on trying to get to the Flat Irons. I could crawl up the side of the mountain but not sure how getting back down would go.

A few days later, Mike had Mohs skin cancer surgery and was having some trouble seeing since his left eye was pretty swollen. We wanted to take an easy walk without boulders to watch for and chose the  Butcher Jones Trail.

Saguaro Lake requires a Tonto Pass but the National Parks Pass was also good and has saved so much money getting into national parks with it. Many of Arizona's state parks also accept it.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Bulldog canyon and parrots

 

There are so many hikes that we enjoy in the Superstitions. This is one that is a short drive for us and pretty quiet. Often we get home after wandering and wonder where the day went. Then we stretch out in our chairs and take a nap.

 

Taking a rest in the shade of the saddle.

Anyone else see the scary parrot? It was Friday the 13th.

It turned out to be a pretty nice 6 mile hike with the sun behind the hills.

Riding along the canal paths is a nice change from riding on the roads. We only rode about three of the 22 miles to get to and from the Gilbert farmer's market and art show.

We ran into a flock of peach faced "lovebird" parrots along the consolidated path and was able to get some pretty good pictures with my new camera. They were speedy little buggers jumping all around.

Peach faced parrots from south Africa were "naturalized" in the Phoenix area when they escaped an aviary and thrived quite well in the warm dry climate.

  Gilbert's coffee shop on Main, Berge's with it's cowboy musician that plays some pretty good  James Taylor and Willie Nelson. There seems to be music everywhere we go.