Dirt Road Lost and Apache Junction Found

Our trip from Santa Barbara to Apache Junction included 3 nights in Mojave Preserve.  We were  lost the first day, got stuck in the sand trying to turn around and ended up so far from the campground that we had to spend the night in the train depot yard about 6 inches from the 4 long speeding trains that woke us again and again.  .Why didn't I take time to find those directions?????

The next day after finding the right exit to the campground (about 20 miles further east) the wind picked up about noon and the weather report had wind travel warnings for all the next day, so we decided to stay put another night.  The full moon gave us a fantastic show!

It was a special delight to return to the home of our friends, Janette and Art, in Apache Junction, AZ.  They are 'the best hosts', finest cooks and full of adventure ideas!  We hoped this visit would include a trip to Tortilla Flat.  We were not disappointed.  Our first stop was Canyon Lake Overlook.

Then a closer view of the lake with it's amazing rock walls and garden-like hills.

After a few more twists and turns of the narrow road we found Tortilla Flat, population 6.  A well known photographer was there taking pictures of the old schoolhouse and we got a photo of him.

We had some delicious Prickly Pear ice cream cones and then wandered over to the gift shop.  Terry was fortunate to find the hair he lost this year and a black cap to go with it.

  

Art and Janette were eager to take us on to Roosevelt Lake, but we had lots to do before we left our 'house' trailer with them until April.  Here she is all wrapped up and the Teardrop is waiting.  Goodbye friends and thanks!