The second we got into our Destination of Mesa we were greeted with unwelcomeness. It could have been our older motorhome (1998) or the puggles, or the fact were under 55 years old, or all of the above. Whichever it was it was not right. The guard at the Encore RV Resort made us feel like such outsiders that once he showed us to our site we just kept driving and out the exit! They treated us like we had two heads. Never have I felt so uncomfortable and uneasy as in that old community where I guess if you are not there to check in and die you do not belong. AHHH now I feel better getting that out.
We found a place to stay in Apache Junction, Carefree Manor. We got a great deal and a great site, paved driveway, paved patio and level. The pool area was so nice, the pool hall was perfect. A little gem in a vast array of RV Parks located there. We met a very nice older gentleman, Mike was his name. We met up with him it seemed every afternoon in the pool. We chatted with him non-stop. He not only felt like the grandfather I always wanted, but I believe he and I could have become good friends. Hopefully we will cross paths with him again someday.
he dogs took some time to get used to the dirt of the desert as a potty area, but have become quite the desert dogs now, they are troopers. We found two dog parks that we went back and forth between. One had a great pond for dogs to swim and play with another “dry” area for them to play as well. The only thing was that the owners seemed to just not pick up after their dogs. Such a shame, a top notch park and they can not even have enough respect to keep it clean. The other park was very nice as well, it was quite large and they could roam free and they loved it. Jinjer’s fascination with Huskies continued, too bad it was not reciprocated :( Big Jack even taught the pitbull and american bulldog that he was in charge.
We managed to get a hike in at the Lost Dutchman State Park one day, it was pretty hot ad it was only 8:00 a.m. it was a typical esert hike, prickly and rocky. It was a steady uphill that got a little much for Jack and Jinny so we decided to cut off some by crossing over a canyon and pick up the trail on its downhill section. The crossing was not so easy as the rocks were hurting the puggles feet so I had to carry them, Jinny in none arm and big Jack drapped across my shoulders. adding 70 pounds of dog to my load was more than I bargained for. I wore myself out getting them across. I took a good break and we headed back down. It was a beautiful hike through rugged desert mountain terrain complete with the majestic Saguaro Cactus everywhere. I loved it :)
A highlight I will always remember from this part of our journey was the drive out to Canyon Lake on the Apache Trail. We had just gotten back from a dog park and I wanted to go out for a beer. I remembered seeing a saloon at the Goldfield Ghosttown just a few miles down the road. Once we got there it was just about to close and they had no good beer, but I also read about a place called Tortilla Flat, another 10 miles down the road, had a local brew named Kiltlifter that we tried earlier in the trip and we really liked so we decided to head there. I thought for sure it would be still open. Just as we got going we saw a coyote walking through the desert and he stopped and looked at us. It was so stereotypical of a scene, picture perfect one could say. It was the start of an awesome little adventure. As we first headed out on the famous scenic Apache Trail it headed into some really rugged area, the sun was just starting to set, it was gorgeous out there. We drove in silence from the awe of it all. But once we rounded the bend at the summit of one hill we saw it. Canyon Lake. it was a natural sight that was as beautiful of a view as I had ever seen. Breath-taking. It was a desert mountain lake wedged between sheer cliffs and bluffs going up hundreds of feet. The sunset illuminated just enough to make the water look electric. The road winded in tight “S” turns for the entire length going over a couple one lane bridges along the way. After arriving at our destination of Tortilla Flat we were greeted with a closed sign :( So we turned around. We were very low on gas at this point and I thought we would be able to get gas somewhere but there was nothing out there in the remote area of Superstition Wilderness.
Sharon asked me if we had enough to get back, i looked down, it was on the needle and we had 18 miles of mountainous driving to get back so i got stressed. I could not let her feel that though so i responded with a “yeah, no problem”. The next 18 miles seemed like 100 miles. I get more and more worried. What would I do if we did run out in the middle of the desert, at night, miles from civilization. I had to put it out of my mind, the incredible scenery did help though. After an eternity we made it back to town, but no before we saw an incredible glowing orange full moon rise over the Superstition Mountains. It was inspirational.
We got gas but were still extremely hungry. After deciding on pizza we stumbled upon Fat Man’s Pizza. A Chicago-style pizzeria. After getting our pizza I opened the box and “Wow, its beautiful” came out of my mouth without thought. It was a great looking pizza that tasted even better. It was a true find for us. It was a fitting end to a wonderful evening.