Apache Trail

 Here in Arizona 

our seasons are a little backwards.

While most quilters in the U.S.

hibernate during the winter months

and get a lot of sewing done,

we spend as much time as possible

playing outside.

When the heat of the summer arrives

and forces us inside,

I will hole up day and night

in an air conditioned room

and spend more time

at my machine.

 But for now, we are 

getting to know this beautiful state

and each Saturday look for a new place to discover.

 The desert wildflowers are in season

and Mr. Cactus asked me to spend the day

investigating the

Apache Trail

 The Apache Trail was once used by ancient peoples

as a path through the

  Superstition Mountains

In the 1800's it became a

Stagecoach Route

winding it's way

along steep cliff drop offs 

and  rugged desert.

 Water is an essential element in this terrain,

and there are several Reservoir Lakes

perfect for boating and fishing

along the Salt River.

We stopped for a 

morning hike

that took us 

above Canyon Lake,

viewing some of the most

spectacular scenery in Arizona.

 For a late lunch we stopped 

at the old western town of 

Tortilla Flat

(population 6)

*although during this beautiful spring weather

the place was packed.

 The Superstition Saloon and Restaurant

is wallpapered in dollar bills

stapled to every available wall...

 ...nook and cranny.

 even the ceilings are covered.

 Customers leave their John Henry

as a token.

 If you sit at the bar,

be prepared to straddle a saddle.

 As non-drinkers, we ordered a

Sarsaparilla

which was patented as a medicine

for blood and skin problems 

in the 1800's.

Now, it's a soft drink with a flavor similar to Root Beer.

 Continuing past Tortilla Flat

the Apache Trail is no longer paved.

 The graded road is dusty

and drops down to the Salt River

surrounded by pristine rock formations 

and majestic Saguaro's.

 The trail loops past the impressive

Theodore Roosevelt Dam

(1903-1911)

made from blocks of stone carved out from the canyon walls.

I leave you with this quote from 

President Roosevelt

"Apache Trail combines the grandeur of the Alps,

the glory of the Rockies,

the magnificence of the Grand Canyon 

and then adds an indefinable something

that none of the others have.

To me, it's the most awe-inspiring

and most sublimely beautiful panorama

nature has ever created."