Settling in for the winter...Time to enjoy the desert

Well we got set up here at Canyon Vistas RV Resort for the next few months....got the motorhome washed and waxed. Survived a hail storm except for the car. It's in the body shop getting paintless dent removal and standard body work done. Hoping to get it back this Friday. And we started exploring again.

Our first adventure was to Boyce Thompson Arboretum just outside Superior, AZ at the foot of Picketpost mountain. This is a place we've been to before with friends and by ourselves. We bought a yearly pass last season and it expires January 1. The Arboretum is a desert paradise. So many varieties of cactus, trees and desert foliage. We really enjoy our visits there. I know I've posted photos of this place before but each time I feel like I see something new or at least a different perspective.

Picketpost Mountain in the distance

The variety

Ayer Lake

Castle Rock....that's what I call it

Bridge to the High Trail

Red Gum Eucalyptus

Golden Barrel Cactus

We had a snack sitting by this tranquility fountain

The wildlife at the Arboretum

We had a great hike on the main trail and the High Trail there. They also have a hummingbird area and butterfly garden. So much to see and enjoy.

Then yesterday we took a short hike around Silly Mountain. It's a smallish foothill that has several trails with great views of the Superstition Mountains. We enjoyed getting our hiking legs back into shape.

Superstition Mountain in the distance

A cactus bloom

Creosote Bush

5057 peak in the distance

The sun is shining and the temps are moderating...no excuse not to get out and enjoy. 

Today was another perfect opportunity to enjoy the moderating weather. We headed to a trail that we've been to several times in the last 4 years. We like to hike the Hieroglyphs Trail but today was the Lost Gold Mine Trail. Not much elevation gain but great views of the surrounding landscape. 

We even got a glimpse of a rock structure that reminds us of a Gargoyle. He has a great profile and a bid hump back. You see so many things in the desert....except we haven't seen a rattle snake in the past 4 years coming here. I guess we'll have to keep looking. 

Glenda and I have a plan to hike at least 2 times a week and hike a different trail each time. I think we can do that since there are so many trails to explore. Great challenge. 

We continue to enjoy the activities in the park like Pickleball and Line Dancing and seeing our son, Chris and his fiancée, Kendra. Oh and they just opened up the new Cactus Grill for lunches and happy hours. The grill is now located in the new ballroom they just finished a couple weeks ago. 

Hope to get some golf in soon with Chris and continue to explore more areas. Thanks for following along.