On Saturday, we drove fifty or so miles to spend some time in the area of the Superstition Mountains located right at Apache Junction. The weather has been exceptionally cool, so that I considered taking a light jacket with me, although it turned out that I didn’t need it. The temperature was perfect, although the skies were less spectacular than I had hoped would be the case. Lots of strong winds had kicked dirt and sand into the air, although as the afternoon passed, the sky cleared. There were no clouds.The entire area was spectacularly beautiful.
We chose to explore the area through the Lost Dutchman State Park. At the gate where we paid our $7.00 the attendant was very friendly, recommended a couple of easy hikes, and pointed out that the Saguaro blooms this year are especially abundant.
Indeed they were, and as we hiked our couple of miles we admired the beauty of these gigantic cacti.
We walked to the Crosscut Trail Intersection, meeting several people who had gone all the way to the peak of the Superstition, and who were now returning. When Jerry asked several of them how it was, they all spoke highly of the trip, although warning it was a bit challenging.
We had taken water with us, but by the time we got back to our car we were ready for something more substantial. We pulled out our small ice chest that contained pieces of rotisseried chicken, a wedge of cheddar cheese, raw carrots with a small container of humus for dipping. (Well, the humus dipping was something only I engage in; Jerry can’t stand the stuff!) cokes, and a few fig newtons. A nice shelter was nearby with several tables that gave to a magnificent view. A gentle wind brushed our faces. We drank steaming coffee from a jug and tin cups Mike had given us some time ago.
“Stand over there and I’ll take your picture,” Jerry said. I did.
I’m posting a link here that contains a couple of interesting videos describing in more detail the area. Worth taking a look. . . might even make you want to come for a visit thinking maybe you will find that famous Dutchman’s lost gold mine. Many people believe there still is lots of gold in those rugged mountains. Wish we could have visited the ghost town, too. Maybe next time!
Shirley Buxton 