Weather forecast for last weekend "aggressively pleasant temperatures expected"

29 Nov, 2018; SMR, Apache Junction, AZ

. . . and it was

First up was a visit from some Portland friends.  They wanted some birding, so I checked with the SMR birding group and was directed to the Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.  This is a series of 8 or 9 ponds surrounded by trees and walking paths - excellent habitat and viewing opportunities.  I didn't take Phoebe, but dogs are welcome on leash.

What is so interesting?

Egrets - we saw lots and lots of birds.  I actually know these!

A couple days later, a gal in the park suggested a short hike

There are longer trails to Hackberry Springs, but this hike starts only a few miles from the park and follows the natural washes and canyons to Hackberry Springs, a sweet little pothole in the desert.  The hike took a couple hours (maybe 3-4 miles total) and was a perfect 2nd hike for Phoebe.  She handled the boulders, scree, and desert trails like a pro - didn't even catch any cactus spines!

As if the desert wasn't prickly enough already!!

26 Nov, 2018; SMR Apache Junction, AZ

Steel cactus are popular additions to the cactus gardens here

The steel cactus rust into lovely desert colors and fit in well with the real cactus. But, truly, the following is just not right.  Who would make this . . .

This is a really pretty little cactus 

And, another really nice sunset!

A flock of Hawks!

24 Nov, 2018; SMR Apache Junction, AZ

Coming back to my trailer after Thanksgiving: THREE Harris Hawks!

The neighbor across the fence has chickens; my next door neighbor in the park feeds finches, cactus wrens, doves, pigeons, and quail.  So, I guess it's not surprising that we have hawks.  This is the second time I've seen hawks (last time there were two) - but this time there were three hawks very close to my trailer.  They didn't even fly when I got my camera and set it up.

House Finch

Cactus Wren

I am thankful for 125 women who can cook!

22 Nov, 2018; SMR Apache Junction AZ

I had Thanksgiving with 125 women at SMR

When that number of women get together for a meal, you can be guaranteed that there will be a huge amount of very tasty food!!  

I helped with the decorations . . .

No turkey for Phoebe - instead she hung outside while I cooked

This is Phoebe being happy and relaxed.  I took her for a hike later and things changed.

I wore a hat;  A different hat; A hat Phoebe had never seen before.  She was terrified and it was hours after I took it off before she forgave me.

Look at that suspicious little dog

 

I love Cactus and Sunsets!

20 Nov, 2018; Apache Junction AZ


This is my final 'catch-up' post.  The night-blooming cactus in the park have just blown me away!  Enjoy the pics!

People are remarkably gracious as I wander around lighting up their windows with my flash!

'Queen of the night"

My home for the next couple of months

18 Nov, 2018; Apache Junction AZ

Superstition Mountain RV Resort, Apache Junction AZ

I've heard about this women's community for 25 years!. But, it's a private resort and a little hard to visit or get into.  But, this spring I met some women who had space on their extra lot for a couple of months this winter. So, I jumped at this rare opportunity to spend time in a unique, all women's community.

While some residents are here year-round, most women come back (from the colder north or even from the cooler mountains in Arizona) to their lots or park models for the winter season.

Community center welcomes back residents!

Lots of activities and facilities

The first official activity of the season was a pool-side Hot Dog dinner sponsored by the very active poker playing group.  In addition to the pool and hot-tub, there is a ballroom, a crafts room, pickle ball courts, bocce ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, billiards and so much more!!

Enjoying pool time with Portland friends

Brunch with friends

So many women helping each other and having fun together!

There's a gal here who refurbishes old bikes and makes them available for anyone to check out for a day or for the season!  Another group does fund-raisers to buy old bikes.

The arrival of a new park model is an occasion for a housewarming.

I'm having so much fun here!!

Red Rock Canyon State Park, AZ

16 Nov, 2018; Apache Junction, AZ

Beautiful state park - but 103F!!

Red Rock Canyon State Park, AZ  is a lovely park with great views and large dry-camp sites.  Unfortunately, when I was there in September, it was freaky hot - although, just barely livable with the breeze in the shade of the trailer.  But, too hot for the hiking I had planned and a little too hot for good sleeping at night.

Joshua Trees!!

Isn't this just the most spectacular site!!!!

Yes, that little white dot in the middle is my trailer.