February 29. 2012 by Merilee.

Florence, AZ

February 29, 2012

We followed Steve and Jayne on a spectacular desert ride that Steve calls “South of the Gila.”   The lush mountain desert landscapes were jaw dropping in every direction.  The wildflowers are making an early appearance this year.

We stopped to see the Gila River.

The rocky desert around North and South Buttes was just beautiful with large saguaros and desert greenery.

We stopped to see the old railroad bridge that crosses the Gila River and goes into a tunnel on the other side of the river.

Thanks again to Steve and Jayne for sharing this beauty with us.

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February 25. 2012 by Merilee.

February 25, 2012

Gold Canyon, AZ

Looking for a unique getaway? How about a trip back in time?

Escape to the Renaissance Festival where pleasure and celebration are the only orders of the day as decreed by the King!

The Renaissance Festival is one of the largest of the Renaissance events in the nation because it is really five Festivals all rolled into a giant, costumed fantasy village.

 My favorite event was the jousting competition.  The flash of colors and the strong horses charging were a rush of adrenaline.

 This is Sir Edgemont posing for the crowd.

 The costumed players set a beautiful table.

 The festival had many artisans demonstrating their crafts.  The glass blower was just amazing to watch the glass take shape.

Many entertainers were on the stages and  this is Pirate Shantyman and Bonnie Lass.  A good time was had by all.

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February 22. 2012 by Merilee.

Superior, Arizona

February 22, 2012

Our group ride into Walnut Canyon was a photographers dream.  The beautiful Senoran desert scenes had gorgeous back drops of red  buttes all along the trail. Many wildflowers have started to bloom along the hillsides.

We spotted a desert big horn sheep up on canyon wall.  Could not get a pic so captured the crowd.

The trail displayed a forest of huge saguaro cactus.

the jeeps love to get wet in the Gila River where we stopped for lunch.

the canyon walls on our way out of walnut canyon.

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February 16. 2012 by Merilee.

Florence, Arizona

February 15, 2012

Our ride on the Martinez Cabin trail was filled with surprises.  The trail was a memorable drive through stark rocky canyons and beautiful Senoran desert.

As we went through Box Canyon, a desert big horn sheep greeted us from high on the canyon ridge.  This majestic ram was very curious and seemed to watch us and we watched him.

We also leap-frogged a group of horseback riders along the same trail.  This”cowboy” didn’t mind posing for a second and then it was off clippity clop down the rocky trail.

At the end of the trail is the abandoned mining mill.  The final 1/2 mile is a safer hike than ride although I did enjoy my adventure in the red jeep.

The canyon had many old cottonwoods with new spring leafs.  It is always a pleasure in the desert to find water and shade from trees.  We enjoyed our lunch in the shade along a running creek.

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February 8. 2012 by Merilee.

Florence, AZ

February 8, 2012

We took a slow tour to Box Canyon today.  It is a unique and scenic jeep drive through a narrow, steep-walled canyon.

As the trail winds through box canyon, the view is just amazing and ever changing.  The rocks are covered with a chartreuse moss that is unique.  Although we looked for big horn sheep, we did not spot any today.

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February 6. 2012 by Merilee.

Lost Dutchman State Park

February 6, 2012

On a perfect day for a hike, we took the Treasure Loop trail to the shadow of the Superstitions in the Lost Dutchman State Park.  The trail is a gem at 2.4 miles of 360 degree landscape beauty.

the trail head:

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