Thursday, March 8, 2018

Shopping and a short drive to Saguaro Lake

Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Location:  Superstition Mountain near Apache Junction, Arizona

Woke up this morning and looked out my bedroom window and saw the sun  trying to break through the clouds just to the north of Superstition Mountain. 

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Took Yuma for a walk around 8 o’clock.  Somebody had fun with this young saguaro.

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A huge truck came lumbering by our road headed to the gate where they have been building a steel barrier to keep people from going around the locked gate.  Been quite an effort.  He’s carrying quite a load of fencing.

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Across the road where the berm hides the gravel pit, I could see this round wheel.  Long way off.  I wonder what it is.

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My friend the Phainopepia is still clutching the branch.  He is on the same tree every morning when we go for our walk.

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When we got back, Deb and Riley were loading water jugs into their truck.  I asked if they were heading to Walmart because I just took my last two Tylenol and needed to go there first thing this morning.  They were, so Yuma stayed home and I hitched a ride into town.

It’s already warming up even though there is a slight overcast of wispy clouds.  Going to be another warm one.  After our shopping, we decided after lunch we would take a drive to Saguaro Lake.  I had seen the sign for it the other day when I exited Bulldog Canyon.   Not far from here.

Around 1 o’clock we headed out.  If you want to know where Phoenix is just follow the sign.

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Saguaro Lake was created by damming the Salt River.  Wasn’t long till we came to the bridge crossing the river.

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The river was teeming with birds.   Guessing on the names.

Blue Heron

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Egret

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Beautiful Blue Heron

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Cormorants

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Deadwood and two young ones

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It was just a short drive further to the lake. The river leaving the lake is surrounded by mountains as is the lake.

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As we drove to the north side of the lake we could see the dam across the lake.

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This fisherman is in a hurry to get back to the marina.

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Riley, Deb (On a long and lonesome highway… ) and Yuma see something out there.

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After leaving the lake, we found a road leading to the river side of the dam.

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Usery Mountain just outside of Mesa, Arizona.  We went around this mountain to get from our place to the lake.  Bulldog Canyon is behind it.

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When we returned around 3 o’clock, Yuma and I sat outside resting for over an hour.  I then realized why I was feeling so stiff.  I had forgotten to take my afternoon Tylenol.  Took it and then Yuma and I took a short walk so I could get the stiffness out of my legs. 

Loved both of these pictures of Yuma standing on a ridge near our RV that overlooks Superstition Mountain.

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As we finished our walk I could see the fence workers heading home for the day.  They look tired.

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I’m tired too!  Time for dinner and bed.  Took this one out my living room window.

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See you later.

15 comments:

  1. More great pix of your stay in the Superstition Mountains. I have a couple extra GA tix as the Cubs host the 'Dbacks on the 15th - interested? Sorry Yuma :( ballgames are not for puppies ...
    We'll likely be doing Canyon Lake again over Saguaro Lake, with the steep walls it is more interesting. Thanks for posting what we'll miss ... again!

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    1. Thanks Jeff. The Cubs are my team. Unfortunately, I'm heading east on Monday and can't make it.

      I agree Canyon Lake is the better choice, but I had to go see.

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  2. Lovely pictures of the birds and lake. Beautiful sunrise and sunset. Should go to the game! Have a good night. ❤

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    1. Thanks Dolly. The river was full of birds. Pretty along the river.

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  3. When we were there the sun rose in the highest crux in the mountain. It has sure moved a long way north. I look forward to my Superstition picture every day. Thanks.

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    1. Thanks Lorne. Getting warm fast now with the sun moving North. Interesting to get the comparison.

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  4. Another fun day and great pictures, thanks for sharing.

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  5. I agree - nice pics of Yuma up on the ridge. And, those blue herons have really vivid colors. Glad you got your Tylenol. You sure give your body a lot of wear and tear on those hikes - but you get lots of great photos and memories to last forever. 🌵🌷🐕😎

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    1. Thank Moonfly. I think it's old man time and not the hikes.

      It was nice to be around water for a change and see such beautiful birds. I've never seen a Blue Heron up close before and was glad to get such a clear picture.

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  6. Great pictures Doug! The lake is beautiful! The superstition mountain is something else! Never get tired of those pics!

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  7. Great shots Doug. Thanks for suggesting the drive, it was well worth the effort and the perfect time of day to do it. I loved the Saguaro's on the drive, so many arms on all of them. It was amazing to see.

    Glad you're feeling better.

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    1. Thanks Deb. The Saguaros were certainly old based on the number and sizes of their arms.

      It was nice to be near water and see so many birds. Looked like the natives love this lake. Lots of people there for a Thursday afternoon.

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  8. Really liked you sunrise and sunset pictures. What great pictures of the birds including your friend at your site.
    What a beautiful area definitely being added to the list of places to visit.

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  9. Thanks Deb. Had a great visit at Superstition Mountain. Too many places to hike. Did the best I could.😂

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