We left Tucson with the idea that it was the hottest place in the country…We are incorrect. Apache Junction, AZ, is hotter. Helen, Mortimer, and I scheduled six nights in Lost Dutchman State Park; we made four of them before we waved the flag and moved on. Daytime temperatures hovered around 105°, making it almost impossible to hike or participate in outdoor activities as we had done on previous visits here.
Nevertheless, I can’t complain too much. Lost Dutchman is surrounded by beautiful desert scenery and the picturesque Superstition Mountains, both offering plenty of opportunities for the amateur photographer that I am. Our campsite gave us a front row view of desert splendor at the base of the Superstitions.
In addition to the daytime view, we witnessed some spectacular sunsets both in Apache Junction and at our next stop in El Centro, CA. Amazing is not an apt description.
It’s probably not necessary to say we spent a lot of time in our camper. Helen worked on her puzzle (not a great picture), while I read some and watched a lot of sports. When we did get out, we went early. Helen captured a blooming Saguaro Cactus with a cute bird perched on its needles, along with desert vegetation growing from the rocks. The Superstitions always loomed large and were hard to ignore.
I hope readers enjoy the pictures because that’s about all for this stop. I would love to return here at some point…in the spring.
Relief is coming soon! After El Centro, we have 10 days in beautiful (and cool) Coronado, CA. Our pace will quicken, but we’re still Easin’ Along.
Traveling mercies
Hello!
Not certain I understand, but thanks for stopping by. Have a nice day! Joe
Joe, Majestic mountain views and stunning sunsets in Apache Junction. Glad you’ve moved on to cooler Coronado. Have a great week!
Good morning, Natalie,
The scenery was lovely in Apache Junction, and I’ll go back again…in March. Thanks for checking in. Have a fabulous week! Joe
As always, I enjoy the pictures and stories. Stay cool.
Thanks much. Always great to hear from you! Joe
The Superstitions are amazingly beautiful and all of your photos reflect that beauty perfectly. Fingers crossed for plenty of pics from Coronado – that’s my favorite of all of your campgrounds. Best wishes for clear skies and comfortable weather ahead!
Hello,
Thanks for the nice comments, Mary. We’re in Coronado and the time is flying by. The sky is clear and the weather couldn’t be better. Thanks for checking in, and stay tuned. Joe
Lovely photos of one of my favorite spots in the valley. Haha, folks don’t realize that Tucson is at a slightly higher elevation than Phoenix. Thus, even though Tucson is further south, it is cooler than Phx. I feel like every summer here, I turn into a vampire. Meaning, I stay indoors or in the shade during the day. The sun and heat can be brutal. Hopefully, you’ll find more agreeable temps as the journey continues.
Hi, Ingrid,
I understand Vampire symptoms in that heat. I need to stop whining about it, we had a nice rest in Lost Dutchman, but cut our visit by two days so we could cool off in Coronado. I should have called you and Al, but since outdoor activity was not an option, I backed off. Are you keeping your camera busy? I miss your blog and your pics. Please stay in touch.
Capturing those sunsets was worth resting in AC for a few days. Beautiful!
Hello,
The desert sunsets were incredible. I would post all of the pictures, but it would border on overkill. How’s your summer going? Please stay in touch. Joe
If by spring you mean February, then yes! I was afraid you would sizzle down there. Love the photos.
Good evening, Nancy,
I’m amazed that there are permanent structures in Phoenix and people with the intent to remain. Nevertheless, the scenery is unique and this hillbilly found it pic-worthy. Great to hear from you. Please say hello to our God-son. Hugs, Joe
Beautiful scenery!! Did you stop for a date shake along the way to San Diego? That’s the best part of that trip!
Good morning, Rachel,
We always stop in El Centro, CA on our way to San Diego. Usually, we drive to nearby Westmoreland, CA for a date shake. This time, however, it was so hot, we passed and stayed close to the trailer. Helen loves her date shakes! Great to hear from you! Please stay in touch! Joe