Travels with haRVy

We didn’t need to drive too far east out of Phoenix to find a very nice campground at Lost Dutchman State Park. We spent two nights and a day exploring the area, including nearby Canyon Lake. However, when the thermometer rose above 90 degrees, it was time to head to higher ground.

Camp site at Lost Dutchman State Park at base of Superstition Mountains

Creative sundial in the park

Ocotillo blossoms

The sun setting behind a 150 year-old Saguaro

Last Wednesday we left the Saguaros at Lost Dutchman State Park and, after less than a half day’s drive, we were shaded by a cool forest of Ponderosa Pines at Fools Hollow State Park near Show Low, AZ. The drive might not have been terribly long, but it certainly was interesting. We climbed up and around some amazing topography while navigating multiple hairpin turns that challenged Al’s driving skill as well as his acrophobia.

Check out some of the switchbacks

Once we were nestled into our cozy site at Fools Hollow, we decided to stay an extra night to relax and paddle around a bit.

Once again we enjoyed the pleasures of traveling a bit off-season. There were very few campers at this park and even fewer boats on the water, while the temperatures were quite a bit warmer than usual for this time of year. We were told that this park gets extremely busy during the summer months when the temperatures at lower altitudes soar past the 100 degree mark.

Less than a week ago in Prescott, AZ we had a dusting of snow on haRVy and today in Phoenix it’s due to be over 90 degrees! Our daily trip planning has been all about searching for the best weather within easy driving distance. We left Phoenix yesterday to seek higher altitudes and lower temperatures, but this post will be about what we’ve been up to over the past few days.

We spent one night at the Prescott Valley Walmart waiting for the campground at Watson Lake to open for the season. The following photos show why it was worth waiting for. When we did camp there the following night we were the first and only in the entire campground! That was likely due to the near freezing nighttime temps, but the afternoon sun was warm enough for us to paddle around the extremely scenic Granite Dells. There was only one other boat on the entire lake.

Our secluded lunch spot

The next day we headed towards Phoenix where it was predicted to be warmer, due primarily to its lower altitude. Our primary reason for heading there however, was to visit my nephew Jeffrey and his family, plus my cousin Pat, whom I had never met before, and her husband. On our way, we stopped for lunch onboard in the sleepy town of Dewey-Humboldt and later for a free overnight camp and hike around Black Canyon City, compliments of the Rock Springs Cafe.

We enjoyed an afternoon and dinner with Jeffrey’s family on Saturday while Pat and Don entertained and fed us for the entire day on Sunday, plus breakfast on Monday. We were able to stay in haRVy in their very quiet parking area too and deeply appreciate their hospitality. I guess we got along OK because they invited us to visit again at their summer home in Boulder, CO.

On our way out of town, we spent SIX hours touring the phenomenal Musical Instrument Museum, which we would highly recommend if you ever get to Phoenix. No photos to share, but you can learn about it on their website linked above.

We couldn’t take advantage of Di and Tony’s warm hospitality (Thank you!) longer than a week, but there was still so much we wanted to see and do in the area. So, on Sunday morning we headed out to spend a couple nights at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, just 22 miles away near Cottonwood, AZ. We had hoped to kayak the Verde River that runs through the park, but the water level was too low for safe navigation. We did hike along its shores and view miles of it from the four-hour ride we took on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Easy to see why it’s called the Verde River.

The next day we toured the ancient pueblo ruins at the Tuzigoot National Monument and the oddities on display at the Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale before heading up the hill to Jerome, AZ. This once booming mine town is built quite literally on the side of a mountain. Practically abandoned for decades, then resettled by hippies in the 60’s and 70’s, today it is a thriving historic tourist destination with several eateries, art galleries, historic lodgings, and more. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Vaqueros Cantina and an aerobic walk around the steep streets afterwards.

Love the satellite dish next to this historic ruin.

After our long day, we drove to Javelina Leap Winery in Cornville where this Harvest Host allowed us to camp for the night for free. The biggest advantage (besides being free) of staying there (no, not the wine, which was a bit rich for our tastes)was the bird sanctuary across the street. We hiked the trails twice viewing dozens of birds, including a flock of Cedar Wax Wings (one of my personal favorites) and a beautiful small bird I just identified by using whatbird.com as a Common Rosefinch.

On our way down beautiful Oak Creek Canyon towards Sedona, AZ, we stopped at Slide Rock State Park for lunch and a beautiful hike up the creek canyon.

 Being silly.

We arrived at Di and Tony’s lovely home in Oak Creek Village by mid afternoon and spent the rest of the day luxuriating in their peaceful backyard while visiting with Di’s spry 94-year old mother who I have known for nearly 40 years. Here’s a sampling of the gorgeous view they live with every day.

The next morning Di took us on the “Slim Shady” trail for some exercise and closer up views of the incredible rock formations.

 A look at how beautiful this trail is. Di isn’t too bad either.

Cathedral Rock from the trail.

The following day Al and I went dirt biking. While neither our bodies or our bikes have seen much of this type of activity, we were assured that the Bell Rock Pathway is appropriate for beginners. Well…maybe not sixty-something beginners. As far as we can figure, we made it to about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way. It was well worth the effort (and dirt).

The obligatory “selfie”

Bell Rock, the bike path’s namesake behind Al.

Di and Tony’s generous hospitality (and great cooking!) has allowed us to get caught up on our appointments (chiro, hair, etc.) as well as giving us time to work on our taxes (ugh). We will be here a few more days before heading to our next planned stop, which is less than 20 miles away. There is that much to see and do around here, especially if you are into outdoor activities. The weather has been superb. Except for one very windy day it has been sunny and warm (65 to 75 degrees) in the afternoon and cool in the evenings. We are savoring every moment here in beautiful Sedona.

The Federal Government officially closed “The Mother Road” Route 66 in 1984. Fortunately, a group of enthusiasts in Arizona re-opened the longest continuous section as “Historic Route 66” in the 90’s. Our traverse began at the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, AZ and continued eastward to Ash Fork with one overnight in Seligman. The road provided carefree (no semi-trucks), scenic driving as well as some good classic car viewing and kitschy roadside attractions.

We were eventually flushed onto Interstate 40 before heading south towards Sedona, AZ on incredibly beautiful Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon.  We arrived at Cove Springs Campground minutes after the last site was taken. Luckily, we found a friendly Canadian (New Brunswick) couple who agreed to share their site with us. We also shared stories, both good and bad, about life on the road. They come down into the States for 5 to 6 months every year, like several other Canadians we’ve met.

This picturesque campground was our last stop before our planned visit with Diane and Tony at their lovely home in Sedona, just 15 miles further down the road.