October 14 - Arizona

After Vegas we stopped for a few days at Prescott Valley, AZ. Arizona, like so many other Western States, has its' own character. It's pretty here.  18 miles from our campground is the old Copper Mining town of Jerome. Population today is about 450, but at its peak, about 15,000 miners lived here mining and raising hell. Seems that the town of Jerome was a pretty lawless place, but when the copper mining stopped, most left.  The town today is listed on the Historic Town register.

Jerome, AZ streets are very narrow.  Several turns can only handle one vehicle at a time.

The view from Jerome looking down to the Valley below. The town of Cottonwood at the bottom.

Remains of one of the Copper Mine sites

Steps from one street to the next, as the town is built on the mountainside.

This double rainbow from our site in Prescott Valley.

As I write this, we are in Lost Dutchman State Park, near Apache Junction, AZ.  We're about 40 miles from the Phoenix airport - we know because yesterday we drove to the Arizona State Fair, which was advertised starting October 10th thru November 2nd.  So, we're here and decided to pay a visit.  40 miles later we arrive and all the gates are closed.  No fair Monday or Tuesday - Closed - Doh! ..... Back to Apache Junction for dinner at The Hitchin Post Restaurant.

We rely on the GPS to get us where we want to go.  Today, we were directed to turn onto Mountainview Road.  About a mile down the road, pavement disappeared and we're on a dirt road, going down hill where ruts are in the road due to the recent rains.  This lasted about 2 miles and we were back on pavement. 

The Saguaro cactus are everywhere around this part of the State.

Our camp site looking at Superstition Mountains

Saguaro Cactus - These things get really big

Temperature today about 90, with 5% humidity

Today, Oct. 14, we took a drive on Rt. 88 which goes from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake.  It's a gorgeous drive - narrow, winding mountain road. Bumpy in most places, 10 mph curves.  We stopped  to visit a place I've heard of in movies, Tortilla Flat.  Restaurant, Museum, and a gift shop.  A couple miles beyond, the road became gravel, then one lane. It was there we turned back to the State Park.  Beautiful ride...

Tortilla Flat

 

Rt 88 - Tortilla Flats; This is the whole town.

Road Views - Rt 88 to Tortilla Flat

 

 

From here we head South to Huachuca City, AZ where we are attending another Heartland Owners Club Rally. This is the Arizona Chapter first Rally and we have about 20 rigs signed up. After the Arizona Rally, we head to Elephant Butte, NM for a New Mexico Chapter Campout - Looking forward to that one as well.   Check back for updates......