March 24, 2014 Harquahala Mountain National Back Country Byway

Road Trip Day –

John planned a nice off road trip for us to the top of the Harquahala Mountain via the National Back Country Byway.  Harquahala Mountain is straight ahead in this picture:

After a quick stop at the trail head, we were off and running, well, riding.  Lots of saguaros:

And beautiful flowers:

The byway:

Sue driving:

All the girls were in one jeep and Susan drove – she did a great job.  Congratulations Susan – .   I was very comfortable with her driving and for those who know me as a passenger in any vehicle, that says a lot.

The road continues up the mountain:

Notice the red in the picture below – the ocotillos are blooming:

Yep, that is the road up to the top:

And the road from the top:

What INCREDIBLE VIEWS:

Isn’t this just amazing what can be done remotely:

Here is the observatory (we did not find more info at the top ):

Our crew: Andy, Geri, John, Bruce, Susan, and Mollie:

On our way back down:

Yikees:

On our way back to Congress we found this:

What a great trip.  We finished the evening by having dinner at Geri and John’s – Thank you.

Tomorrow starts my busy time with Bead Week so I may not be blogging until next month.

Until then, enjoy today –

March 17 to March 23, 2014 North Ranch

On Monday, 17th, after saying our “See you Later”,  we started our journey to North Ranch.  I am still amazed at how green the desert has become:

We arrived at North Ranch right before lunch.  Bruce and Susan came in right after us.  Here is our site:

After setting up, we all walked over to Geri and John’s new place for Happy Hour – great time – .

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 150 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona: Montgomery Road; I-8; SR-85; I-10; North Aguila Road; Vulture Mine Road; US-93; SR-89

We are here for Bead Week which starts on March 31.  I have volunteered to be the Store Coordinator so this week has been filled with meetings, training, and getting caught up with things that need to be done.  Lila is my co-Coordinator and has filling me in – Thank you Lila.

Every day more and more folks are coming in and it has been great to get to see and get caught up with everyone – .  So much talent – oh my.

Many of the cacti in the park are blooming:

 

Aren’t they beautiful?

On Friday, 21st, we were invited to a private party at Organ Stop Pizza hosted by the Alberta Roamer’s Chapter of Escapees.

Andy and I have been here a few times before with our Casa Grande Park but it was always at Christmas and it was for the normal show.  This time, along with the show, we were introduced to all the instruments.

Since I have written about this a few times, here is the link to more information:  http://www.organstoppizza.com/

The Mighty Wurlitzer:

Some of the amazing pipes to the organ:

Another wonderful time –

And another great week!   Enjoy today.