Serene might be a fair description.
Reflection.
Jenni takes a '21-thorn' salute.
...then finds a gorgeous position.
We felt quite ignorant early last year when we realized we’d never been into the Tonto National Forest or knew of Roosevelt Lake and Dam. After all, Hike-about is a mechanism of discovery and learning. When we found the Superstition Wilderness and Tonto, we hiked many places within. Following our arrival in Tonto Basin, it gave an impression of the Old West. As a couple who grew up outside the United States, but were familiar with cowboys and in those days, Indians, it’s a little like realizing one’s childhood fantasies. After discovering the Apache Trail, it seemed to close off some unanswered questions and puzzles from our early years.
We were inside our suite in Tonto Basin last year when a young man walked up to the joint-proprietor of the inn. They began a conversation, and I could not help smiling when I noticed his belt with holster attached containing a revolver, a cowboy hat low over his forehead, boots and due deference showed toward the woman. I looked for a horse but instead, did see his red Bronco.
..continues below.
Searching for a safe spot to eat...not the spot to eat but where to sit and eat a spot of brunch.
Let's do brunch above those thorny fellas.
Early part of the climb, fascinating visuals of 'A Bridge over Calm Waters'.
From another trail on the other side of the bridge, we made our way to a peak (off-trail) and attained this wonderful visual of a little of the Vineyard Trail before it crests. The light and wind create different coloring of the water.
Jen turns on the pace between those stationary but dangerous 'pricklies'.
One could interpret it in two ways, we suppose, as we get fairly high above Roosevelt Lake.
"Where did he go or where am I?" seems to be her body language.
A visual of the lake leading to the dam which I suppose could be shortened to damn-lake.
Once we crossed a crest, the trail headed down a little and along the Salt River/Apache Lake before rising again.
Always looking at the fascinating environment while remembering to watch for cacti, snakes and protrusions.
One of our favorite positions on this trail.
We had booked in for 4 nights on the first visit and ended up staying eleven. (We were ‘thrown out’ when they discovered us in the supposedly unoccupied room). This trip, having learned the previous year how much we love the region, we booked in for 7 days and extended it a further 4; it was far too short.
Each day, but one, we hiked in visual proximity to Roosevelt Lake which stunned us with its tranquility, mix of mountain background and coloring. The shades of blue were different, both daily and even hourly. For us, it’s a wonderful region which captures an earlier period giving one the feel of a different century but with modern luxuries. It certainly provides aspects that seem to be disappearing rapidly: respect and friendliness, including kindness which we came across on a few occasions.
When we made the latter reservation, I asked the proprietor for a particular room. He told me that it was unavailable. Tough, because we really enjoyed it. Upon arriving at the inn, I tried again without success. “How about the room above?” I asked, it being a two-level building. He thought about it and said to another guest who had just checked in ahead of me.
“Hey, you’re going fishing early tomorrow so I’m gonna move you downstairs. It’s much easier to leave from there especially having your truck parked right outside. How about that?”
The guy did not hesitate. I realized I preferred the upstairs room after confirmation that it too had a kitchen. I knew Jen would feel the same way. Perhaps with my confusing accent and an odd comment, in jest I offered to allow him to share the room. They both looked at me and I could only imagine what they were thinking. In the end, I settled for sharing the suite with Jen. Another smart decision. Heck, I was on a roll.
It seems that life is one long uphill struggle...
Indeed!
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
