Sharing New Beauty With Old Friends

February 15-20, 2017
White Tanks Regional Park, Arizona

Other than a couple of our friends' homes, this is the first place we've returned to since going fulltime 20 months ago.  We love the quiet beauty of White Tanks Regional Park, and the close proximity to so many friends who live in the greater Phoenix area.

Our front yard view - Space #25

This year I chose one of the parallel spots with a grand northern view. Really, there isn't a space here that doesn't have views in multiple directions. I have to make a three-point turn to be facing the right direction (look at the campground map before you enter so you know which way to make the loop). Although the concrete parking bumpers are a challenge for "lining up" the front door steps, and we aren't able to get completely level, we'd definitely choose this site again - for the views and privacy. 50 amp and water with decent pressure, nice showerhouse with restrooms nearby, firewood for sale, and huge, immaculate space. 

Our backyard (campground road runs beside the motorhome)

Thursday morning we head out early to make the 50+ mile drive to Mesa. Bill's brother Wayne's best friend and his wife Lane live here. We see them nearly every year at the reunion, but this is the first time we've visited their beautiful home.

They're excited to show us the area and we all pile in their vehicle for the grand tour. First stop is Canyon Lake - a pretty blue spot in the red rock and green vegetation. The drive to Tortilla Flat is gorgeous. We continue to marvel at the beauty that is Arizona.

This little historic stagecoach stop/tourist spot is packed on a weekday! Live music plays on the patio, and Lane and I peruse the mercantile without making a purchase. We enjoy a yummy lunch, and then we're off again.

Eat, shop and drink - but you're not spending the night!

Definitely the smallest museum I've visited.

The 12'x12' space utilizes every inch to showcase the area's history.

A common ghost town custom, dollar bills line every wall and the ceilings.

Fun bathroom art.

A small creek adds to the natural beauty.

The original plan was to turn around and visit the little ghost town of Goldfield, but instead we all opt for completing the Apache Trail Scenic Drive. There are a couple view points before the dirt road becomes very steep and very narrow. Passing ascending vehicles is a dance of timing and cooperation. Sitting in the back seat on the drop-off side, I hold on with various body parts while occasionally braving the amazing vistas.

The sliver of road is dwarfed by the colorful canyon.

More Arizona Wows....

Mike and Bill, 50 years of friendship.

Tonto National Forest - the colors!!

The road meanders past Apache Lake and returns us to pavement at Roosevelt Lake. We stop at the dam overlook, then continue through more spectacular canyons with towering rock formations.

Lake Roosevelt Bridge, completed in 1992.

Lane checks out the original road at the bottom of the narrow canyon.

Majestic canyon walls - I didn't see the tagging until I uploaded the photo :-(

Back at their home we are treated to a delicious meal topped off with poached pears. So yummy! It's late (for us) when we head home, and nearly midnight when we tuck in for the night. Thanks Mike and Lane for a great day!!

Friday is our last day of perfect weather before a weekend storm arrives, so we get out to play in the park. There are many easy trails, and we have a great time enjoying the long distance views and the nature at our feet.

Poppies sprinkled throughout the grass. Grass. Lots of grass.

Blooms are promised on the tips of every cactus.

After our wanderings we stop at the visitor center that shares it's space with a fabulous library. The back wall of glass looks over the lush desert. A partially completed jigsaw puzzle draws us in, and we have to pull ourselves away to go home and get ready for dinner :-)))

A lovely place to read and learn....and puzzle!

We meet three other couples in Globe (we went to school with four of the six people), and have a good meal and even better conversation at Carlos O'Brian's. Afterward Kristy and Tom invite us to their home where we continue getting caught up around their lovely fire pit.

Coy, Patty, Cyndee, Rocky, Bill, Kristy and Jodee

Saturday it rains off and on all day, perfect for reading and naps. The smell of the desert is heavenly!

Cyndee and Rocky and Patty come out to visit on Sunday. While the guys enjoy the clearing skies and a few brews, we three drive to the Waterfalls Trailhead. Something that many, many others thought was a good idea too. I've never seen so many people on one trail!!

Rocky and Bill 

Still, we take photos and talk and laugh all the way. The number of Petroglyphs is surprising - they have done a good job of protecting them. When we get to the water I wait for the other two who climb the wet stairs and boulders to see the small falls above. Now that my knee is doing so much better I'm not anxious to slip on slick rocks.

Patty, Jodee and Cyndee

They bring me a pic of the falls. I'm okay that I missed it :-)

After a tasty tamale dinner we hang out around the fire until the chilly temps send us inside. It's been another great day with great friends.

Guess what we did on Monday? After sleeping late and going grocery shopping......we went to visit some friends :-)))) This time in Tempe.

We meet David (he and Bill were good friends in high school and have stayed in touch ever since) and Tina at their home, then head out for dinner at Uncle Bear's Brewery. With a doggie theme, Tessa feels right at home. Our meal is good and we have fun getting caught up. As we're driving home I realize I forgot to get a photo of them :-( Next time for sure!!

The park padlocks the gate every evening, and three nights we (Bill) have had to unlock it to get home. For a couple who is usually in bed at 9 PM, this stop we've been quite the night owls!

Next time we'll stay longer at this favorite spot, but now we're off to Wickenburg to see more of Arizona.