Today was a record day... the first record involved the fewest number of photos taken by me at a given point of attraction. That record goes to Florence, Arizona: 15 pics total! (An interesting place or event will warrant 100-200 photos typically.) Florence was touted as an historic town with adobe buildings that would take you back in time to the year it was founded in 1866 - a place brimming with history... there was history especially noted on plaques, but the bottom line is that it was not what we envisioned. In fact, if the signs we noted in the area were any indicator, you may understand what I am talking about. As we were entering Florence, we noted a sign that said, 'State Prison-Do Not Pick up Hitchhikers'. As we left Florence, there was a sign outside the most beautiful place we had seen yet; 'Free Pregnancy Testing'. Granted, it was not all a loss- we spent time with the Platt family, had some wicked fudge and a few good laughs!
It took some effort to find a place to eat for lunch and we had to leave the area to find something agreeable for everyone involved. We ended up at Tags Cafe, just outside Florence. We finally got filled up and as we left, we met a school teacher who liked Willow in the parking lot. She told me that she was excited for this time of year as this is when people in Arizona 'come out to play.' She said she would be in her garden within the next week or so and couldn't wait. I was trying to imagine myself in a garden in Ontario in February! This was one of the first times, I realized that we came to Arizona at a very special time of year and that we would be seeing much in bloom very soon!
Due to the fact we brought Willow along, we could not go directly into the nearby Casa Ruins National Monument; which was disappointing at the time. However, once we arrived at The Lost Dutchman State Park, those feelings dissipated rather quickly. As we drove towards it, we could see what looked like a village at the base of beautiful mountains. Ali and I later discussed how awesome it would be to wake up to that mountain and location every morning! These are the Superstition Mountains. I had seen them on a post card at Borders earlier in the week, and lo and behold, here we were in front of them.
We ended up taking a 2.4 mile loop to the 2500 foot mark ... This is where the next record for me comes in... I have never climbed that high before. Nobody realized what we were getting into when we started! Once we began though, there was no going back. We all felt for Will who devotedly carried his sweet 2 year old, Katie for the bulk of the hike. The kids enjoyed looking for lizards and scorpions. Yes, scorpions.... (Look with your eyes, kiddos:)) Jeff was thrilled that he actually remembered the binoculars. He used them and could see far and wide as he got to the top of the trail. Although, you didn't need binoculars in one sense as the vastness was quite apparent from our vantage point.
As we marveled at the view all along the trail, we exchanged pleasantries with fellow-hikers. One informed us that coming up the other side of the trail was easier! Others simply said hello. I spoke with one group and asked if some cute kids went running by them (of course I lagged behind Jeff and the boys as I took pics all the way up the trail :)) A woman said yes and that the boys were wishing them a Happy Valentine's Day! Awww- that does a mom's heart good... Later, I found out that it was mainly Josh and Lucas doing this- atta boys! :) I also took a picture of a couple who were working hard to get up the trail. Yet another couple we have met from Minnesota, escaping the cold. Another lady informed us that she sighted two deer in the area the week before. What a thrill to be able to come here for a regular hike! Another group shared that this was considered a very green year for Arizona. Usually, it does not look this lush at this time of year. We also commented on the size of the cholla here. Some looked like trees or bushes. They were so big compared to the ones we had seen at Joshua Tree National Park. We wondered if they were a different species or if they got enough water for a steroid boost! We also found out that the reason we see letters on mountain tops- a sort of 'branding' of the mountain is done for fun! We (us Ontario born and raised) see those letters and wonder why people have to go and wreck a perfectly lovely mountain top, locals see it as an accomplishment; a great team effort activity!
Anyways, we made it through our hike-all limbs intact, no scorpion or snake bites felt and sunset to top off the event.
Following hot tub time, we visited with Lisa and Will while the kids watched a movie and ate sweet treats for Valentine's Day. We discussed our upcoming locations and have a feel for where we are headed over the next few months and when... another record! :)
Despite being tired, it was a rather invigorating and memorable day! One that we will not forget. I will be interested to see what personal records I/we will break next...
