10.28.2011-1st Excursion

Early on Friday we went for a walk around part of Queen Valley township. We saw lots of the official mascot - the quail, and also a huge Saguaro and a Palm tree growing next to each other:



We are going to go on a weekly excursion, at least.  We chose to travel east toward Globe and then head north on Hwy 188 toward Roosevelt Lake in the middle of the Tonto Recreation area.  We visited the Tonto Monument and found Cliff Dwelling Ruins.  Only the lower ruins were open until next month, but it was interesting to learn about the Solado people who were farmers in this area, and the various natural calamities that changed their was of life, and eventually caused them to move to other areas.  Enjoy the views:

Lake Roosevelt

Village ruin on hill across from Cliff Ruins

Lower Tonto Cliff Dwelling

Tonto Ruins - Lower

Hiking and the Welcome Committee

Following game trails we saw signs of deer, but they were older tracks.  It is hunting season down here and we see campers and ATVs everywhere across the desert.  We came across a welcoming committee of one - take a look:

From our vantage point with a zoom on the camera, he(she) didn't look too scary.
We also saw some beautiful blossoms ready to open - Here winter is like our Spring and the rain will come and the desert will change.

Queen Valley RV Resort

We have moved to the new season in our lives, definitely a new season.  On October 23, 2011, when we arrived, it was 95 F.  It has cooled considerably and with the breeze is quite pleasant.  Especially when you see the pictures of snow in Denver and Texas.  Here are some pictures of the area:

This is the fountain by the main building looking southwest.

Superstition Mountain Range looking NE from above resort and town.