Tortilla Flat, AZ, Population - 6

We had never been here before so Myrna and I meandered out here on our little road trip. It was only 18 miles, took 20 minutes but I wouldn't repeat it. Up and down, left and right, it was one of the worst winding roads I've ever been on. It was 20 mph and slow to 15 on every curve. My only saving grace was that I was driving and felt like I was in charge of the twists and turns. We stopped at every view point for a break so I could settle my vertigo disease and carry on. We viewed Canyon Lake where the Sternwheeler gives tours.

Tortilla Flat is the last surviving Stagecoach stop on the historic Apache Trail. Think about it for a minute   -   where did the Apaches go?  It seems to me, we saw the area of their demise up at Camp Verde last year where there is an old fort with an entire history of where the Calvary wiped out the Apache Indians in this area so the white settlers could settle the area and then the mining deposits were found. It has been an important supply station along this road for over 100 years, even before they were building the Roosevelt Dam. this antique town is complete with a poor soul hanging on the front street. The original gallows was outside the schoolhouse.

 The restaurant is a hoot, dollar bills stapled to every surface in the place, but when I went to the Ladies Room, I found Ladies in them. It was a bit of a shock to sit down and disappear behind the cut off door, then stand zipping your pants as someone waits for your stall, smiling at you eyeball to eyeball.

Goldfield, AZ

Our next stop yesterday was this original gold rush town. This is basically the main street of the town ending with the Church at the top of the hill and town. It had a service going on so we couldn't go in today.

You can just see the circular wrought iron staircase going up 2 floors to the Bordello on the left.
There was a strolling guitar player in front of the Saloon.

We lucked in, as you always do when it's unexpected and there was a 'Poker Run' on horseback with some young women in elaborate chaps and shirts, even one who was the current Rodeo Queen. Fun to see.

This is the main saloon in town, quite large with a full wagon assembled on stage and wagon wheels in front, sponsoring the Poker Run.

Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Musuem

 The guys went to the NASCAR Race in Phoenix today. They took an escorted trip from the park and it included Pre Race Pit Passes, a very interesting experience.
 so Myrna and I headed for the Superstition Mountain Museum which she'd never seen. Here we are in the Elvis Memorial Chapel which today can be booked for weddings. This was originally at the Apacheland Movie Ranch which began it's claim as the 'Western Movie Capital of the World",  where the film Charro was made by Elvis during which the steeple of this wedding chapel was blown off. The chapel and the barn were moved board by board to this present location as well as the Hanging Gallows on site.

 It is very well done by volunteers and the Boot Hill Cemetery at the back really cracks me up.

The Headstones are priceless. This one says, "Here lies big Nosed Nate, shot a  fellow at her gate, wouldn't pay the going rate.

There are also constant reminders to "Stay on the Path, beware of snakes" so trust me, we obeyed.
The Superstition Mountains are beautiful in the background.

Fountain Hills Craft Show

We cooked this up last night when we were playing Mexican Train. The bikers wanted to ride out to this yearly amazing Craft Show with about 500 Vendors. As Becky says, we little old white folks just drive along behind in our cars. And, so we did. The first thing was this huge fountain in an 29 acre 100 million gallon effluent lake. It is said it  is the largest in the world although I can't find that information on the town website. It is situated in a 64-acre passive recreation area which is the anchor to the town center.
Then we started with the many Vendors. There was glass, metal art, incredible photography.

                                After walking forever, we had to hydrate ourselves.

It was so much fun to see all the very different artistic things that are unique to this area with the different Juried Artists. Very well done. We stopped at the Saddle Bronco's Grill for lunch on the way home and it was delicious. Just so you know where to go.

Curtis in the Courtyard

Curtis and Sandy are our neighbours across the street and he is very talented. He was our entertainer in the Courtyard today. You can see Ron and Myrna sitting at our table in the shade. The large concrete planter behind them was demolished today as well as the wall at the other end and concrete laid so there's more room in the Courtyard. Curtis is on stage and changes hats with every song - goes from cowboy, to rock, the 60's, to reggae, even  Rastafarian. It's quite delightful.

Now he's down on the floor getting all the line dancers to do the Cupid Shuffle - I thought he said the Stupid Shuffle. It is so silly  - to the right x 4, to the left x 4, then turn yourself around, and they do and continue on.
He is so popular that the place is packed.You can hear the music well in the pool area, so here's more fans sitting under the umbrella poolside listening in.

Tia Rosa's

Myrna and I met friends at Tia Rosa's for a Margarita while the guys watched a hockey game.

It is so authentic with wooden antique doors and painted tiles, you think you're in Mexico.

Pool Party

               The line dancers on the deck were going right as the ones in the pool were going left.
                                        

                                                   The annual pool party was today. Water pistols were encouraged, some were very large.

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