After spending so much time working here yesterday, we decided to pack a lunch and take the dogs to Pleasant Lake for a picnic and wade in the nice cool water. Best laid plans. We drove north on Scottsdale Road and, after stopping briefly at the Heard Museum North, turned west on route 74. We were looking forward to exploring the lake and watching the dogs enjoy themselves on the shore. About 2 miles from our turn off, we came to dead stopped traffic. The road was being paved ahead and one entire lane was closed. We sat still for at least 25 minutes before we realized that Lake Pleasant wasn't going to be in the cards for us. Even if we waited til our lane of vehicles was escorted through, we'd face the same situation when we wanted to return home. No thanks!
Dave pulled a U turn and we started back towards home, very disappointed. It was already 1:30 and we still hadn't eaten lunch! We saw a sign telling us that Cave Creek Regional Park was just ahead, so we made a snap decision and turned in. What a nice park. I have to say that these County parks are fabulous. Beautiful facilities, pristine picnic grounds, great camping sites.
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| view from our lunch spot |
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| trail riders on the ridge behind our picnic table |
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| Lewis didn't get to play in the lake, but a nice long session with his green ball made him a happy boy |
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an Ocotillo wearing her new spring outfit
Do you remember the pictures I took of these Ocotillo in the winter - when they looked just like grey, thorny sticks?
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| blossoms just beginning to open |
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| look who joined us for lunch! |
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| can't wait to see this little guy when he's all grown up |
We got back to Beluga around 4:30. Alfresco cocktail time, Rosati's pizza for dinner and a a bit of reading before bed. Can't ask for more.
I just absolutely love it when you think you're headed one direction and then, suddenly, plans change in 180 degrees ....and it's still very good!
ReplyDeleteLove your photos. I said it before and I say it again...I love the desert this time of year. So much beauty all around! Enjoy the view.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sue, what beautiful desert photos! That little flowering hedgehog is so adorable! The ocotilla looks like an entirely different bush from the dead branches we saw during the winter. You need to keep the photos coming for me since we seem to be just ahead of all the blooms. We just get the little desert wildflowers.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the dogs didn't get to swim:( At least everyone got to picnic:)