Superstition Mountain Hike

12-18-2009-Hiking in the Superstition Mountains. Today we ventured out to Apache Junction. We arrived at Lost Dutchman State Park at ten in the morning, the park is to the north of the Superstition Mtns. Got out our trail map and decided we would trek up to the Praying Hands rock formations, they are just to the left of the tallest spire of the main mountain pictured above.

Once out of the flats on the trail the Praying Hands formation were more visible but we still had a distance to go.

Sheri, Storm and Thunder pausing for a brief moment before continuing on up.

You have to appreciate God's natural signage, as this Saguaro keeps us on the trail.

Self portrait time, nice background!

Almost there as Storm dog and I take the lead up.

Storm dog and I pose with a spire shot.
Looking west towards Mesa and Phoenix. Sheri took this shot from a huge overhang.

Crag shot looking down at the wife.

Storm dog is always looking for critters!

He decided nothing worthwhile time to descend.

Come on in, if I can fit through this hole you surely can!

Sheri and Thunder on the descent.

One last view to the east, no cars, highways, structures, people, just wide open space. Another great day outdoors with my wife/best friend and the dogs enjoying Gods creation!
Wish you were here! God Bless, Sly

December 14th,2009- Perfect weather for hiking the Ballantine Trailhead. Loaded up the dogs and supplies in the truck and headed for the Beeline Highway, state route 87. Thirty seven miles later we arrived at the trail head parked the truck, donned our packs and hiking sticks and hit the trail. Today we we're only doing a ten mile out and back as there was snow at the top of the trail, and it gets fairly rugged and muddy.
North side of Four Peaks looking at Lone Pine Saddle.
The boys getting ready on the lower part of the trail.
The clouds were slowly moving in from the west on us so we picked up our pace a little just in case the weather changed.
The Rock Garden, this area is pretty cool although its a little tough on the dogs pads of their paws.
Break time for some water and snacks with a little snow in the background.
Storm saying "Come on I'm on to something here!"
Storm sitting on a rabbit, rabbit wins today, no shotgun with me, so no retrieving. All in all a beautiful day to get out and enjoy the outdoors. About 48 degrees and a light breeze, perfect.

Had to snap a picture of Red Mountain on the return trip as the air was very clear and a few clouds hanging around.

God bless, Sly

Fall Finally

December the 4th,2009- Fall is finally Here. The leaves are finally changing in the Valley of the Sun and cool weather is here. We took Thunder and Storm for a early morning walk/hike 3.5 miles. It was Thunders day to wear the dog backpacks, he was stoked puffing his chest out and walking like a big shot.

We headed to the east of our house to the Arizona crosscut canal, and to visit the Llama's and Emu's. They weren't to active as it was pretty cold and waiting for the sun to warm them up. I only had my cell phone camera on me so I was unable to get any good pictures of them as they were still in a shaded area. Maybe next time.

One last shot of the changing leaves, Thank you God.

God Bless, Sly

November 27th, 2009- While the World Slept, The Light Story. Our next door neighbor, Pastor Fox of Red Mountain Community Church is a busy man. Several months prior to Thanksgiving he can be seen and heard working in his garage in preparation for his church's Christmas light show. Frequently I check on his progress and admire his artistic talent, a gift I wasn't blessed with so I stay out of his way and watch him go at it. From cutting and bending the steel, welding, painting, attaching the lights, he has many hours into each scene he has constructed for the display. His deadline for creating all of the scenes November 27th was met. As the Light Display begins this same day at 6:30, dark.

We headed out to Red Mountain Community Church and arrived there at about 7:30. Wow!, people everywhere, Truck and tractor pulled wagons full of parents and kids, were given a personal tour, explaining what each scene was depicting and how it relates in our lives when you have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Awesome!

If you have the opportunity I recommend you check the display out, whether you take the tour or decide to do the self guided tour, ( Brochures can be found in the tree trunk, The Light Story ) you'll be blessed.

They also broadcast the story on 107.7FM
Beside the scenes, tree's, bush's, buildings, and other landscaping are adorned with lights.
Some scene's, as the manger were two dimensional.
Battling Bull Elk, three dimensional.
Large Bear catching a tasty fish from The River of Life.

The symbol of American Independence, The Cowboy.

A Father taking his family for a sleigh ride.

Front view of the Church Sanctuary.

A Father and Son bringing home the Christmas tree.

Again, make the time to take the family to enjoy RMCC's light display, and focus on the reason for the season, Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God Bless, Sly

Toby Keiths,"I Love This Place" Car and Motorcycle Night November 09. We headed over To Riverview to Toby Keiths to check out this gathering of some nice rides.

I dig the no fender Bonneville Salt Flats look.

'57 Vette Original. Talked to the owner he has had it since '63 and is now giving it to his daughter. Nice!

A slick bagger pretty tricked out.

A Bourguet stretch. A little uncomfortable for the long haul.


One fine ride, inside and out!

A Bourguet four wheeler, Kind of jet ski'ish looking. I'll stick to two wheels.

Low and long big bore Yaffe.

Oh yaa, Old School, gotta like it!

It was a fun evening for Sheri and I checking out the bikes and cars and enjoying a cool evening. Hope you enjoyed the pics.

God Bless, Sly

Veterans Day November 2009 Downtown Mesa. Rode the VTX down to the parade to support the men and women who are and have defended our country's freedom. With a special thank you that goes out to my family that has and is currently serving in the military, my Great Grandpa Y, Grandpa Y, Dad Y, Brother Greg, and Quinn. Thanks for your dedication and sacrifice.



The Parade Marshall

Awesome flyby by Sentimental Journey B-17G. (click on the picture).

Veterans with their military branch flags.

Vietnam Veterans.

One of many groups representing our armed services.

Army Little Bird MD-500

Veterans riding their motorcycles, this was a group of about one hundred.

Of course its not a parade unless you have marching bands.

A recognized veteran cruising in a nice ride.

Again my heartfelt thanks to the men and women who have served in our military, with deep gratitude to those that have given the supreme sacrifice, their lives to defend and maintain our freedom.

God Bless, Sly