Canyon Lake Ride & Gold Canyon Golf....

The weather here, in the Phoenix, AZ, area has been great.  We have been taking advantage and getting out on some nice outdoor activities.

Riding out to Lost Dutchman State Park.

We both wanted to check out the nearest state park.  We heard from other RVers that is was a nice place to spend a few nights at.  It is also the start of a major trail head that presents several hiking possibilities.

The RV sites are nice and there are several pull through sites too.

Most state and regional RV sites in Arizona charge $25/night for services - water and electrics.  There are dump sites on the way out of these parks.  Lost Dutchman was more than half occupied when we rode through to have a look.  One large group featured Airstream trailers only.  We did not get a photo but it was quite a site to see!

We chose to continue on ride towards Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flats.

The scenery around here is stunning.  Although the highway is bumpy - certainly for a motorcycle - the countryside is such a draw.

We rolled into a day-side picnic area.  The parking area was nearly full.  Several kayakers were paddling the lake.

There were well over 20 kayaks.

Parked in Tortilla Flats for lunch and a break.

We rolled into Tortilla Flats.  This is a fun place to stop for lunch and to take in the nostalgia this place represents.

We were looking for a bathroom....but there was no such luck here.....!

But across the street from where we parked our motorcycle, there was a sign advertising some lunch so we walked over there.  Now, we have been here before - three times in fact - but although the food fare is typical fast food oriented, the enchiladas I opted to order did not disappoint.

There was a live, country music band playing next door to this saloon (lunch spot) and it was pleasant to listen to.

We had hoped to ride further north and east but the road - that crosses a low wash - was covered in water.  Hmmmm, that's not such a good thing to cross on a cruiser style road bike.  And the paved road ends shortly after the wash too.  Hmmmm, not to be!!!  We had hoped to get to a great look out.  Next time, perhaps?

We left the area and rode back towards Apache Junction and further west in to downtown Mesa.  There is a fair bit of infrastructure work being done in the downtown core.  

The spirit of Christmas was evident at the Dana Point shopping centre on Val Vista road in Mesa.

We stopped here for a break and we're pleasantly entertained by the carolers.  Christmas in the desert is alive and well.

Nice bakery and coffee spot.

Sunday was a planned 2nd round of golf at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort.  We played the Sidewinder course.  With our tee off for 10:07 am, we arrived early, warmed up, practiced some putting, then headed for the 1st tee. 

All of these golf carts await the players.

Gerry readies to T-off

At the 1st Tee.  Stunning view from every hole on this great golf course.

Look at the size of this sand bunker!

No. 18 hole with a tough elevated green.

Gerry and I both played well.  I had one of my best games.  With the exception of four golf holes, it was par, bogie and a few double bogies.  Great day out on the course!

The views are great....in every direction.

While Gerry and I were enjoying the golf round, Jeanette was busy with dinner plans and enjoying some down time to read, walk, and just enjoy the outdoors.

Gerry dropped me off at our site.  He and Pauline were back within an hour and we enjoyed the balance of afternoon enjoying the outdoors, in the sun.

There were some curious questions about motorcycling and our passion for this pastime.

When the sun was fading, the temperature quickly cooled off.  We moved indoors to dine over some Weber-Q'd chicken breasts, a mélange of vegetables, a nice salad....and topped off with carrot cake for dessert.

A toast to the chef - who was taking the photo.

That was another most pleasant close to a couple of wonderful days spent here in Gold Canyon. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here.  The more time we spend in this area, the more we grow to really, really, like it here. It is such a beautiful place.

So....we bid adieux - a la prochaine (see you later).....and we look forward to meeting up with Gerry and Pauline again.  Gold Canyon is their winter spot; since they moved away from RVing and into semi-permanent winter digs.

We button up, hitch up and head for points further south in Arizona tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.  We are planning to spend several days visiting some great spots south of Tucson.  More to come on that.

Thanks for dropping by.