Day 24 - Mesa - tour of Apache Junction

Our bus ride through Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat, AZ was a bit rainy but the rain clouds brought spectacular views of the clouds over the mountains. The first stop was Tortilla Flat, AZ, (pop. 6). Tortilla Flat is last surviving stagecoach stop on the historic Apache Trail.

Tortilla Flat was an interesting stop. We visited the Mercantile store/Post Office loaded with souvenirs and friendly employees. We also visited the "The Superstition Saloon" where the walls are covered with $1 bills, saddle bar stools, and the most interesting rest rooms.

We were unable to go beyond Tortilla Flat, AZ  because the road was flooded but everybody took advantage of the time to watch the 4-wheelers pass through the flooded road and take pictures of the water as it flowed over the road.

Our next stop was to visit the Canyon Lake Restaurant for lunch and then a ride on the the Dolly Steamboat. During the ride on the Dolly Steamboat we were blessed with sunny weather. While riding on Canyon Lake we saw spectacular views and abundant wildlife including eagles and prong horn sheep.

After our ride on the Dolly Steamboat we traveled to the Goldfield Ghost Town where we enjoyed a ride on a narrow gauge railroad. We also saw a reenactment of a wild west shoot out in the middle of the town. In the ghost town there were a number of shops, museums, and eateries for all to enjoy.

As we left the Goldfield Ghost town we headed back to Mesa after a very full day.

Submitted by:
#8 John and Brenda McMillan