Apache_Lake_trip_11

Apache Lake trip report - Nov. 7 - 9, 2008 Trip initiated by Steve Anderson, participants were: Barbara Coon, Royce Davenport, Jim Donnelly, Doug Lease, Norma Miller, Karen Moran, Ron and Judy Probst, Dan Reese and Bob Schoen. We started at the Burnt Corral Campground (5.5 mi. SW of Roosevelt Dam) down the well graded SR 88 road. Good weather in the 70s and mostly clear. Nights were cool but not cold, with lots of moonlight and warm campfires, we didn't need lamplights. When the moon set several meteorites were seen from the Taurids star shower. A good breeze on the second day gave Steve a free and entertaining ride down river for several miles while deploying his sailing rig. Some of us got a good workout as we paddled by the colorful and impressive canyon formations and walls on our way to Ash Canyon about 8 miles away. The photos of Alder Cyn. and vicinity were taken from a previous paddle and hike. We shared a great pot luck dinner with more food than we could all eat but used up next morning along with Steve's blueberry pancakes. Dan and Bob entertained us with good flippin' and jugglin' skills in the kitchen. Later we took a scenic hike a little ways up Buckhorn Creek Cyn. and found the creek still running through interesting rock strata. We had observed several good boat-in camp sites along several miles of paddling, one could spend several days exploring the north side canyons which form the edges of the Four Peaks Wilderness. We drove back home via the famous Tortilla Flats road which ran 25 miles down spectacular and colorful canyon country through narrow, breathtaking passages toward Canyon Lake and Apache Junction. Next January we intend to go back to explore the more spectacular canyons at the west end like Ash and Alder Creek Canyons, so stay tuned for trip announcements. Photo contributions by Norma Miller and Karen Moran
(Click on images to enlarge)
Apache Lake Mileage Map Bob warms up Meeting at the big bay Steve	Buckhorn Creek Cyn. beach Paddle preparations Karen meets Judy Barbara	Buckhorn Creek Cyn. camp Goat Mountain Ron meets Steve Cliffs east of Ash Creek
Approaching Ash Creek Cyn. Rocky beach at Ash Creek Cyn. The Painted Cliffs Alder Creek Cyn. landing Alder Creek Cyn. walls Alder Creek running to Salt river More cliffs Returning to camp Karen enjoys Buckhorn Cyn. mouth Turnaround point Headin' out Barb's home made skin boat Party barge Judy	Ash Creek Cyn. Cliff east of Alder Cyn. Alder Creek confluence Cliffs Big Cliffs Cliffs across from Marina Dan flips three at a time Bob can juggle Old mining wall or road Buckhorn waterfall Steve gets a free ride Jim Tortilla Flats Rd.- SR88 Apache Lake overlook near lodge	Near Ash Creek Cyn. Near landing Canyon cliffs Near Alder Creek Cyn. Alder Creek rocky beach Upper Alder Creek Cyn. The Painted Cliffs Apache Lake Lodge & Marina Blueberry pancake breakfast Norma-Jim-Dan-Barb-Bob-Steve Karen at the creek Pool Royce Bob tows and Doug leads Royce-Karen-Steve-Barb-Dan Ron Along the Trail