Roadtrippin’ Through the Blooming Arizona Desert: Arizona Eudaimonia Day 6 – Superior to Payson via AZ 188

Dear Maia, Isaac and Virtual Wanderers,

The day started in the funky little motel in Superior. So funky that it had a real, old fashioned metal key. Remember driving down the road with those things accidentally left in your pocket and having to mail them back of be charged?

Daisies and Prickly Pears blooming side-by-side.

Then it was back to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. We visited the new section added last year- Wallace Desert Gardens. I always wish I had more time there to explore every nook and cranny.

I purchased 3 plants there. Trying to be mindful of budget and space. I got a Blue Slipper to go with my Sonoran Slipper from last year. I’ve managed to keep it alive but it has not grown much yet. I also got a palm leaf yucca. I’ll have to post a photo – the leaves are wavy and it was the only one of its kind. I got a new Prickly Pear for my collection.

From there, we circled back to Globe, then up AZ 188 to Payson. I wasn’t sure I was up for the climb at Tonto National Monument with the heat and dogs needing to be pushed or carried. But, I decided the flora was worth it. We stopped at the picnic area first, then up, up, up to the ruins.

Hiking Tonto NM with Cimarron in her sack.

That trail is really good cardio. Koko rode alone 3 pounds lighter last year, Kachina hiked. Add Cimarron. Got my heart rate up, for sure. Glad for all the benches. I made the girls walk down and some other hikers told us there was a rattlesnake on the side of the trail. We did all we could to avoid meeting it and we were successful.

Rest stop at the top of Tonto National Monument.

It’s always beautiful. The super bloom last year was more spectacular – hard act to follow.

In all the planning, I somehow ended up with extra time tomorrow. I accidentally booked an extra night going home when i booked the trip. So, tomorrow, I do the unplanned. The Serendipity. The Arizona Eudiamonia!