We decided to escape the Tonto Basin for higher elevations today. Hotter weekend temperatures bring "flatlanders" from Phoenix and other urban areas crowding to Roosevelt Lake for water sports and fishing. We're convinced they don't know how to drive so we try to avoid them when we can.
Larry, Jean, Ralph and I headed back up SR 288 to FR 609 to try out a road we saw leading off of it, FR 486. It was an amazing Jeep trail, only "iffy" in a few places, beginning in desert environs and changing along the way to alpine meadows, riparian forests and clear mountain vistas.The cooler air was a welcome change from the hotter temperatures below.
Along the way we passed a small herd of Mule Deer, but they didn't pause to have their photos taken.
We're hoping to return to the area in the near future and do a bit of camping along a mountain stream we found.
It's a nice way to spend a peaceful holiday weekend!
