Sunday, November 4, 2012

Down a Country Road

We'd promised ourselves this fall we'd make it to the high country to see some turning leaves.  Friday was the day!


After getting Saby tucked into her favorite spot in the backyard and equipped for the day, we  tiptoed away before she could suspect she was being abandoned.  The highs are down in the 80's now, so it's okay for her to stay outdoors all day.


We headed up the Beeline Highway to Payson and points beyond.


 

We'd thought about staying for a night or two, but didn't want to board poor Saby since we'll be leaving her at Dog Bone Ranch in a few weeks.  I'm betting these housekeeping cabins are pretty rustic, but I like the old sign!


We'd never been to Pine and Strawberry, so after a hike to the Tonto Natural Bridge, we drove in that direction.  The Pine area was very quaint!  We noticed a new view area and thought -- could we live here?  Craig loves to fish, we both love to hike, we've always loved the mountains -- hmmmm?  Food for thought.  Live in a place like this in the summer, and travel to the tropics when the snow starts to fly!  Could it be a plan?


An antique buggy full of pumpkins!


A local stand selling honey and jams.




This rustic old bar stood across the street from Pine Deli where we ate lunch.





After lunch and a visit to a couple of local antique stores, we headed back to the Payson area to Granny's.  I found a small paperback world atlas of  maps from the early 1960's.  The map of Mexico's really interesting because Cancun, Puerta Vallarta, and the other resort areas aren't on it!


I wish we had time this next week for another leaf peeper road trip to the Sedona area, but we'll be busy with dental appointments and packing.

Nine more days until beach bliss begins!




5 comments:

Babs said...

lOVE THOSE KIND OF ROAD TRIPS. INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL. LIKE THE FUNKINESS OF IT.
CANCUN DIDN'T EXIST IN THE 60'S! I WENT IN 1978 AND IT WAS BARELY THERE THEN........
PV ON THE OTHER HAND WAS A SHIP'S DESTINATION DURING THE CHINA TRADE ROUTES IN THE 1500'S. HOWEVER WHEN I WENT THERE IN THE MID 70'S, IT WAS NOT MANY BLOCKS WIDE OR LONG......SO GLAD I GOT TO SEE ALL THAT SO LONG AGO. I LOVE OLD MAPS!

Life's a Beach! said...

Babs, I think the only coastal town I recognized was Manzanillo. I also love taking fall road trips like that in Mexico. We went to San Sebastion when we were in the Vallarta area and the trip was beautiful!

Ann said...

It almost looks like New England--but I bet it's a lot warmer! We're expecting another bad storm tomorrow--so glad we have a generator! ( didn't lose power in the last storm though!)

Life's a Beach! said...

Ann, I wore long pants because the afternoon high was predicted to be around 70. I figured I'd be cold hiking mid-morning. I didn't factor in the sun and exertion. Should have layered the top and gone with shorts.

stillhowlyn said...

This is a most fantastic fall season. So love the leaves and colors, and pumpkins, especially when filled with bright sunny days. Thanks for the trip!