Friday -- March 20th

A pleasant day, we are having a bit of a break from the heat, although it is very nice during the day.  It was cloudy at times today and the wind blew a bit, especially where we were.  I believe temps got into the mid 70's in AJ and it really never clouded up until the evening.  Managed to get a few pictures to share with you today.
  We went out to the Tonto forest area with Kenny & Doris today.  Kenny's daughter Heidi has been at their place and came along as well.  We went out through Usury pass on the bush road and took the turnout to Four Peaks.  It is a dirt and rock desert type road through the mountains and comes out on the highway to Roosevelt Lake one way & Payson the other.

  We stopped half way and had a nice lunch out in the desert.  A small lizard chased around the area while we ate.







The lake is created behind the dam on the Salt river.  It's a big lake and a very scenic route.

  After we got through, Kenny took us to the park site where the Salada Indians built their cliff dwellings.  While there are only ruins left, thanks to the many souvenir hunters over the year, it was very impressive, dating back to the 1200 or 1300's. 

 
A suspension bridge that is an architectural masterpiece and has received national recognition at the narrows to the dam.  All the while the storm over the east side of the mountains continued to build and provide a spectacular lightning show with accompanying thunder.



We got to the Roosevelt Dam where we turned off and tool the old highway 87 that comes through Tortilla Flats and back to AJ.  Some of the most breathtaking scenery on roads clinging to the side of canyon walls with a lot of airspace over the edge down steep mountain sides. 


  When we got out we stopped at Dirtwater Café where they all had the cod and I had beer battered shrimp.  Great end to a great day.