many times I checked, the fuel gauge remained on “E.” We continued in silence for another 10 minutes before it was obvious the canyon was not turning east. In fact, it simply ended. This wasn’t the main channel. At this moment, a nice couple putt-putted past in a rubber raft. “Excuse me,” I said. “Where is Dangling Rope Marina?” The couple exchanged looks, then turned back with something approaching pity. “It’s a ways from here,” said “We’re going north,” she observed. the man. awesome 290-foot-high arch, I “No, we’re not,” I protested. “You go back to the main packed up the ski boat and She shrugged. channel—the way you came— skimmed down the canyon in I squinted at the sun. Odd. and turn left,” said the woman. which we’d slept. I executed a We did seem to be going north. “Oh,” I said, feeling the snappy right into the main “The canyon bends,” I said. silence, “thanks.” channel. We thrummed along, I hoped my sons would not leaving an admirable wake. I looked “It’ll go east soon.” Elissa, Seth and Noah exchanged be too disillusioned. dapper in my Captain shirt. “Well,” I blustered, “I guess “Shouldn’t we be going east?” glances—but exercised discretion. I scanned the canyon with that counts as a mistake. Bet you asked Elissa. growing anxiety—no matter how didn’t know I made those,” I said. “Well,” I sputtered, “I guess.”
Once More
to the lakes
Listeners recommend where to dive in. Compiled by David M. Brown
“
Of all the Arizona lakes I’ve been to, ALAMO LAKE is my favorite. It’s a good drive from Phoenix, and a great glimpse of what makes Arizona unique. The drive follows U.S. Route 60 through Surprise and Wickenburg, then out to small farming towns like Aguila and Wenden. There’s virtually no traffic, and the closest towns are Wenden and Salome, about 45 minutes from the lake. These towns have delicious home cooking in locally owned restaurants. There are also two affordable, local—not chain— hotels in the area that speak to the state’s history. One welcomes dogs while the other has some dog-friendly rooms. Alamo Lake also has friendly park rangers, plenty of camping, great
fishing, wild burros on occasion, and we’ve never found it crowded, which is a great plus. — Alison Mejia
Alamo Lake State Park, Wenden; 928-669-2088. Reach the lake by driving on Alamo Dam Road 38 miles north from Wenden. North of Globe, approximately 30 miles from U.S. Route 60, sits a beautiful reservoir—ROOSEVELT LAKE. The ride on State Route 188 has been enhanced to make it one of the prettiest drives in the state. Mountains surround the highway and provide views of pristine desert wilderness, flush with saguaros, cholla and other desert brush. Occasionally you can spot a deer, javelina, coyote or bobcat. The reward at the end of the ride is the opportunity to fish, picnic, hike, water ski or just gaze at the beauty. The area is situated in part
Seth patted my shoulder. “Dad—we knew.” “We’ve known for a long time,” said Noah, his expression quivering at the edge of a smirk. Perhaps they were closer to grown than I’d thought.
Very
SUPERSTITIOUS
DOUG DOLDE
A thousand years ago, now vanished cultures built cliff dwellings in overhangs eroded into the sandstone overlooking Glen Canyon.
In an upcoming issue, we’ll offer a guide to Superstition Mountain and its environs. Got a favorite restaurant, motel, trail or such? Let us know, by writing wavelength@fpraz.org.
that some of the most glorious hiking trips I’ve ever taken have been around LAKE POWELL. Yes, the Glen Canyon Dam was controversial, but the opportunities it Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Tonto opened up for access to strange National Forest; 602-225-5200. Reach the lake by driving 80 miles and beautiful lands cannot be denied. from Phoenix via the mostly There are so many ways to unpaved Apache Trail, 30 miles over the paved State Route 88 from see this place—easy ones like houseboating or visiting the dam Globe or via the Beeline Highway itself, difficult trips like backpacking (State Route 87) and State 188. around Navajo Mountain to see CANYON LAKE is a wonderfully Rainbow Bridge, and everything in between. Most recently, I peaceful destination that offers tranquil kayaking in remote coves hiked for a week with a Northern away from the powerboats on the Arizona University Elderhostel group to visit slot canyons in and main lake. There are restaurants around Lake Powell. Each was more at Canyon Lake or Tortilla Flat to restore your energy after boating. interesting than what came before. — Janet Wise — George Thoeming
of the Tonto National Forest, so passes are required. What a beautiful place to be! — Barbara Cox
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers more than 200 miles of southern Utah and northern Arizona. Lee’s Ferry and the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center are located on State Route 89A. Carl Hayden Visitor Center in Page is I’m a lover of dry lands, a hiker on State Route 89. For information, and backpacker, but I must admit call 928-608-6404. Canyon Lake, Tonto National Forest; 480-610-3300. Reach the lake by driving 15 miles from Apache Junction on State Route 88, the Apache Trail (the road is paved, but watch for sharp turns).
Summer 2009 47