Traveling Tuesdays: Superstition Mountain

Old scene of Superstition Mountain on Apache Trail, Arizona

 

Once in awhile we have one of those impromptu two-day trips that are even more exciting because they’re unplanned. I’m the kind of person that likes to think ahead and make sure everything is good to go, but now and then it’s fun to just do it and see where the road takes you.

In this case, the road took us to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada. Southwest Airlines had a special round-trip price to Phoenix, Arizona. Honestly, it was too good to pass up! After we landed, we got a colorful rental car, checked into our room, and then headed out to Apache Junction, destination Superstition Mountain.

Superstition Mountain as seen from the highway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Desert complete with cactus and critters spread out around us. The tall Saguaro reached towards the sky. We pulled off at several turnouts just to admire the wild beauty of the desert. 

Superstition Mountain is the highest mountain in this range of volcanic behemoths. The Lost Dutchman Mine adds the lure of gold. Jacob Waltz, better known as the Dutchman, died in 1891 without telling anyone about the mine’s location. You can even find the song Walter Brennan sang about it on YouTube.

I love to go to museums and was delighted to find out the Superstition Mountain Museum on Hwy 88 was open for curious visitors like me. The displays of artifacts from days gone by were interesting. They also had an assortment of snacks, drinks, postcards, and jewelry. In addition, the museum has a variety of classes and other events during the year. 

We visited Goldfield Ghost Town and took a ride on the only narrow gauge train in the state. Looking through the stores and museums was fun and educational. The entire journey is great for anyone with a sense of adventure and a glimmer of curiosity about the people who ventured to untamed territory in the desert heat for a chance of finding gold!

What kind of spur-of-the-moment trips do you find fascinating?:

 

The Hunger Games Sends Mockingjay to Win the Rebellion

Mockingjay Part 2 will release November 20, 1015

How much do I enjoy the series of movies for The Hunger Games? I’ve been to marathons for each new release. Each movie has been aired over the big screen TV in the living room at least once. 

Each of Suzanne Collin’s Hunger Games books was purchased and read through several times. The Hunger Games was published in 2008, Catching Fire in 2009, and Mockingjay in 2010. Although classified as young adult books, Amazon reported in August 2012 that the trilogy was its top seller. It even passed the amazing record set by the wizard himself, Harry Potter. 

The books are available in 51 languages and as of 2014, sales numbers reflected at least:

The Hunger Games –28 million copies

Catching Fire – 19 million copies

Mockingjay – 18 million copies.

The forest is both friend and foe in The Hunger Games

  

It feels like I’ve been waiting years for the fourth installment to be released! November 20, 2015 seems to be dragging slowly closer. Each film has been released in a reasonable amount of time, with teasers released to keep interest piqued. The final book was split into two movies because there is just too much action and resolution for one film! 

Take a look at the official trailer for Mockingjay Part II to see why you should reserve tickets early for the first showing in your area.  Opening night sells out quickly, so “may the odds be ever in your favor.”

Family Friendly Fun in Wilmington North Carolina

Wilmington NC aerial view 1987

 

Summertime brings Free Movies at the Lake to Wilmington, North Carolina. Somehow summer’s coming to a close, with this Labor Day weekend ending the movie series for another year. Carolina Beach Lake Park has a treat in store for families on September 6. 

Bring chairs or a blanket to set on the lawn and relax in the fresh night air while the final show of the season displays a lot of Disney magic. The latest remake of Cinderella features Ella, her fairy godmother, wicked stepmother and her mean daughters, and of course, a prince.

Are you traveling to Wilmington later in the year? You’ll discover a number of things to do in and around the area. Check out the events calendar and include Zumba or a walking tour in your business trip or vacation. 

I’ve always enjoyed my visits to North Carolina and look forward to the next trip. It really is a family friendly state that makes you want to move there or return as often as possible.

 Boston Public Library postcard of Carolina Beach circa 1930-1945

Is there a place you'd like to return to soon?

Traveling Tuesdays: The Trooper - Honoring Soldiers in Fernley Nevada

The local grocery in Fernley, Nevada is a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The flagship of a small strip mall, the center includes a small casino and a Laundromat. Service businesses and diverse restaurants abound. 

When you can’t bring the people to the mountain, the mountain is towed over to Scolari’s. The crowd encourages others to walk or drive over and see what’s going on.

The Northern Nevada Veteran’s Coalition had an impressive bronze statue on display the other day. Number 6 in a set of 7, the image of a Battle Born Trooper was set on a trailer on its way to the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery a few miles away.

 Twelve hundred Nevada men enlisted in the United States Army prior to statehood. The 1st Battalion Nevada Volunteer Cavalry formed in May 1863 and the 1st Battalion Nevada Infantry in the summer of 1864. They helped keep the peace and protect silver and gold mines in the wide open wilderness.

Flags fly over those who rest.

The story behind the bronze statue The Trooper

The peaceful, well-maintained cemetery holds memorabilia from different branches of service. It is a place to gather and pay tribute to, as well as remember, friends and relatives no longer with us.

The Trooper heads home to the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley Nevada