Apache Junction & Hewitt Canyon, AZ (3/10/2019)

As previously noted, the wildflower bloom is pretty good this year.  Residents and snowbirds alike have been flocking to the desert to view and photograph the blooms.  I have done my share of this as I traveled around town.

The search for wildflowers took me into the Superstition Mountains, driving into Hewitt Canyon.  It was great mountain scenery with the bonus of some colorful wildflowers along the way.

 One of several creeks to be forded.

 It's rare to see a fallen saguaro.  Normally they remain standing long after death, eventually rotting away until only the wooden ribs remain.

 When I pulled over to take this shot, I noticed an arch up on the mountainside, so I took a close-up.  Officially it's name is Hewitt Canyon Arch, but some call it Elephant Arch.

 Later, back in Apache Junction, we enjoyed another nice sunset.

Apache Junction & Mesa, AZ (3/8 &3/9/2019)

Good sunsets have been sporadic during this time frame.  Some days there are no clouds, some days so many clouds they block the sun.  A few have been spectacular.  But, I have been persistent in going out most evenings to record any good light there is.

Driving the back roads around Apache Junction gave me some nice views of mountains and smaller rock formations.

As Spring has progressed, wildflowers have pleasured us with an outstanding bloom, which is mostly attributable to the hurricane than came out of Mexico several months ago and dropped lots of rain on Southern Arizona at the right time.  Nice little showers since have also helped. 

I wanted to visit the Mormon temple in Mesa, but learned it is currently undergoing renovation.  Since it is the oldest temple in Arizona, built in 1927, some modernization seems appropriate.  Further, the grounds are being completely re-done with more trees to provide additional shade, which will be appreciated in the hotter months.  Existing trees and shrubs have been containerized and stored across the street to be re-used.  The original visitor centered was demolished so the land could be used for the city's light rail system.  A new, and much larger, center is being constructed on a larger site, which I assume the city gave in exchange for the needed right-of-way.  When the project is completed, there will be an "open house" period, just like is done for new temples.

A nearby community garden caught my attention, so I paid it a visit.  It is primarily a place for neighborhood residents to plant herbs and vegetables for their own consumption.  How cool is that?  The person/persons who manage the facility have planted flowers to beautify the area, along with some very attractive murals.

On the way back to Apache Junction, my day was brightened when I saw a 1957 Ford Thunderbird that looked show room new.

Gilbert, AZ (3/5 & 3/6/2019)

Gilbert is one of the very nice towns within the Phoenix metropolitan area.  One reason I like it is because of the Gilbert Water Ranch, where processed waste water is used to form multiple ponds that attract birds and other wildlife.  With six or seven large ponds, hiking around all of them in one day is beyond me, so I chose a trail around two or three ponds.  Each pond seems to attract somewhat different varieties, though I have no idea why.  Here are some of my results from the most recent visit.

Female Ring-necked Duck

Gambel's Quail

Eurasian Collared Dove

Verdin

Anna's Hummingbird

Chipping Sparrow

Great Egret

Killdeer

Sandpiper

Curved-bill Thrasher

European Starling

The park also has an abundance of bunny rabbits hopping all over the place.

Another reason to visit Gilbert is the Mormon Temple located there, one of five in Arizona and one of three in the Phoenix  area.  Along with the Gila ValleyTemple (see travelogue Globe, Central and Huachuca City, AZ), it is one of the newer temples, opening in 2014.  Until now, I had no idea there were enough Mormons in Arizona to warrant five temples, yet a sixth one is under construction in Tucson.

My plan was to arrive a little before sunset, get photos of the building and grounds during daylight, then hope for a colorful sunset behind the temple.  Unfortunately, sunset fizzled that night, so I came back the next evening when the sunset was somewhat better.

As usual, the building has dramatic architecture, including a tall (in this case, 185 foot) steeple with the golden angel Moroni on top.  The building itself is 85 feet tall, requiring an exception to the city's 45 foot height restriction.

I enjoy the grounds as much as anything, and these were certainly stunning in their beauty.

One side of the building features four "waterfalls" that flow into a series of tiled "cascades".

The second night proved to be worth a second trip.