Located just off the Apache Trail, the park is adjacent to the Superstition Mountains and is named after the perhaps mythical Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.
The mysterious mine supposedly was discovered and its location kept secret by a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz in the 19th century.
Many people have searched for generations in the Superstitions without ever finding the mine.
Some have lost their lives in the search, adding to the mystique.
But we just used the park for weekend picnics for many years.
Not the Lost Dutchman. It was me in front of the Superstitions range.
And SWMBO or as one our friends once labeled her The Storied and Fabled Judy.
My dad spent winters for several years escaping the North Dakota weather by living in Mesa and we took him to the park a couple of times.
One Easter many years ago, Judy and I hiked up into the foothills of the mountains and picnicked with a spectacular view.
This shot was taken partway back down the "trail" as she stopped to harvest some wildflowers.
If you ever get to Arizona you could do yourself a favor by visiting the Lost Dutchman park, about 40 miles east of Phoenix.
And I'd be happy to share if you somehow discover that hidden gold mine.
Been there, nice spot.
ReplyDeleteYou mean there may be gold in them thar hills?
ReplyDeleteJudy! Bell bottoms!
ReplyDeleteI think I remember a recording about the Superstitious Mountains by Walter Brennan. Of course that was a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered about the myth. I've never known a Dutchman to be lost.
ReplyDelete