Hwy 88 is a unpaved road from Lake Roosevelt south 44 miles to Apache Junction. It was put in to haul material to construct the dam in the twenties. Lower Burnt Corral CG is actually on Apache Lake, which is the second of four dams in that distance. Two major calamities have hit this area in the last year. A large fire about a year ago and a “monsoon” from the last tropical storm in the Gulf in September. Fire burned the hillside then overwhelming rains. Took old Hwy 88 and gave it a cleansing. Most of the arroyos overflowed and washed out the road. They have got the road open from Roosevelt 12 miles. I went to the end this morning.

Talked to a forest service guy and he told me about the problems. I’m just a Chatty Cathy at times… or maybe I ask a question they want to answer and I keep out of their way. This a 3-day weekend. I was in #29 and all odd number campsites can be reserved online. So I have to move anyway. I think #6 is the best available. But I decided not to pay and will take my chances if I come back here tonight.

Headed to Globe Az. Need fuel (10.78), propane and groceries. Bill drinks more if I’m going slow on these unpaved roads. I gave some advice to the guy filling his propane tank before me. He “couldn’t” get the valve open and was ready to put the pipe wrench to it when I suggested that it could be already open and maybe he should try the opposite direction. Disaster averted.

Had lunch at Wendy’s and shopped at Fry’s, a big chain in Arizona. Headed back to Lake Roosevelt and decided to come back to Burnt Corral. A lot fuller! Had to settle for #24 but with a little bit of trimming with my saw and axe, it’s turned into a nice spot! Here till Monday, then Monday move back up to the campground with showers and Tuesday start towards Tucson. Good night.

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