Tonto Natural Bridge

Last week, in October break, we decided to go to Kohl's Ranch, near Payson, which is not far from Phoenix. It was our second visit of that place. The weather was very nice. We went down to the Creek. To tell the truth, I wanted to see my "old friend"- an apple tree. Last time I noticed  a lot of small green apples on it. Now, this beauty had a lot of pink apples on it. Some were on the ground, touched be animals ( or worms?).

I took  good -looking one with me to the hotel. Anya, my 7 y.o. daughter, looked at me as I was crazy.What? Did you ever tried wild organic (!) apples before? O my! This one was really good. Anya trusted me and made a bite :) Then, my husband tried too. He agreed that this "free" apple was really GOOD!.  You know what?  Next early morning, we went down to that apple tree, shook it, and gathered a couple of pounds of yummy apples. I will tell you what I did with them (stay updated).

Ok, after apple-tree trip we left Kohl's Ranch and drove  10 miles North, to see Tonto Natural Bridge.
Tonto Natural Bridge is a natural arch in Arizona, USA, that is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The area surrounding the bridge has been made into Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. It has four hiking trails. We picked the Gowan Trail - approximately 1/2 mile long, ending at an observation deck in the creek bottom. The hike is not for everyone - it's quite strenuous coming back up and even a bit treacherous for anyone who might be a bit clumsy at hiking up steep trails - but it was well worth the effort.  Incredible scenery, incredible bridge & waterfall.

Can you see the arch?

We are almost there! Walk on the bridge (it is not Tonto Natural Bridge yet )...

...and here we are! Use all five "points" you have!

You can see this view  with waterfall only if you go under  Natural Bridge

Beautiful  lakelet is down. Anya could go there, but not me. The rocks are so polished and slippery, so I was just afraid :)

Here is a short video :)