To whoever is not listening to the sea

Location: Sedona, AZ

After months of seeing only dead ones, we finally got to see a century plant (aka Agave) in bloom.  There were about 10 on our hike today. 

There is such a wide range of elevation around Flagstaff, we run into cactus blooming at some point on most of our hikes.

We bought a Hopi Katsina (Kachina) doll and we are in love!  It's depicts the symbiotic story of the paralyzed Tuhavi and the blind Mundman. 

Location: Munds Park 

We are learning all about forest fires during our final days here.  We have 3 fires in the area, started by lightening.  They are being managed and are expected to burn 21,000 acres.  

Location: Grand Canyon South Rim. 

Location: Antelope Canyon, Page AZ

Location: Page, AZ

I thought the specks in the sky was dirt on my lens...but they are birds!

Location: Arcosanti, AZ

There was a photo shoot underway the day we visited Arcosanti. 

Location: Arcosanti, AZ

An experimental community with experimental architecture -- seems to now be past it's prime.  

Location: Cottonwood, AZ

Location: Sedona, AZ

Location: Flagstaff, AZ

Location:  Mojave Point Lookout, Hermit's Rest Road, Grand Canyon, AZ

We had fog, sleet and rain on our tour this morning...it just made the view more interesting!

Location:  Yavapai Geological Museum, Grand Canyon

Sunset

Location: Flagstaff, AZ

Location:  Wupatki National Monument, Flagstaff 

Wendy's Mom & Dad are in town for a visit.  

Location: Cave Springs Campground. 

Location: Munds Park, AZ

Sad to lose but so grateful for the gift of Prince Rogers Nelson. Crucial!

Location: Munds Park, AZ

Who knew, these long-eared squirrels - Abert -  are native to Ponderosa Pine forests.  They are the LEAST skittish squirrels we have ever comes across. 

Location: Soldier's Pass Trail 

We've had to wait for bikes and horses on the trail before, but this is our first experience with Jeeps!  They are considering restricting Jeeps on the trail to 12 permits a day...

Location: Brins Mesa, Sedona, AZ

Location: Munds Park, AZ

Just a dusting..but, STILL!

Location: Sunset Crater, Flagstaff AZ

Location: Sunset Crater National Park, Flagstaff AZ

We went back to Sunset Crater, without Rufus this time, and took advantage of some of the hiking available at the park.  It's a delicate landscape and since the early 1970's hiking has been restricted to a few trails, due to long term damage caused by visitors. 

Location: Coconino National Forest

We tried doing the San Francisco peaks loop, which includes taking a variety of forest roads.  We abandoned the effort after we hit deep ruts...we were driving an '03 Honda Civic afterall!  But we took a bit of time to enjoy the forest before heading back. 

Location:  Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater Loop

Location: Sunset Crater National Park 

As we drove around this park, Curt kept repeating, "This thing must've  just blown it's top!"  The area covered by ash and lava is extensive.  We didn't have a chance to hike to the top of the crater when we visited, but have it on our list of things to do!

Location: Wukoki Pueblo Ruin, Wupatki National Monument (outside Flagstaff, AZ

Pictured is a structure more than 800 years old, built and used by people of the Ansazi culture.  It's located in the Wupatki National Monument.  We did the 35 mile loop that connects this monument to the  Sunset crater - a volcano that erupted 900 years ago.  We'll definitely make a return trip!

Location:  Sedona, AZ

This is a picture from earlier in the week...today the skies opened for our first experience with rain (and hail!) in 8 weeks! 

Steep...with a smattering of sleet... but great views!