Category: Of Interest

Summer Hikes in the Desert

by rustyw20, posted in Of Interest, Places

Yep, it’s hot.  Really hot sometimes. So what’s a guy to do when he wants to hike in the summer?  He gets up at 4:30 in the morning and sets out.  

What started out as a personal goal to take 7 sunrise hikes in 7 days has now surpassed 20.  It wasn’t for any particular reason – mostly to break up the summer doldrums.  In the desert, we look forward to summer ending.  And my “for any particular reason” feeling has been well worth it.  The desert is a beautiful place:

I will say that it is starting to feel like somewhat of an addiction and I have done a couple of days of “sidewalk” hiking.  But in Arizona, even in the neighborhood, you never know what you will see.

Like a tarantula crossing for school:

Or a rattlesnake at “guarding” the trail sunrise:

And apart from feeling better,  it is a great time to be out getting some amazing early morning views:

Happy Trails and No Guardrails!

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Desert Sunrises – Monsoon Style

Featured by rustyw20, posted in Of Interest

The last few weeks in the desert has made for some awesome sunrises.  I spent a nice early morning hike this past weekend and blown away.

 

I also managed to unintentionally take another photo that I almost hesitate to share, just not sure why….

20170805_053616

This isn’t a sunrise, but it was one of the most unique Monsoon cells I’d ever seen.

Phoenix Monsoon

And a nice double three-legged rainbow.

Phoenix Rainbow

 

Places:  Lake Pleasant, Arizona  

by rustyw20, posted in Of Interest, Places

Ok, so I went to Lake Pleasant and didn’t take any pictures of the lake. But I wasn’t there for the water.  I was there for the sunset.

Lake Pleasant Sunsets-59

And got to see my first couple of wild burros (you have to look close – they didn’t want me anywhere near):

They’ve been pretty elusive for me. Here is the “bigfoot” version (can’t even see the zipper of the suit):

WordPress: My One Year Anniversary

by rustyw20, posted in Of Interest

I’ve enjoyed my first year blogging on WordPress.  But of course, it’s not really about the blogs themselves, but the numerous experiences and photographs that led me to sharing these to begin with.  The American Southwest is Amazing!  I hope also that I can inspire just one person to get just get there and just wander someplace – very little happens sitting on the couch.  Be Safe and Thank you!

Autumn in Lockett Meadow.
Island Loop Trail Takes a Turn
My favorite view.

And given the chance, I always have to “be me”

Inspiration Point!
Silver Topped Sasquatch
Sunset Crater Old Man Hiking
“Old Man Posing”
This Hotel Needs Better Amenities!
Tonto Natural Bridge
Horseshoe Bend

Favorite Places in the last year:

Places:  Devil’s Bridge in Sedona.

Places: Courthouse Butte Trail in Sedona

Places: Monument Valley

Places:  Walnut Canyon

Places: Return to Horseshoe Bend

Places: Lower Antelope Canyon

Grand Canyon in Winter. It speaks for itself!

Places: Wukoki Ruins

 

 

Phoenix Monsoon Sunsets

by rustyw20, posted in Of Interest

When people from other parts of the country think of Phoenix, Arizona in July, they generally think of the heat.  

Yes, it’s hot.  But we don’t mind “shoveling sinshine” all year.

Often overlooked, or even unknown, is that we go through a Monsoon Season.  Just about about any day, you can get dumped on by a large amount of rain.  But it’s a bit like the lottery.  It can be pouring in one place and a couple miles away can be bone dry.

But one thing Monsoon Season brings everyone, is we get some of the best sunsets in the world.  And this week alone, is a great example. This is one of my favorite reasons for being in Phoenix and more than makes up for the heat. Enjoy!

Places:  Devil’s Bridge in Sedona.

by rustyw20, posted in Of Interest, Places

Had a fantasric hike in Sedona, Arizona yesterday with my wife.

Hiking Desert Trail Sedona Arizona

I will say that this moderate+ trail was well worth the effort (and the beat – it soared to 104F).  You do have areas where a little “mountain goat” is needed, so plan accordingly.  As always, you can never bring enough water.  This is a popular trail and it always amazes me to see folks with one little water bottle.  There was actually a 911 call for a lost man who wandered off after feeling ill.  Altitude and heat are a dangerous combination!

But for the trail itself – fantastic!

Photos speak for themselves 

Hiking Sedona Arizona Devil's Bridge Rusty Ward

Hiking Sedona Arizona Devil's Bridge Rusty Ward

Hiking Sedona Arizona Devil's Bridge Rusty Ward

Hiking Sedona Arizona Devil's Bridge Rusty Ward Old Man

And don’t forget the payoff (this is why you are here):

Hiking Sedona Arizona Devil's Bridge Rusty Ward
“Old Man on the Devil’s Bridge”

I love when the unusal happens!

by rustyw20, posted in Of Interest

Golfing today with one of my buddies and bull snake decided to crash the party on thr 12th hole.  He didn’t care one bit we were there.

This is a pressure putt…..

But he managed to do more than that.  While we finished the hole and were walking back to the carts, it thought it was a good idea to slither up inside a cart.

Arizona golf – Got to love it!  Even a bizarre cloud formation.