Tag: Hike
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Wildflower Time in the Desert (Part 2)!
Although not a large variety, you do have to venture to different parts of the desert to see them. Each wildflower tends to take over that “spot”.
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Spring Critters
Spring brings out the usual sets of animals. If you hike a lot in the desert, you are bound to run across many of them. This year has been no exception. I have my favorites. Roadrunners: Jackrabbits Owls Rattlesnakes And things you may or may not see every day
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Hedgehog Cactus Blossoms “in the Pink”!
Spring comes in phases in the Sonoran desert. The wildflowers (more on those later!) give way to cactus blossoms and then both give way to a lot of dirt and dust. Timing is everything. Over the span of a week or two, the hedgehog cactus flowers come and go (and they’ve been gone a while).…
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Autumn in Northern Arizona
I try my best to visit and hike in Flagstaff, Arizona area every autumn. Even if it is for just for a day. With the day off, I set out to, once again, to make it to Lockett Meadow. The parking is limited and, for many, you have to settle your nerves as you drive…
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Rattlesnake “Repeat” (but not really)!
I feel guilty about a second consecutive rattlesnake post, but you have to deal with the universe puts in front of you. After only seeing one small one this year, I’ve encountered two big ones in the last two weeks. But this encounter was different. Firstly, it gave me a “courtesy rattle” when I got…
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Summer Rains in the Desert
The last couple of summers in Phoenix have been on the dry side. A more “normal” Monsoon Season (although I’m not sure all of the rain has been of the “monsoon” variety) has been a welcome event this July. The desert has been coming to life, with running washes: It may be the most unfortunately…
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Sedona Morning Trip
With Sedona being a short hour+ drive, and me with some days off, I just needed to include a quick hike into “Red Rock” country. Up early (to avoid the heat and any crowds). Quick Drive. 3 hours wandering around Court House Butte. And home by lunch!
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Lockett Meadow/Inner Basin Trail
Sadie and I finally did make it! Probably a week or so late for the full autumn “yellow explosion” of the aspen, but it was of course, well worth the effort.
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Northern Arizona Autumn Colors
I started out with my dog Sadie to head to Lockett Meadow, an extremely popular spot in Flagstaff for the fall colors. My last trip there was four years ago and have been wanting to go again. But I made a rookie mistake, actually more than one. The first mistake was going on a weekend.…
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I’m All Ears (and Some Powerful Legs)!
The jackrabbit is my favorite desert dweller. I had a great encounter with one today. Nearly 15 minutes of just hanging out with each other and taking some photos. He spotted me right away, but I was very casual on the trail. I first acted like I didn’t see him. I didn’t make eye contact…
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Feeling a Little “Horny”, Toad that is!
One of my absolute favorite critters to run into is the horny toad. I don’t see them very often, but that is what makes them special.
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Something to Howl About!
It started with the hot air balloons taking off in the distance. This time of year is the peak balloon season in the desert – it just depends on the wind currents where they start. This is only about half of them… Apparently, the coyotes are not a big fan, particularly when they blast the…