Exploring

Honoring the Trees at Woods Canyon Lake

Exploring-woodscanyonlake

Last month, after our visit to the Grand Canyon  we headed home along the scenic Beeline highway. It was the first time I traveled from Flagstaff down through Payson on that road. Our first stop was a quick one at Lake Mary to admire the HUGE dandelions and make some wishes.

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Next we drove through Happy Jack, Strawberry and Pine. The tall trees and cooler temps were delightful. We wanted to stop and have a picnic before getting to Payson, but didn’t realize how tough it would be to find a sub shop. In hindsight, I should have packed a cooler before we left Flagstaff. We ate lunch at a cafe in Payson instead. Lunch was great, but I was pretty disappointed we didn’t end up having a picnic in the trees. I was so looking forward to that. After lunch we decided to take a side trip to one of favorite spots to decompress, Woods Canyon Lake on the Mogollon Rim. We all enjoyed being outside in the cool air surrounded by trees and water.

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I was so happy we stopped that I was inspired to honor the trees with tree pose. I just learned to do full tree pose and it’s my new favorite. I have practiced yoga for a long time and could never get my leg up in the full position, instead I always placed my foot between my ankle and knee. During my morning practice one day, I decided to give it a try yet again and low and behold I did it and have been able to hold the full position ever since. Good reminder that even if you have tried and tried before, always try again.

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To get to Woods Canyon Lake from Phoenix, take loop 202 east to Arizona 87 (Beeline Highway) and go north to Payson. From there, Arizona 260 about 29 miles east to Forest Road 300. Turn left (north) and go 4 miles to Forest Road 105. Turn north and continue for 1 mile to the lake.

 

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In Awe at the Grand Canyon

Exploring-grandcanyon

This is my second trip to the Grand Canyon, first with the kids. Bert and I went for our anniversary a few years ago and ever since I have wanted to bring the boys.

We drove in through the desert view entrance along the south rim to see the watchtower. We stopped at viewpoints and the visitor center along the way before spending a couple hours exploring grand canyon village.

They were so excited to finally see it in person. You really cannot imagine the sheer vastness of the canyon, beautifully carved by the Colorado River, until you see it with your own eyes. It’s huge and enchanting. It doesn’t feel real. We were in complete awe being in the presence of something so vast that it transcends your understanding of the world. I could just sit and stare at the view all day.

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Exploring Cibecue Falls

ExploreWind Cave Trail(1)

 

What an adventure! Two weeks ago on Memorial Day Bert, Steve and I hiked this gorgeous trail along Cibecue Creek to an 40-foot waterfall! Along the way we were enchanted with gorgeous scenery and the cool flowing water. You will be hiking in and out of water from the beginning of this hike to the end. Expect to get wet while you’re hiking up to at least your knees or more!

 

ExploreWind Cave Trail(3)

 

It’s an intermediate hike. It’s not too strenuous as it’s pretty flat but there are a lot of rocks to go through and you walk back and forth through the creek. It’s about 1.5 miles each way and took us about 3 hours for the hike plus time spent at waterfall.

 

Note: This is on tribal land of White Mountain Apache Tribe and you need a permit to hike here.  Buy your permit online at: http://wmat.toffsystems.com

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The Mountains Were Calling

ExploreWind Cave Trail

I love the rugged mountains of Arizona. It’s one of my favorite things about living here. I woke up last Sunday feeling the pull to get outside and reconnect with nature. It was a beautiful Spring day, a cool day that within a few months will be a distant memory. I needed to get out, the mountains were calling. I invited my family to join me but, I didn’t get any takers. So, I took the opportunity to treat myself and hike alone with my camera and sketchbook.

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Wind Cave Trail, Usery Mountain Park.

I sat on the boulder on the right for awhile enjoying the view and sketching.

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My invitation to you is to go outside and connect with your soul, take in the silence and beauty that surrounds and just be present. It will ground you and lift you all at once.