Joshua trees at Joshua Tree National Park
After a couple nights in Indio we continued along our desert tour.
If you have never been to Joshua Tree you must make a trip.
Gorgeous scenery that changes drastically every few miles.

Many of the shots here were drive bys taken through dusty car windows,
which I thought ended up  adding an
interesting dimension to the desert vapor vibe.

Mushroom rock with teeth in the jumbo rock section of the park.

Our friend Andi, a recent transplant to the Scottsdale area,
said it was monsoon season, or so she was told,
which could explain these incredible clouds lurking above the freeway
as we passed through Phoenix on route to Sedona.

Although we arrived in Sedona past dark
and could only feel (coolish breeze even though it was in the 90′s at 10pm)
and smell (ahh evergreen) its breathtaking beauty,
this is the view we woke up to that first ride into town for coffee.

Staking temporary claim on a patch of lava at
Airport Mesa Vortex  -  apparently the best place around for sunsets.
Obviously it didn’t disappoint.

West Fork Trail of Oak Creek
We did about a 4.5 mile moderate intensity hike along the river
our second day in Sedona,
and although again, the temp rose well past 90 F. we were shaded comfortably
with pine and refreshed by a lovely breeze the entire way.

Montezuma Castle National Monument
A fascinating 1/3 mile loop trail that shares
the extraordinary creation of the Sinagua people.

Tuzigoot National Monument
More wonders from the Sinagua people.
Along with experiencing the ruins,
we were fortunate enough to enjoy the company of several red tailed hawks watching over head, a sky full of captivating clouds, and stunning views of green lushness just beyond the monument.

Jerome Cemetery, where the boys were on a Geocache hunt.
It was quite peaceful with this spectacular view.
We weren’t finding the ghosts particularly malevolent,
it was more they really didn’t seem to care that we were there.

Abandoned buildings in the
center of town – an old hotel perhaps…

Make a wish…

Loved Jerome. For one who is not fond of heights
it was an interesting ride up the hill to get there, but well worth the trip.

Sunset Crater Volcano
One of my favorite spots along the way – felt like being on another planet.

And now for the canyon of all canyons…

Javelina

Boynton Canyon Vortex
Back in Sedona..

Back on the road towards home on Route 66.
Longer ride but we would have missed so much if we just went on the freeway.

Seligman, Arizona

One of many roadside memorials sadly seen along the way.

Wild burros of Oatman

Windmill heaven

Incredible journey all the way around.
Go take a road trip – best way to get into the nooks and crannies
of those unknown to you places not far from where you live.

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