Are You Missing the Grand Canyon?

    Grand Canyon Revisited

Due to the U.S. Government shutdown, the Grand Canyon National Park has been closed for nearly two weeks. For anyone out there who is missing the "grand ol' wonder of Mother Nature" I thought I'd post this photograph.

This shot was taken in late February last year; hence, the cliffs of the canyon are laced with a mid-winter snow.

The latest news on the re-opening of the Grand Canyon National Park is that the state of Arizona has decided to donate funds for its operation...finally!

The Tonto National Forest

    Saguaro Lake

Just east of the Phoenix-Metro area is the beautiful Saguaro Lake. A favorite spot for sailing, the park also has a lovely lakeside restaurant. We enjoyed visiting the lake when we were in Arizona last February.

Happy Mother's Day!

(Especially to my own Mom who lives in Arizona!)

A Fowl in Fair Weather

Hoping for a Handout

I spotted this duck last month as he sat near a golf course in Mesa, Arizona. Evidently he is accustomed to receiving handouts, thus the reason he was so tame.
Since the weather here in the Pacific Northwest is still gray and gloomy, I enjoy viewing the photos I took last month in the Southwest!

A Gem of the American Southwest

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

     If you ever make it to Sedona, Arizona, take the time to visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. The design for the village was inspired by old Mexican towns - a visit to this lovely location is like stepping back in time.
     The boutique stores, quaint restaurants, and gift shops full of Southwest art, jewelry, and souvenirs, kept us busy all afternoon when we were there a month ago.
     The village draws visitors from around the world, and indeed felt like a multi-cultural gathering of people. The funny thing was, while we were there we met a shopkeeper who grew up in our home town! As they say...it's a small world!

A Beautiful Crest and Creek

              Oak Creek Canyon

When you depart Sedona, Arizona along highway 89-A, there is a small rest stop where we saw this beautiful site. We were on our way to the Grand Canyon that morning - less than 120 miles away from this spot. This beautiful waterway is Oak Creek; in the distance the crest of one of Sedona's numerous red rock formations is lit up by the morning sun.

The rural highway has beautiful scenery all along its length. I would highly recommend this route if you ever venture to northern Arizona to view the Grand Canyon.

The Magnificent Red Rocks of Sedona

Sedona, Arizona

While folks flock to Sedona for art, spirituality, and hiking, it is the red sandstone formations in Oak Creek Canyon that this little town is best known for. We had a wonderful visit to Sedona a week or so ago.

An American Treasure

  The Grand Canyon

For the next several weeks I will be featuring a photo taken in the state of Arizona. (My husband & I recently had a wonderful visit there.) As we looked out over the canyon for the first time, we were both in awe and wonder with the vastness and beauty of this American treasure.