12/13 Picacho Peak and Mittry Lake wildlife area

December 13, 2024

The Picacho peak state park was a very nice overnight stop. It's hard to believe that we are headed back toward home, though slowly.

The peak itself was the original goal, but the steep terrain with Ginger (like a 17 foot ladder?) and cables… and we didn't have all that much time. We settled on the saddle, which was still a very steep hike, just not as far. Last night we had a campfire and watched the stars. The string of lights from the Interstate 8 was also interesting and fun to watch.

A bit of a commute day today, about 200 miles, and a free camp at the Mittry Lake wildlife area. It's definitely gotten busy with ioverlander publishing it. Great Sunset!

Lake Mittry Sunset- Do you see the owl shaped cloud?

12/11 More Chiricauha Mountains

December 12, 2024

I got to practice my telephoto bird photography on the Acorn Woodpeckers today. I'm not sure why I have to re-learn basics so many times!? They are fantastic to watch, and there are hundreds of them busy gathering and storing acorns in the granary trees/ branches, very cool.

Our Hike today took us to the Heart of the Rocks loop- it was a trek, but hiking amongst the pinnacles and balanced rocks is really fantastic. I'm super thankful to have the health and fitness level be able to take on these hikes without overexerting myself!

There was even one totem that I'm sure that I photographed 23 years ago. I'll have to compare when I get home.

Sometimes the landscape reminds me of the Rock Paper Scissors game, well, maybe it's rock wood fire? There's a balance in nature where these elements dominate and recede.

12/9 Chiricahua Mountains

December 12, 2024

The totems in the Chiricahuas are amazing, and there are so many of them. It reminded me of hiking Bryce canyon, but not in red rock. At every turn the next balanced rock is more impressive than the last, sprinkled with green lichen, and the sunlight providing a beautiful reflective light on the columns.

Alligator Juniper,

Pinion Pines,

Tall pines,

So many other plants hosting birds, particularly the Acorn Woodpecker. They seem to have taken up residence, and are flocking thru the park.

Wild Turkeys,

In search of Montezumas Quail

Coati, or Coatimundi?

The elusive Javelina-

Rock Totems and balancing rocks, countered by the Alligator Juniper, and tall pine trees. What an impressive landscape!

There are so many lines, curves and textures to fit in a frame, though the 2 dimensions have a way of making something fantastic, profoundly boring.