Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
May 3, 2014
Remember these? The SUPERfeet insoles that Joe and I purchased at the recommendation of the REI sales girl...we both feel they have really helped to solve the problem of tired feet.
At the time we purchased the insoles, I also bought new socks...the Wrightsock. I chose the CoolMesh II which feature a mesh panel for enhanced air flow and cooler feet, the Dri-Wright II performance fibers so your socks don't get sweaty wet, a stabilizer zone in the arch which locks the sock in place, and no blisters...guaranteed! They come in all colors, short or long, and the best part is they are soooo soft! Can you tell I really like them? Downside is that they cost a little more. I have yet to convince Joe to try them. So the next time we go to REI, I will just get him a couple of pairs. His feet will thank me!
Spring has sprung in Sedona. One of the things that makes this a very special place is the trees. Fat, skinny, tall, short, old, young...wonderful trees!
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| West Fork Trail |
Joe and I have never been "outdoorsy" folks. Every summer for vacations, we headed straight for the Gulf of Mexico which was only a 41/2 hour trip from our home. For many years we rented condos, then in 2001 we bought our first RV a tow-behind. It changed our lives! Yes, we still went to the beach. But now our puppy went and we slept on our own sheets.
Sometimes, we come across obstacles. I am just under 5' tall so I usually go under while Joe, at 6'1", goes over. As we approached this tree, I found the most beautiful designs...
The wonders of nature...imagine the many insects crawling this way and that way.
One might think these were intricately carved...
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| Vultee Arch Trail |
So now, after working 73 years between the two of us, we find ourselves traveling and enjoying the great outdoors! Just like the very first RV we bought 13 years ago opened up new adventures, hiking has opened our eyes to so much beauty! On occasion, I do wonder what we would be doing if we had never bought our Terry Lite Tow-Behind. Our other option at the time was to purchase a condo on the beach. Imagine what we would have missed!
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| Spotted Towhee...often found scratching in the leaves for food. Lucky for me he was perched on a dead tree limb! |
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| There are so many birds with yellow bellies, I couldn't decide for sure what this beauty is... |
I don't think anyone had been on the Vultee Arch Trail in awhile. Joe found himself clearing the path more than once...
I almost let myself get spooked. Figured we might be a bear's lunch and no one would ever know! We had the trail all to ourselves going to the arch.
On our way down from the arch, we met Luci and her people parents, Annie and Paul. After a visit with great folks, we moved on. When I looked back, I snapped their photo.
There was a fire here in 2006. But the land seems to be recovering. It was very green!
Happy Sunday! Until next time, take care and...
happy trails!
People who don't travel around in their Rv just don't understand the lifestyle and wonder sights that we enjoy, all the while sleeping in our own beds.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great life...that's for sure George! When I consider all the places we have parked our MH and called it "home" for awhile, it amazes me!
DeleteIt's amazing how the RV has changed how many feel and what they do. It's definitely a different world out there. That tree sure looks like someone was busy carving designs on it. It's beautiful
ReplyDeleteI thought so too Jeri...I would have completely missed that in my younger days! It's so nice to have time to take time!
DeleteI just told Don the photos you've been posting just keep getting prettier & prettier all the time. I know exactly where we're heading after we leave Fort Myers next Winter, West! And you can bet your sweet bipee we're going to spend a lot of time in Sedona.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gayle...I just know you won't be disappointed! April has been the perfect month to be here except for some gusty windy days, it has been pretty darn near perfect!
DeleteI hope Tucker is doing great.
I've always been an outdoors type, and nature's wonders never cease to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Judy...I wish I had taken the time growing up and especially when our children were younger to appreciate all this beauty. I remember my first hike when I was a Girl Scout and I was miserable. Of course, my backpack and bedroll weighed more that I did and we climbed the tallest "mountain" in Georgia! Needless to say, I wasn't looking at nature! I am so thankful to be on this journey!
DeleteNow that we are back in our home town for a couple weeks, we ask ourselves often how we would have survived retirement if we still lived here. I can't imagine being retired and living in one place with all this country has to offer. We are so very glad we found this lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe we saw this arch. Love that we have so many places to visit when we return. Thanks for another awesome trail and arch idea!!
Happy hiking!!
I so agree Pam. And are so very thankful we made the decisions we made. What an adventure!
DeleteYou will enjoy Vultee arch trail. It's a little over 3 miles round trip and easy until the very last section...straight up a rock wall. Fun, fun!
I had to laugh at the under/over comment. I am only a little over 5' and my husband is 6'3", so like you I go under and he goes over. Looks like a beautiful time to be in Sedona!
ReplyDeleteApril has been perfect for Sedona!
DeleteIsn't it fun being vertically challenged Amanda?
Thank you Gay for the honest review on the soles and the socks. I'll keep those on my shopping list.
ReplyDeleteEven if we get hammered by bad weather this is still an awesome life. I can't imagine staying in one place the rest of our lives.
I m going to guess that bird with a yellow belly is a Western Kingbird.
Once again thanks for paving the way for us, the list of hikes accompanied with great photos is getting longer.
Your welcome MonaLiza. I do hope you will try the Wrightsock. They are so comfortable!
DeleteThank you for your help with the bird ID. When I looked up the Western Kingfish, I wasn't sure about the black line on his eye...identifying birds is hard, but fun! The range and habitat was a match....so when you are not sure, how do make a decision?
The carvings on the trees are beautiful, but I think they are caused by termites. Sad to say I've seen something very like that in my condo - so I have to assume they were traveling and eating under the bark.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful, Sedona is a place not to be missed. I didn't hike while there, but I sure enjoyed the scenery. :)
Termites can be very destructive. We had an issue in our garage.
DeleteThe colors are beautiful here Barbara. Spring is a great time to be here.
Great pictures as always. Such beauty in the pines. Love the trails in the tree. That would be a picture worth printing.
ReplyDeleteThanks JO. Hiking here in Sedona has been awesome!
DeleteYour post has inspired me to "hurry up and get going." For some reason, I'm lingering at home. Thanks for sharing the information about the insoles and socks - I'm going to look into that when I'm near an REI. Your photos are beautiful. You look great as a "tree hugger!" ;-)
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