Monday, April 20, 2015

Red Rock Country!


Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 19, 2015

We could hardly wait to hit the trails in Red Rock Country. This week-end was spent revisiting some favorite places. Saturday, we were up and out early to jeep the Oak Creek Homestead trail. 

It's rated difficult only because of a short section that is narrow and steep. Most of the trail is like the picture to the left.




 There are remnants of a brick building from years ago which I cant find any information on. 
Rokhell and Pearl parked at the creek with the "homestead" in the background.

 The real draw for me is Oak Creek...


Looking upstream...
and looking downstream.

Its very flat here and access to the water is so easy with lots of big rocks to sit on. We all enjoyed lunch by the creek!
This sweet girl had a mouth full of willow...









Sunday we were up early and out by 9:00 to do another trail...one on foot. A favorite hike we did last year was Devil's Bridge. It's not a very long hike, maybe a wee bit over 2 miles if you enjoy the section under the bridge also, but it does have some muscle building steps and a steep climb up. Just what Joe and I needed! We were thrilled to have Richie join us as we followed the path thru nature and natural wonders. 


There is a dirt road leading to the trailhead. 

 It is 1.3 miles from the start of the dirt road to the trail.




The beginning of the trail is wide and easy to follow as it winds its way thru Pinon Pines, Blue Junipers and Manzanita bushes. 
According to Sedona's Top 10 Hikes by Dennis Andres, a Sedona native, this was originally a jeep trail.




The trail eventually narrows...





...with a rocky steep climb up near the end.











There is a plateau like overlook for a water stop and first view of Devil's Bridge...






That's me...
and Richie.


On the bridge...













and under the bridge...
















So, until next time, have happy days and...



happy trails!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Our Neighborhood

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 15, 2015

Just across the street from Distant Drums is a hiking area. Last year Joe and I never even explored this area. We were off to Sedona every chance we had which left little time for anything else. So, this year we do hope to not only return to some favorite Sedona places, but to check out state parks and national monuments in this area as well. That's the plan today anyway!


West Middle Verde Road

We spent about 21/2 hours walking, talking and taking pictures. Richie went with us...he has quite an eye with the camera!



The neighborhood...or area surrounding Distant Drums...didn't appear to be very colorful or interesting... 

until we started looking up close.



 Right off we found, (well, truth be known...Dave and Lynn pointed us...umm lead us in the right direction) dinosaur tracks.




And then, we came into an area full of delicate pops of color painted across the sandy landscape.

 




See what we would have missed!
















All the colors in the rainbow!

























Looking back towards Distant Drums and the valley...I'm liking the neighborhood!



Until next time, happy days and...




happy trails!