Taking the Hiline

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
March 31, 2016

Monday, we arrived at Distant Drums in Camp Verde to gusty winds and cold temperatures which did not let up for 3 days. 

Even so, Gary's Mobile Power Wash did a great job washing and waxing Belle on Tuesday. 




The pull-in sites here are the best.  

We have a nice view from through the front window to enjoy.   

Wednesday we had a touch of cabin fever and decided to take the loop from AZ 179 (Red Rock Scenic Highway) through Sedona and return via 89A and Hwy 260.  


Our first stop was at the Red Rock Ranger District VC for hiking maps.
Then an unexpected stop in traffic just outside of Sedona as a javelina made its way across the 4 lane going into Sedona.








Finally, a good hiking day dawned Thursday. Joe and I decided on the Hiline Trail located between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona.  
Parking for the Hiline is at Yavapai Point.  There are several trailheads here.  We started out on the Yavapai Vista Trail and connected to Hiline. 


 Combined this gave us 6 miles of glorious outdoor fun with magnificent views.  

The trail is narrow with a steady climb and lots of curves. It has a moderate rating. 





We saw really big things... 

You can barely see Hwy 179 in the middle of the picture.

Rabbit Ears, Courthouse Butte, and Bel Rock all in the same picture. 

Cathedral Rock

and really little things.

Hedgehog Cactus in bloom

Indian Paintbrush 

Hiline is lined with gnarly juniper trees with blue berries...

twisty, cinnamon colored manzanita bushes... 

creamy colored wild rose...

and lots of rock gardens.

A great hike for sure and one we will look forward to doing again someday.  Until next time, happy days and 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Wrapping up in Tucson

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
March 27, 2016
Tucson, AZ

It's time to wrap up our stay here in Tucson and head north on Monday the 28th.  First stop will be Camp Verde, about 25 miles south of Sedona.  But before we go, there are a few things to wrap up.

 Joe worked hard to complete a DIY project for me.  In November of 2014,  we replaced our floor with linoleum tile.  After receiving great news from the oncologist at that time, we did not finish the base bolding in favor of having some fun. I am very proud to say that now we have floor trim to finish the project.

and after

Before...

We also had Jeff Fisher, (Fisher's RV Maintenance and Repair), install a Magnum Auto Gen Start.  We did not mind a couple of homeless hours to get this done for the safety of our puppies.  We just set the temp and enable the AGS before we head out and if the electricity goes off, the generator starts to keep them cool.  We have relied on Jeff for 4 years now to take care of all our motor home service and repair needs.  

 
We did not want to leave Tucson with taxes hanging over our heads so last Sunday, we bit the bullet and got it done.  What a relief and a biggie to check off the list !

And with it being Easter week-end, we couldn't leave this little, big city without a hunt. So today we took a ride out to Baja Loop Drive to hunt...for saguaro blooms and other pretty things.  We did not hit the mother load, but we did find a few things to ooh and aah over.  Baja Loop Drive is a sandy road with some washboarding.  You can do it in a family car, but anything over 10 mph will not be comfortable.   We enjoy the ride and were in no hurry so 10 mph was perfect for us.    

Baja Loop Drive is well marked.  Just make a right turn off Kinney Rd after you pass the Red Hills Visitor Center in Saguaro NP West.

   

Pam, we did spot a crested just past the VC on Kinney Rd. Have you seen this one?

The cholla offered the most variety in color.  

 And the hedgehog cactus were very showy too. 

The ocotillo were ablaze with rich vibrant color and there were so many blooming.  We sat and watched as this Gila Woodpecker went from flower to flower.   

 The lower saguaro arms didn't have and flowers, just buds that look like they are ready to explode.

But way up at the top of the tallest saguaros (very hard to find and photograph), we did see a few flowers. 

 The flowers are always white and emit a strong smell described as overripe fruit.  Very important because the bloom last less than 24 hours.  They open at night and remain open through the following day.  These beauties are pollinated by bats at night and bees and birds during the day.

 Today we had the drive all to ourselves and time to take in the incredible beauty that surrounded us.  

 We bid farewell to the Tucson Mountain Park today, but we will be back.

 Remember to drink lots of water,

...live in the moment, and 

 ... always have fun !

Until next time, Happy Easter...and

happy trails !