Sedona AZ

Hi All,

Sedona, AZ is surrounded by stunning red rock country. After setting up in a lovely commercial campground (read laundry, WiFi, Cable TV), we did some shopping.

Beautiful red rock formations were everywhere

Not just out in the countryside but views from right in town!

Even from our table in the restaurant!

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Walnut Canyon

Hi All,

Walnut Canyon is one of many preserved ancestral pueban ruins in the area. It had been a long day so we passed up the trail into the canyon with 238 steps to climb out. 

The views from the rim were nice but it was hard to see the structures built under the rock overhangs.

This two-room pueblo was built up on the rim.

It is now late Wednesday afternoon. Back at the campground we see an unusual camp setup.

Home sweet home. The tall narrow tent has a ports-potty and the satellite TV cable leads into the domed tent. Must be a Democrat who didn't want to miss the convention;-).

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Meteor Crater

Hi All,

Just outside Winslow, AZ along old Route 66 is the best preserved meteor crater on earth. The meteor is estimated to have been 150 feet in diameter, striking the earth at 11 miles per SECOND! All this happened about 50,000 years ago. The resulting crater is 3/4 mile across and 500 feet deep. 

The museum and movie were interesting but made our guided tour a bit repetitious. Still, it is an astounding sight.

Here's the biggest piece that's been found. A bit over 1,000 pounds; 92% iron, 7% nickel.

Center of the crater

Even this five image panorama does not do justice to the crater.

This was early afternoon Wednesday.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Sunset Volcano National Monument

Hi All,

As recently as 1,000 years ago the earth breathed fire and raised a mountain of lava and cinder over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. The red and orange cinders give the volcano a sunset look hence the name. 

Trees and shrubs struggle to make a comeback in the shadow of the volcano

This gnarled ponderosa pine lost the struggle but is remarkable looking

Especially this "Horse Head" section

Spatter cones firm when thick glops of lava are ejected from the vent

These pink apache plumes seem to thrive in the nutrient poor volcanic soil

Miles of jagged lava flows surround the area..

All that was Wednesday morning.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Wapiti National Monument

Hi All,

After leaving Cedar Breaks we made a small detour to Kanab, UT to visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This is a huge sanctuary protecting over 1,700 animals including cats,dogs, horses, birds, pot bellied pigs along with some wildlife rehabilitation.. Their motto is,"No more homeless animals". We toured the facility located in the beautiful Angel Canyon. All the animals have lots of space and attention from a staff of over 500. A very special place.

Next it was on to the Flagstaff, AZ area to visit the many national monuments in the area. First stop was Waputki NM, an isolated ancestral pueblan ruin. It was small though well restored.

Our visit was cut short by a serious thunderstorm.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Hi All,

We made the most of the ranger programs today with two guided hikes and a mountain lion program.

First was a hike to Specter Point where we hiked along the canyon rim with no handrails to spoil the view.

Near the point was this Bristle Cone Pine estimated at nearly 1,700 years old.

There were railings near the visitor center.

Everywhere we looked the eroded rock formations were stunning.

The afternoon hike took us to this small alpine lake. This hike was about three miles with frequent reminders we were above 10,000 feet!

This three image panorama gives you a sense of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater.

The canyon is full of formations like this fin with hard white  limestone on top limiting further erosion.

The late afternoon sun provided a riot of reds and oranges in the canyon.

If you are ever in SW Utah, this place is worth a full day.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

High Altitude Adventure

Hi All,

After some birding near Brigham City, UT, we drove SW into Red Rock country. Our destination was Cedar Breaks National Monument. We climbed almost 4,000 feet from the interstate to the park and we topped out at 10,420 feet. This included some 13% stretches, the first time the coach went down to first gear climbing a hill. We also got the last site at the campground.

We are moving slowly as we acclimate to the altitude but we checked out the ranger programs for tomorrow and got our first look into the canyon.

Similar to Bryce Canyon though smaller, the views were stunning and we are eager to see more tomorrow.

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone