The Arboretum at Flagstaff 071819
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is nestled in the forest just outside of Flagstaff. There was no sign to even promote its existence off the freeway that I could see but we found it none the less down a 3 mile partially paved road. It is a gem in the pine trees filled with wild flowers and native plants. The pathways let you meander through the vegetation at your leisure. On one path is the Butterfly House a must stop to say the least. Inside our docent greeted us and brought us into their house. It was filled with various species of butterflies and plants for them to feed upon. By standing still they would flutter all around you. As we walked the various pathways on the grounds you can see not only the presentation of the plants in a natural landscape but also the art work that is intertwined into the environment. The Arb is truly a place of peaceful tranquility that fills the senses.
I will be back next year for a longer stay just me and my camera to capture the flowers in full bloom.
Other photos are in the following directory... Home/Retirement Endeavors/The Arboretum at Flagstaff gallery. Enjoy
Kayaking on Watson Lake 071719
It was one of those beautiful summer days here in Prescott that said, "get outside". Watson Lake is a quick 5 minute drive from our community to the south boat ramp. We picked up our kayaks from Prescott Outdoors and we were out on the water. Carol was off and paddling away from me while I was having a bit of a problem going straight... After taking a few minutes reacquainting myself with how to work the paddle I finally caught up with her.
I can see why people love Watson Lake so much. I could just float out there for hours. We skirted on the outside edge exploring the various nooks on the waters edge. Just when you think the water ends you turn a corner and it opens up to another area to explore. As we prepared to make our way back to the south ramp the water started getting a little bit choppy as the wind had picked up over the lake. I managed to stay dry in the kayak the whole time until those little waves started slapping the boat. We steered ourselves right into the waves and dug the paddles in deeper to pull ourselves to the opposite shoreline and then just floated just outside the ramp area until our time was up and their was space for us to disembark. That disembark I must say was not very pretty for me. My upper body is strong but getting up from that squatted position required some assistance. This will get better as I become stronger over time.
Photo Lessons: Next time I will bring my little water proof camera and have it lanyard around my neck. Getting the G16 out to snap a few shots turned out to be too cumbersome. A few more pictures are under Home/Retirement Endeavors/Watson Lake 071719
Until next time...
Bearizona - Williams AZ July 11th 2019
We spent the morning driving up to Williams AZ to visit Bearizona Wildlife Park. We all had a great time. The grounds are very well kept by personnel that you can see care about the animals in their care. I loved the added touches to the grounds with flowers and the repurposing of older antique ranch/farming equipment. As this was a venue outing I chose to use my smaller Cannon G16 camera. Though it did well I was jealous seeing so many others with their DSLR units that allowed them to get closer shots of the animals. Next trip I will be more prepared. We attended the Birds of Prey show which showed us various raptors. George the Owl stole the show. The raptors were literally inches above our heads as they flew from the back of the arena to the stage. We then walked the other exhibits and listened to the live music until hunger overtook us so we went into Williams for lunch at Pine Country restaurant. The food was delicious and the pies were fantastic.
I had fun working the photos on my phone software but can't wait to get my computer re-setup with imaging software. Soon very soon....
To see all the photos from this day trip click on home then on the main menu on left side of the screen click on Retirement Endeavors and choose the Bearizona gallery.
This is George the Owl who literally stole the show. So cute and even knows his name.
