Leaving a Trail

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead

where there is no path and leave a trail."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spikes of red-orange flowers in bloom

on the Mexican Ocotillo Tree

against the bluest desert sky.

Temperature +90F

We leave behind the numerous desert trails and

our winter oasis in the Sonoran desert.

Tomorrow we begin the 5 day road trip back home

to Canada.

With the warmer season approaching I think it's time

to explore our woodlands surrounded by Lake and streams.

I do hope that Spring is waiting for me upon arrival!

::

Tomorrow we head for New Mexico

and I will leave a trail for you to follow!

Thank You friends for staying in touch

during our

3 month winter escape to Scottsdale Arizona!

::

this post is linked to SKYWATCH FRIDAY

Waterfowl

Temperature today in Scottsdale high 80's ..

bike riding around an urban park and a pond filled with

approachable waterfowl proved to be a successful photo shoot

With only 2 days left before heading back to Canada

it was a pleasant surprise to see Canada geese!

They don't appear eager to leave this watery location.

"The nicest and sweetest days..

are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens.. but those that bring simple little pleasures.. following one another softly.. like pearls slipping off a string."

by writer Lucy Montgomery

My thoughts.. the separation.. a symbol of hope

now in the hands of Mother Nature.

~

I'm linking to Watery Wednesday

Hedgehog Cactus

Hidden secrets..meticulous detail..elaborate composition.

When exposed to the rays of the sun the Hedgehog Cactus blooms almost overnight.. and transforms into a beautiful flower.. a glorious riot of bright fushia color crowning the Hedgehog Cactis!

In previous post an orange flower but it is this bright vibrant pink that takes my breath away!

Desert Spring

"Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun!"

It is a time when flowers begin to appear and adorn

the cacti

It's Springtime in the Desert!

I'm linking this post to Todays Flower

Rugged Peaks

Pinnacle Peak

I introduced you to this prominent N. Scottsdale landmark

in February when I posted here.

Since then we've hiked the 3 1/2 mile trail twice!

At first glance you may see just a pile of rocks but with a closer

look one realizes the amount of life this desert landscape offers.

Described as a moderate hike with miles of graded trails

winding its way up and around the mountain.

ENLARGE image for a closer look and see the numerous hikers.

I found it to be a challenge climbing up the slopes

having arthritis in knee and hip.
Was I nuts hiking this trail not once but twice!!

Although a gradual ascent every step upward a struggle..

natureboy are we there yet!!

The highest point 2889 ft. and then the trail drops down

the west side of the mountain.
After reaching the end you then turn around and

go back the way you came!

A few times I didn't think I'd make it..

I gulp down my pure coconut water
known to rejuvenate and balance body PH.

I catch my breath,rest and enjoy taking photos

of the panoramic view.

As we climb the slopes there is an ever changing view the

higher we go. I scope out the luxury real estate below and one

of the nearly 200 area golf courses in and around Scottsdale

using my zoom lens.

Enlarge and see for yourself!
WE continue along the trail and I keep a watchful eye for desert

inhabitants...

snakes and lizards now come out from winter hibernation.

I know that my friend Lisa is freaking out reading this!

I feel rewarded in seeing the lizard below coming out to

bask in the sunshine!

A feeling of accomplishment comes over me..I conquered yet

another mountain hike!

Spring has come to the desert and I have one more hike planned

before we head back home to Canada next week!

Whaaaa! I'm not ready to leave yet!!

Has the SNOW melted yet?!!

Hello Whip tail Lizard!

"Don't ask what the world needs.

Ask what makes you come alive and go do it.

Because what the world needs is people who have come alive"

Howard Thurman

Sweet Water

Can you believe that here in the desert we spent

a day at the beach!

Bartlett Lake

A 40 minute drive from Cave Creek, our winter home

through a natural desert terrain in the heart

of the Tonto Forest

we spend a day enjoying the Lake!

Surrounded by indigenous desert plants and fed by

the pristine waters of the Verde River a perfect

refuge from the desert heat.

With temperature of 90 degrees last week todays overcast

sky was a welcome break.

Scenic Bartlett Lake offers recreation
of boating, fishing, and overnight camping. I'm sure that
during the summertime this beach is quite busy.
This particular day hubby, son and grandson went fishing.

Grandaughter and I enjoy the peace and solitude
sitting on rocks surrounded by sloping beaches.
~
*today's post is linked to Watery Wednesday

Two's Company

"a friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"the snow goose need not bathe to make itself white..

neither need you do anything but be yourself"

Laozi

two's company

~

We have 2 weeks left here before heading back to our

permanent home in Canada.

I find myself missing my friends back home.
~

today's post is linked to* Watery Wednesday

Desert Oasis

"Water is the mother of the vine,

the nurse and fountain of fecundity,

the adorner and refresher of the world"

Charles Mackay

Welcome friends!

Last week I introduced you to this unforgettable Jewel.

Smack in the middle of desert terrain

~ a quiet stream~

winds peacefully through.

I lag behind taking photos admiring the grasses, rocks and

various plants, creek side as my friends continue upstream.

A Saguaro cactus forest that remains natural and protected!

Elephant mountain in the background.

*the shape of a resting elephant. head is the centre bump

"Leave it as it is..the ages have been at work on it and man

can only mar it!"
Theadore Roosevelt

Spring renewal beginning!

Seen in the wand-like stems topped with

showy red flowers of the

Ocotillo Tree!

Lichens are pollution indicators.

Pollution in the atmosphere

can be especially dangerous to lichen.
I am impressed by seeing Mother Nature's painted rocks!

The hikers find a resting place before heading back.

We agree that we'll carry the spirit of this unique desert oasis

with us long after we leave!

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly..
what is essential to the eye."
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

A heart shaped HOLE in MOTHER EARTH!! Can you spot it! Enlarge image.
~
*today's post is linked to Watery Wednesday

Sunny Delight

Fresh picked oranges full of sunshine goodness!

Orange trees are abundant in the surrounding desert area!
How's 65 cents for a bag of 12 oranges!
Freshly picked a sunny delight!

I shall miss this freshness when I return home in a few weeks.
Spring has arrived in the desert area!

Friendship Flowers

"The most I can do for my friends is simply to be his friend.

I have no wealth to bestow on him.

If he knows that I am happy in loving him,

he will want no other reward.

Is not friendship divine in this?"

Henry David Thoreau

Flowers arranged into bouquets communicate emotion..

each flower has a special meaning..

flowers are gifts given from Mother Nature..

Friendship the unexpected gift of everlasting flowers

the bouquet we give to our self..

the family we choose for ourselves..

a best friend is a sister destiny forgot to give you.
Friendship is given in the spirit of generosity.

The real magic with friendship ..

a gentle smile, a knowing nod, an understanding heart..

as we communicate.

~

3 ladies once strangers began blogging visiting each others blog

and the hand of friendship was

the unexpected blessing!

A true delight was meeting up together In Phoenix last week!

Upon first glance we felt as though we knew each other forever!

Gemma lives in the area so we have met up on several occasions

and Annie came up from California for the weekend.

I'm hiding out in the desert away from our Canadian cold winters!

~

I was charmed by spending an afternoon with these 2 special ladies

Two ladies from the hundreds who showered me with caring words

encouragement and prayers

during my struggle last year with my latest cancer journey.

I accept and feel the blessing having walked with two of my

~ Quiet Angels~

2 of my everlasting friendsip flowers!

I cherish friends both personal and you who I've

met within this blogging commuity.

There are many ~quiet angels~ among you..

~my everlasting friendship flowers~

~I wish you all a day of sunshine!~

~Today's flowers~ & ~Mosiac Monday~.. links are on my sidebar

P.S: Mary @ Mosaic Monday is offering a giveaway!

Heart Rock

Spirit and Love

a gift from

Mother Earth

Blue Sky

Artistic vision against a Blue Sky!

I'm always looking up

Supreme Blue Sky

Shape and Composition

"glass looks as if it comes from Nature"
location: Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
Chihuly's glass art was exhibited in March 2009
the above only remaining display today at a cost of 1 million $
I toured the exhibit in 2009 and if you would like to see more
of Dale Chihuly's passion of blown glass art see my post here.
~
Thanks for stopping by and to all my friends who are

experiencing the dull grey winter sky I hope this dose of

BLUE SKY lifted your spirit!

*To view global skies click the sidebar SKY WATCH logo

Desert Jewel

Exploring in the Desert continues to offer miles

of hiking trails, wilderness and solitude without having to

venture far from civilization!

My passion for Nature leads me to a desert oasis..

Tonto National forest at the edge of the town of Cave Creek.

A magical forest!

Giant Saguaro cactus and Cottonwood trees..

a protected nature preserve called

"the Jewel of the Desert"

a sparkling stream

certainly the crown jewel!

A lush area along a river bank with
Mesquite and beautiful Cottonwood trees!
With the sound of trickling water I cross over the
makeshift bridge excited knowing that today
great photo opportunities will arise naturally as I enjoy and
observe the water and the many botanical resources it provides!
Am I really in the desert!!


With arms up the giant Saguaro waves so I follow
the Nature Trail
anxious to discover more jewels of this desert!
I'll stand here and wait for you as you cross over..
look what's ahead!

I am told by other hikers that this
Cottonwood tree looks glorious in early January
when it shows off its golden color
before it's leaves drop.
note to self: ..return here next January to see the golden jewel color!
~
"A picture is the expression of an impression..
If the beautiful were not in us,
how would we ever recognize it?"
Ernst Haas

Welcome Watery Wednesday visitors!