Monday, November 5, 2012

Backpacking the Grand Canyon - Part 1

I made plans months ago and received a permit to hike down the Grandview Trail to New Hance Rapids and on up the Red Canyon Trail. I had hiked this same route about 11 years ago, yet many things seemed unfamiliar and new. We were a group of 10 and spent two nights at the river. As  always, words can't describe the beauty there. We left from Prescott around 5:30am for the trailhead. Since our ending trailhead was a different trail, we set up our shuttle system before starting our hike at 8:45. Grandview trail isn't an easy one. We descended 2,000 ft in 3 miles to Horshoe Mesa. We then quickly descended the Redwall down to the Tonto Trail for another 6 miles to New Hance Rapids. Our total mileage was 11.5 miles and we just made it to camp at dark. It was a long haul but well worth the effort. The cool sandy beach felt luxurious. The weather was a warm 78 and we enjoyed quite a bit of shade from the low Autumn sun. Here are some pictures highlighting our first day:

notice the smoky haze from a North Rim fire

gorgeous morning light

butte-y-ful

fall colors

descending the rugged Redwall

copper with blue patina

Page Springs

barrel cactus living on the edge

looking up Hance Creek from Tonto Trail, Cottonwood trees below

trekking along

late afternoon, last descent to the river


first good view of the river, looking west

New Hance Rapids below, looked closer than it took to get down there

Saturday, October 20, 2012

West Fork - Fall Colors

My wife and I try not to miss seeing the fall colors at West Fork just north of Sedona. Today, was the day we had open to make the trip. We arrived just after 9am to a full parking lot, so we drove another 1/2 mile up the highway to park on the shoulder. No big deal. I expected a crowd but figured once we get a mile in, it won't seem so bad. Well, it was bad. We did have moments of solitude and quiet yet those peaceful feelings left me on the hike back. The big groups of folks and their requisite dogs got on my nerves. What's the deal with dog owners? What makes them think little fluffy foo-foo wants to see fall colors? What are doggy parks for? Okay, I don't actually hate dogs, it is mostly the fact that the owners are not responsible and respectful. I really like West Fork for the intimate feeling of the narrow canyon and the lush vegetation. Not such an intimate canyon today, everyone had the same idea, I don't blame them, it's a beautiful place worth seeing again and again. Ah well, it was mostly enjoyable and the colors were amazing as usual. We found a few more awesome alcoves just off the trail to photograph. We hiked to the end of the trail where a person could continue past the 3.3 mile end if you don't mind wading in water. Some day, we will do it. My favorite pic of all is the raven getting it's feet wet. Check it:
 




pratically a rainbow of colors from these trees













Caw, caw... here is my fav pic of the day!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Lockett Meadow - SF Peaks - Fall Colors

It was a perfect day, warm, sunny, cool breezes, vivid fall colors.... and hiking with my beautiful wife! Need I say more? Here are some of my favorite photos. I can't wait to get started on painting from some of these photos!

trail framed by Aspens

crunchy floor, earthy smells

long morning shadows

bright blue skies



tall beauties

enchanted forest


Inner Basin

patches of gold

Locket Meadow and the San Fransisco Peaks

Thursday, October 4, 2012

New Paintings & Upcoming Sedona Show

Here are some brand new paintings from the last couple months. Having art shows to exhibit in really is a good motivator to get new work done. I will be part of the Sedona Arts Festival on October 13-14, 2012 at the Sedona High School. The hours of operation both days are 9:00am to 4:00pm. Find me at booth B19 with some of these new paintings and much more!
"Autumn Melody" 8x10 oil, sold as a comission piece

"Bryce Canyon Hoodoo" 12x17 oil

"Fossil Creek Passage" 9x12 oil

"Summer Melody" 8x10, sold as a comission

"Songbird Lane" 9x12 oil

"Rooted at Oak Creek" 12x16

"Sedona Sunset" 18x24 oil

"Morning Showers" 9x12 oil