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!

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

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

Horton Springs

Our plan was to hike to Fossil Springs today. On the way, we saw a big sign that said Fossil Springs is closed. Denise called the hotline and found out that the AZ game and fish is removing non-native fish for most of the month. Our plan B became Horton Springs. Just 17 miles east of Payson, is an exit for Tonto Creek Picnic Area. Just a bit further up the road, the Horton Springs Trailhead can be found. It is quite an amazing place because Horton Creek is at first dry. After about a 1/2 mile, water seems to suddenly appear. The water must go underground before it meets up with Tonto Creek. I like the Horton Springs hike because of all the water features, which gives me the oppurtunity to use my tripod and long exposure times. The actual springs is basically a hole in the rock with water spewing out. Cool! We did see an elk family frolicking in the water, quite exciting. It was a gorgeous day and quiet! Here are some of my favs:

 

this young elk was splashing around in the water while ma and pa elk watched, they ran off before we could get any closer

Relaxing next to a mini waterfall