Cray-Cray

East Clear Creek from above

I got myself a little over committed last week.  Has that ever happened to you?  

Thursday I headed to Payson to the Northern Gila County Fair to be an assistant to the judge (the illustrious Kerrick James) of the photography competition.  Hanging out with Kerrick is always fun, but I had no idea that there would be 425 photographs to judge.  Seriously, there were only 3 quilts.  We saw some great work and met some fabulous people.  My favorite thing about this competition is that two Juniors (17 and under) each won a gift certificate toward the Arizona Highways Photo Workshop of their choice.  Kudos to the Rim Country Camera Club for creating this opportunity for youth.

Seven Falls

Friday morning I worked at my other job, and then my husband and I drove to Tucson.  The photographic highlight of that trip was hiking the Seven Falls Trail with my friend and frequent traveling companion Jeff Maltzman.  Seven Falls is fairly famous, and I was thrilled to see it for the first time.  Jeff was right; it’s a good idea to get an early start on a Saturday because this is a popular place.

Luna checking out the geology on the Kinder Crossing Trail

Sunday and Monday Luna, my canine roommate, and I went up to Rim Country to camp and round out my portfolios from a couple of trails we’d hiked last month.  We especially loved the Kinder Crossing Trail with its gorgeous views of East Clear Creek.  Some bushwhacking was required, and after the overnight rain, we got completely soaked.  She didn’t seem to mind.

Sunrise at Watson Lake

Tuesday and Wednesday I explored Jerome and Prescott with a couple of friends, one of whom is visiting from the Washington DC area.  They headed to Monument Valley for a workshop the next day.  The photographic highlight of that little road trip was introducing Amy to Watson Lake Park and being blown away by one of the lake’s legendary sunrises.

1200 miles in a week.

As tired as I was after all that, I’m mostly thinking that life is full of fabulous opportunities.  Oh, and that it was good to get back to work so I could rest.

Happy journeys to you, though you might want to choose moderation over cray-cray.

We desert dwellers are always thrilled when Summer gives way to Fall.  Images from my next trip will populate an Autumn gallery. Good news indeed.