December 2012: My near-annual visit to Sedona with my friend Marya. We did not wake up in time for a sunrise hike but we did wake up in time for a sunrise walk to the corner and instagram.
At Red Rock State Park
Sycamore pods
I think this is an AZ White Oak and might be a gall for the elegantly named Irregular Spindle Gall Wasp.
AZ sycamore pods
this bug was really big. Like so big you start thinking "I guess I could eat that if I were lost in the desert and had to."
Red Rock State Park
Another gall. Not sure what kind.
Cardinal
Red Rock State Park
lichen
Blackhawk crossing bridge at Red Rock State Park
Hummingbird (left) about to chase off mystery bird (right)
While Marya was at sweat lodge, I went back to Red Rock State Park and climbed the Eagle's Nest Trail...
...but then I was on top of when I realized the gates were closing in a half hour. (There are a LOT of signs at the park warning you about the closing time.) So I had my very first trail running session.
Next day we did Courthouse Butte Trail. This is the Butte from the south
Manzanita berries
Bell Rock seen from not very far up. I was exhausted that day and the vortex totes didn't help me out with any xtra energy at all. #crummyvortex
Courthouse Butte from the west
Courthouse Butte from the north
it seems like it shouldbe easier for me to figure out what this plant is
Looking north from Courthouse Butte Trail
Courthouse Butte from the east
We came upon a dog photo shoot. Big for spring: sporty booties.
Interesting ledge
Juniper berries - grabbed some and I am hoping to make some gin with them
Some kind of over-exposed sparrow
fruit tbd
I think this might be a jay. I know this is an overexposed photo.
Sunset on way home