#Montezuma Valley

[thorsenmark]

Hiking Along the Knife Edge Trail with Only Amazing Views! (Mesa Verde National Park) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A setting looking to the southwest while taking in views and hiking the Knife Edge Trail in Mesa Verde National Park. The ridges off in the distance are coming off the main park area and road entrance, while this path follows the older park road entrance. My thought I\'m composing this image was to take advantage of the layers present, from near to far, while using the hiking trail as a leading line into the image. As a side note, I later came to realize the overlook point I’d visit next was on the other side of this bend at Montezuma Valley Overlook, following the old park entrance road.

[rabbitcruiser]

The United States National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916.

National Park Service Founders Day    

The National Park Service was created when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act on August 25, 1916. The anniversary of its creation is known as National Park Service Founders Day, or simply as Founders Day, and is celebrated by all national parks. They offer free admission and host special programs, both in-person and virtual. The celebration happens to take place during National Parks Month.

According to the Organic Act, "the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations" and their "purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." This is not too far removed from the National Park Service's current mission statement: "The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world." The National Park Service is a bureau in the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is led by a director who is nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The first national park was Yellowstone National Park. It was established on March 1, 1872, with the Yellowstone Act, "as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." Yellowstone was administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, as were other early parks and some monuments, while other monuments and historical areas were administered by the War Department and the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture. When the National Park Service was created on today's date in 1916, it managed 35 parks and monuments. With an executive order in 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt brought 56 national monuments and military sites administered by the War Department and the Forest Service into the National Park Service. This move brought areas of historical, scenic, and scientific importance together. For a new park to be created, there must be an act of Congress. But, on account of the Antiquities Act of 1906, the president can proclaim national monuments on lands under federal jurisdiction.

By the 2020s, there were over 420 national park sites, or units, in the National Park System, covering over 85 million acres of land, located in every state, in the District of Columbia, and in a number of US territories. Collectively they are referred to as parks, although there are many naming designations, such as National Battlefields, National Military Parks, and National Historic Sites. There are also "related areas"—these are not managed by the National Park Service, but "are linked in importance and purpose to places managed directly by the National Park Service by preserving important segments of the nation's natural and cultural heritage." Examples are National Heritage Areas, Affiliated Areas, and trails in the National Trails System. The National Park Service employs about 20,000 people, and has almost 300,000 volunteers! With such an expanse of land in its jurisdiction and so many people involved in the land's preservation, it's apparent that the National Park Service's original goal of conservation for future generations is still being met, and this is celebrated today with National Park Service Founders Day!

How to Observe National Park Service Founders Day

There are numerous ways you could celebrate the day:

Visit a national park or other location managed by the National Park System. Remember, there is free admission today! If you can't visit in person, you could do so virtually.

Get the NPS app.

Check out the National Park Service's "Games and Challenges."

Read a book about the national parks.

Watch National Parks: America's Best Idea and read its companion book.

Learn about the past directors of the National Park Service.

Volunteer or work for the National Park Service.

Follow the National Park Service's social media accounts.

Source

[gaytravelinfo]

Wandering Heart Adventures – Surprise, Arizona

Welcome to wandering heart adventures Featuring: Antelope Canyon Unique Sightseeing Arizona Day Trips Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend Grand Canyon/Sedona and many more! Ask about private tours DAY TOUR PACKAGES: We offer six day trip packages of Northern Arizona and Southern Arizona. From Native American wonders of Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle to red rock delights of the Sedona and the…

[kedreeva]

I didn’t know there were different species of quail?! I thought all males had the silly (cute) forehead feather. If you want to tell us all about quail, I would love to hear, but I also possess the Googles. Anyway, your birds make me smile. Thank you for posting about them.

oh there's like a million species lol I don't know much about any of them, just names and I can recognize a lot of them. I raised Bobwhite quail (my favorites) for wild local release since they're native to michigan.

I'm raising Celadon quail now, which are coturnix with the celadon (Ce) gene, which strips their eggs of the splotchy bloom coating, leaving them blue.

Here's what the wild type looks like:

There's a species of coturnix called a rain quail:

The ones with the little head doot you're PROBABLY thinking of are valley quail (California quail, I think they're also called?).

And the really similar Gambel's quail:

There's button quail

blue scaled quail which have a crest, not a doot

Montezuma quail which honestly may be a very big hoax I mean look at these fuckers:

Which are different somehow than the ocellated quail which are just as ridiculous:

Mountain quail which couldn't decide if it wanted a crest or a doot I guess:

the elegant quail:

there's a bunch more too, but. yeah quail come in all sorts of Shapes and colors. they're neat little birds. I think the bobwhites, valley, gambel's, scaled, mountain, and uhhhh montezuma quails? are native to the US, but not all of them are in every state.

[csny]

Alaska: Igloo, Kodiak bear, Iditarod sled dog race, Denali

Hawaii: pearl harbor, pineapple

washington: Space Needle, apple, mt st helens, rainier national park

oregon: roses, lighthouse, crater lake, oregon trail, hiking

california: redwood tree, white water rafting, gold, golden gate bridge, silicon valley, yosemite national park, wine country, sierra nevada mountains, hollywood, joshua tree

nevada: silver, las vegas strip, hoover dam

idaho: gemstones, potatoes

montana: rocky mountains, glacier national park, grizzly bear, bison

wyoming: yellowstone national park, old faithful geyser, bucking bronco

utah: great salt lake, zion national park, skiing

arizona: lake mead, grand canyon national park, montezuma castle, turquoise, saguaro cactus

new mexico: pueblo, yucca plant, carlsbad caverns

colorado: rocky mountain national park, columbine flower, elk

north dakota: oil, wind energy

south dakota: crazy horse memorial, the badlands, mount rushmore

nebraska: chimney rock, bald eagle, train

kansas: tornadoes, dodge city, sunflower

oklahoma: tomato, wheat, osage shield

texas: cattle, prickly pear cactus, oil refinery, the alamo, NASA Johnson space Center

Minnesota: lake of the woods, wolf, deer

iowa: prairie grass, corn

missouri; Hog, gateway arch

arkansas: razorback hog, banjo

louisiana: crayfish, mardi gras, jazz music

wisconsin: dairy

illinois: Willis tower, tractor, lincoln

michigan: copper, iron ore, automobile manufacturing, motown

indiana: Car

ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, tires

pennsylvania: street mill, liberty bell

new jersey: constitution

maryland: blue crab

virginia: mount vernon

north carolina: wright brothers national memorial, tobacco farm, great smoky mountains national park, appalachian mountains

south carolina: fort sumter

georgia: peanuts, peach

florida: oranges, kennedy space center, alligator, everglades national park

alabama: cotton, civil rights movement

mississippi: magnolia

tennessee: country music

kentucky: horse racing

west virginia: coal

new york: apple tree, financial market, statue of liberty

massachusetts: american revolution

vermont: maple syrup

new hampshire: fall colors

maine: acadia national park, moose, lobster

And don’t make me repeat it!!!!!!!

[abirpothi]

Top 11 Castles in the United States

Exploring the United States reveals a surprising array of castles, each with its own unique charm and history. Whether nestled in scenic landscapes or standing proudly in bustling cities, these castles captivate visitors with their architectural grandeur and storied pasts. Here are the top 11 castles in the US that are a must-see for any castle enthusiast:

1. Biltmore Estate

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately-owned home. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, this grand chateau features stunning architecture, expansive gardens, and a winery.

Biltmore Estate | Courtesy: Wikipedia

2. Hearst Castle

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Simeon, California, Hearst Castle is a masterpiece of opulence. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, it boasts lavish interiors, impressive art collections, and panoramic views.

Hearst Castle| Courtesy: Wikipedia

3. Castello Di Amorosa

Napa Valley’s Castello Di Amorosa transports visitors to medieval Tuscany. This authentically styled castle features a winery within its walls, offering tours and tastings amidst its impressive architecture and scenic vineyards.

Castello di Amorosa| Courtesy: Tripadvisor

4. Cinderella Castle

An icon of fantasy and magic, Cinderella Castle is the centerpiece of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. This fairy tale castle is beloved by visitors of all ages for its enchanting design and role in Disney storytelling.

Cinderella Castle| Courtesy: Tripadvisor

5. The Breakers

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, The Breakers is a symbol of the Gilded Age’s extravagance. This Vanderbilt mansion dazzles with its Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture, luxurious interiors, and oceanfront location.

The Breakers| Courtesy: Wikipedia

6. Iolani Palace

Situated in Honolulu, Hawaii, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. Built in the 19th century, it served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and now stands as a National Historic Landmark.

Iolani Palace| Courtesy: Wikipedia

7. Montezuma Castle

In Camp Verde, Arizona, Montezuma Castle showcases remarkable ancient cliff dwellings. Built by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago, this well-preserved structure offers insights into Native American history and architecture.

Montezuma Castle National Monument| Courtesy: Wikipedia

8. Boldt Castle

Located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands of New York, Boldt Castle is a testament to a tragic love story. Built by George C. Boldt as a tribute to his wife, this castle features romantic gardens, intricate stone masonry, and a captivating narrative.

Boldt Castle| Courtesy: Wikipedia

9. Bishop Castle

A remarkable feat of one man’s vision and determination, Bishop Castle in Colorado is a unique and evolving creation. Hand-built by Jim Bishop over several decades, this castle continues to grow in size and complexity, showcasing whimsical architecture and breathtaking views.

Bishop Castle| Courtesy: Wikipedia

10. Lyndhurst Mansion

Set amidst Tarrytown, New York’s picturesque landscape, Lyndhurst Mansion is a Gothic Revival masterpiece. Designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, it boasts elaborate interiors, scenic grounds, and a rich history dating back to the Gilded Age.

Lyndhurst (mansion) – Courtesy: Wikipedia

11. Bannerman Castle

Located on Pollepel Island along the Hudson River in New York, Bannerman Castle is a striking ruin-turned-tourist attraction. Built by Francis Bannerman VI as a private arsenal, it now offers guided tours showcasing its mysterious past and stunning riverside views.

Bannerman Castle | Courtesy: The New York Times

These 11 castles represent a diverse culture of American history, architecture, and culture. Each offers a unique glimpse into different eras and styles, from medieval-inspired wineries to grand Gilded Age mansions and even a fairy tale castle straight out of Disney. Whether you’re drawn to the opulence of Hearst Castle or the rugged charm of Bishop Castle, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences for castle enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Plan your visits to these remarkable sites and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of American castles.

[briarcrawford]

Montezuma Castle | America's Medieval Marvel Revealed

“Montezuma Castle, an awe-inspiring cliff dwelling, nestled within the limestone cliffs of Arizona's Verde Valley, resembles a medieval fortress, earning it the moniker "America's Historic Medieval Marvel." Join Kevin Hicks as he explores the history of Montezuma Castle, a remarkably preserved five-story structure which dates back to the 12th century, and the discover parallels between this and some of the medieval building techniques in Europe. As an extra treat, Kevin also explores more medieval structures at Montezuma Well, an oasis in the Arizona Desert.”

One thing he didn’t mention about Montezuma Castle is that the building is an early example of passive solar design.

When the sun is lowest on the horizon, the sun light(and heat) hits the building and helps to warm it. In summer when the sun is high on the horizon, the cliff shadows the building from the sun, keeping it cool.

[danvswild]

Day 7

Montezuma Valley Road to mile 115 - 15.0 miles

I slept a total of 10 hours last night :) I guess I’ve been missing a bed. This morning I woke up and made a huge breakfast in preparation of picking up my first resupply packages in Warner Springs.

I took that one last hot shower until Idyllwild and hitched a ride from Bill back to the trail. I felt so powerful this morning (probably because the trail was pretty flat). I walked swiftly through the fields and pastures to Eagle Rock. Can confirm the rock does indeed look like an eagle, good name!

I headed into Warner Springs to pick up 2 resupply packages! One from my friend and one from @minijeng <3 I got my arcteryx jacket and prepacked snacks from my friend. @minijeng sent me a bunch of Mountain Houses, trail mix, and a tamagotchi, which is perfect for the trail :D Really so so thankful and grateful for this. I had such a rush of happiness from seeing those freeze dried meals with over 700 calories :P I had so much food, I sent my future self a resupply package 150 miles ahead at Big Bear. I also got the famous Mad Mike’s sausage dogs and they were 🔥

I hiked about 5 mile mores through a beautiful meadow just like the one in Microsoft XP. Then I setup camp and hit the bag.

Overall really good day! My knee hurts a bit but I was so happy to be back out in nature and in my tent again :D

[casbooks]

Books of 2023

Book 4 of 2023:

Title: Flashing Saber/Brennan’s War Authors: Matthew Brennan ISBN: 9781503102941 Tags: ACH-47 Guns-A-Go-Go Chinook, Forward Observer, FRA Groupement Mobile 100 (Indochina War), FSB Baldy (Vietnam War), FSB Bird (Vietnam War), FSB Cobra (Vietnam War), FSB English (Vietnam War), FSB Montezuma (Vietnam War), H-13 Sioux, KOR ROK Republic of Korea Army, LZ Hammond (Vietnam War), LZ Hereford (Vietnam War), LZ Montezuma (Vietnam War), LZ Porrazzo (Vietnam War), LZ Ross (Vietnam War), LZ Willy (Vietnam War), Military Police, OH-6, OV-1 Mohawk, UK Royal Malaysian Tracker School, US USA 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, US USA 12th Cavalry Regiment, US USA 173rd Airborne Brigade, US USA 196th Light Infantry Brigade, US USA 1st Cavalry Division, US USA 1st ID, US USA 21st Field Artillery Bn, US USA 227th Assault Helicopter Bn, US USA 35th Infantry Regiment, US USA 35th Infantry Regiment - 1/35, US USA 4th ID, US USA 9th Cavalry - 1st Squadron (Headhunters), US USA 9th Cavalry Regiment, US USA Combat Trackers - K9, US USA LRRP Team (Vietnam War), US USA United States Army, USA Capt. James Taylor (MOH) (Vietnam War), USAF Phu Cat Airbase (Vietnam War), VNM 1968 Tet Offensive (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM 506 Valley, VNM A Shau Valley, VNM An Khe, VNM An Lao, VNM An Loc, VNM Battle of Hue City (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Battle of Khe Sanh (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Binh An, VNM Binh Dinh Province, VNM Bong Son, VNM Bong Son River, VNM Bu Dop Special Forces Camp (Vietnam War), VNM Camp Evans (Vietnam War), VNM Camp Radcliff (Vietnam War), VNM Chu Lai, VNM CIA Phung Hoang / Phoenix Program (1965-1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Crow's Foot War Zone, VNM Da Nang, VNM Deo Mang, VNM Deo Mang pass, VNM DRV NVA 18th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 18th Regiment - 27th Co, VNM DRV NVA 22nd Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 2nd Division, VNM DRV NVA 33rd Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 3rd Division, VNM DRV NVA 812th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA Sang Vao (Yellow Star) Division, VNM DRV VC 2nd Regiment, VNM Duc Pho, VNM Hiep Duc, VNM Ho Bo Woods, VNM Hon Kon (Hong Kong Mountain), VNM Hue, VNM Khe Sanh, VNM Kim Son, VNM Kontum, VNM Lang Vei Special Forces Camp (Vietnam War), VNM Loc Ninh, VNM LZ Ross, VNM Mang Yang Pass, VNM Million Dollar Hill, VNM Monument Hill, VNM Nui Ba Ra (Mountain of the Old Man), VNM Operation Cravy Horse (1966) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Masher (1966) (Vietnam War), VNM Perfume River, VNM Phouc Vinh, VNM Pleiku, VNM Quan Loi, VNM Quang Tri, VNM Que Son Valley, VNM Route 1, VNM Route 14, VNM Route 19, VNM Rung Sat Special Zone, VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN ARVN Vietnamese Rangers - Biet Dong Quan, VNM RVN RVNP Can Sat National Police, VNM Saigon, VNM Song Re, VNM Soui Ca Mountains, VNM Tam Ky, VNM Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VNM The Graveyard, VNM Tiger Mountains, VNM USMC DHCB Dong Ha Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM USMC KSCB Khe Sanh Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM VC Valley, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM Vinh Thanh Valley (Happy Valley), VNM War Zone C, VNM War Zone D, VNM French Indochina War (1946-1954) Rating: 5 Stars  Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.US Army.Infantry

Description: 

"The division's expendables." That's what one division commander called the 1/9th Cavalry Blue platoons during the Vietnam War. The Blues, as they were called, were perpetually understrength and considered to be acceptable losses in hopeless situations--but their amazingly successful record proved otherwise.

Flashing Saber is memoir about mortal combat with the First Air Cavalry Division's reconnaissance squadron. Included is the account of an air-ground raid that killed more high-ranking enemy officers than any similar engagement of the war: a full colonel, four majors and four senior captains.

An expansion and careful reworking of his previous work, Brennan's War, published in 1985, and in the vein of classic memoirs by Johnnie Clark and Frederick Downs, the book is a harrowing firsthand account of life and death in war.****

Review: I’ve read Brennan’s previous book, Brennan’s War shortly after it was published in 1985. A lot of what was in it stuck with me as a classic retelling of some ones honest look at their own experience, their failures/stupidity, and both good and bad choices. 

This version adds a lot more nuance and more understanding to what he experienced, and the added snippets add a lot to round out some of the people and tales without watering down the experiences or raw emotion.

His experiences are unique due to his circumstances, and most importantly, he has an excellent way of telling the story. It’s not just a cut and dry “i went here, I did this...” ... but he understands narrative, he understands human emotion, and he is able to convey things in a way many other authors of this genre actually fail to do. 

[captawesomesauce]

Thoughts at 2pm...

Finished tagging a 2nd book, and all of the tags are below the cut line.

ACH-47 Guns-A-Go-Go Chinook, Forward Observer, FRA Groupement Mobile 100 (Indochina War), FSB Baldy (Vietnam War), FSB Bird (Vietnam War), FSB Cobra (Vietnam War), FSB English (Vietnam War), FSB Montezuma (Vietnam War), H-13 Sioux, KOR ROK Republic of Korea Army, LZ Hammond (Vietnam War), LZ Hereford (Vietnam War), LZ Montezuma (Vietnam War), LZ Porrazzo (Vietnam War), LZ Ross (Vietnam War), LZ Willy (Vietnam War), Military Police, OH-6, OV-1 Mohawk, UK Royal Malaysian Tracker School, US USA 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, US USA 12th Cavalry Regiment, US USA 173rd Airborne Brigade, US USA 196th Light Infantry Brigade, US USA 1st Cavalry Division, US USA 1st ID, US USA 21st Field Artillery Bn, US USA 227th Assault Helicopter Bn, US USA 35th Infantry Regiment, US USA 35th Infantry Regiment - 1/35, US USA 4th ID, US USA 9th Cavalry - 1st Squadron (Headhunters), US USA 9th Cavalry Regiment, US USA Combat Trackers - K9, US USA LRRP Team (Vietnam War), USA Capt. James Taylor (MOH) (Vietnam War), USAF Phu Cat Airbase (Vietnam War), VNM 1968 Tet Offensive (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM 506 Valley, VNM A Shau Valley, VNM An Khe, VNM An Lao, VNM An Loc, VNM Battle of Hue City (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Battle of Khe Sanh (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Binh An, VNM Binh Dinh Province, VNM Bong Son, VNM Bong Son River, VNM Bu Dop Special Forces Camp (Vietnam War), VNM Camp Evans (Vietnam War), VNM Camp Radcliff (Vietnam War), VNM Chu Lai, VNM CIA Phung Hoang / Phoenix Program (1965-1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Crow's Foot War Zone, VNM Da Nang, VNM Deo Mang, VNM Deo Mang pass, VNM DRV NVA 18th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 18th Regiment - 27th Co, VNM DRV NVA 22nd Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 2nd Division, VNM DRV NVA 33rd Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 3rd Division, VNM DRV NVA 812th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA Sang Vao (Yellow Star) Division, VNM DRV VC 2nd Regiment, VNM Duc Pho, VNM Hiep Duc, VNM Ho Bo Woods, VNM Hon Kon (Hong Kong Mountain), VNM Hue, VNM Khe Sanh, VNM Kim Son, VNM Kontum, VNM Lang Vei Special Forces Camp (Vietnam War), VNM Loc Ninh, VNM LZ Ross, VNM Mang Yang Pass, VNM Million Dollar Hill, VNM Monument Hill, VNM Nui Ba Ra (Mountain of the Old Man), VNM Operation Cravy Horse (1966) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Masher (1966) (Vietnam War), VNM Perfume River, VNM Phouc Vinh, VNM Pleiku, VNM Quan Loi, VNM Quang Tri, VNM Que Son Valley, VNM Route 1, VNM Route 14, VNM Route 19, VNM Rung Sat Special Zone, VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN ARVN Vietnamese Rangers - Biet Dong Quan, VNM RVN RVNP National Police, VNM Saigon, VNM Song Re, VNM Soui Ca Mountains, VNM Tam Ky, VNM Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VNM The Graveyard, VNM Tiger Mountains, VNM USMC DHCB Dong Ha Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM USMC KSCB Khe Sanh Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM VC Valley, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM Vinh Thanh Valley (Happy Valley), VNM War Zone C, VNM War Zone D, VNM French Indochina War (1946-154)

[sunmarketing]

Best of Sedona Arizona

In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I travel solo while in a “group”? 

Today’s Destination is: Sedona, AZ

Today’s Mistake- I bought the wrong ticket online

Travel Advice:  Gas up when half full.

  FAQ: How can I travel solo while still in a “group”?

  Answer: Before or after your group trip, plan some solo time, for just you. That way, when you do get to the arranged activities, you will be ready and prepared. Some people like to warm up by going with just one friend, before they join the group. That’s ok, too.

  After your group tour, you may want to spend a few days in the same region to explore other options and see things that were left off the tour. Tourguides generally only show you the best parts of the region. To really experience it, you need some solo trip time, too.

  Today’s destination: Sedona, Arizona

  Sedona, Arizona, and the Verde Valley area are 1200 square miles big and are a traveler’s delight. It’s like an oasis in the desert, but lifelike and real. It’s known for spirituality, wellness, and red rocks.

  Sedona’s magic goes back to history and legend. It may have been linked to early Aztec or Mayan occupation thousands of years ago. The earliest native artifacts—such as pottery and weavings—found in the area date back to as early as the 7th century. Later, tribes were present, including the Hopi, Navajo, and (YA—VA Pie) Yavapai.

  Cliff houses are worth exploring such as Sedona’s (pal at kI) Palatki Heritage Site or nearby Montezuma Castle. Way back in the 16th century, the Spanish called the local in-dig in us) Indigenous people Sinagua, which means without water. Sedona is named after the wife of TC Schnebly, the founder in modern days of the area.

  https://visitsedona.com/

     Today’s Mistake- I bought the wrong ticket online.

      Today’s Travel Advice-Gas up when half full

  Check the gas gauge when you get in the car. Make sure you have enough. It’s best to fill up early in the day if you can. I try to fill up whenever I am halfway full.

Gas prices have been dropping lately. Use the GasBuddy app or similar method of finding the cheapest gas in your neigbhorhood.

  Connect with Dr Travelbest

Drmarytravelbest.com

Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group

Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram

email: info@drmarytravelbest.com

Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast

Dr. Travelbest on TikTok

Dr.Travelbest onYouTube

Check out this Dr Travelbest episode!

[thorsenmark]

From Near to Far, I Only See Wonders (Mesa Verde National Park) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: While hiking the Knife Edge Trail with a view looking to the west across the Montezuma Valley to more distant ridges and peaks of the Ute Mountain Area. This is in Mesa Verde National Park. My thought on composing this image was to get behind some nearby rubber rabbitbrush and then capture a view beyond across the ridges of the national park (image left) to the more distant peaks off in the distance. I closed down on the aperture so that I could bring more of the entire image into focus. The rest was metering to not blow any of the highlights in the skies above, while still being able to pull the nearby shadowed areas later on in post-production.

[rabbitcruiser]

Arizona was admitted as the 48th U.S. state on February 14, 1912.  

[taruntravell]

Things to Do in Arizona

Arizona is a diverse and beautiful state with a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Arizona:

Grand Canyon National Park: One of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and a variety of hiking trails for all levels of adventurers.

Sedona: Known for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the many art galleries and spiritual retreats.

Antelope Canyon: Located near Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a unique slot canyon known for its smooth, flowing sandstone walls that create picturesque light beams.

Monument Valley: This iconic desert landscape with towering sandstone buttes has been featured in countless films and offers a unique opportunity to experience Navajo culture and traditions.

Saguaro National Park: Located near Tucson, this park is home to the famous saguaro cactus, and it offers great hiking opportunities amidst the desert scenery.

Horseshoe Bend: Another stunning natural formation near Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a dramatic meander in the Colorado River that creates a horseshoe-shaped curve.

Phoenix and Scottsdale: Explore the vibrant cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, known for their excellent dining, shopping, cultural attractions, and golf courses.

Lake Powell: Enjoy boating, kayaking, and swimming in the beautiful Lake Powell, surrounded by red rock canyons and cliffs.

Bisbee: A charming and quirky town in southeastern Arizona, Bisbee is known for its historic architecture, art scene, and mining history.

Tucson Botanical Gardens: Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, showcasing various plant species native to the Sonoran Desert.

Meteor Crater: Witness the impact site of a meteorite that struck the Earth approximately 50,000 years ago, leaving behind an awe-inspiring crater.

Tonto National Forest: Offering diverse landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and lakes, this forest is perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Located near Tucson, this museum combines a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum to showcase the region's diverse desert flora and fauna.

Montezuma Castle National Monument: Explore ancient cliff dwellings built into limestone cliffs by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument: Discover the canyons and ancient ruins of the Navajo Nation, where Native American communities still reside.

These are just a few of the many incredible things to do and see in Arizona. Whether you're interested in nature, history, culture, or outdoor adventures, Arizona has something to offer every traveler.

[footloose-travel]

Foray into Canada

        It felt a little strange being on the road again after being stationary for several months this past winter. Our campground was the perfect place to recuperate from foot surgery, as well as giving me time to work on my 3rd book. Several people mentioned it would be a perfect opportunity to write while recuperating, but I knew from past experience being on pain killers wasn’t necessarily conducive for focused thinking. Although, I did handwrite a lot of notes during that time that were quite humorous, with tidbits I have ended up using. John was able to skydive once I was able to get around on my own, but once it was time to leave, we were ready.         Although we’d been to Sedona previously, we felt it was worth another visit and spent a few days there. The Verde Valley area really is stunning and the weather was pleasant and not too hot yet. We explored all of the rock formations and enjoyed wandering around in the desert. Walking along the trails in a greener than usual desert was a treat. We also visited Montezuma Castle, located in Camp Verde which was built and used by the indigenous Sinagua people from around AD 1100 and 1425. The well-preserved cave dwellings are quite an engineering feat. The Jerome State Historic park that has the old copper mining town up on the hill took us back to the early 1900s, and has shops with a view down into the valley.         Crossing into Utah, we stayed in a unique campground in Kanab, called Dark Sky. It’s situated in the middle of the desert, away from any main roads. The lack of ambient light in the evening makes it a wonderful spot for star gazing - hence the name. We were able to identify several planets, and the abundance of stars made the sky feel so full and deep. The perspective changed the longer we watched, and I saw two shooting stars that appeared close enough to touch. They had a bath house with two in suite bathrooms that had indoor/outdoor showers, so you could have a private shower outdoors under the sun or stars. They also had homemade pizza on the premises, only one day a week, and we happened to be there that day. Of course we indulged, making it even more memorable. From there we went to Beaver, and then to Salt Lake City, where John got to do a few jumps. Tremonton was next, and when we got to the campground the sky turned quite black, with swirls of gray. We quickly set up and made it inside before it started hailing. The hail pelting the trailer roof was so loud we couldn’t hear each other speak. I was concerned it would leave dents by the sound of it, but it passed relatively quickly. It eventually cleared up but the dark clouds and wind lingered until the next day.         We zipped through Idaho into Montana, reveling in the sights of so much greenery in comparison to the deserts of Arizona. We soaked in the spring-like weather, blue skies, and mountainous terrain, enjoying every minute of it. We stopped in Helena to stock up and look around before heading to Shelby. Once in Shelby we checked to make sure everything was in order with our trailer, since we knew there would be a search at the border. By this point we had eaten any food we thought might be an issue, like fresh fruits and vegetables, and everything else was stored or put away, but with easy access. When we arrived at the Del Bonita border crossing, we were the only ones there. There was another crossing we were told was often busy with a wait, so John purposely chose this one instead. It was a bit more out of way on a much less traveled road, but it was worth it. We were greeted immediately and the guards were competent, experienced and amicable, with a nice balance of professionalism. After doing his inspection inside the truck and trailer, we had an informative conversation about the area and different spots we planned on stopping. They made us feel welcome and sent us on our way.         First stop in Canada was Lethbridge, then our campground in Granum. The weather continued to be excellent and there was a small lake in the campground where we took walks around in the evening. We were close to the town of Fort Macleod and spent the day there exploring the museum that portrays the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police created in 1873. The fort itself served as divisional headquarters until the 1920s. Being American, yet also being a big fan of the cartoon character “Dudley Do-Right of the Mounties”, it was quite interesting to learn more about this police force established to bring order to the Canadian West. We enjoy stopping at museums throughout our travels and learning about world history.         Then off to Banff. We both were pleasantly surprised at how nice the weather had been, and Banff was even more so. John picked the perfect time to be there in his planning, and once again, going during shoulder season was the way to go. We knew it would be wise to make reservations in advance and how quickly things filled up, so we were prepared. John had spent hours on the phone securing our campground in Banff and it was worth it. Our site was easy walking distance to where we could get the bus into town, but far enough out to enjoy the surrounding wooded area. The steep snow covered mountains are stunning, and the natural beauty everywhere you looked really gave us a joyful feeling. We hiked along the path to the falls (more like a cascade), and explored the small town in truly perfect weather. Once in town there were other buses that took you to various sights, and we took one for the hour ride to the well known Lake Louise. This was a bit more touristy with more people, but not annoyingly so. The lake was still frozen in spots that obscured some of the turquoise color, but still an impressive sight. We followed the path around the lake through the less traveled area until my feet decided it was time to head back.         The weather continued to bless us with it’s perfection, and we next went to the Banff Gondola and took the ride up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Views on the way up are quite spectacular, but once on top there are viewing areas so you can take in the views from a variety of angles. There are sitting areas where you can bask in the sun, some with heat lamps when needed, due to the cooler elevation. Once again there were plenty of people but not crowded and we hung around up top for a while. There’s a trail that takes you to another summit, and John climbed a massive amount of steps up, while I relaxed with a coffee. Out of the seven days we were in Banff, five of them were some of the best weather days ever. The last two days became quite overcast with smoke from the Alberta forest fires, but there was still some decent visibility.         We had already booked the Glacier Adventure to the Columbia Ice Fields for the day we left Banff, and decided to still give it a go, even though the smoke was affecting that area as well. The Ice Fields are where five glaciers feed three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic). These are the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. We traveled on a massive ice explorer to get to the glacier, and then had a half hour to walk on the Athabasca glacier, and take it all in. To say it felt surreal and exotic at the same time is an understatement. Breathtaking and exhilarating - yes, that too. From there we traveled back on the ice explorer, then got on a bus to the glass-floored glacier skywalk close by. The skywalk is 918 feet above the river, built on the edge of a cliff. A portion of it has a glass floor where you can see down to the river, while trying not to get vertigo. After some coaxing I did make it onto the glass portion and followed it around to the other end, with wobbly legs. There were also other amazing view points from up there with stunning views.         The smoke did obscure some of the views, but we were still glad we went. It is such an amazing part of the world and I’m thrilled I got to experience it. The following morning we woke to a much clearer sky and moved on to Hinton, past Jasper, for our next stop. The smoke came and went and we’re now at a one night stand in Grande Cache. Then we’ll move on to Grand Prairie where we’ll spend a few days to see what we can see, and hope the smoke will be clearing out.         Our adventure so far has met our expectations, and even exceeded in some areas. The people we’ve encountered and interacted with have been great, making things even more enjoyable. Now that we’re out of the more touristy areas, we expect our journey to be through more remote areas, with even more natural beauty and animal life. We’ve seen deer, elk, a female moose, a bear (tagged), big horned sheep, a white mountain goat, and various small critters. As we head further up to the Yukon we look forward to seeing more. Stay tuned to join us on our adventurous journey as we make our way through this beautiful country enroute to Alaska.         For all the photos see John and Charlotte’s flickr sites. Just click on either of our names.