Change is in the air

As I stated previously lots of changes in my life over the past four years.  Now another big change.  I'm selling my house and buying one in the valley of the sun.  Never thought I'd do that; but life has many surprises and this is one of them.  Here are pictures of the foundation just laid this week.

Haven't been updating lately as you can see.  I retired in February and it's been some ride since.  No matter what I decide to do, the day flies by!  Last night was the "ring of fire" eclipse.  Pretty impressive; but not able to get good pix since I couldn't take the glasses off. 
Last week we were camping at the Grand Canyon which was fun.  They've changed a few things there and the rim trail now has been extended to Mather Point.  We listened to a ranger talk about some endangered species of plants that only grow on the South Rim.
Hope to update you more as time goes by.

Palatki Heritage Site and Ruins

Drove the back roads south of Sedona to the Palatki Site. There were two sites to visit a short walk from the parking area. Be sure to sign in at the visitor center where they can loan you walking sticks. They also require reservations. Check out the website before visiting to get all the info you might need. www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/palatki-ruins.shtml

One area has petroglyphs with a really neat cave. The other area has the ruins. The ride off road is fine for all vehicles; but we had fun with the jeep. Lots of history and great views.

V-Bar-V Heritage Site

Visited this area in Beaver Creek today. Never knew it was there! V-Bar-V was taken over by the Forest Service in 1994. The original house burned to the ground leaving the chimney which has the V-Bar-V brand in it. It's not a long hike which was good for me after the hip surgery. A great day. The temperature was perfect and the scenery fantastic. Met the volunteers, Bonnie and her husband who will be going back to Oregon on Tuesday. For more info visit www.redrockcountry.org/recreation/cultural/v-bar-v.shtml. Enjoy the pictures!

Grand Canyon

Another great trip with our friend Joe. We took the scenic route from Cameron into the East Rim which shows much of the Colorado River. That's always a treat because it has great views of the river and many trails that are off the beaten path. Having been to the Canyon many, many times my pictures seem to focus on other things besides the Canyon. We had lunch at the Bright Angel Lodge and ice cream before we left for home. It was a wonderful day!

Petrified Forest

Our friend Joe visiting from Florida. We went to the Petrified Forest and took some cool pictures of the rocks. It's amazing how these trees are so old and solid rock. They are also very colorful. The day was warm; but windy. I caught this bird flying off a rock.

Sisters Visit

Sully's two sisters and one brother in law arrived in Flagstaff last night to surprise him. He arrived at Beth's house and walked in wondering who these friends of Beth and Tom's were also invited for dinner. His mind couldn't get around the fact these people were his sisters! When he realized they were really there he was amazed. How did this happen? Stayed up very late catching up. Pictures attached are from the first night.