sunset | kritterspix

Alamo Lake

Posted on March 6, 2022 by kritterspaw

It was my first time at Alamo Lake. I wasn’t sure what to expect. There isn’t much there but a campground and a lake. We brought the boat and figured we’d get some fish and some photographs.

While we didn’t get any fish, we got more than we bargained for when we saw a number of interesting, and unexpected wildlife.

We saw wild burro’s, very likely decedents of the Spaniards in the 1600’s or AZ miners, wandering the hills and coming down for water.

We saw grebes and blue heron…

.. and were surprised to find white, and brown, pelican.

As it turns out we got more than we expected, and were delightfully surprised.

North Timp

Posted on May 30, 2020May 30, 2020 by kritterspaw

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North Timp is one of those many points jutting out over the backwoods of North Rim Grand Canyon. One doesn’t have to go into the National Park itself to see some amazing viewpoints. We had hoped to get to more of those great overlooks, but circumstances intervened and it wasn’t meant to be. So it will have to be one of those ‘re-do’ experiences for another time.

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For now, I got a couple pix of North Timp…. and next time, I’ll try to collect a more complete catalog of amazing viewpoints OUTSIDE the Park. Stay tuned.

Reflections of Blue Ridge Reservoir

Posted on August 20, 2019August 20, 2019 by kritterspaw

There is something magical about sunrises and sunsets, and when combined with the soothing comfort of water – it makes for stunning scenery.

It was a full moon the other day, so we decided to get some pix of Blue Ridge Reservoir at night… and in the morning. The light cast by the full moon lit up the daisies growing through the patchwork rock that lines the ridges above the lake.

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The forest and it’s trees come right down to the waters edge at Blue Ridge.

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A brisk calm morning greeted us with gorgeous clouds and fantastic reflections in her still waters. It doesn’t get any more relaxing than waking up to gorgeous scenery and the serenity of a calm sea and her comforting embrace of the beauty that surrounds her.

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Sedona, AZ

Posted on October 30, 2018October 30, 2018 by kritterspaw

We did an overnight in Sedona and enjoyed this amazing overlook from our campsite.

We ooh’d and aah’d along oak creek (https://kritterspix.com/2018/10/30/oak-creek-sedona-az/) and saw our first ring tail cat in the wild (see post ….https://kritterspaw.com/2018/10/30/ring-tale/).

Words just don’t do it justice. Hard to top this trip. Where will we head next?

Grand Canyon North Rim, Bright Angel Point

Posted on October 5, 2018 by kritterspaw

Speaking of Grand Canyon North Rim… the most popular, and accessible trail is just outside of the Grand Canyon Lodge: Bright Angel Point.

The trail is paved and an easy walk to the point at the end, overlooking the vastness that is the Grand Canyon. It’s hard not to be awestruck by it’s majestic depth and beauty.

One takes pause to take it all in.

I loved the craggy trees along the trail that grew out of moldy rocks filled with character. These trees have grown and leaned in the wind and heard tales of generations who have walked past.

Big Lake, Greer AZ

Posted on July 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by kritterspaw

There are a number of little lakes around the Show Low / Heber area in northeast AZ. Originally named, Big Lake is one of the larger lakes, with multiple camp grounds, and boat rentals that make up this Recreational Area.

There are signs everywhere to be aware of bear… but we didn’t see any, only Journey who enjoyed a dip in the water during the water summer sun.

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We did see some antelope which is always a treat, along with the occasional deer and elk.

Bartlett Lake

Posted on March 4, 2018March 6, 2018 by kritterspaw

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You know, I live in Arizona, and it still astonishes me the delta in temperatures and climates in a mere 3 hours. I do believe the delta is getting larger as time goes on. It used to be 20F, now it borders on 30 – 40F difference between northern AZ and the Phx area. When we left our home in the mountains it was snowing, 20F with 4 inches of snow on the ground.

When we arrived at Bartlett Lake, outside of Carefree, AZ, just 3 hours south, it was 78F, and people were in shorts and t-shirts. Crazy!

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We soaked up the sun before heading back to our cool climate.

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Rim Trees

Posted on August 19, 2017August 19, 2017 by kritterspaw

It seems like forever since we have been to the Rim, the Mogollon Rim, that is. I used to post photos from the Rim all the time, but life has been busy and we just haven’t taken the time.

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But last night was a great exception, and reminded us that we have to go out more often. Put the shovel down and just GO!

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We camped at an awesome spot off of Milk Ranch Road. The overlook was absolutely surreal. I even managed to get a few star pix.

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Grand Canyon – North Rim

Posted on June 1, 2017 by kritterspaw

We just got back from several days in the Grand Canyon. Not the popular and tourist heavy South Rim… but the more out of the way North Rim. More over.. not actually in the National Park itself, technically outside of the park. We camped in the forest outside the Grand Canyon – North Rim, finding amazing spots that overlooked the back side of the Grand Canyon.

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We didn’t have to fight the crowds, or make reservations at jammed lodges for a year in advance. We camped on our own, brought and ate our own wonderful meals. We went for hikes along amazing trails and took in views that took our breath away.

As I sat one morning, all by myself, waiting for the sun to come up over the canyons, I took pause to feel thankful for this amazing state we live in. How fortunate I feel to live in a place where we can see this amazing landscape, in the solitude of my own company, feeling quite safe and extremely comfortable.

As the light shifted and changed over the canyon walls I thought how challenging Arizona photographers have it to photograph these vast ravines and sprawling cliffs. The shadows and light changing like a curtain being raised slowly over a work of art, waiting to see what moods today will bring about… clouds, blue sky, storms, dust, or haze.

We camped in several stunning spots, including Jump Up Point, Crazy Jug, and Rainbow’s End Trails. Each had their own beauty, foreground, and atmosphere. It was a great peaceful, relaxing trip…. one we’ll have to do again.

Peter Iredale Wreck

Posted on December 2, 2016December 2, 2016 by kritterspaw

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In the northwestern part of Oregon, lies the Fort Stevens State Park. It has a military heritage and historical past. But between the old abandoned bunkers and many walking trails lie this relic of time, the Peter Iredale. It’s the rusted out remnants of a 1909 cargo ship wrecked on shore leaving it’s hull as a treasured gift of the past.

For me it’s a photographic destination. While our country is full of National Parks and State Parks with landscape attractions like waterfalls, mountains and peaks the likes of El Capitan (Yosemite), there are few historic ‘castaways’.

This is a treasure of history meets landscape, literally and a photographically interesting subject.