That's just one of the many spectacular views there are on this trail and the reason why we headed out there with thanks to Chris & Pam who told us about it!
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| (L to R) Suzie, Suzette, Nori |
Suzette, Suzie & I arrived just behind Nori - we actually followed her on down the road - glad she paid attention to my directions because I forgot to check them out before we left. That meant I didn't know how long I needed to drive down Chavez Ranch Road to get there as there are a few pull offs before our end destination, which by the way is at the end of the road where you'll see a fence.
Oh, before I forget - see how warmly they're all dressed - remember that for later!
There were a few different ways to go from where we parked and we did arrive about 12 minutes early. So, I decided to wander down the trail to see just where it that scene Chris had sent me was. Well, it was a bit further down the trail then I realized, although an easy walk - just took a little longer than I expected. So, that meant that I didn't get back to the parking area to catch everyone.
But, as we first started out and really not too far from the parking area we found an artist who was set up and painting.
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| Pat |
I didn't take a lot of pics on the way down the trail because, even though it wasn't a big climb or descent, the path was rocky and you had to watch your step. So, I walked with my head down a lot and would just stop occasionally to look up.
Oh, another little tidbit of info. In looking up this trail I discovered that the reason why it's named "Secret" is because it's part of the Secret Wilderness Area in the Coconino National Forest - well that explained the name of a trail that isn't quite so "secret".
And, another little piece of info - that rock that Pat has behind her is actually Cathedral Rock, just from an angle we're not used to seeing it from. However, when you get to the "Slick Rock" part of the trail, you do see a more familiar view, see
Ok, back to the people -- after hiking out there, I left my backpack with Suzie and headed back to see who else may have shown up.
The first person I encountered was Lisa and she informed me that there were others already there too.
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| Lisa |
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| Lisa, on her way |
and there she goes as I continued back to the parking area, where I met up with a few other merry wanderers.
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| (L to R) Kristen, Carolyn, Tecla |
Now, at this point I'm not sure if all the stuff Kristen was carrying was hers or perhaps there's a piece or two of Carolyn's many things she carries. In any event, I see smiles!
Oh look, there was someone else trailing behind them.
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| (L to R) Bob, Kristen, Carolyn |
It was Bob and actually he really was in the first picture with Tecla, but it's not real obvious as you have to look over Kristen's shoulder. Now, keep in mind I still haven't made it back to the parking area yet, but just about to the car when look who I see.
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| Nita - timestamp 9:09 |
Well, how about that 9:09 AND she had already went down another trail that she decided she would paint at and had walked back to the parking area -- guess she was there right at 9, or maybe even earlier 😮
Now, finally on my way BACK to where I left my stuff with Suzie I found Bob in his spot.
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| Bob |
Nita wandering over to see Carolyn and Kristen who appeared to have picked spots.
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| (L to R) Nita, Carolyn, Kristen |
Back at the trails end I found Suzette in her spot and she was located just over from Lisa & Nori in their spots -- they all went over to the "edge"
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| Suzette |
Oh, you need to see Suzette's view
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| (L to R) Suzette's View - Cathedral Rock, Suzette |
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| (L to R) Lisa, Nori |
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| (L to R) Betty, Bob, Pat |
Yes, Betty was there painting in some unknown spot and look at who else was there:
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| (L to R) Pat, Mike, Suzie |
That's right, Mike was also there -- probably somewhere in the shade under a tree with great views. In case you were wondering, it took some research of my photos to determine who that third person was (Suzie). As for the shadows, that's a different story. The only one I'm sure of is me because I'm taking the picture. I think it's possible the other one is Tecla, you'll have to look at the group photo to see - the hat pretty much being the only identifying characteristic - pretty hat too!
Wow, what a great gallery of paintings that is -- guess we sort of create a "pop-up gallery" (you know, like pop-up restaurants) every Plein Air Tuesday. Speaking of which, you'll have to come back next week to see who participates in that one, same time, same place. But before I head off, let's see who was all there to smile on 2.
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| (Front Row L to R) Nori, Me (Next Row Squiggled L to R) Tecla, Kristen, Pat, Suzette, Lisa, Nita, Suzie, Betty, Bob, Carolyn, Mike |
Hope you were able to figure that "Next Row" out. But I wasn't sure how to call it since it looked like we had row straddlers. Also, do you remember what I told you to remember for later - ok, don't freak out, it's not a real test and no penalty if you fail. It was the attire of everyone when we got there and how there was some stripping that went on by the time the group photo was taken. Yes, it did get warm in the sun and was a beautiful morning!
That's all for this week!
Cecilia