\Last Stop, everybody off!! That's what I'm reminded of when you actually get to the "LAST" Trailhead out this end of Sedona. It is the Aerie Trailhead and what a beautiful location and because everyone else pretty much stops at all the trailheads before this one, there's plenty of parking.
Mike pulled in right behind me at about 8:17 (we were both early).
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| Mike & his coffee mug! |
Nori showed up next and brought everything she could think of.
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| Nori |
It looks like she's getting ready to set up camp or leave town.
Barbra and Nita 2 arrived together also at about the same time.
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| (L to R) Nita 2, Nori, Barbra |
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| (L to R) Carolyn, Tecla |
Well, as we were all gathered and discussed possibilities look at who appeared -- Timestamp: 8:37
Wow, what's up with that -- turns out she would have to leave early thanks to an El Valle meeting called by Jette.
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| Nita wandering on down the road |
Mike found his spot - gee, guess where -- in the middle of the shrubs.
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| Mike |
Carolyn picked the shade of a tree by the parking lot for her spot.
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| Carolyn |
Nita 1 wandered back and forth down a trail, but picked a spot not far from me and Mike.
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| Nita |
And, as I took a long time to decide. I saw a car pull in with another familiar face. Our always smiling LeAnne.
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| LeAnne |
LeAnne wound up joining Barb, Nita2, Tecla and Nori on the other side of the trail. I don't quite have pics of all of them in their spots, but you can see a few of them through the greenery. In fact, Nori was quite helpful in her choice of clothing -- no one will mistake her for a deer.
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| Nori in her spot |
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| Barb & Nita 2 |
Barb's initial spot was a bit forward and to the right of where she's seated. Her easel was actually still set up at this point. But, she said she had to get out of the sun so moved her chair over and took her painting with her. Doesn't she look relaxed, just needs a cool drink.
As you can see, these 3 artists really weren't all that far from one another as a little visiting happened.
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| (Front to Back) Barb, Nori, Nita 2 |
There were a number of bikers that passed through, so it was essential to not place your spot exactly ON the trail.
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| Random bikers |
I found this light patch of green fascinating.
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| As seen from my spot |
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| My spot and look behind me toward the trees is Mike |
Although, my painting did a less than stellar job of capturing it - also, it looked better in person, I'm talking about the spot.
Nita came by at 9:49, as she had to leave for her meeting. Yet, in a short amount of time she was able to actually do a few pieces, here she is showing us one of them.
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| Nita and her painting |
Before we knew it, it was time for the rest of us to gather and build our gallery. We found the rocks surrounding the edge of the parking lot to be just the spot.
And, as Barb discovered, those same rocks also made the ideal spot for our group photo where we all smiled on 2!
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| Back Row L to R: Nita 2, Nori, Barb Front Row L to R: LeAnne, Me, Carolyn, Tecla, Mike |
Everyone loved the location with a few already decided on just where they want to go next week when we head back for Day 2, hope to see you there!
Cecilia