Mike in the Wild

While the giant red rock formations of Sedona are a singularly beautiful sight, just a few miles north of the famous site, along Oak Creek in Oak Creek Canyon, a short hike offers its own spectacular scenery. West Fork Trail crisscrosses a flowing stream that feeds the larger Oak Creek from a high western plateau, making an easy one-way 3.4 mile hike.  It only gains a couple hundred feet in elevation at its terminus, when the canyon walls close in and the creek itself becomes the trail if you want to explore deeper into this protected wilderness area.  But before that, the thirteen bridge-less stream crossings can pose some challenges, especially when winter snow melt or storms can flood the area. But on this late August excursion, hopping from rock to rock resulted in safe and dry traverses, all accompanied with the pleasant soundtrack of a babbling brook.   The canopy of deciduous and coniferous trees, nestled between the canyon's steep sandstone walls, provided cooling shade

Several generations of Americans fondly recall their elementary school rhymes, like "April showers bring May flowers."   Having transplanted to the southwest from the northeast several years ago, I think that refrain may have to be adapted to a different and more arid climate.   In Arizona's mountains, happily anticipated July and August monsoon rains guarantee a late summer explosion of wildflower blooms.  You don't have to travel far to see them, just witness the black-eyed susans - a type of sunflower - that abound along the area roads and highways.  But a walk along Prescott's forest trails promise a closer and more intimate appreciation of the seasonal flora, caught in some glimpses below. A composite of 2016's summer wildflower season in Prescott.  2017 is off to the same beautiful start.

We are not alone.  The Earth's sun is just one of billions of stars in a galaxy that is just one of billions in the universe.  There are innumerable other planets. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is partially visible with the naked eye for those who can stargaze far away from the interference of city lights.   And for anyone with a camera, tripod and patience, a long exposure photograph guarantees an exciting glimpse of our home galaxy's many stars in a detailed mosaic of lights and colors whose dense concentrations often appear cloudy. Whenever you can, try to look up at the stars and try to see your home galaxy from our far corner of it.  Depending on the Earth's rotation, the season and your exact terrestrial location, it might take some time to appear across the rotating celestial sphere that defines our night sky.   But it'll be there, stretching across the sky overhead, shining on every Earthling equally.  It'll be a reminder that you're not alone, but safe

Everyone knows the Grand Canyon, and almost every Arizonan knows Oak Creek Canyon.  But one of the largest canyon's in the state that no one has ever heard of is Sycamore Canyon.  It's mostly protected as a vast wilderness area, bordered by Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon on the east, the Verde River on the south and a high forested plateau of ponderosa pines and junipers to the north and west.  Despite its protected status, there are several trails and vistas that allow a beautiful glimpse of the flora and fauna that populate its rugged terrain. I recently enjoyed a two-mile hike into the park's lowest elevation environment via Parsons Trail. The pathway starts where Sycamore Creek meets the Verde River, and follows the stream up four miles into the wilderness and to Parsons Spring itself.   The canyon extends about 20 miles total into the preserve. As a result of an active summer monsoon season, the creek was noisily feeding the lush high desert riparian area that is popu

In between Watson Woods to the south and the Granite Dells to the north lies Watson Lake, a 70 acre reservoir in Prescott that is fed by Granite Creek and its tributaries.  While various city trails circle and meander through the park's granite boulders, grasslands and forest canopy, an excursion in a kayak guarantees a unique look at both a rocky and aquatic environment. Depending on the season, strata of discoloration are visible on countless rock surfaces, often disappearing completely when the lake is filled by runoff from winter snow melt or summer monsoons.  The rounded, cracked and stacked granite boulders create an endless array of shapes and textures in themselves, conjuring a fantasy of comparisons and images.  Meanwhile, vast panoramas of often cloud-filled skies and distant mountain ranges complete the surrounding landscape.   Water fowl abound, and on a lucky day - like mine! - bald eagles may be hunting or roosting. Any stop at Watson Lake, regardless of the durat