Thursday, March 8, 2012

The long way home

Bell Rock as we started our hike

When Easton and I set off on our day hike, my intention was to walk from the parking area to where the Bell Rock Trail meets the Bell Rock Pathway. Once there, we only need to climb a few hundred feet up Bell Rock to have a spectacular view to the west, take some pictures and do what we came to do; leave a few of Lady's ashes behind. Mission accomplished on this lovely day in Northern Arizona. About 68 degrees, high clouds and no wind.

Looking west from Bell Rock to Sedona


I did not look at the handy, dandy map at the trailhead, because I planned on coming back the way we came. It was such a lovely day, Easton was having a good time, so thinking the Courthouse loop went between the two mountains; "heck, that's not that much farther at all". Not until we were well under way on the loop did I realize this was going to be a long hike. We had water and Easton was as enthusiastic as I've ever seen him - full speed ahead. 3 hours later we were at the car and tuckered out. Easton did great, leading the way on the narrow path around Courthouse Butte. He relished this assignment and was gung-ho the entire hike. Here are a few pictures from our adventure around Courthouse Butte (including a back-country avalanche):


Courthouse Butte - Bell Rock as we started the loop

Courthouse Butte

Dry Beaver creek bed

Needle, name unknown

Bell Rock from the north side

Ouch, Easton decided he needed to taste a Prickly Pear.
Not a good idea, his tongue bled a little. Never even phased him.

This back-country avalanche (OK - a "rock slide") sounded like a crack of thunder.
The picture was taken about 30 seconds after I realized what happened.

Courthouse Butte

I took this after finally linking up with the original trail we started out on.
I It was a beautiful hike and I'm not a bit sorry we did it. Even though it wasn't planned, we had water and saw a few hikers along the way to stop and chat with. Everyone was very nice and talk always got around to what a fine dog Easton is and how lucky we all were to be in beautiful Red Rock country. I never disagreed with anyone!

10 comments:

Unknown said...

What a great adventure you have, your place was really amazing, I wish I could be there too someday. :)


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NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

WOW!

That SO beats my walk around the neighbourhood ;-)

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Mom and I did start to sweat whilst just thinking of it all - BUT the Supertramp earworm helped khool her head

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

What a great hike. Sometimes the unexpected things turn out to be the most fun!

Golden Samantha said...

Such beautiful country and what an amazing hike! Glad you had plenty of water - a stunning place to leave dear Lady's ashes. Easton looks vibrant and happy to be out galivanting in those beautiful spots!
Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie and Avalon

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

KT & Easton, I've really enjoyed your posts and pictures!! What a beautiful place.

You know that aside from living in Alaska, I have always lived on this side of the Rockies, and love the rolling hills and green. But there is something so beautiful and majestic about the desert. It really has a unique and intense beauty all its own--Kind of like Lady...A perfect place to remember and pay tribute to her.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

PS: By the way, something else we have in common, I was also a camp counselor way back when...

Take care!!

Remington said...

Awesome adventure! Thank you so much for the positive thoughts while I was ill this past weekend! I appreciated it!

KB said...

We are planning a trip to red rock country soon, and your photos whetted my appetite for it!

I take it that the "avalanche" was a rock slide? Around here right now, snow avalanches are the type that are on our minds... so I kept looking for the snow in your photo!

It looks like a wonderful place to have left some of Lady's ashes.

Meeka said...

Beautiful, thanks for sharing your pictures.

Sierra Rose said...

Thank you for sharing your amazing hike! Sometimes those unplanned distances, DO turn out wonderfully!
Love the red hues:: red rock...red trail...Easton's furs!
Beautiful!

Sweet hugs,
Sierra Rose

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