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| 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.
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| 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):
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| Courthouse Butte - Bell Rock as we started the loop |
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| Courthouse Butte |
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| Dry Beaver creek bed |
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| Needle, name unknown |
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| Bell Rock from the north side |
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Ouch, Easton decided he needed to taste a Prickly Pear.
Not a good idea, his tongue bled a little. Never even phased him. |
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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. |
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| Courthouse Butte |
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| 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!
