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Hi Friends! One of my favorite things to do is to go for long walks, and I don’t mean power walks — just walks where we can enjoy the beauty of nature. With our hot Arizona summers, I can only do this for what seems like a few short months out of the year. The other day, two of the kiddos and I ventured out. I brought the camera along, and I thought I would share some of the things we saw.
I just upgraded to a new camera, and I wanted to practice on flowers, cacti and the kids, although they are so active that it’s a challenge! But as soon as we headed out on our walk, we saw hot air balloons taking off, and we followed them for a little bit instead.
Have you ever been in a hot air balloon? I don’t like heights, so I probably wouldn’t do this, but they are amazing to watch, especially when they’re this close!
Up, up and awaaaay.
After the balloons disappeared into the clouds, we continued on our own quiet little journey. It was late in the day, but that’s when nature comes alive around here. The other day, we saw a coyote, but of course, I didn’t have my camera then.
But we did spy this little hole in a saguaro — probably the home of a little wren.
This little hummingbird kept flying from tree to tree. I was so surprised that he was still long enough for me to get his picture. We also saw a rabbit and a quail family, but they were camera shy and way too fast for me.
We even saw a flock of noisy geese flying high overhead, and we wondered where they were headed.
By then, it was getting late, and the sun was already disappearing over the mountains.
Another gorgeous Arizona sunset! In a few minutes, it was completely gone, and it was time to head home. Hubby came to pick us up since it was so late. My little guy swore he heard coyotes laughing, and he was anxious to get back.
Do you like to take walks? How are the sunsets in your area?
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These are beautiful pics, Dee! I know there are some people who cannot see any beauty in the desert, and I truly feel sad for them. Where we live, in Gilbert, there is almost no open desert. This was and still is a farming community. We have lots of vegetation — pines, cottonwoods, aspen, but very few cacti. Everything is pretty well cared for and maintained. Since we are both "snake-paranoids," we kind of prefer the more manicured vs the wide-open desert, but I do enjoy seeing it from the car…..lol! We've had lots of hot-air balloons in the last few weeks, and I just love looking at them. I gave my hubby a balloon ride for his 40th birthday way back when we first moved to AZ and lived in Scottsdale. He discovered that he was a bit acrophobic and had to concentrate on not looking down. It was an interesting experience, but not one I want to try…..lol!
Love the balloons and being there, all nice and warm 🙂
It's not warm here, lol. Walking to the CAR is a feat this month 🙂 It's ok. I have 3 layers of clothing on at the moment and am comfortable. Enjoyed your photos 🙂
I hope so, Laurie. My youngest was bored with it until he started worrying about coyotes, but hopefully, he'll grow to appreciate it.
Thanks, Lori. It's amazing that there was so much activity that day. 🙂
I love ocean sunsets! Actually, I just love the ocean — period! But I love finding the little hidden gems to love about the desert, and the sunsets really are gorgeous.
Thanks, Leslie, and I hope you guys get some warm weather soon! It's a Nikon DSLR, and it just takes some getting used to.
I love long walks too. I can not wait for this winter crap to go away. What camera do you have? Those pictures are gorgeous. I hope you and the kiddo's had a great weekend.
That sunset photo is gorgeous! What a nice outing this must have been. It's a pleasure to have a look through your lens here. I've not spent much time in Arizona, mainly just driving through, but my husband has and he often talks about its beauty.
I do like to take walks, like you I like to take them leisurely. There aren't too many places more beautiful than than the sunset over the ocean. We have some spectacular ones here in Charleston.
Beautiful pictures Dee. The scenery that you see on you walks is breath taking!
Lori
These are some great photos Dee! My family also likes to take long wilderness walks. So peaceful and beautiful. Walks like that will live in you and your children's memories for a long time 🙂