📷 az adventure: stream, forest, and a danger noodle
A quiet spot along Lower Canyon Creek, Arizona
This week, my wife and I (accompanied by Cubby) day tripped to the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. Lower Canyon Creek is my favorite place to spend time outdoors due to its rugged beauty, accessibility and solitude. I camp and fish this area with frequency and I am never disappointed. The creek itself is cold and clear, and supports a bountiful population of beautiful (and poorly named) Brown Trout. Although the area was burned in the 2002 Rodeo Chedeski fire, it is making a good recovery and large stands of Ponderosa Pine still provide plenty of cover.
This was my wife's first time to visit the area. Since were were tromping around in shorts and sandals, my wife did ask about the potential for rattlesnakes. I let her know that (1) I had never seen a rattler at Canyon Creek--though I once heard one, and (2) with temperatures dropping into the 40's at night, it was too cool for snakes. Reassured of our safety, we enjoyed wading downstream, spending time in the cool weather, and watching Cubby "herd" rocks (roll them with his nose) into the stream. He is a heeler, thus crazy.
Here are a few photos from the trip. All of these were taken on an iPhone. Unfortunately I forgot to check my camera battery before we left, so I had to rely on the phone camera. Hope you enjoy!
Deana and Cubby taking in the views and keeping their feet cool. Not another soul in sight.
Cubby is living his best life when he is out in the forest and splashing through streams. Boundless energy and happiness! 🐕
A quick selfie with Lower Canyon Creek as a backdrop.
It was a magnificent day on the Mogollon Rim. Brilliant blue sky, a few puffy clouds, cool weather, and the sound running water. Sweet! (This is the current photo on my new /photo page)
And, just like that, I was proven wrong. This was the first rattlesnake I have seen at Canyon Creek. It was the first Arizona Black Rattlesnake I have seen. And it was apparently NOT too cool for danger noodles. Luckily, the snake was seen AFTER our hike. 🐍