Annual trip to the Desert Southwest

This is my 8th time as a leader on the trip. We had a blast this year in the same haunts: Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.

 

Trip to the Southwest- Desert Magic!

Desert Magic is sleeping with the sounds of coyotes speaking, yelping, howling, crying, laughing, and sharing secrets in the dark. Desert Magic is dry, cold, quiet dusks and dawns. Desert Magic is all of the pieces falling into place at desert speed. Desert Magic is hot air balloon rides at sunrise. Desert Magic is professing one's love and having his partner return the confession. Engaged in a basket while floating in the sky- Desert Magic.

Trip to the Southwest- Sedona

Despite the government shutting itself down, Michelle and I had plans to go to the Southwest. So we went while I hoped that our idiot American politicians (every single one of them) would get it together so we could fully enjoy enchanted desert magic.

 First stop was Sedona. A breath of fresh air and red rocks.

 From the closed visitor's center. Looking north.

 Discussions with Smokey the Bear that he has an important voice in Congress and that he should speak up.

Ole Bell Rock.