Walking Tour

So today I decided it was time to take a bloggable walk in an effort to introduce you, my dear readers, to Mountainaire. I gathered my camera and my journal and pens and off I went. This is the view from our driveway. Standing close to the chimney you've seen in photos past. The weather was warm, perhaps 45 degrees. The Ravens were having fun flying from tree to tree, cawing, making a ruckus. The air smelled fresh, the sun was out. I was dressed in my winter coat, no hat or gloves. The camera fit nicely in the front pocket.
This is the view walking down Seneca, our cross street. You can't really see it but the roads are covered with Cinder, the locals answer to traction during snow. It doesn't work to melt the snow, but it does melp with traction and is better for the environment. There isn't enough water in this area to salt the streets, it would affect the water table.
The main trees in the area are Ponderous Pines (you know I mean Ponderosa, right?) The smell faintly of caramel if you shove your schnoz in the bark.
You know, how when you photograph something and you want it to be recognized as a certain size? You place say, a quarter near the thing? I wish I could do that with these squirrels. It is a Kaibab Squirrel. They sound like elephants when the run across the roof. Their ears are difficult to photograph too. They have long tufts on them, like rabbits.
So anyway. This guy ran by at the corner of Seneca and Pawn (where the cottage we rented is).
Um. Hmm. I don't know it might be an Albert's Squirrel. Now go look at the Kaibab. You know I vaguely remember hearing that the Kaibab is specific to the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon. hmmm.
Here, I am walking into the national forest that surrounds Mountainaire. There is a bit of snow, which was a bit slippery today. But I have to say that today of all days was a good day to have melting snow around... I stepped in dog poop. It came off really easily and I learn my lesson, look downward as you walk! There are many trails back there and folks use them. It is well loves. Elk use them too. Elk have rabbit like turds (I mean scat), being as big as you are you'd think they'd be bigger, but no.
There are three tanks back here. A tank is a man-made watering hole. The elk use them.
Flagstaff in general is a dog town. Mountaiaire has it's share! On previous days I was accompanied by Gypsy and Yukon. Many dogs run free here. It is GENERALLY safe. I don't think it is a great idea to allow your dog to run free in any situation but it seems OK out here.
I do like having canine company! I am going to get a box of bones and make some dog friends. I like when they meet up with me and us.
This last photo I took just for you Mom. These Geodes are everywhere up here. Very shiny. Very sparkly. Come play geologist with me!
And Hey! Don't forget that if you click the pictures, they get bigger.