The rocks become more red the closer we get to Sedona.

We heard that the water was ice cold but it did not stop folks from going through the water chutes.

After the chutes, there is a long and deep pool to jump into.

Near the apple trees are old stone cabins, which are about 75 years old.

The last time I stood in this door, I was just finishing cancer treatment. \240I like to think the energy in Sedona helped me, and for that I expressed thanks.

The dogs had many admirers at the chapel, and got lots of scratches behind the ears.

Not entirely excavated, some pottery, grinding stones, and caches of corn have been found.

This was the tinest crack in one of the rooms, and i took this photo by bending my hand around the smooth bend, not knowing what I would find. \240It looks larger than it really is. \240I would estimate that a mouse would fit through this crack, or a snake, or...

Nearby the pueblo is an underground cavern, which 'blows' air out through this stone opening. \240It was a significant breeze, and the smell was one of being in a cave.

Our shadows against the stone walls.

Part of the pueblo is a large gathering place and a 'ball court', where sports events were played. \240

While we were exploring the pueblo, we talked about the unusual pitting in the stone. \240We learn that this sandstone has a calcite 'cement', which dissolves with rain water, leaving the crazy-looking pits. \240

Built on rock, the builders used the rock foundation to their advantage. \240In the top room, we had a 360 view of the land around us. \240

A view of the mountains from one of the windows. \240It was very peaceful there.

The doors from room to room were very short.

We called this space the patio, with a built-in bench, and a huge rock under our feet as its base.

Leaving nothing behind, we can only cast a shadow and say thanks to those who labored to build this house.

This rock was amazing, huge, leaning, and old. \240

Jim, at the steps, which are a modern addition. \240Typically, pueblos are entered by way of a ladder.

...a very large hare.

Well, we didn't find any gold, but we did find adventure.

It's a harsh desert. \240It's dry, with lots of rock, sand, cactus, and a warm gusty wind. \240

We rode to a little fish-stocked pond. \240Initially, we were greeted by a couple of turtles. \240Thinking we would feed the turtles some fish food, we filled our hands with the pellets, and to our surprise, the fish appeared.

We were not alone watching for fish...

It still resides on the reservation (now called the Tohono-o'Odhom, after the Desert People). \240This little chapel is for prayer requests to Patron Saint Francis.

The face plate on the mission is original. \240The tower to the right was never finished. \240When we went inside, the temperature was actually cool.

Mesquite trees provide relief from the sun, and smell great. \240This little pathway leads to a nearby hillside, called The Grotto.

In the hillside is a holy place where the saints are honored and petitioned for blessings.

This little roadrunner practically walked right up to us.

The colors of the desert are so vibrant against the sage and soil.

Our friends, Barb and Mary, joined us in this adventure. \240We first met in Apache Junction, their Winnebago parked next to Martha. \240We met up again in Tucson, played with their dogs, had dinner, and shared a lot of stories. \240Their park in Willcox isn't far from Benson, so we planned this hike.

At Massai Point, a nice rock outlook provides a fantastic view.

The day's weather was perfect for a hike, and the clouds give dimension to how far you can see from the rocky nest.

Mary and Barb on a natural rock bench.

The green and yellow lichen adds an interesting feature to the pinnacles. \240We hiked down to Echo Canyon to see if you could really get an echo. \240

This beauty watched us for a while as we stopped for a water break.

Jim found this little guy, and liked his picture-perfect pose.

Jim is sharing a joke with "T". \240The alpha dino took it pretty well, and then ate him. \240🤭

A mummified 'thing' in a glass case. \240It reminds me of Jake in Long Beach, Washington. \240I like that the "Thing" is sporting a straw helmet.

On my way back along Highway 80, nearly to Saint David, the sunset, and the distant mountains were beautiful.

They like their treats and it gives them (and us) an opportunity to check out smells, voices and looks.

Many of the donkeys have sad stories of misuse and abuse, so they carefully watch us to see what kind of humans we are. \240

The sanctuary has 30 acres for them to enjoy. \240We are excited to be in their company.

Link is two years old and has the longest legs. \240He is going to be huge when he is fully grown.

A 'woolly' cactus, which means it will soon bloom.

Dapper Jim walked with Muzzy, a tall and gentle buddy.

We showed off the donkeys in front of a good crowd, right down the main street.

Imagine me, in a parade with a donkey, in historic Tombstone. \240It was fun.

Strings of christmas lights criss-crossed the downtown core. \240Most of the activity was happening indoors, due to a cold wind through the ravine.

After so many cold days, we loved the warming sun and walked around giant boulders.

Surprise! \240A mine, well kept, was big enough to walk into.

Leaving the canyon behind, we entered ranches and a very unique destination sign.

We climbed to about 5,000 feet today, and our descent gave us a beautiful view of Swisshelm Mountains with the Willcox Playa below.

Today, Jim is the Pied Piper. \240All the donkeys have come to see what he might have for them, in his hand or in his pockets.

Link and Boaz are conspiring to check his back pockets.

One donkey bray, and the secret is out. \240Jim is soon the most popular guy on the ranch.

Finally! \240We got to see a small pack of javelina. \240I was surprised by their constant grunting.

Jim caught a desert bighorn sheep making a stand to protect his ewes.

I just love the colors and patterns.

Jim explored a man-made cave which was part of the museum. \240It was surprisingly large, with running water. \240We learn more about the large caverns in the area.

My shadow on a saguaro, with a natural water spring flowing down the canyon, exactly in line with my saguaro image.

We decide that when we visit again, it will be on our bikes.