Sunset Crater Nat. Monument...Flagstaff, AZ

Another Sunset you might surmise...But wait!!!

This Nat. Monument 15 miles north of Flagstaff, AZ reflects the enormous eruptions in this area around 1,000 years ago, when pueblo groups were either frightened away totally in awe of the violence of Mother Earth or just moved their dwellings due North of the eruptions about 10 miles and continued to dwell in the immediate area under the threat of continued violence.

This park is one of the best maintained NPS operated area we have visited thus far.  The only draw back and it is no fault to the NPS is that the only way one can view the actual volcano structure is via helicopter...
The resulting lava flows and ash fields are clearly visible either at turnouts or well maintained trails...

Congratulations to all those involved in operating and maintaining this park...

Jack, Kiefer and of course Woody...

Sunset Crater Nat. Monument...Flagstaff, AZ

Believe it or not, Kiefer and I are planning to visit the Sunset Crater National Park in Flagstaff, AZ this week on our way to an Eventing Equestrian Show in that beautiful mountain community following Haley and Christian's 2010 show season travels... While there we will be visiting this volcano till around 1,200 years ago which means very recent lava flows and the transition of vegetation reclamation up to present time.

Another Sunset Event in our journey...I guess it happens every day, so the chances are fairly good...
There is a developed visitors center, so we will be getting stamped in our pass book...

This is beautiful high pine country around 7,500 feet elevation...
A side trip to visit good friends of ours Jim and Helene Babbitt also...

Jack and Kiefer

July 4th...A day to reflect...

National Treasures take on a different perspective on this Independence Day...We have experienced many over the years, but this one takes on a veneer of intensity that I have not experienced since the 60's...
If we felt it was the "Millennials" were taking the mantel of future exploration in hand, it would sure feel like it is time for us to embrace...Of concern is that the drama is a intragenerational struggle...Tea Baggers vs. Coffee Grinders...We need to realize we are one in the same and are being guided by divergent viewpoints...
Instead of watching another "talking head" inserting another piece of the puzzle, take a deep breath and go for a walk, ride or swim in the sunshine or visit a park near you...That is why they are there...
Give Forward Now!!!

Jack and Kiefer...