When The Heart Calls

The road into Portal.  The "V" of the mountain is where we are going.

Over the next several weeks, there will be many magical moments to share from the road.  For now, I am enjoying Arizona and celebrating its last monsoon hurrah!

The temps begin to fade.  And hummingbirds and warblers make their last push back into their wintering grounds.  While I hate to see them go, I am thankful for the much cooler temps that will follow in their wake. 

Horse Lubber

How does one properly say good-bye to these incredibly beautiful birds?  

Mexican Sulphur on Salvia

After this labor day weekend of exploration, a sleeping dragon awoke.  The birding energy begins to grow again. It's September. The year begins to wane.  And the cooler temps will be arriving soon.

At Willow Tank, AZ

I really love all my birding buds.  They are the best.  We motivate each other to do better and keep going.  Had it just been myself at this place, I would have sat down in the middle of the forest in my tent up at Rustler Park and considered hiking:) The park itself is a great place to watch birds.  No need to hike far. But with the buds, we pushed each other to keep it moving.  

Mexican Fox Squirrel

It's easy to get lost in the moment and so before we all knew it, it was time for us to go back home. But what a show!

Green Stink Bug

It had been over two years since my last visit to Portal which has been waaaaaay too long.  I don't know a person who does not love this place. There are two reactions from people when the word "Portal" is mentioned. "Where?" and "I love that place."  That's how remote this little town is. It should be a top 10 must see in the US.  The Chiricahua Mountain range is a sky island that is home to several unique species of reptiles, insects, birds and mammals in the US. No where else in the US can you find these critters. 

I would also mention that the wildlife here outnumbers the human populations.  The residents of Portal love the isolation from the rest of the world.  There is barely any WIFI in the tiny town.  In fact, in most of the places there isn't any connection at all!

Red-tailed Hawk takes flight from the canyon wall

It is easily one of my favorite places in Arizona.  There are comfy lodges and one restaurant:)  Bring a cooler full of goodies just in case:) Also make sure you have enough gas in your car because the nearest station is 19 miles away:)  If you love nature, you'll love Portal.  Until next time friends.....

Blue-throated Hummingbird

Sanity Of The Mind

Coue's Deer

Let the eyes wander. Glance into the skies above.  

Cave Creek Canyon

Look far.  Look close. Breathe deeply.  

Gall on oak

I wander.  I stray.  I stay the course.  I look forward. Backwards. Glance sideways. 

Blue-throated Hummingbird

For out there in the great beyond lies something deeper and full of meaning. 

Rustler Park

Or maybe there is no meaning at all. But even that carries with it a truth. 

Birders at Rustler Park

Each day, I open my eyes and shake the blankets off.  What will be my story today? I begin with a solid cup of coffee. 

Magnificent Hummingbird

I forget at times that I am an outsider. They feed. They fly. They migrate. I am lost in their flight patterns. Circle. Spin. Dash. Zip. My eyes are mesmerized by their crazy sky dances. 

Hermit Warbler

Time is fluid. It trickles from one moment to the next. One cycle after another. One drop joined to another flowing forever down a path.

Mexican Chickadee

Nature is art. It has meaning.  

Hermit Warbler

It is my therapy. 

Magill makes eye contact with two young male Coue's Deer

Proximity blurs lines. Mammals, birds and all. 

We find peace together. Away from the chaos. Our own personal sanctum. 

The photography featured today is from beautiful Portal, Arizona. 

Year In Review-Southern Arizona

 This year, I did a lot of travel around Southern Arizona. There are almost too many places to see, but here are some memorable experiences.  Whether it be from Ramsey Canyon above or along the San Pedro River below.....

 .....or in the magical world of Portal.........

.....near Buenos Aires wildlife preserve......

 ....or watching the thousands of Sandhill Cranes at the Whitewater Draw......

 .....driving and hiking around Picacho Peak.....

 .....or exploring the skies of Kitt's Peak.......

 ......or looking down onto Tucson from Wasson Peak......

.....in and around both sides of Saguaro National Park........

.......or trekking the arroyo in Tucson..........

......Southern Arizona is a treasure that must be seen.