Chiricahua National Monument, AZ

---

We didn't have far to go to get to this wondrous place. Amy's mom Sharon came along for the trip. Yay! It was an easy 1 and a half hour drive from our house, if even that. Just one turn off the highway, down a two lane windy road and we were there! On the way there we didn't pass any cars. It was almost as though we were the only ones on the road that day! We neared the park entrance and though it was beautiful, it didn't seem anything like what we were anticipating; nothing like in the pictures online (we were pleasantly surprised later). The lady at the entrance was super cheery and answered all of our questions. Such a nice woman. She seemed to really love her job. So we started our way up the road, stopped at the visitors' center to get a map, bathroom, etc and ended up finding this cool National Parks Passport book. Apparently every park has a stamp to validate you were there and they even have stickers with pictures. We have all been to a National Park and were completely oblivious to this cool little collectors book. So, being the big dorks that we are, we got it (thanks mom!!). One stamp down, 380-something to go!

We hopped back in the car after deciding which trail to take. There were bear sightings, but not where we were going. We reached the trailhead and when we got out of the car, wondered if we'd made a mistake. It was cold and super windy! We had sweatshirts on, but weren't layered. Stupid tourists! Haha! Yes, it was February, but come on! It's Arizona! Besides, we knew it would be a slightly cooler temperature due to the elevation & with walking around in the sun figured we'd get warm. What we didn't count on was the wind. It chilled us to the bone. We walked out to this viewing point and at one time almost decided to call it a day. However, we decided to venture on and were extremely happy with that decision! The views were spectacular, the rock formations amazing, and once we were protected from the winds it was a gorgeous day to be out in nature. We opted for the Echo Canyon Loop--3.3 miles, on the list as a "moderate hike" and had a slight gain in elevation. This hike even took us through an unexpected forest. The whole time we were out there we did not see a single soul (well, besides each other of course--haha). This is definitely on the list to go back to, check out another trail and maybe camp. The question is, which one of you wants to go with us?? 😊

---

Photos

Photo 1
Our first view from the parking lot

Photo 2
Proof that the wind is wicked up there

Photo 3
Who knew Amy was this strong?

Photo 4
We call this one "Fist Rock"

Photo 5
Mom & Amy hiding from the wind

Photo 6
Some of Jeff's artistic photog skills

Photo 7
We dubbed this "Roller Skate Rock". Do you see it?

Photo 1
Amy & Mom in one of the grottoes

Photo 3
The entrance to Wallstreet

Photo 4
Echo Park

Photo 5
Jeff decided to take Mom's advice and not go all the way.

Photo 7
Tall tall trees!

Comments

[Nichole Z.]

Next year maybe??
Well, if you wanna go in the fall of '09, I'll go! Of course, I'll have to figure out how to really rough it in the wilderness. LOL

[Connie]

OUTSTANDING
The photography is amazing and the writing so delightfully entertaining. I'd think so - even if I wasn't your other mom! What a great idea to help us keep in touch. Love to you both!

[Launie]

I so have one of those passports!
I got one a few years back. Since we've been on 2 National park road trips, I've gotten most of the western region stamps already. Good to know I'm not the only dork! Do you do the penny stamper too?? I do...lol