It's That Time of Year Again

It has been a beautiful Autumn in the Northwest. The days have been warm, the nights merely brisk. Unfortunately that has ended with cooler, wetter weather arriving today. Hunched over my keyboard, layered up, my thoughts turn wistfully to my former home in the Southwest. October through April is paradise in central and southern Arizona. I'd be fibbing if I said I did not think about it. But I have many wonderful photographs and memories to warm the winters here; in another year my blood will have thickened and my body adapted to the new climate. Meanwhile, proximity to Weezie and Little Clam provides warmth all its own, and I am content.

This is a picture of the Elephant. She occupies an AZ State/County/City park preserved by Creekers who paid the owner's inflated asking price with a property tax, the first of its kind on this little community. They paid it gladly, and thanks to competent town management the municipal bonds will be paid in full early. I am very curious to see what other preservation and conservation efforts may be undertaken next. Meanwhile, hikers and riders stride the Elephants back and flanks, most of whom have no knowledge of her history, and how close she came to becoming part of another gated community "enclave" for the very wealthy.

Someday I will take you for a walk on the Elephant, ninos, and tell you more of her story. If my legs and lungs permit, we will visit the ancient ruins on the crest of the Elephant's brow. We can picnic by the Creek, visit Geoffrey's bench and drop stones into an old mine shaft. If we were walking there right now, it would be so warm I would have to remove my flannel shirt and vest and keep only my cotton shirt. Doesn't it make you feel warm and relaxed just thinking about all that sunshine? Let's go for a visit soon.