Wandering of the Mind

It is almost Fall in the beautiful Southwest. There are two spectacular seasons in Arizona, in my humble opinion. Spring and Fall. But you have to be strategic, depending on the year, you may only have a couple weeks of opportunity. Our air conditioner continues to run during the day, but the nights are cooling off. I can even get into my car to run an errand in the middle of the day without suffering heat stroke. My hands don't scorch on the steering wheel, so that's an indication that a preferred season, Fall, is on the way.

Arizona....desert, cactus, dirt. All those things are true. But Arizona has elevation changes and with that comes variety. I plan to head to the mountains very soon to spend some time among the Aspens. Hopefully my timing will be just right to see the glistening, golden leaves quaking in the breeze. I'll stack heavy blankets on the bed and snuggle in for the crisp, cool night. Ahhh, I long for my next camping adventure.

For after Fall camping, my enthusiasm for excursions fades with the leaves. Winter brings desert camping. There are certain environments which nourish and soothe one's soul. For me, it is in the forest. The desert does have its beauty. But it's not the same. I'm sure we'll venture out...perhaps down to Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson or to one of the desert lakes. But my true desire as Winter proceeds, will be for the first breath of Spring, when the forest wakes from its slumber.

So for now, I anticipate Fall. With all it's glory and wonder that even Arizona can offer.