We were so excited to hear that West Fork was open. After a devastating fire last spring, photographers feared that they had lost one of the best photo and hiking opportunities in central Arizona. We share our first look at what it looks like today as seven photographers hiked along the creek amidst a spectacular presentation of fall color in Oak Creek Canyon. Enjoy this rather long post . . . just so many great images!! We hope that you might make it real soon to capture your own images of the West Fork Trail at its most colorful.
Sometimes you just have to stop and listen to the leaves falling.
This from our hiker, non-photographer!
I asked Barbara where she found this item. "Right there in front. You guys were long gone when I took this." I missed a good opportunity to play around with this one. Next time.
John smiling. His happy face reflecting all the red around him!
"Over the creek and through the woods . . . . "
Nature showing off her miracle of recovery. I could still detect the odor of smoke when we got out of our car. It will take years for this area to recover.
Setting a higher standard for 'selfies'. Just love this Ann.
Meet Lefty. He goes with Ann on all of her hikes. He probably gets to bike with her as well! If he keeps showing up on our photo trips we are going to adopt him as our mascot. (He is called Lefty because he is missing his left arm).
Whew! You should be tired by now! We returned to the trailhead, ate our lunch at a convenient picnic table and then headed home. Am grateful that the fire damage, while extensive, was not worse. And, there are signs of nature's recovery everywhere. Thanks for joining us.