The Oregon Coast

Mt Hood from our window

Little fairy houses in the forest

The drive across the bridge to Washington State

North Head Lighthouse

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Cape Disappointment

As soon as we saw Mt Hood covered in snow from our aircraft window, I knew it would be a great trip. Nothing is better than seeing snow in June when you live in Arizona. It was also lovely to see so much water.  Being on the bridge to Washington brought back memories of going to Lake Erie, (Cedar Point) when I was young.  The first sight and smell of the water is an instant mood elevator.  The crashing waves, the lighthouses, cool breezes...  I am not sure why the Coast Guard station is named Cape Disappointment, but I can tell you, I was not disappointed!

Breakfast in the Garden

Sunflowers are in bloom

Dessert Willow Tree

Charentais Cantaloupe

This morning as I was watering my garden I noticed a sweet fragrance. It almost smelled like bubblegum. That is when I realized I must have a ripe melon!  I planted these adorable  Charentais melons in the spring.   I swoon over anything French, and have always had good luck with cantaloupe in our 100 degree plus weather, so I decided to give them a try.  They are small, and packed with sweet juicy goodness.  Perfect for a morning snack while enjoying the garden in bloom.

Butterfly Wonderland

I recently visited the new Butterfly Wonderland butterfly house with a friend. We witnessed an amazing display of tropical butterflies from all over the world.  The butterfly with orange tips ( I believe it is called an Orange Tipped Butterfly) reminded me of orange sherbet.  After being in a hot steamy butterfly house on a hot day in Arizona, we began our quest for ice cream and ended up at the Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale.  Yes, I ordered a scoop of orange sherbet!

Tumacacori National Historical Park

Mission San Jose de Tumacacori

The Altar

View of the entrance from inside the church

Cemetery

Storage Building

This mission is the oldest Jesuit Mission in Southern Arizona and is now a Park Service Historical Site.

A beautiful place to visit on a Sunday afternoon.

On The Road Again

Open Range

Madera Canyon

Our Destination!

Relaxing at the Inn

A morning at Ventana Canyon in Southern Arizona

Prickly Pear in Bloom

Hotel Saguaro

Empress Leilia Butterfly

Natural Waterfall in the Santa Catalina Mountains

Voted "Best Place to Shower in Southern Arizona"

Spring Blue Butterfly

Cactus  Bloom

Greater Earless Lizard

Phainopepla

It was just an overnight trip to Ventana Canyon in Southern Arizona.  You don't have to twist my arm to visit again!