Another Road Trip

 I decided to escape. Heading towards the  north rim of the Grand Canyon. And for the first time in months it rained. And for a while it came down pretty hard. Thunder, wind, massive drops, almost hail. Temperatures dropped to a refreshing 68°. So I stopped in north Flagstaff on a forest road right near Sunset Crater. 


I took a long term project with me of sorting photos, walked along a cinder road trail, and listened to howling coyotes, in the middle of the day. Not once, but twice, I was visited by a hummingbird. Watching it feed on red flowers, then returning again to check out my pink camping chair. Now its in the 80's, and so much cooler than Cave Creek.

Other than some other campers driving by, one of the forest rangers stopped to make sure that I was aware of the ban on campfires. I was aware. But a couple hours later not one but two forest law enforcement stopped. They abruptly pulled along side, and in front of me, almost as if they intended to block me in. Jo Jo went nuts. One of them came up fairly close and asked me again if I knew about the campfire restrictions, along with a 14 day camping limit. But in the meantime the other officer quickly went behind the Gypsy to record my plate. He disappeared back into his truck, no doubt running my plate, just in case I am a wanted fugitive. All while some stalling small talk with the other one resumed. Then they left. It was a bit strange, as I have never had this happen in a forest. I wonder if there is a crack down, since more people are escaping into the forest. Glad they are monitoring, but it was little unnerving. Hope the night is quietly event free.










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