Back, Again, to the Mogollon Rim, AZ

I reluctantly left the Mogollon Rim, with the idea of traveling west on Rte 300. This was the route my friend, Eileen, and I took on the far western side near the town of Strawberry, where we found our fossils. Rte 300, is actually about 200 miles long, along the Mogollon Rim. I wanted to see if there were similar fossils at this end, near Woods Lake Canyon. So I drove for quite a while, perhaps 10 miles, on this dirt road, until I hit the border of the Sitgreaves National Forest, and Coconino National Forest, where the road dramatically deteriorated. There were deeper ruts, larger rocks and a steeper climb, so rather than risking any damage, I decided to turn around. It was a lovely drive, in vain to find fossils, but nonetheless I have information for future reference. There were plentiful spots where I could have pulled over to camp, however I headed back to my last night spot, hoping it was still available, and low and behold, it was. Harry, the camp host, checked me in. After being given all of the camp rules (of which I always adhere to) He mentioned keeping a look out for the Mexican Grey wolf. Whoa! I had no idea that wolves could be up here! Harry said that the wolf crosses the fields at dawn, so naturally I was out early. Part of me wanted to catch a glimpse, and part of me wanted nothing to do with it. I am always concerned about Jo Jo!

I was very fortunate to settle in before another rainstorm came in. Another fascinating afternoon and evening watching these storms roll in, across a huge vista with probably at least a hundred mile visibility. I wanted to just cry at the beauty and the sheer vastness along with the colors, shapes, and shadows over the land below. It was fascinating. Monsoon storms are remarkable.

















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