Dear Isaac, Maia and Virtual Wanderers,

Today, we dipped from the transition zone to the floor of the Tonto Basin. Tonto Natural Bridge is in the transition zone, Tonto National Monument is in the Sonoran Desert. These sites are about an hour’s drive from one another. It’s a spectacular change in geology, fawna and flora.

To me, there is nothing quite like that first glimpse of seguaro cactus. The Colorado Plateau is my home and I adore it beyond words. But, as a career woman, I’ve sometimes found the culture to be harder the rock at the base of the Black Canyon.

When I first became a nurse-midwife a few decades ago, I thought I was moving back to the Plateau in my new role. But, the career desert was harsh and uninhabitable for a new grad. I decided I wasn’t going to put up with the politics. I joined a supportive practice in Phoenix. It wasn’t that long before the Plateau lured me back, but seeing those cactus remind me of a time of healing, of acceptance, of growth. The words, “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name, it felt good to be out of the rain,” run through my mind every time.

The fairly short drive from Payson (after a late start) to Tonto National Monument landed us at the Picnic area just about lunch time. I enjoyed a tuna sandwich while the dogs napped in the warmth. Then on to the Visitor’s Center where I got the Three Amigas some new Bark Ranger gear – a water bowl and poop bag holder.

Then, the stroller got loaded with water, treats and sunscreen. Up we went. The one mile round trip sounds easy, but there is a 15-40% grade. I let Koko ride up because of her short snout, double black coat, and valve disease. Kachina and Cimarron were able to do the upside without issues. But, they absolutely needed water breaks.

Dogs are allowed on the lower ruins train until a few yards from the ruins. I’d love to see them someday but I don’t mind seeing them from a distance with my Amigas, either. After a long break and dog naps at the top, everyone but me got a ride down.

From there, we headed through Miami to Superior. There were actually a few hoodoos on the last leg of the drive. It was a nice, laid back day. Tonto is usually one of at least two stops that day. That, or we don’t have time at all so zoom by saying, “next year.’ In Superior, we found our beds in a cool mid century mining motel. It’s so fun and funky. Tomorrow the Arboretum!

Happy Trails, GM Cathy Hartt