Headed from Tucson to the Chirichuas. Stopped a few times on Reservations along the way, including a great little cafe. We walked in as the only customers and the owner turned off the Van Morrison he was cranking to put on some Native American music

Spent the first day in the Chirichua National Monument, small but magical, with these haunting stone pillars.

On a hike in the high country we saw a few Mexican chickadees, which provided ammunition to torture hardcore listing birders

Swimsuit model

Am I too far north to channel Carlos Castaneda

This was some amazing scenery-- dry pine forests, clear skies, and great rocky high country.

We camped that night in the National Forest, where you could just camp anywhere. Great little site along a creek. The whole area was open range, as these beasts demonstrate during out morning coffee.

View back into Cave Creek Canyon. I had heard from many folks how impressive the mountain country was in Cave Creek and never believed it. From this spot, there was a 270 degree arc of mountains. This picture doesn't do the place justice.