It’s been 4.5 years since I moved to Arizona from Virginia. I hungrily hiked and explored the state back then. Now, my camera is broken, and it has been weeks since my last hike. I reminisced through my gallery of hiking shots and pulled out some of my favorites. I love being outdoors–the higher the altitude, the space away from people, and wallowing in the silence is when I feel at peace no matter the season. I wouldn’t be so adventurous without Jim. Bear, my trusty German Shepherd, helps keep me safe, too. So here are a dozen shots from our explorations. Which photo do you like the best?
![DSC01539[1]](https://cindybruchman.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc015391.jpg?w=1086)
![DSC01327[1]](https://cindybruchman.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc013271.jpg?w=1086)
If you had one hike today, if you could jump into a photograph, which one appeals to you?
Cindy Bruchman 
Terrific photos…love the cactus shot,a nd that lake looks like it would offer a beautiful hike!
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Howdy, John. Crystal clear water! I love hiking around water. 🙂 Thanks for your vote.
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It was really hard to pick one. I was leaning toward the Mountain Lake until I spotted Hart Prairie!
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Welcome GP. I love walking there. It’s just so beautiful in every direction.
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I always have to go with any cactus shot, as I would never see those here, Cindy. Despite that, they are all wonderful memories to have.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes, I understand. England has lots of lush hiking spots. I am surprised at the colors of the cacti for such prickly, indomitable creatures, they have personalities. The Saguaro is a fascinating desert “tree” homes to birds and each shaped like a person.
Have a great day, Pete.
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Thanks, Cindy. It’s already over here. (The day) It’s 9 pm, dark, and not far off bedtime.
Best wishes as always, Pete.
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Ha! I believe I’m 11 hours in your past and you are in my future. 🙂
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I love lightning.
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Me, too. I stood for 30 minutes in the drizzle, no tripod, trying to catch one. It was a fun evening. 🙂
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I prefer #2, but I wouldn’t hike about. I would just sit with my back against a tree and wait for what came along.
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Hi John, thanks for voting. Yes, sitting a spell is always important on hiking trips. That’s a good spot!
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I’m always partial to lighting shots. Those are so tricky to get! Nice capture! Also I love the mountain vistas and the shots around the lake. Everything looks peaceful.
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Thanks, Tom. I didn’t have a tripod or my camera set to take multiple shots. I literary caught it by accident after trying for a half hour. 🙂
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even better!
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They are all beautiful, but catching a lightning bolt takes some beating!
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Hi Paul! Nice to see you pop round. Thanks, I love that shot, too.
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There are a lot of great shots here. I like the Wild Mountain Iris and that shot os the sun setting on the lake. That photo has contrasting colors that are so beautiful.
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Yay! I think technically the wild Iris shot is “bad” because of the out of focus behind it, but I was so in love with the gem-like colors. I could sit at the lakeside for hours watching the sun change the colors on the trunks and stones. Thanks for liking that one. I like the clouds in it, too.
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I thought you did the out of focus on purpose. lol What do I know. Yes, that other shot (and all the others) were truly beautiful I could sit by that lake and write for hours.
Be well.
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Great photos. I like the one with the fall Maples in the canyon, lovely how the fall colors of the trees contrast with the beautiful scenery. Also like the cactus pear, very nice. These images must hold some lovely memories for you and your walks.
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Welcome, Paul. You are kind and correct. The shots remind me of the day, the mood at the time, the reminder for me to get back out there!
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I’m sure they do, you’ve visited some lovely placed and taken so many great pictures. Always so much to see and do 🙂
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Thank you, Paul! I appreciate that.
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We visited Tuzigoot a few years ago, I love seeing that angle with the snow!
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Welcome, Snuffy. We had a wild snow storm over New Years (2014). The snow was gorgeous and melted in 2 days. I loved how the snow distinguished the rooms of the complex. Thank you for commenting!
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I probably wouldn’t jump into the cactus! lol. Your pictures never disappoint and I love them all. However the first would be on top of my list.
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How about throwing in a few bad photos to make our choice easier? 🙂 I go for No.11 for the composition
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Ha! You are kind, Derrick. I liked the sharpness of the sun hitting the bleached trunk myself. I appreciate your comment. 🙂
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I need to go to Tuzigoot.
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It’s quite interesting. Hope you make it!
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It’s very difficult to choose just one from so many beautiful photos…but it’s the lightning bolt that hit me! Thanks for sharing, Cindy.
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Thanks for your vote, Rafael!
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If I moved to Arizona, I would do a lot of hiking, the same like you 🙂 All the pictures are gorgeous, but I especially love the prickly pear, the lightning bolt, and the last picture, the panorama.
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This gets me nostalgic when we went hiking Cindy! Thanks for that wonderful memories!
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Ruth, it was fun for me to meet you, Ivan, and his friend. A nice hike followed by a campfire — night time is a cool, relaxing time to see the Red Rocks!
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We’re just discussing about going to Grand Canyon in November. You’re lucky you don’t get to endure arctic Winter over there Cindy! 😉
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As you probably recall, I’m 100 miles west of Chicago. Know all about the arctic chills! Yes, glad for the warmth of the sun during the winter months.
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The firsts one with the mountains does it for me. It’s got the whole package – mountains, clear water and a big sky. Gorgeous. Get me there 🙂
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Okay, we’ll swap. I’d love to visit Sweden. Before winter. 😉
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Love them all! Especially “10. Hart Prairie”, reminds me of something I’d take a photo of. I also really liked the lightning bolt and no. 3 looks INCREDIBLE as well. You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area!!
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As always, thanks, my friend. I’m very blessed to live here. It’s been a fun chapter of my life.
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It certainly looks incredible! It motivates me to use my camera more often. I spent a decent amount on it!!
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I’ve seen your shots–you have a creative eye. I get bored easily, so I give myself a “photography assignment” like a theme or texture or color and apply it to where ever I am. It’s a quiet way to be productive.
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It’s got to be the fall maples for me!
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Thanks, Abbi. I bet it is beautiful in England now.
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It’s lovely and crisp and autumnal although the wind is a bit crazy!
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Good thing you have so many cool coats and hats. 😉
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Thanks for sharing these photos! I’m from Arizona and I love being able to hike out here and enjoy our beautiful weather and landscape. And I have yet to visit some of the trails you have listed here myself!
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My pleasure, and thanks for stopping by to comment. I’ve grown quite fond of the state. It’s vast and diverse topography make it a vacation spot without having to travel too far.
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I like the “sunrise” the best.
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Welcome! Thank you for your comment. It’s my favorite of the bunch, too. I love watching the sun come up.
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I like the first one best! I want to go there!
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Thank yoy, Nastassia 😊
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You’re welcome, also thanks for the follow! 😀
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WOW all of these photos were stunning! Choosing a favorite is very difficult but I’d have to say the 10th picture looked like a dream to me and really resonated with me. Hope you get your camera fixed because you have a great eye! Keep up the good work 🙂
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Welcome 😊
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I thank you for the kind words. I will make sure to check out your site. Thank you for following.
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Number 4 with the cactus!
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Howdy, Meghan. Thanks for voting! We have a bit in common. I relocated to AZ from the Shenandoah Valley. Many of my former VA students were proud to go to Virginia Tech. Have a Merry Christmas. Looking forward to reading your posts.
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You have a Merry Christmas as well!
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All of them are truly beautiful Cindy but I will pick No. 3 Sunrise.
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Hi Lloyd, thank you, my friend.
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Thank you Cindy. 🙂
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Those are some great photos! Check out my page about hiking in upstate New York! https://hikingtrailsadvice.wordpress.com/blog/
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Amazing shots! You have a good eye! I think I loved your Oak Creek Canyon the most, although they are all wonderful! Thanks for sharing and hope you get back to hiking soon! 🙂
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Thanks, Stubbs. I am itching to do so! You are kind to comment.
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Great shots. If you like hiking and photography the i suggest a trip to reykjavik could be the one for you!
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I would love that!
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Great pictures!
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Welcome, Trip Beam. Thank you very much!
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