Wupatki National Monument

 One of many settlement sites scattered throughout Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff, this structure was built by the Ancient Pueblo people—more specifically, the c.  The dwelling’s walls were carefully constructed from thin, flat blocks of local Moenkopi sandstone, giving it both strength and a distinctive layered appearance. The name “Wupatki,” meaning “Long Cut House” in the Hopi language, reflects the structure’s unique form.  A major population influx began soon after the eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano in the late 11th century (around 1040–1100). The volcanic ash that blanketed the region actually improved agricultural conditions, helping the soil retain moisture in this otherwise arid landscape.  By 1182, Wupatki Pueblo was home to an estimated 85 to 100 people. However, by 1225, the site was permanently abandoned—leaving behind the remarkable ruins that still tell the story of adaptation, community, and resilience in a challenging environment.

The door is approximately 4 feet high, a tight fit.

Sinagua pottery 

The Sinagua were part of an extensive trade network that stretched far beyond what we think of as the “desert Southwest.”  They had access to coastal materials—especially seashells—through trade routes that likely connected them to groups along the Pacific coast and possibly even the Gulf of California.

Arizona Museum of Natural History

 We had one of those “don’t miss it” days at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. From stepping into the recreated Lost Dutchman Gold Mine to wandering among an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, there was something to pull you in at every turn. The highlight was easily the stunning three-story display that walks you through the story of life on Earth over millions of years—it’s the kind of exhibit that makes you stop, look up, and just take it all in.

Every thirty minutes water cascades down through the exhibit 

The highlight was the incredible three-story display 

showing plants and animals from the last 75 million years 

Another great day exploring and discovering something new around every corner.

Desert Botanical Garden

 The Desert Botanical Garden showcases one of the world’s most remarkable collections of arid plants, set against the striking red rock backdrop of the Papago Buttes. Home to more than 50,000 desert plants, the Garden invites visitors to explore five thematic trails that highlight conservation, desert living, the relationship between plants and people of the Sonoran Desert, and the vibrant beauty of desert wildflowers.

One of the Garden After Dark exhibits  

It looks like little pineapples on the cactus 

We had a great day exploring these beautiful gardens 

Goldwell Open Air Museum

The Goldwell Open Air Museum is a striking outdoor sculpture park set in the high desert near the ghost town of Rhyolite Nevada.  Known for its monumental, often surreal works, the museum features a haunting, life-size ghostly interpretation of The Last Supper inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, a towering 25-foot woman built from pink cinder blocks, and a whimsical 24-foot steel prospector accompanied by his penguin companion. Set against the stark Amargosa Desert, the sculptures feel both otherworldly and deeply tied to the region’s mining past—making the Goldwell Open Air Museum anything but an average art experience. 

Ghost Rider 

Tribute to Shorty Harris

Amy walking the Medicine Wheel.

The purpose is to walk  slowly to the center while

praying or meditating for healing powers

The Last Supper 

The museum began in 1984 with the creation and installation of 

a major sculpture by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski.

To make the life size ghost figures, Szukalski wrapped live models in fabric

soaked in wet plaster and posed them as i the painting. When the plaster set, 

the model was slipped out, leaving the rigid shroud behind. 

Serving Ghost

The Pink Lady

Kilns and Mines

High in the Panamint Mountains west of Death Valley are ten remarkably preserved, 25-foot-high beehive-shaped masonry structures built in 1877 to produce charcoal for nearby Modock Mine smelter.  Workers filled he stone kilns with pion pine logs and fired them. The burning which reduced the wood to charcoal, took six to eight days. Cooling took another five days. 

Looking down on Death Valley 

Me, Amy and Larry

In 1905, Shorty Harris, one of Death Valley’s most colorful prospectors, discovered gold in the Panamint Range on the west side of Death Valley. Working with Pete Aguereberry, the strike led to the development of the Eureka Mine, one of the more productive gold mines in the region. To support mining operations, the small boomtown of Harrisburgsprang up nearby, along with the Cashier Mill, which processed ore

Another great day exploring.