Our new dog, Chace

 This is Chace.  We rescued him when our neighbor said she wasn't taking her grandson's dog with her when she moved.  

They said he was three, but he's too small and still chews up stuff.

He likes to play fetch. 

Enjoys the kiddie pool with Cassy.  I think even more than Cassy.

Took him to Utah for Cassy's birthday.  They both had a great time on the mountain.   

They both had a great time at Meadow Lake.  Love the smile on Cassy's face! 

Tromping through the creek.

Maybe he'll learn to ride the quads like Cassy.  Don't get too excited, he only went about 10 feet before jumping off.

He's a snuggly little thing.  I think maybe he should have been called Shadow, he sticks to me like glue.   

He likes to look out the window.  

I think he'll fit in really good around here.  He and Cassy have been playing, wrestling and enjoying the companionship I think.  Life is really a new adventure when you add another dog to your family.  

Mt. Charleston

Took our new Explorer out and about and up to Mt. Charleston Saturday.  Not much snow left on the mountain at all, but Cassy did find a little bit to eat and roll in. 

Let Cassy roam around up at the Mary Jane Falls area.  It's still chilly but nice in the sun. 

Nice to get out. 

Timm said he should'v brought some long sleeves. 

Yup, that pretty blue Explorer is ours. 

The desert overlook has had a lot of improvements. Lots of information boards and lengthened the trail.

You can see for miles. 

Stopped up at the old lodge for lunch.  They have a dog patio.  Cassy enjoyed a cool bowl of water and even had a burger off the doggy menu.  

Verde Canyon Rail Road

Since Timm's office started closing between Christmas and New Year's a few years ago we started trying to have an adventure during that time so it doesn't feel like wasted PTO.  This year, we decided to ride the Verde Canyon Rail Road in Clarkdale AZ. 

The river runs really clear...we could see fish in it.  

We spent almost all of our ride on the outdoor car.

We saw bald eagles, they winter there in the canyon. 

Entering the tunnel. 

Amazing views 

This guy works for the train and points out things along the way...great guy 

Train's destination is Perkinsville.  

It was an amazing afternoon on the train.  We just love them.  After the train ride we headed over to the Blazin' M Ranch for dinner.  Didn't stay for the entertainment.  Timm said it's for city slickers.  

An afternoon in Jerome AZ

On our way to Cottonwood, AZ we traveled US89A over Mingus Mtn.  One hundred fifty eight turns in 12 miles is what the t-shirts in Jerome boast.  

 All I know is it's a lot of turns and I was starting to feel a bit dizzy and was glad to get out of the truck.

This is the remains of an old hotel.  Apparently, lots of people now throw coins in there.  I guess the toilets give them targets.  

Nothing is on level ground in Jerome.

Quite a wait for the Haunted Hamburger. 

A few years ago, we toured the Gold King Mine.  We were running out of day light to do it again.

Didn't see any ghosts while we were there.  

Tuzigoot National Monument

 We stopped in at Tuzigoot National Monument between Cottonwood and Clarkdale.  It's an centuries old Indian ruin on s hilltop in the Verde Valley.  It's a pretty interesting place.

 This picture is for Jan...he's always pointing at something in photos. 

I found the tracks on these poles beautiful and facinating.  I wish they showed up better in the photo.