If you are coming into Sedona from the north on Arizona State Route 89A, you will eventually cross over Midgley Bridge. This is a striking piece of architecture with some beautiful surrounding views. There are also a few hiking trails that head out from the small, crowded parking lot. On your walk, you will have sight lines to Oak Creek and the surrounding canyon. This is a perfect place to stop for a snack and to stretch your legs before moving on to Sedona.
The Liberty Bell Arch Trail starts from a wash in the desert, and then rises in elevation to provide several scenic views of the hills surrounding the Colorado River, just below Hoover Dam. This hike is a super hot desert hike, always in the sun. It is best left for the winter months. However, if you take the challenge, you will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views.
The trail for the Liberty Bell Arch starts just around the 4 mile marker off of Highway 93 in Arizona. There is a nice big parking lot, a slightly misleading trail map, and a bridge to cross under to start your hike. What they don’t tell you is that there are several different trails out there, and if you are not careful, you can end up on the wrong one even if you follow the signs. I ended up on the wrong trail that led me for a long, but beautiful, loop through the desert. All the while getting further and further from the bridge with pretty looks back towards my jumping off point.
Located on the East side of Galveston Island, Beachtown is always one of my favorite places to launch a sunset walk on the beach. The homes are beautiful and if you time things right, you might just have the whole beach to yourself.
The Sam Houston Monument in Hermann Park is a pretty impressive sight. The area includes a reflecting pool, the bronze sculpture, and several gardens which may or may not include passing butterflies. When the sun is shining, it makes for a great photography spot.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statue.
The Texas Tower.
Things are blooming and growing at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. I hiked through several different zones on the outside loop trail, and there was much to see and photograph along the way.
I ran across this most awesome rose garden today while walking about.
The bluebonnet fields were cool. The views of downtown from St. Edward’s University were nice. But the ladybugs posing for photos were by far the best.
earthrobert 