So I flipped on up to the cool mountains and high elevations of Alpine Arizona this past weekend and did a bit of hiking and picture taking.  I spent two days along AZ-191 between Alpine and Hannagan Meadow.  It is such a gorgeous place and I've been up there at least ten times now.  I highly recommend it.  I got to test out a hiking staff as well as the latest addition to the family, my Sigma 150-600mm wildlife lens!  This time of year, in Phoenix, it is usually 110+ degrees.  Historically, it is the hottest week of the year.  On Sunday morning, it was a beautiful 42 degrees at the lodge at Hannagan Meadow, so I had a nice hot cup of coffee and hung out on the front porch of the lodge for an hour.  There are always loads of deer and elk to watch and some beautiful meadows and hiking opportunities.  Here are a few pictures...

Group of Deer in the White Mountains Elk Herd near Hannagan Meadow Hannagan Meadow Wild Iris near Alpine Arizona Western Tiger Swallowtail Beautiful Forest near Hawley Lake

After hanging out near Hannagan, I drove over to Pinetop-Lakeside and spent three days with my parents and brother in a cabin at Lake of the Woods Resort.  Very cool place right on a private lake.  I went fishing for the first time in a decade, did some mild hiking, and had plenty of great food.  The temps were in the 70s and a perfect breeze made for a perfect few days.  I got to capture some awesome photos of a pair of great horned owls and a few other critters too!  Check it out:

Bullfrog Great Honrned Owl Great Horned Owl

I hope you get the chance to head out to the mountains.  If you do, I highly recommend Alpine, AZ.  Great small town, good food, and nobody goes there, even on busy weekends.  Until next time, happy adventuring!