Sunset Crater Volcano
Photographing Sunset Crater Volcano is like capturing the vivid palette of a master artist at work. As the sun dips below the horizon, the cinder cone transforms into a canvas of deep oranges and purples, with shadows dancing across the rugged terrain and a dusting of snow. The contrasting textures of the black volcanic rock against the overcast sky creates a stunning visual symphony, challenging the limits of perception and inviting a playful exploration of line and form. Each click of the shutter is an exhilarating reminder that beauty can thrive in the starkest of landscapes, leaving us to ponder the wonders of nature, even when sight becomes a fleeting memory.
On Sunday, Deana and I eagerly headed up to the charming town of Flagstaff to do some shopping for her. Flagstaff is truly an amazing place that we both thoroughly enjoy exploring together. There is so much to see and do around Flagstaff, from quaint shops to scenic views. After our adventurous shopping excursions, we decided to venture over to the Majestic Sunset Crater Volcano, a stunning location where life continues to spring up vibrantly amongst the rugged cinders of a volcanic eruption that occurred way back in 1085 A.D. According to Wikipedia:
The date of the eruptions that formed the 340-meter-high cone (1,120 ft) was initially derived from tree-ring dates, suggesting the eruption began between the growing seasons of AD 1064–1065.[7] However, more recent geologic and archaeological evidence places the eruption around AD 1085.[8] The largest vent of the eruption, Sunset Crater itself, was the source of the Bonito and Kana-a lava flows that extended about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) northwest and 9.6 kilometers (6 mi) northeast, respectively. Additional vents along a 10-kilometer-long fissure (6.2 mi) extending southeast produced small spatter ramparts and a 6.4-kilometer-long lava flow (4 mi) to the east. The Sunset Crater eruption peaked at VEI 4 (Sub-Plinian), produced a total 0.52 km3 of ejecta,[9] had an eruption column between 20-30km tall[10] and produced a blanket of ash and lapilli covering an area of more than 2,100 square kilometers (810 sq mi), which forced the temporary abandonment of settlements of the local Sinagua people.
As we approached the volcano, my jaw dropped. The view from the open fields in front of the park were picturesque. There was a light dusting of snow atop the crater. We had hoped for more snow, but it was still breathtaking. I got out my now trust Sony A7Cii and Soligor 35*70mm f2.5 lens and went to work. Deana yelled at me at one point, because I had disappeared in the golden grasses. I get very excited about taking photographs, like a sniper crawling around on the ground, looking for the right vantage point. But, I am looking for just the right perspective and composition.
We continued on into the expansive park, fully embracing the captivating pastoral scenes as well as the more somber, charred remnants of burned trees and winding lava flows that told a story of their own. I found myself contemplating what it must have been like when this mighty volcano erupted in its fiery glory. The sunset, while somewhat mediocre at best, did not dampen our spirits; we made the most of it and joyfully headed home after a few hours of wandering amongst the rugged cinders and ancient lava flows. I could not recommend this enchanting place enough. There is truly so much to do in this vibrant area and an abundance of incredible sights to behold, each more mesmerizing than the last.
Peach Orchard Loop
Hiking the Peach Orchard Loop in the Tonto National Forest is an exhilarating adventure that awakens the senses. The trail weaves through the mountains and up them to a ridge and fire road.
When I got up this morning, I realized that I had the day off. I have been thinking about going hiking since we moved to Payson, Arizona, but I never seemed to have the time when I felt like going. Today, I decided I was going. Deana went off to work, so there was no reason I should not go. It was a beautiful day with some rare warm winds up here at 5,000 feet.
At present, I don’t have any autofocus lenses for the Sony A7C ii. So, looked over my m42 and k-mount lenses. What I’d love to have is a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, but I don’t have that kind of money to throw around. I settled on a 1980’s Soligor 35-70mm f/2.5-3.5 variable aperture zoom lens. It’ is a lens that I have tested. It is not as sharp as a new lens, but for its age and uniqueness as having a macro extension tube built in, it’s a great little versatile lens.
I grabbed that trusty camera and lens combo, along with an extra Pentax 28mm f/3.5 lens as a backup just in case, and headed eagerly out the door. I hopped on my XP 3.0 Lectric bike and sped down the paved road to the trail head, which was conveniently located across the street from the beautiful Payson Golf Course. I had not yet explored this particular trail, so I had to rely on the All Trails app for information about the loop and its various features along the way.
As I started my adventurous journey down the fire road/trail, I couldn’t help but laugh at how easy this loop seemed to be thus far, which led me to believe that I’d be home in time for a delicious lunch. The views surrounding me were breathtaking, and they were absolutely well worth the hike, making every step feel rewarding. However, in a moment of distraction, I missed my turn and accidentally ventured an extra quarter mile down the fire road before the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. After a brief moment, I backtracked and managed to get back on the intended trail. Yet, within just a few hundred feet of finally arriving on the trail, I quickly realized it wouldn’t be so easy after all. The fire roads are comprised of gravel and are generally easily traversed, but I had a feeling my adventure was just beginning!
The trail that cuts between the fire roads is extreme. All trails stated that it was moderate. Sure, the rest of the trail is moderate, but the very steep incline halfway through the loop is extreme. I used to hike three times a week with people younger than me and army rangers, but this trail would be a struggle for them. I’m older now and a bit out of shape. The “Trail” was literally a wall of rock and dirt that I had to gradually crawl up.
The ascent of the steep incline took an hour, but the panoramic views ultimately justified the effort. I was astounded by the extent of my visual acuity, even in my state of blindness, and the distance I had traveled from the town. Despite the exhaustion, I found myself in a state of laughter and exhilaration. I had conquered a mountain, experiencing solitude, divine presence, and the profound beauty of nature. The ceaseless hum of Main Street, the dazzling lights, and the relentless roar of passing cars were mere echoes in the valley below. I stood there, momentarily overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of sight and the splendor of our world. While some may perceive this place as mere sand, brush, withered trees, and barren mountains, I see it as a living, breathing entity brimming with life, beauty, and the awe-inspiring Majesty of God.
After catching my breath, I headed down another fire road that traverses the ridge and leads back down to the trail head. It was getting late and I was getting sore, so it took me a little bit. I did make it home in time to meet Deana for lunch and enjoy each others company. The loop was supposed to take an hour and a half. It took me 2:40. Mind you, I stopped a lot to take photographs. I ended up hiking 3.4 miles around the loop, given I had missed a turn and had to turn back.
I will pay for my adventures tomorrow, but it was worth it. Spending time in nature is important, and it is good exercise. And, I got some amazing photographs out of it. There will be a gallery below. Please give them a look and let me know what you think about my adventure and the photography.
