Camping + Learning How to Drive Manual {mobile monday}

Corral Canyon / Mowry Trail - Arizona Jeep Adventures

We had an amazing time exploring some trails in the Sonoita/Patagonia area of southern Arizona this weekend.  Monsoon season was in full effect and really came down on us a few times... as you can see from the sheer darkness of the clouds - it was the real deal.  We were bombarded with hail and heavy rains through much of the rough areas in the Corral Canyon - unfortunately I was a little afraid of being struck by lightening and didn't want to drown my expensive camera so I wasn't able to get out and shoot the Jeeps climbing the rocks and navigating the mine pits... maybe next time - because it really is one of my favorite trails here in southern AZ.  I took most of the pictures out the window from the safety of the passenger seat.

As Military Man says: now, on the the next!

xo - Jess

Our Summer, Week 5 {mobile monday}

I've gotten a bit out of order here... so for today's pics we're backing up to a month ago - Monkey Boy spent a week at Camp Lawton with his Scout Troop.  They had a lot of fun and didn't mind escaping the desert summer heat for the much cooler temps atop Mount Lemmon.

And while their little brother was away the girls enjoyed some relaxing afternoons with their friends.  Summer flew by so fast... the kids just returned from two weeks in Utah and now school officially starts in just two more very short, action-packed weeks!!!

Happy Monday!
xoxo - Jess

Passing through Box Canyon - Arizona Jeep Adventures

Had another fabulous Jeep adventure this weekend through Sonoita/Patagonia area and back up through Box Canyon.  Most of the pictures I shot from the passenger window as we were driving by... much of the road was rough and we were bombarded by hail and heavy rains.

...more to come!
- Jess

Old Glory Mill and Mines - Arizona Jeep Adventures {mobile monday}

Ok so after our first botched attempt to find these Old Glory Mill ruins, we set out again early last Saturday morning more determined than ever to find them.  We embarrassingly discovered that it was not five minutes from the place we were last time when we couldn't find them - we simply didn't turn up the right path the first time we were out there.  It did not disappoint - nice easy trail, cool mountain air, sunshine, plenty to explore... mission accomplished!

I was reluctant to take my 5D with us on this trail because the first time we went out that way it was terribly dusty and I don't want to risk ruining my gear... but I was able to take these with my mobile phone.

Grandpa Dan and Military Man brought along their metal detectors and found a few junk pieces while Grandma and I made a make-shift picnic under a grove of mixed mesquite and sycamore trees.  We watched some mating dragonflies and talked about geodes.

It was a lovely day - except for the blazing sunburn Sam and I got on our shoulders after I had convinced him to take the top off the Jeep... the road back through Arivaca was long, and straight sun the entire way home.

Happy Trails!
xo - Jess