Hello Everyone,

      I hope your summer is off to an exciting start. As the summer temperatures rise here in the desert, we seek higher elevations in search of cooler temperatures. A good rule of thumb is a 4 degree drop in temperature per 1000 foot elevation gain.

     This makes Northern Arizona a perfect summer vacation destination. There are so many things to do in Northern Arizona that when your doing nothing, it's because that's what you want to do.

     First of all we'll talk about the National Parks, and Monuments. The Grand Canyon is an hours drive from Flagstaff, and well worth the drive. Then there is Walnut Creek, Wapatki, and Sunset Crater National Monuments all within a half hour from Flagstaff. These locations are easy enough to google for additional information, so I won't talk about them anymore in this blog. Instead I want to talk about a few of the lesser known natural attractions.

     If your interested in volcanos, this area is a hands on text book. Our first stop is Ashfork, Az.. Ashfork is about 60 miles west of Flagstaff, just off the I-40. This area has some very unique volcanic bombs, don't worry they can't explode. Volcanic bombs are balls of molten rock bigger than 2 1/2" diameter, formed on eruption, and thrown for many miles. They are in the air so long, while still molten that by the time they hit the earth again they have turned more of a football shape than the circle they started out as. To get to this area exit I-40 at the Ashfork exit ( county road 142 ), go north 3.7 miles to a fork in the road. Take the right fork for another mile where you will come to a cattleguard, and a sign that reads Kaibab National Forest, go over the cattleguard, and turn right about 50 feet later, follow this road another 1 1/2 miles to an area on the right with primitive campsites, park here the quarry is on the left. You may have to dig a little in the quarry to unearth a few, if the monsoon rain storms haven't started yet.

     Our next stops include exploring a real lava tube, and a collecting site with awesome obsidian. Now when my family, and I visit this area the lava tube is the first stop, our kids love it there. Take the Bellemont exit off the I-40, head west, on the frontage road that runs on the north side of I-40 about a mile, or so to Forest Road 171, turn right, or north, and follow for 7 1/2 miles to FR 171A, turn right on 171A, and the parking area is about 2/10 of a mile up.  If you are going to visit the lava tube, bring what you will need to explore it, and you will want to explore it. Basic gear needed are flashlights, warm clothes, gloves, and a helmet helps. The temperatures in the lava tube range from 33-36 degrees at the entrance to 40-44 degrees in the back of the tube year round, no matter what the weather is like outside. You can't get lost in the tube, the only branch leads back into the main tube, just be careful it can be slippery in spots, but this is one awesome hike, when your done exploring this geologic wonder head back out to FR 171, turn right, and continue towards Kendrick Peak at over 10,400 ft. high.It's a great landmark, as well as a challenging hike. If you are going to attempt the hike make sure you have all day, and are in the type of shape needed to tackle a hike like this. Continue past the Kendrick Peak parking area bear left onto FR 100, and follow to Government Mountain, stop from time to time to check out the sides of the road for obsidian. You will know when you are in the right spots, the obsidian will be everywhere.

     While in the Flagstaff area don't get so busy that you forget to drop a fishing line in one of the local lakes. These lakes are stocked regularly, and are great spots to find out what's going on in your kids lives.

Ashurst Lake is always full of stockers, and has many campsites ready for your tent. Upper, and Lower Lake Marys are always well stocked with trout, but is a day use area with no lakeside camping. Connecting Upper, and Lower Lake Mary is an area known as the narrows, this area has walleye, northern pike, and catfish. Last, but not least is Lake Kinnikinick this lake has great fishing, and very private camping, this is the most remote lake in the area as not many people drive the almost 20 mile bumpy, dirt road. Keep an eye to the ground in this area, arrowheads are somewhat common in this area.

     As always I hope to see you on the trail,   Thanks Craig Wiita

     The Travel Channel now has the Cash, and Treasures fire agate show I helped out on, available on podcast check it out. http://cash-treasures-podcast.travelchannel.com/?podcast=1856&display=player&episode=27029&view=2&page=1

     I'm just the guy in the background in the blue tee shirt.   

     Next week I'll share my secret picture agate spot in Northern Arizona with you.  Until then be safe.