But wait, we could go to Flagstaff. It’s only an hour away, a few thousand feet higher in elevation, and just 85 degrees F (29 C). So off we went with our guests.

There’s a lot to see and do in Flagstaff, but we decided to go to the Arboretum www.thearb.org . Part of the fun of getting to the Arboretum is the dirt road. It’s well maintained, and a couple miles long. Look in your rear-view mirror, and you will see a huge dust cloud behind you. I felt like I was drive a super hero’s car, and had hit the smoke-screen button. It was great fun for me, not so much for the car behind me.

The Arboretum is a 200 acre site with plenty of shade, usually a nice breeze, and is very quiet and peaceful. Between the grounds and greenhouse, you can see over 2,500 species of mostly drought-tolerant plants found on the Colorado Plateau. There’s wildlife in the area too. We saw a mommy and baby bunny, squirrels, birds, fish and lizards. Sometimes you will see elk too.

We spent time in the museum and gift shop when we first arrived, and I managed to get a few birthday and Christmas gifts. I like to shop all year long for gifts, so I don’t go broke when birthdays and Christmas arrive. Especially since I have four friends whose birthdays are the week before Christmas.

A big draw for us on this visit to the Arboretum was the new Butterfly House www.thearb.org/visit/tours-and-activities/ . It’s in a tent-like structure, and there were about a dozen butterflies inside. More butterflies will be added soon. It’s a small structure, but it easily holds 10 people, and they let me use my tripod. I created some really nice pictures of the butterflies and flowers, and even had a Monarch land on my arm.

If you’re looking for a place to get out of the heat, enjoy some peace, quiet and butterflies or commune with nature, then the Arboretum at Flagstaff is the place for you.

Have Fun,
Jeff

 

Update 10/17/2017 If you’re looking for some great arboretums, check out this site https://www.sproutabl.com/arboretums/