I know, I know….Arizona is too dry, too hot and too dusty. We do have ghost towns, a unique landscape, and hidden caves. That’s pretty cool. But summers? Not so much. Summers are clearly more desirable elsewhere. Or are they?
Do you know Arizona is also the land of contradictions?
Surprise!
Welcome to the town of Greer.
Greer is the highest town in Arizona, at 9000 feet, and the fifth highest in the country. Be advised, if you are on a road trip, you won’t drive through it. This time, you will have to drive to it, as it sits at the end of 5-mile long AZ373. At its dead end sits a trail that meanders along the west fork of the Little Colorado River.
I promise the drive will be worth it. 
Greer is situated in a lush valley of the White Mountains. And while it seems unusual, Arizona is home to 3900 mountain peaks and summits, more then any of the other Mountain States.
The brisk air and clear water is a mecca for fishermen in the summer. 
It is ironic to think Arizona has the largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pines in the world, with eleven million acres of national forest. For those of us from the Valley, we simply enjoy being outside. In the summer, the old-growth birch forests near Greer, are great places to hike and bike. In the winter, most of the trails are used for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
The scenery is a nice change from the hillsides of saguaro, and it tempts us to plan a trip in the autumn. 
We woke to a beautiful fifty degrees in Greer, while friends back in Phoenix woke to ninety. That is precisely why we love heading north in the summer months. It is hard to believe that Arizona’s disparate climate can yield both the highest temperature and the lowest temperature across the nation in the same day.
Interesting to learn about this historic town that is also home to Molly Butler’s, the state’s oldest lodge and restaurant. And if you think you might venture inside to connect to technology, you won’t. Instead, you will find great conversation, and a place to connect…with each other.
And today that is where I plan to leave my thoughts.
Grateful for this beautiful place I also call home. 
Wind Kisses, Donna
I had a great time Donna. Thanks for taking me along 🙂
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Always a pleasure to have you along. Well….unless your RDP is a problem. 😉 Lol. I don’t have anything for that daily prompt. I guess I should visit to see what folks come up with.
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Do so. It would be lovely to see what you come up with Donna 🙂
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Lovely! My hubby and I love AZ. He talks about the white mountains all the time. Now I believe what he says 😂
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I am originally from New England and lived for a lot of years in the PNW. This really was a pleasant surprise. We spent the whole weekend outside. Thanks. Colorado is pretty nice right about now….
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The White Mountains have been on my “ToDo List” for sometime now. You’ve just given me another reason to make it happen! Thanks for the tip on Greer.
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Yes, Greer is a must. I understand Hawley lake is pristine, but it is native land and closed for now. We will definitely have to go back. I have so many photos. The little town has lots of history and decor is eclectic. I like to limit my photos to about 5 in a post, so I am hoping another prompt will give me a chance to share more on the town.
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Beautiful, Donna! Arizona is full of surprises including it’s own city named as such! So many Californians are moving away, us included, to Washington and to Arizona. My brother is looking to move to Fountain Hills area, while my step daughter is moving eventually to Phoenix area. I want to visit the GC in spring or fall, it was rather cold when we visited last January 😁 Enjoy your cool temps. It’s in the mid 90s for our upcoming weekend in NorCal.
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Hi Terri, yes we are seeing lots of influx from California. Fountain Hills is a beautiful area and has great access to go north, which is what we all do in the summer.
We lived in WA for a lot of years, like Northern California, pristine forests. We loved raising our kids there, even with the rain. I hope I can keep up on my blogging, so I can see what you are up to. Spring and fall are great at The Canyon. One recommendation is to hike to Ooo Ahh point . You would love it. Thanks for your note Terri. Donna
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My brother’s offer on a home there was just accepted. Lots of good reasons for continuing winter road trips to AZ! Ooo Aah Point…must be just that. And I would love to visit the cooler north rim.
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Yes! It’s a completely different look at the canyon, and no crowds. It reminded us of Ireland. My husband won’t go to the south any more after visiting there.
So excited for your brother!!!! And your chance to visit.
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Beautiful, beautiful, Donna! And the temperatures are mine. In fact all your images look like Sweden – so familiar. Thank you for posting!
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Thanks Ann Christine. Your prompt was perfect timing as we really were up there last weekend. I feel so good to be outside in the north. Thanks for the great idea!
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Fascinating! Beautiful place, beautiful photos.
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Thank you, John
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Hi Donna! You have been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award! By me 😊! Check it out here: https://peaceoflife.today/2020/07/27/sunshine-blogger-award/ ☀☀☀
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