Because the greatest part of a road trip is what happens along the way.
Over the weekend we tempted fate and headed north.
For the past few weeks many of our Arizona forests had been closed due to wildfires. We crossed our fingers with hopes that both the crowds and the smoke would be minimal.
Our destination was nowhere in particular, and instead a chance to get out of the Phoenix heat for a day. We traveled through the towns of Sunflower and Strawberry. Just the thought of that makes me smile again. Sunflower was once a mining town, now a ghost town. And Strawberry? A pleasant stop if you love country stores, and cafe/diners with the best strawberry pie.
Next, a sign at one of the only intersections in the town of Pine, directed us to Pine Creek Lavender Farm. What a surprise to learn it was harvest, and what a lovely place to call home.
The front patio suggests a place to ponder. And I wonder…who I might want to sit with on this bench, and hash over life? Honestly, I think I would try to squeeze in my mom and my four grandchildren.
And I think I would just listen.
I do admit, I spent a good portion of my time watching the bees living their best life.
Can you tell me… when was the last time you were oblivious to anything except euphoria?
And that’s when I stumbled across the perfect ride.
We felt like we had walked into a family gathering, and were welcomed with open arms. No one appeared to be working and instead taking time to enjoy the day together. In fact I wish I had taken a photo of the family dog. I think he was present for just for the extra love he received that day. Everyone else kept busy gathering lavender, and making bouquets and sachets for visitors.
The return trip took us through Tonto Bridge, near Payson, and the wild horses of the Salt River surprised us here. We have seen them before, and it doesn’t matter. There is something majestic to watching them, and seeing horses in the wild.
Destination …along the way is complete, and arrived home in time for an afternoon coffee and a swim.
Wind Kisses, Donna
Wind Kisses 
Sounds like a great road trip, even with the road the entire trip. Great photos. I’d like to see wild horses some day…
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Thanks Trent. And thanks for the inspiration…again.
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We’ve been to that lavender farm and to Strawberry and Pine. In fact our older daughter flies in tomorrow for a few days and I think that perhaps on Wednesday she and I will head up that way. Is there anywhere special to get strawberry pie there and is it even in season right now? Can’t wait to revisit the lavender farm.
janet
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I am so glad you are heading up…again. We have driven the loop before. The lavender Farm was a first. We just drove through Strawberry. A friend said stop at the Old country inn.
Ill bet it will be nice to have your daughter around too. Nothing like family visits.
A little smoky along the 17. Tolerable. Have fun.
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I’d read about several lavender farms and when we got to Pine, I told my husband that I thought we must be near one of them. Lo and behold, it was only about a mile away. 🙂 Looking forward to seeing it in bloom because it was much too early when we visited the other time.
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Just glorious! Not just there wasn’t any smoke, there were lavender, a friendly dog, a bicycle, a beautiful creek and wild horses! 😮 And you’re from Phoenix, meaning that you might get the NBA ring! 😉
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hahaha. Funnier than you know. I think the reason there were no crowds heading north this weekend was (maybe a few of the fires left) because of the game. Phoenix lost.
When we got home we watched the remaining minutes of Italy taking the championship. Lots of celebrating. Love seeing the 1000’s of people happy for their win. Brits..not so much. donna
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In Rome there was such a tremor at the victory that an earthquake was recorded. 😀 As for the Suns – nothing lost yet.
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I believe that! To think a year ago it was empty. People enjoy celebrating more than ever.
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Inspiring adventure. I agree, the best part of the road trip is what happens along the way. Surprises just amazing & abundant.
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Thank you. And thank you for stopping by. Donna.
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What a beautiful road trip! I live north of Phoenix during the winter. So I will be wanting to go to this Lavender Farm. What fun and what beauty!
I found you through Mackenzie’s blog.
I shall return for another visit. It was simply delightful!
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Thank you so much for swinging by. We love our life here. Yes…even in the summer. We just travel north more to get out of the heat. I am also North Phoenix. Not far from Norterra. A few months and I guess you be back enjoying THE BEST weather. Thanks again Nancy.
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Noterra is not too far away from Anthem… 🙂
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