Color Portfolio

The monsoon season arrives (above) in the Coconino National Forest area southeast of Flagstaff. The Little Colorado River (left) has its origin in the high country of the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Golden sunflowers (below) contrast with ragged volcanic ridges that dominate the horizon near Flagstaff. Tonto Creek (right) is a favorite place for desert residents who can drive from home to the mountains in an hour-and-a-half.

Lake Mary, left, is a favorite camping and fishing spot in the Flagstaff area. Nature's exotic colors as on the thistle (above) are common-yet somehow special. Cattle browse at the edge of a marshy area on the Mogollon Rim. The dip of a paddle, the splash of a fisherman's lure and the crackle of a campfire are familiar sounds at Woods Canyon Lake, pictured below.

The Mogollon Rim country (opposite page) is noted for its good hiking, hunting, and fishing — and it has the largest stand of ponderosa pine in the world. A perfect end to a perfect day (right) at Lake O' The Woods in the Sitgreaves National Forest. The colors of spring (below), red penstemon and yellow evening primose, in the Tonto National Forest.

Following Panel, pages 26-27 Fluffy white clouds begin to gather for an afternoon shower high in the White Mountains near McNary. Dick Dietrich

Hawley Lake (above and right) is on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation; fishing and camping are part of the tribal enterprises. Big Lake (below) is like a giant bowl, surrounded by meadows, aspens, and evergreens. The picture of this sylvan glade (far right) is doubly special to those who have been there to enjoy the crisp mountain air.

An old ranch along the Big Lake road (right) adds character of a time past to this early morning view. Jeff Kurtzeman "The Box" on the Blue River near the settlement of Blue in the Apache National Forest of eastern Arizona. Dick Dietrich Arizona's highland forests are noted for their abundance of wild game. The early riser who takes quiet walks in the woods may, if lucky, spot a buck in velvet.

Hall Creek makes a double "S" curve near the old sawmill northwest of Greer as it hurries on its way to join the Little Colorado River.

PLEASURES OF THE MOUNTAINS from page 16

Brooklets tracing out the fall of the land . . . praying murmured blessings through green-bowered cloisters to the tired hearts who pause beside . . . creating pure beauty in crooked meanderings and wonderment about what treasures lie hidden beneath glittering rivulets or under silent depths . . . trout rising to the dance of the damsel fly . . . springing silver rings brightly across dark polished pools . . . waters that refresh the deer . . . to journey on into the thankful cups of the desert dwellers miles away . . . down below in the full throb of the sun.

A whip-poor-will's call on the radiant hush of dawn . . . teasing sleepy heads with the morning's first blessing. Clear woodland fragrances spread about by angels of waking . . . the gentle winds in morning procession through gilded spires of forest cathedrals . . . roaming silent gardens . . . gathering gifts of moisture from mossy swales and punky logs . . . from soft, layered woodland carpets . . . from dewy meadows and dark forests . . . rising to the call of the sun, vaulting up into the matchless blue . . . buoying up the soaring birds . . . fluffing out dazzling white garments and gathering them to clothe the monuments of heaven . . . shepherding them across mountain crests . . . escorted by shadows racing over hill and valley . . . pausing to shed precious droplets of rain. Showers to further sweeten the already sweet air . . . to moisten rootlets . . . re-charge streams and freshen ponds . . . to bless the breeze that embraces awaiting hearts . . . to grace the lips of wide-eyed fawns poised beside watchful does . . . refreshing busy squirrels tracing sun-flashed arches across fallen logs . . . the secretive beasts and birds in their private retreats . . . and great elk, statuesque against the forest edge.

Cool air filled to glowing with sunlight and treasured with shadows . . . alive to the sound of children active with joy . . . alive to loving parents who wonder why they don't visit God's playground more often . . . this highland of Arizona. Gentle on the eyes . . . quiet upon the soul . . . restful and refreshing . . . gracious and giving.

In Arizona, summer above 7000 feet includes plenty of room to roam, fresh air to breathe, and beauty to behold.