Dogtown Lake and the Grand Canyon

I took the day off and Ada, my mom, my Aunt Carol and I headed up to Williams to give Dogtown Lake a once over before a planned camping trip in the next few weeks. What a pretty place!

The most exciting part was the flock of sheep -- about 150 sheep -- that made it's way through the recreation area accompanied by their herding dogs. The dogs, two of them, looked like Great Pyrenees that were trimmed down. It was interesting to watch the whole system. One of the camp host's grandkids told us that they are raised alongside a lamb and taught to kill any dog or coyote that comes near the flock.

We had a little picnic, scouted the sites, and then decided to head up to the Grand Canyon. Because, well, why not?

I was too scared to let Ada out of the car so instead we just drove to overlooks, peeked at the beauty, and drove to the next overlook. Ada slept most of the time, so she wasn't impressed. We did see elk, which was pretty exciting.

It has been a big visit for wildlife. We saw a bunch of javelina while touring a Prescott neighborhood, we saw whole groups of elk, the sheep were really amazing, the pronghorn were out in the fields on the way home, and we saw some kind of giant bird of prey in a nest.

Doing iPad games with Aunt Carol.

Already buddies.

Sheep herd coming through the forest.

View from our picnic table.

Ada trekking around the picnic area.

Reading the signs about angling.

Wildflowers.

Rustic benches provided plenty of lovely views and resting places.

Wanted the bench to herself.

Visiting.

More visiting.

Ada took this picture.

Picnic time! What? You don't have brie, olive tapenade and grapes for picnics?

On the way out, we crossed paths with the sheep again. Note the campsite back there...

Waiting for the end of the flock. Most of these guys were limping. That's probably why they were last. The dog at the back was patiently waiting for them to cross.

The Grand Canyon. I took this picture and then took a nap. It was a hazy day up there and storms were coming in.