Whether it was all over Facebook or hearing from other photography friends in the region, the Salt River region just east of Phoenix was entering my feed and ears on an almost daily basis, if not hourly. People were talking about wild horses, bald eagles, water, and great trails ~ all things that scream "photographic opportunity!" ~ so, naturally, I was attracted to the idea of visiting the area as soon as possible.
Of course, living in Arizona, timing is everything. Visiting the area during the summer months could be brutal ~ despite the fact that the Tonto National Forest is home to Saguaro Lake and cooling off is possible - to a degree. Nonetheless, we ventured out in the winter months - where it's cold enough to wear layers and gloves before sunrise and then shed casually those layers as things warm up and the sun rises in the sky.
Salt River at Dawn near Goldfind Recreation Area ~ photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
This trip, I had only one goal - to capture an image of wild horses. However, as the wife of a retired Army Officer, I am also very keen on the idea that no plan survives implementation
Since we had never been to the area, we knew this was really going to be a recon mission. The area is close enough for us to reach in less than two hours and we have no issues getting up before the sun peaks over the mountainous horizons. In fact, this turned out to be a two weekend adventure - visitig two Sudays in a row to see what we could find and explore.
Let's chat first weekend. Upon arrival to the park, when the blues and pinks were in the middle of their opening act, we visited Phon D and Coon Bluff. Phon D was beautiful as the sun made her way over the horizon to shed some light on the rock formations while we were there. Coon Bluff was a gorgeous location to see arched trees and lush greenery. It's been a particularly wet season here in Arizona, so the green was vibrant and everywhere.
Since the wild horses were no where to be found, we headed off to explore Goldfind Recreation Area. This is where we spent a great majority of our time - both weekends. This first trip, we arrived and started down the hike only to think we weren't going to find anything. Upon exiting the trail, we ran into some great people who shared that the wild horses usually hung out further down than we had ventured. So - Walt and I looked at each other, decided to take a quick break to utilize the decent facilities near the parking lot, fuel up on a snack and water, and then march right back out to see what we could find.
As we reentered the path, we encountered a woman who was out enjoying nature with her precious furbaby. Boy, was he was having the time of his life! LOL ~ it was fun to watch him scout and run around. Makes me eager to adopt another ourselves. We met her again a few minutes further down the path when she popped up from one of the outlets leading to the water, signaling us to come towards her. She had found two wild horses drinking from the river and I cannot tell you how wide my smile grew in that moment. I thanked her tremendously and immediately began to shoot. I was like a kid in a candy store!
Until......I came home and realized that the images were terrible and barely worth saving. I had acted on impulse and excitement and forgot to check some of my settings. Bummer! I determined to be more careful next time..
The second weekend, we decided to head straight to Goldfind and explore the trail a little more. In those five hours, we met a few other very helpful photographers, a ton of fun-loving hikers.....and about 20+ wild horses!!
Greetings, "Neigh"bor ~ photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
Oh, my gosh!!! There was that kid in a candy store kind of feeling again!!! I stopped - took a deep breath - and thought about my settings. The horses were feeding in the field and brush, moving around here and there, giving me ample opportunity to get some great captures. While I kept my safe distance and respected their space, they didn't seem to be that afraid of us. One even walked right by me, stopped in front of me, looked over as if to pose, and then went on his merry way after a few minutes. I was very grateful. It was a beautiful moment.
We had a second glorious moment when we caught the entire herd near the river's edge. The hilarious part of this meeting was that most of the horses literally just stood there - barely moving - for well over an hour or so. A few of them would change positions here and there, one even crossed the river, but they really didn't interact. Another smaller group was off feeding in the nearby grassy area.
Taking a Break From Horsing Around ~ photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
Come to find out, as we met back up with one of those photographers later, their activity increases come midday. We were once again leaving before some of the good stuff.
Before closing out, I wanted to mention one other recreation area we explored during our first weekend ~ Butcher Jones Recreation Area. This location was interesting - busy, as we arrived there midday, and warm as the sun was reaching her highpoint in the sky. This location has an extensive trail that winds around the lake, where many are swimming at water's edge, sailing around in kayaks and canoes, or speeding around on their jetskis. Note regarding the trail, we only made it a short way around as it was crowded and extremely narrow. On one side you have rock and on the other you have a drop into the water. After having spent the day hiking around, my upper and lower back were done, though, and refusing to cooperate for a longer hike here. That was heartbreaking...but I know my limits (and I know how to push them too far, as well).
BONUS NOTE!!! The first weekend wasn't without its wins!!! While heading back to the car after spending time capturing images of those two wild horses, I just happened to look up.....
I couldn't believe my eyes! Here we were focusing on capturing images of wild horses near the Salt River in Tonto National Forest when I just happened to look up and see this majestic bald eagle perched on a branch above me. He sat there poised ever so confidently for several minutes, surveying his surroundings ~ I was awestruck as I scrambled to ensure I had the right settings to capture this moment forever...if even just but for myself.
Salt River Eagle On Watch ~ photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
I chose to feature the image in black and white as the emotions it evoked within struck me. I saw confidence, power, focus, and pause. It was a scene that almost gave me, the onlooker, permission to stop, look around, take in the moment completely, and then, just as he did, embark upon the next adventure with gratitude, courage, tenacity, and grace.
I think that's what I enjoy most about these little excursions ~ they teach me something...and this lesson, while it will certainly take time to master if ever, was to slow down, take in the moment, and then leap with faith and confidence.
Until the next adventure...
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