Nonetheless, today I want to hone in on a particular hike my husband and I took a short while back.  It was a focused adventure, in that I had heard there was something in this location I have desperately been wanting to photograph.  Did you know that, just a little under two hours north or so from Phoenix, there is a town called Payson and, in Payson, there is a dramatic environmental change to what one is accustomed in the Phoenix area.   Here, one can hike among tall trees, see deer skipping along, and hear water trickling perpetually down a creek stemming from a natural spring three miles or so into the trail.  I dare say, one might even find "waterfalls" in the area.   Yup - waterfalls in Arizona.  When I heard about it, I had to visit.  I was so desperate to smell that kind of air, hear that kind of nature, sense that type of peace...and, of course, capture that type of image.  

So, I went into this trip with a goal ~ I wanted to intentionally plant myself down near Horton Creek in Payson where water was running consistently and fervently, then stop, breathe, think, pray / meditate, and then complete the cycle by capturing some beautiful images of the mini cascades in the area.  I am not the type of person who can achieve something like that easily ~ the "stop, breathe, meditate" thing.  My mind is constantly on the run.  My body HAS to keep moving or it atrophies.  Not to mention, I can "squirrel" like the best of the best in the ADHD population!  So ~ was this going to be a challenge?  You bet!  Did I succeed?  Let's continue...

Let The Day Begin

It was another 0-dark-thirty wake up on a Sunday.   We had things packed up the night before ~ camera gear, breakfast, lunch, snacks, first aid kit, etc. ~ and were ready to pop up and out the door soon after the alarm.  We picked up our traditional caffeinated fixes from "Starbies" on the way and engaged in our weekly "check-in on our relationship" meeting on the drive.  We were doing fine, by the way....in case you were worried. 

Arriving at Horton Creek off North Forest Service Road 289, we were well aware that the entrance to the actual Horton Creek Trail was under construction, so we had to park near the Derrick Trail lot.  No biggie.  Fortunately, they had things marked out fairly well with signs that showed just how to get to our desired trail via the closest path. 

So, I'll set the scene and then I'll get right to why this hike was a pivotal one for me.  Picture this - a forest of tall verdant trees, birds chirping here and there, the breeze active just enough to keep us cool on the hike.  The trail was fairly level, a few climbs and descents here and there, but nothing too treacherous.  Wildflowers were in bloom, but scattered throughout the forest with pops of yellow, red, and purple being the most prominent.  

Interestingly, we didn't encounter the kind of water scene I desired for a good half mile or so down the trail and we were a bit nervous at one point that we had been perhaps bamboozled by social media (I know, hard to fathom!).  However, even if we didn't find water, it was still a beautiful and effort-worthy hike and we were glad we had found this sanctuary.  

Oh, there's that word from the title!  Okay....give me another minute. 

Once we hit the half-mile mark or so, which was really not even close to halfway to the actual source at around three miles, we finally heard the beautiful trickling of water flowing.   In no time, we found ourselves hiking alongside a creek that had a plethora of mini waterfalls singing their cantata everywhere!  

I was so excited!!  It looked like it was going to be a good day...but now I needed to employ my plan.  

SLOW DOWN!  

QUIET DOWN!

FIND PEACE! (she says with capital letters and exclamation points...)

How was I going to do this.....

Well, I found a smooth rock surface that was actually situated in the creek and planted myself there...my husband set up my tripod...I threw the desired filters on my lens...settings were dialed in...I took a deep breath...and stopped. 

Here is where I told myself ~ I want this.  I need this.  I deserve this.  

There was no one else around.  I could hear the water therapeutically rushing over the obstacle course of rocks that lined the bed of the creek.  The sun was perfectly situated above the trees, which did their job of diffusing her light just enough to provide me a perfect scene.  

I looked around ~ and I set my camera up to take the first of many long exposure shots.  I hit the shutter, the timer started....tick, tick, tick....click!  

Horton Creek #5 - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown**

I could not believe what I saw on my screen and I begin to tear up.  My husband could see my cheekbones rise just from my profile.  He knew I was in my happy place.  

Then something even bigger hit me ~ something that actually struck my soul like no other hike had to this point.  

As I looked around, took in the scene, listened to nature unobstructed around me....I realized that this had become my church, my sanctuary.  This particular scene took me to a place where I felt like I was connected with creation, connected with God in the way I see Him ~ but maybe you don't...that's okay...no judgement.  In fact, THAT was the part that hit me most poignantly.  

I was in the middle of a scene I personally believe to be have been created by God, where no judgement was present.  There was no hypocrisy in the air, no microscopes analyzing my every single move, no status, no expectation, no attention-grabbing, no pride, and no guilt.  

NO ~ GUILT!

Quick injection ~ my personal experience with church (which included all the elements listed above) may not be yours and I am not here to criticize people for attending church.  Please continue to grow and enjoy the congregation with whom you worship.  This is simply MY story and I hope you can respect that.  Now back to the scene...

In that moment, I could even feel my soul smiling.  I felt inspired.  I was full of joy.  I was at peace.  YES!  You read that right.  I was at peace.  THIS is what I felt life is supposed to feel like ~ we only have one to live...we should be taking it all in, appreciating the beauty around us, and being the best version of ourselves we can be in all situations.  

I didn't want to leave.  I could have stayed and captured images of those cascades all day.   I could have sat on that rock - or any of the other rocks upon which I found myself that day ~ for hours focusing on gratitude, appreciation, introspection, joy, and more.

Horton Creek #1 - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

However, my back kind of said one mile in was enough and we had to turn back.  I was sad we could not make it to the source, but now I have something calling me back to one of my favorite locations on earth....or at least in the state of Arizona (keeping it real).  

I think I remember feeling this way a bit when we visited Sequoia National Park in California last year....there must be something about forests for me.  Everybody has their place, I guess.  Now, my takeaway was personal ~ it may not hit you as the reader the way it hit me.  That's okay.  I appreciate the fact that you made it this far and respect my experience.  I personally long to be close to God.  I long to understand creation and my place in it.  It's important for me to know that I am becoming the best version of myself and living life to the fullest as I know I'm more than likely over the halfway mark of life.  

Things hit different now.  Perspective.  

And in conclusion....

So, Payon - Horton Creek....this is definitely an area I would recommend exploring if you are ever in the vicinity.  Horton Creek Trail has things you won't see when you fly into the desert landscape of Phoenix.  While both have their pros and cons, it's just nice to know there is this wooded-escape within reach (especially for this girl who grew up in New England).  I can't wait to go back ~ and when I do, I'll capture some more cascading waterfall images and maybe even make it to the source of it all.  

Here's hoping!!!

Before you go - here's a chuckle....

Funny moment - at one point, we had crossed the river by way of a "rock" bridge that stretched from one side to the other.   We thought we would return a different way to claim "new road" of sorts on our way back to the car.  However, we found ourselves a little out of sorts, so we wanted to get back on the "road well known."  We asked for some guidance from a frequent hiker of those parts and her directions led us to where we anticipated.  However, there was no clear cut path back to the other side.  

Our attempt landed me in a state of paralysis on a small, but steep climb, new camera in hand, unable to figure out how this was going to go down without tragedy befalling myself or my new tech baby.  My husband was amazing in his attempts to pull me up and, eventually, we did succeed with a minor drop to the ground, a tiny bit of dirt on the tech...but nothing broken, nothing damaged.  

Nope - sorry....no pics.  I know, I should have taken at least one. 

*All images above are low resolution and watermarked.  To see full resolution images of those available for print, please click hyperlink under the image or from the following: 

Shop my full site: tsbrownprints.com

Visit the post-related collections:

• Waterfalls
• Arizona

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**OF NOTE: Horton Creek #5 (shown above) won first place in a White Water Photography contest on Fine Art America in June 2026.  

© 2026 Tina Stevens-Brown All rights reserved.  Use of images is not permitted without written consent of the owner.

What was on your wishlist for your most recent birthday celebration?  For mine, nothing crazy ~ I really just wanted to spend the day capturing images along the California coastline...the initial objective being piers and wildlife.   Of course, I also wanted to spend some time at Disneyland.  Yup - part of my heart still belongs to the Mouse.

Initially, I thought about planting in Santa Monica for one night ~ just a short drive to our already reserved destination in Anaheim ~ with the hope that I might perhaps be lucky enough to snag an iconic sunset shot of the Santa Monica Pier.  That expanded to grabbing photos of Muscle Beach, the Venice Beach Pier, etc.  Then my crazy mind shifted and I started thinking about how cool it would have been to wake up on my 53rd birthday in Beverly Hills.  Hmmm ~ that started to sound intriguing.  Could I make it ALL work?   THAT was my goal.  So - the plan was penciled in as spending the night near Santa Monica and drive through Beverly Hills the next morning ~ all before reaching Disneyland.  Sounds good, right?  

Well ~ I'm the wife of a retired Army officer (and very patient man).  I am wholeheartedly aware of the reality that no plan survives implementation.  

We did spend the night about a half hour to 45 minutes away from Santa Monica, but my desire to shoot the pier started to wax and wane ~ not even sure why, to be honest.  We arrived in the Marina del Rey area early on our travel day, decided to take the lengthy walk over to Venice Beach from our hotel and spent some time photographing the pier (interestingly enough, I was at the Venice Beach Pier in Florida just one week prior!  Very different experience!!).  I didn't even feel the pull to wander over to Muscle Beach.  It just wasn't vibing for me that day....and I wanted it to vibe since it was part of my birthday celebration.  

While walking, I decided to just look up where the closest lighthouse was in proximity to where we were staying ~ and then I did a distance check on how long it would take to get to our ultimate destination for the trip.   My research intrigued me as there were at least three lighthouses within a decent range of where we were staying and where we were going.  If we got up early, we could fit everything in and still make our dinner reservations at Napa Rose (wink, wink).  

So - the new plan was put into motion.  

We rose VERY early the next day (my birthday proper) in order to try and capture sunrise at the very first lighthouse ~ Point Vicente in Rancho Palos Verdes.  Now - sunrise on the west coast....not the same as it would be on the east.  The west coast is known much more for its sunsets, obviously.  Nonetheless, we arrived early enough to capture the sun's glow as it began to illuminate the lighthouse and the channel it overlooked.  

It was quiet - it was chilly - it was perfect.  

Sadly, the lighthouse itself was closed off to the public (though there is a tower and museum nearby that have some limited hours of operation).  So,  I was taking photos from a reasonable distance away, but the location and surrounding environment provided for a tremendous landscape view.  We could even see Santa Catalina Island directly across the channel.

Point Vicente Lighthouse, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

We spent about thirty or so minutes in that location and then moved over to the next destination - Point Fermin Lighthouse, just southeast of where we started our day.  This lighthouse was different in that it was a "house" with a beacon on top.  Since it sat in a 37-acre park with walking trails, activity among the locals was already starting to ramp up by the time we arrived. 

While Point Vicente was the type of lighthouse I wanted to capture that day, our time at Point Fermin was the experience I wanted to have.  Not too long after our arrival,  after shooting some standard images of the lighthouse and watching more squirrels than I could count run around, a few more photographers came out of the woodwork.  No doubt they were wildlife photographers, as they clung more to the various pavilions that lined the perimeter of the bluffs.  One of these photographers, we will call him the man in the yellow jacket, was quite friendly and generous in sharing some of his wisdom.  He spoke at length about two peregrine falcons and two red-tailed hawks that frequented the area, the typical subject of his endeavors in that location.  He took the time to point out one of the giant nests to us and then walked us to another location where the peregrine falcons preferred to perch.  

Then the magic happened.....

After taking dozens of photographs of the handful of pelicans that were flying within the vicinity, as well as trying desperately to focus in on a few dolphins that were playing in the water, there she was.  A spectacular-looking peregrine falcon flew past us, over us, back and forth, up and down, near and far ~ she was giving us a beautiful demonstration of her skills!  While I felt very insignificant using a very old 75-300mm on my Canon 90D next to my fellow photographer's mirrorless Nikon sporting a lens reaching at least 400mm, I kept my eye on the ball ~ desperately trying to capture that ONE shot that would bring me just a little bit of pride.  

And, while small...I got it.  I actually captured an image of a falcon in flight over the dark blue waters of the west coast. 

Making Eye Contact ~ photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

And look at how he's eyeing me!!!  

I would have never captured that image had my new friend in the yellow jacket not shared his wisdom or been so willing and patient to point out what he knew I wouldn't want to miss.

To be honest, it was quite refreshing.  

What do I mean by that?

Well, let's just say that too often in life I've come across people who only provide to get something in return.  Of late, however, I've encountered  an increasing number of individuals in this field and this chapter of life that are more interested in seeing and assisting others grow, allowing their love for something to become a pleasant contagion in an effort to keep the passion for such an art alive.  That is how I want to be...so I'm grateful to see it being modeled by others.  

Now, before heading to one last lighthouse, we did actually get to witness the red-tailed hawk in action for a bit, but my images of her were not as dazzling as the one I snapped of the falcon.  I'm okay with that.  Sometimes it takes just one great photo to make the whole trip worth it.  

The Final Stop...Before The Final Stop

Our final lighthouse was the one that can be seen from the Cabrillo Beach Pier, just a short distance southeast of Point Fermin.  This is aptly named the Los Angeles Harbor Light as it sits in the Los Angeles Harbor very close to a US naval base.  The structure was further out from sight and smaller in stature, ultimately requiring a longer lens I didn't have to capture something worthwhile...but I still took the time to take in the area, listen to the water crashing against the rocky coastline,  and practice capturing more birds in flight ~ even if they were seagulls.  

So ~ as a new year for myself commenced, I took time to contemplate what I wanted my next year to look like.  My experience that day ~ though seemingly inconsequential to most ~ had a tremendous impact on me.   I truly appreciated the fact that someone who didn't know me was willing to share wisdom without fear of losing something himself in the process.  I get it ~ I'm competitive at heart and we all want to see our own dreams succeed.   We also all need to have an income stream and I am for seeing my photography business thrive with the best of them.   However, I hate how that competitive spirit makes me feel personally and I've seen it ruin relationships for others ~  that's why I do what I can to steer clear and focus on my improvement, my own success and offering to support others in the small ways that I can.

I consider myself blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting mentors and peer photographers of late with a greater respect and understanding for each other ~ that our perspectives, styles, skills, and interests are individual, unique, and worthy of passing on to and celebrating in each other.  Sharing shutter speeds and apertures or the location of a falcon's nest doesn't result in a loss of soul ~ it instead enhances and spreads the joy ~ and I appreciate that.  Why?  Because you never know the influence you might have on someone whose spark or passion is just starting to ignite and that tiny little moment of education, support, encouragement, or wisdom may be the moment they remember later in life when they see their own dreams come true.  To be honest, it's why I chose my own current mentor...because she demonstrated that willingness to share long before I came under her tutelege.  

Okay - the Final Destination Reached

We ultimately made it to Anaheim with enough time to pop into Magic Kingdom before heading to a luxurious dinner at the newly opened Napa Rose Restaurant nestled within Disney's Grand Californian  Resort.  All in all, my birthday was perfect ~ I did what I love, had the most amazing assistant and partner by my side, and closed out the day with a little bit of magic.  

What's on your birthday wish list this year?  If you're a photographer, what's a bucket list destination for you?

TIP: There is a Los Angeles Lighthouse Challenge where a participant can collect stamps.  It includes the three lighthouses I mentioned above and Angels Gate Fresnel Lens, which I will have to add to my bucket list list for a future trip.  

Images available for print:

• Point Vicente Lighthouse  
  • can be printed up to 72x48 canvas, acryllic; 60x40 metal, 48x32 matted/framed
• Making Eye Contact
  • can be printed up to 24x16 - all available substrates
• See more in my Wildlife Collection and my California Collection

Like how it looks framed?   

PS - I'd love to see you following along on Instagram and Facebook, as well.  

© 2026 Tina Stevens-Brown All rights reserved.  Use of images is not permitted without written consent of the owner.

Watch the adventure on our YouTube video here!!

Our Instagram and Facebook feeds have been packed for months with reels featuring must-do hikes, climbs, and sights in and around Arizona.  Trust me ~ our bucket list is growing faster than Pinocchio's nose when he's spouting falsehoods!  This particular weekend, however, we wanted to do something that would challenge us mentally and physically.  Over the last year, we have both been working very hard on our health and physical strength, so we felt we were ready for something like a longer hike, a bigger climb, and perhaps a feat just outside our typcial comfort zone.

Enter Soldier Pass Trail.  

Now - Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona, in and of itself, is not that difficult.  It has some rugged terrain throughout, but it also boasts family-friendly paths that lead to amazing sights such as Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools.  

The Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

It also has gorgeous views of towering red rock formations, such as Coffee Pot Rock (I really don't know why they call it that - I keep trying to see the "percolator," but just can't.  Is it just me?).  UPDATE: While editing, I finally saw it (Can you?? Look on the left)!!!

Coffee Pot Rock Formation from Soldier Pass Trail - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

Now, after the Seven Sacred Pools (that image is posted further below), there is a path to the right that eventually leads to a large open mesa that beckons hikers to sit for a spell, rehydrate, refuel, and take in the absolutely stunning views around them.  I mean - look at this!

Sedona Beauty from Soldier Pass Trail Plateau - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

But once rested, the next challenge to contemplate awaits... 

To the far left of the open mesa (which I hear they might also call Slickrock Expanse??), there is a very steep, rugged scramble that leads to many an adventure-seeker's goal on this particular trail.  At the top, there is what used to be a secret two-story cave ~ no longer that much of a secret.  We heard from others that it was treacherous in some parts, would require some stability and bravery, and is quite steep at times.  Honestly, I had no idea if I was truly brave enough to tackle this one, but ~  for some strange reason ~  nothing seemed to be stopping me from moving forward either.  

Crazy,  I know!

At this point, I made the ultimate decision to put the DSLR away because there was no doubt I was going to need both hands to ensure stability.  Walt also gave me one of his poles to assist me with balance.  From there, we both slowly - and I  mean VERY slowly - pulling-off-to-the-side-countless-times-so people (even insects)-can-pass-us-kind-of-slowly - climbed over petrified roots, slippery rocks, and more...just so we could ultimately make it to a place where the cave was visible to us with our own eyes.  

Soldier Pass Trail Cave - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

Then came the even more difficult decision ~ to climb or not to climb......

Well ~ without truly considering the consequences....we climbed!!

It wasn't easy and it certainly took us awhile, but there were SOOOOOO many patient, amazing people willing to assist and spot.  I mean, my faith in humanity doubled that day (if even for just a moment).  Needless to say ~ taking on this challenge was mindblowing and MORE than worth it!!!  

I reached the top first, then Walt.  Once there, a gentleman (I love calling him our "Cave Angel") spotted me as I, strangely without hesitation, began to creep my way across the very narrow rock ledge that led from one end of the second story to the other.  Video that I will likely never show makes me look like a 90 year old shuffling her way across a cafeteria, but I'm going to cling to the idea that I at least will not be experiencing FOMO this trip.  Honestly, though, I clung to the side of that rock like my life depended on it.  

And then I saw this view...

Soldier Pass Trail Cave Second Story A - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

And then looked back to see this one with Walt.

Soldier Pass Cave Second Story B - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

And then we got this one - TOGETHER!!!!

Soldier Pass Cave Second Story - After the Climb - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

The rush of adrenaline and pride that we both felt inside was immense - and I can't believe we DID NOT FALL...or twist an ankle...or break a bone...or tweak our backs!!  Thank God!!!

After we descended from the second story (THAT was an adventure, as well), we took some time to enjoy the views and relish in our huge accomplishments.  

On the way back down the trail, the lighting on the Seven Sacred Pools was much more complementary than it had been earlier in the morning and offered for some better captures.

Seven Sacred Pools - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

In fact, while we were there, we saw a group of individuals take opportunity to plunge into one of the pools for a moment of meditation.  This was both inspiring and enticing, so we made the decision ourselves to at least soak our feet in one of them for a bit.  

Soaking Feet in Seven Sacred Pools - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

The water was freezing cold, but so refreshing at the same time.  It just felt like something we needed to do.  We were there, time allowed, and the idea of dipping our feet into something called "sacred" when we are personally going through some spiritual growing pains ourselves seemed appropriate.  No - nothing mystical or magical happened from that particular experience, so to speak, but the idea of enjoying something so beautiful and natural, as well as the memory of taking part and cancelling out FOMO, has tremendous healing power, too.  

NOTE: I will say that, every few minutes, we did have to take our feet out as they became quite numb.  Yup - it was THAT cold, but it was all worth it.  Heck - we even started a trend and others starting taking off their shoes and dipping their feet into the pools!  Love it!

The day was long, difficult, exhausting, but, oh, my gosh, so rewarding.  There was a time in my life where hiking for eight hours straight or climbing such treacherous and challenging paths was impossible to even consider.  After spending the last year or so focusing on my mental and physical health, it is spiritually rewarding to look back on what I (we) had accomplished that day.  Now, I'm not capable of doing this EVERY weekend...but I'm glad we chose Valentine's Day to face a few of our healthy fears (heights, instability, long hikes without a bathroom) ~ TOGETHER. 

For the Love of Soldier Pass Trail  - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

It's been a few days since our adventure and I still find myself smiling when I think about that day.  Honestly, if I may take a moment, I absolutely love making these kinds of memories with my husband, my partner, my soulmate, and the best damn photographer's assistant ever.  Here's hoping we can rise to more challenges, accomplish more of our goals, and see more of this spectacularly beautiful world TOGETHER.

Until the next adventure...

• Images available for print can be found collectively on my shop site at: tina-stevens-brown.pixels.com
• Individual images can also be found by clicking the specific links below:
  • The Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
  • Coffee Pot Rock Formation from Soldier Pass Trail - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
  • Seven Sacred Pools - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
  • Sedona Beauty from Soldier Pass Trail Plateau in Black & White - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
  • Arizona Collection
• I'd love to see you following along on Instagram and Facebook, as well.  

© 2026 Tina Stevens-Brown All rights reserved.  Use of images is not permitted without written consent of the owner.

Example of images available for framing and print in my store:

Sedona Beauty from Soldier Pass Trail Plateau in Black & White - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

Link above brings you to exact framed piece

I've seen reels and posts about the blooms beginning to appear in and around Bartlett Lake, Lost Dutchman State Park, and elsewhere.  I mean, we're talking early blooms and, by no means, extensive or lush.  Nonetheless, photographers are flocking to these areas and I'm no different.  I felt the push and became highly motivated to be one of the go-getters who captured the perfect image early in the season, so we planned a day jaunt over to Bartlett Lake to see what we could find. 

It was another early morning - 4:30 am rise, out the door by 5:30 and headed on our 1.5 hour or so drive in the dark.  We love it because it provides us an opportunity to chat, catch up on "us" and connect before we even arrive to our destination.  Not gonna lie, we've developed a sweet routine of sorts - fill the gas tank up, prep camera gear, pack the cooler with healthy snacks (almonds are a favorite) and fill the water bottles the day before.  Then, day of, we rise before the sun, pack the car, mobile order our caffeine and egg bites, and then drive off to our destination.  I'm ready for a nap just typing that out....

Even so, it's how we roll and it was no different this trip. 

The ride there, even in the dark, was gorgeous.  My husband is a huge fan of silhouettes and seeing the dark mountains that early in the morning against the slowly brightening sky jumpstarts his day.   I'll cut right to the chase, though, the day wasn't without its failures.  To be honest, we didn't find as many healthy poppies and colors as I had wanted.  No doubt, I likely didn't search out all the right spots.  It was our first time to the area and I tried doing the research, asking questions, and keeping my eyes peeled as we drove up and around that portion of Tonto National Forest.  Nonetheless, I only found a few patches and those not very intriguing.  

Barlett Reservoir with signs of early spring ~ photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

However, the day was not without a heartwarming highlight ~ and it happened very early in the adventure.  

As noted above, we arrived to our destination before dawn broke.  We chose to make our first stop Rattlesnake Cove right on the Bartlett Reservoir, as that was one of the top places my reels were telling me to go (ha!).   Before I even started looking for flowers, I noted the placement of the mountains and where the light was starting to emerge.  

OH, MY GOSH -  it looked like we were going to have a front row seat to the sun making her grand entrance over the mountains!!  Know what that means?  Sunburst, baby!!  If you know me, you know I love taking sunburst pictures!!!  They are not always great, but I love the practice! 

We had just enough time to set up the tripod and adjust my camera settings.  Once situated - even my phone in place on my new Smallrig device ~ I patiently endured the cold, praying my fingers didn't freeze to where they couldn't activate the trigger on my camera, and waited as the sun took her sweet time making her entrance. 

Sunburst at Dawn over Bartlett Lake ~ photo taken by Tina Stevens-Brown

If anything, this image and that peaceful moment made the trip out there worth it.  My husband and I listened to the water lap against the rocky beach, heard birds chirping their sweet "good mornings," and just breathed in - out - and in again - grateful that we had this beautiful opportunity to witness the beginning of another day.  Some things we just don't cherish enough ~ and as we get older, we realize just how precious these moments are.

Visit my instagram reel of the sunrise here.

So - as wildflowers go, we saw some, but not the blooms I had hoped.   There was some yellow ~ a little purple and a few reds, but I'm going to have to give it another go a little later in the season if I want to catch more vibrancy and volume (wait a minute ~ it's not EVEN spring!!!  I've got time....).  

Now, I did catch this solitary poppy in a small field off the side of Horseshoe Dam Road heading west.  I loved how it stood so confidently on its own, vivid and clearly enjoying its position in life.  It was something that just got me thinking if but for a moment....

...and then I captured that moment so that I could share it with others and they could be inspired to "think for a moment," as well.

The Solitary Golden Poppy - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown

Until the next adventure...

• Above prints are available on my shop site at: tina-stevens-brown.pixels.com
  • The Solitary Golden Poppy - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
  • Sunburst at Dawn over Bartlett Lake ~ photo taken by Tina Stevens-Brown
  • Botanical Collection
• I invite you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook, as well.  

© 2026 Tina Stevens-Brown All rights reserved.  Use of images is not permitted without written consent of the owner.

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 Goldfield 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 Goldfield 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...

• Above prints are available on my shop site at: tina-stevens-brown.pixels.com
  • Taking a Break from Horsing Around
  • Salt River Eagle on Watch
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