In an attempt to circumvent rush hour traffic, I jumped in the truck around 5:30 a.m. on a Monday morning. My camera gear and picnic lunch sat securely in the passenger seat next to me. Today’s destination would have me driving nearly 100 miles to the far other side of the Phoenix Valley near the little mining town of Superior, Arizona.
A friend was suppose to join me but at the last minute had to cancel. I thought about canceling my plans as well which surprised me. A few years ago, that thought would never have crossed my mind, but somewhere along the way, I had lost some of my confidence. I’ve been venturing solo for years and had never been as hesitant as I was this morning.
“A ship in a harbor is safe but that’s not what ships are built for.” This quote suggests that although it may be tempting to stay in one’s comfort zone, true success lies in taking risks and venturing outside of that zone.
I’m so glad I didn’t allow fear to hold me back. (Fear of what? I don’t know.🤷🏻♀️) The Boyce Thompson Arboretum had been on my to see list for at least ten years, and as many times as Al and I had driven by the arboretum during our RV travels, we never made it a priority to stop and visit. Well by golly, this was the day!
“We’re 106 miles to Chicago. We’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses … Hit it.” — Blues Brothers 🤣😉🤭
The drive
It was still dark when I navigated onto the highway … leaving my sunglasses perched on the top of my head . Traffic was already heavy but moving at a good speed … as in everyone, including me, was speeding😮. That’s how we roll here in Phoenix. Fortunately, my plan to beat the worst of rush hour traffic worked out.
As I started heading east bound, the sun was beginning to rise and was trying to peak out between the clouds. I was grateful for the overcast sky considering I was driving east into the sun. The morning light was amazing and I witnessed sky rays … the kind of rays that Arizona is known for and actually featured on the state flag. What a great start to the day!
I arrived to a closed gate at the arboretum. I was early. I had nearly an hour to kill. No problem. I headed back down the road a mile and turned down the dirt road for the Picketpost Trailhead. My little red truck and I were back in our element exploring roads less traveled.
Scouting
The overcast sky was breaking up allowing the sun to create long shadows. I struggled to find a photo composition, but I didn’t care. I was enjoying the morning away from the city. The air was crisp and clean with a temperature hovering in the 55 degree F range. However, I knew it wouldn’t take long for the day to heat up. That’s life in the desert!
Eventually, I made my way back to an open arboretum. I parked the truck and paid the entrance fee. As I was perusing the map, I realized how big this place is. I needed to come up with a plan because I intended to explore the garden in its entirety … or at least try.
I was on a mission today. I wanted to find a photo composition that I might find worthy of printing and hanging above my couch.
Let the exploring commence.
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona encompassing 372 acres with miles worth of trails.
After walking for nearly four straight hours with the exception of quick photo-op stops here and there, I returned to my truck for that picnic lunch. The moment I sat down, I could feel the mornings activity in my legs. I thought about carrying my lunch over to a picnic table, but my body told me to stay put. The truck was fine.
As I sat quietly in my truck munching on my sandwich, I contemplated my next move. Had I captured the landscape image I was searching for? Had I accomplished my goal? Was there anything I missed? I scoured the map again.
The garden had become very busy which was understandable on this beautiful spring day. The early morning solitude that I’d experienced earlier had spoiled me. The wind had also picked up. Considering the wind was blowing the poppies sideways, any thought of focusing on flower photography was short lived.
I took the short stroll over to a garbage can and that’s when I knew exactly what I needed to do. This old body of mine was running out of fuel. Thus, it was time to head home and think about my next adventure because today’s adventure was over.
I may not have captured the image I pictured in my head, but my day was nonetheless successful. I finally visited this beautiful arboretum. I enjoyed a gorgeous day in nature, and above all else, my confidence had been renewed. Mission accomplished!
Today’s Sunday Still’s photo challenge is Earth Day. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than by visiting an arboretum.
Live Laugh RV 
81 responses to “On a Mission!”
That sounds like the kind of day I would have loved. Glad you went ahead and took it solo!
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Wonderful photos and I appreciate the inspirational quote as well. Great post!
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You got some great images, Ingrid, and the satisfaction of seeing it in your own time. A day beautifully spent. Well done for pushing yourself out the door.
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Thank you! Yes, I’m very glad I pushed myself because the day was near perfect.
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Amazing collection of captures! Kudos for early-rising!!
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Thank you, Donna. It was certainly a fun place for photography.
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Gorgeous photos! I see several that you can use for your living room! I enjiyed every single photo. It will be hard to choose.
I am sorry for just commenting now. We got tile put into all 3 of our bedrooms and it took a while to get the house back together again.
Happy Weekend!
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Remodeling can be all consuming so no apology necessary. Hope it turned out great.
The arboretum is beautiful. If you haven’t been, you must visit. I’m targeting a fall visit … hint, hint. 😉
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Love your images! I love this area of AZ
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Thank you. It definitely is a pretty area. 🌵
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Beautiful thanks for sharing.
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Lovely place 😊
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Very nice thing share
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Sounds awesome!
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Wow…two things…I love your way with your words in this post, and what a neat botanical garden. I can relate to not being confident to just “go it alone”…get out of my comfort zone. I’m learning though.
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Thank you. It takes a little practice to ‘go it alone’ before it becomes second nature and I don’t over think. The garden was so worth the drive and the early morning start.
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I really want to visit there!
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I’m so pleased you faced your fears and moved on to a lovely day of being one with nature – simply beautiful!
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I am too because it was indeed a near perfect day and experience. 🌵
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So peace
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Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Great photos Ingrid! Don’t let that little voice sway you, jump in the truck and say “What a perfect day for a drive”. There’s no better fun than just moseying about with a camera and looking for stuff that captures your creativity. You go girl!
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Awe, thanks. I agree, I don’t intend to be held back. The outings with the camera make me happy and life is short.😊
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Great post 🌹🌹
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Thank you 🌵
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I’m so glad you had this me-day in nature – and you persevered. Regaining confidence, freedom, and independence is priceless! My favorite shot is the one with the Rocky Mountains purple tree, and red flower. I’d say that one is frameable! 🙂
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I meant rocky mountains – that darn autocorrect feature!
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Haha, I hear ya!
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You are so right, Liesbet …. priceless. It was a great and successful day with the camera and I need to get out more. Unfortunately, the heat has made its presence thus my trail explorations will need to wait till fall.🌵
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What a beautiful place. Great photos! 👏
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Thank you, John. It is really pretty and exceeded my expectations.
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What a wonderful place to explore! I’m so glad you decided to carry on with your plans even though your friend pulled out. It sounds like it did wonders for your confidence, produced lots of great shots (even if you didn’t get the one you’d hoped for), plus we all get to enjoy the arboretum too! But despite what you say about the wind, my favourite shot is the one of the poppies, full of colour and movement 🙂 I reckon that could look very good as a print!
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I too enjoy that image of the poppies and was pleasantly surprised it wasn’t blurry due to the wind. It was definitely a wonderful day, and I’m very glad I followed through with my plans. Glad you enjoyed the tour!
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Lovely photos, Ingrid. I so enjoy arboretums. Fear likes to rule so I say good for you for going solo on your outing. There is a difference between fear and foolishness.
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I too have always enjoyed arboretums. You are absolutely right about fear vs. foolishness. I’m always aware of my surroundings and do my best never to put myself in a vulnerable position, but I refuse to allow fear to hold me back. Life is too short to miss out!
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I don’t know, I think that poppy photo might be a contender! I love the desert flora so much, especially the mixture of cacti and brightly colored flowers. What a great place to visit! Wish we’d made it there on our trip to Phoenix.
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Thank you, Diana. There are so many unique and beautiful sites to see around the Phoenix valley that one visit is never enough. I’ve come to appreciate the diverse landscape found in AZ, but I always look forward to a summer return to CO.
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Looks like you had a wonderful day and great pics as always.
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Thanks! It definitely was a good day and I’m so glad I went.
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Ah, see? There’s a reason Nike used the theme, “Just do it!” Ingrid, you may not have captured the image you were hoping for, but every single one of these is frame-worthy and gorgeous. More valuable than the beautiful images, though, is the boost in confidence your outing inspired. Next time, there will be no second thoughts.
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That’s the plan, Mary … no second thoughts. I’ve always liked that Nike slogan, ‘just do it’, especially at this stage in life. Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. Hope your camera is working better for you.
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Glad you finally made it to the Arboretum! It is one place we try to get to every few years.
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I think the arboretum will be on my list to visit at least once, maybe twice, a year. It is so pretty there and so very different than the botanical garden. Unfortunately, I live on the far northwest side of the valley making it a bit of a trek to get there or I’d visit more often.
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Oh I love an adventure too Ingrid and well done on going solo! The poppies are fabulous but then all of your shots are great :). #SundayStills
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Awe, thank you. I do enjoy my adventures with a friend or my husband but there are days I need that time alone and going solo feeds my soul. 😊
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I, like you and Donna, would enjoy going on my own. We went a few years ago and it’s such a beautiful place, as your lovely photos so deftly show. We’re blessed to have both this place and the Desert Botanical Garden. Love the shot of the poppies.
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Yes, both gardens are beautiful in their own unique way. I do enjoy my solo adventures but it’s also fun to share with a friend. Anytime you want company at the Botanical Garden, just let me know.
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I’d be happy to meet there.
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Lovely spot to celebrate Earth Day! Well done. Cheers!
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Thank you, and yes it was the perfect place to celebrate.🌵
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I love the photos you chose to bring us along. The only problem with solo trips is not enough photos of yourself. My french teacher in high school had a trick in his photos. He travelled to Europe every year and took a lot of photos. He had a briefcase he put in his photos to represent him; I bet you could think of something more fun to “pop” into your photos? Stuffed animal for one post (for fun) ?
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I usually carry a little Joby Gorillapod with me which works great for selfies, but on this particular day, I was on a mission for a landscape image. Here in the desert southwest, it’s best to try and beat the intense sun as the day progresses. So, I was also up against time. Next time, I’ll take it slow. 😊 Glad you enjoy the journey!
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You have an eye for photos Ingrid and a spirit of adventure that you share! It’s awesome.
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Awe, thank you so much!
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What a beautiful visit to The Arboretum. I am a lot like you in loving to wandering. I am glad you opted to go alone. I waited too long to drive out there. It is a beautiful place. My husband said he would take me for my birthday ( I am not a gift kind of person, I am a “give me your time”). It was a great visit, but too short and I wish I had done like you. Time to experience it in its entirety, and with the quiet of morning would have been a dream. (don’t get me wrong, I was glad for my husbands company, but he was on walk and done mode. lol)
Isn’t it amazing how great sandwiches taste on days like that! I enjoyed every word of this my friend. And I love the bridges. Did you decide on a new living room image?
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It turned out to be a great day of solitude… exactly what I needed. And yes, the sandwich tasted great after a morning of exploring. I have an image I took at Bartlett Lake that I really like with poppies and lupines in the foreground. I’m thinking that might be the wall hanger.
Come fall, if you’d like to go to the arboretum with me, let’s do it!
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Yes! I would love a chance to spend more time with you. Around travel and grands…..Thank you Poppies are always a great choice.
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What a great trip to a gorgeous place! I love that picture with the bee in the blossom. I’m not sure, btw, if Mary would have dared to cross that wooden bridge.
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Haha and that’s a suspension bridge which sways quite a bit when others are walking on it. I loved it, and yes, the garden overall is beautiful. Always nice to hear from you, Pit.😊
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Ingrid, good for you making going on this solo adventure. Any of these photos would like great framed and hanging over your couch. I love the orange flowers!
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Thank you, Beth. I do love those poppies. Just wish they’d hang around a little longer. I did take a bunch of images at the arboretum that I really like, but not sure about printing and hanging. My mind is still thinking … which takes a little longer these days 🤣
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Beautiful images to celebrate Earth Day. Even if you didn’t get the image you imagined, any one of these is frame worthy. The sideways poppies gave me the biggest smile.
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I agree, I do enjoy that poppy image. The arboretum was so lovely that day that I plan on returning in the fall. Perhaps the autumn leaves will provide the image I’m looking for. Regardless, the day was an overall win.
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I’m so happy you did this adventure. We got to see these beautiful photos, Ingrid.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the ride. Unfortunately, our desert heat is starting to set in and my adventures will be few.
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I love reading your posts, Ingrid, because you always have something new to share. I’d never heard of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum–and wow, the drive and spending 4 hours and still not seeing everything. Whatever image you had in your head seemed to make its way into your images, because they are stunning. Even the wind-blown poppies look artsy and fabulous! Good you listened to your body–you may have been a bit dehydrated! A beautiful way to celebrate and share Earth Day, my friend!
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Next time you’re in town, you must visit the arboretum and be sure to hike the “High Trail”. It was my favorite part of the garden. There was no shortage of photo opportunities. I’m hoping to return in the fall 🤞
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the image of the mountain with the purple and orange blossoms is stunning!
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Thank you! The scenery at the arboretum exceeded my expectations.
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Gorgeous photos! We went to the arboretum and it was stunning! So much to see. And it’s always good to know when to call it a day!
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The arboretum exceeded my expectations. There’s a rugged beauty about it that appeals to me.🌵 I’m already looking forward to a return visit in the fall.
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That’s a great idea! I had seen they have wonderful plant sales too.
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Beautiful, thanks for sharing.
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You are very welcome! 😊
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Beautiful photos, Ingrid! That desert looks different than our Mojave Desert up here as you know. I totally understand the running out of fuel and listening to your body. My brain says yes, but the body says oh no you don’t!
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Ah, I can relate to that brain body dilemma. When I went for my walk this morning, my brain wanted to keep going, but the body said ‘ain’t no way’. 🤣 And yes, our deserts look very different. Each offers a unique beauty.
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The Saguaro is a beautiful cacti, so tall and impressive. I suppose they can live 700 years like a Joshua Tree can. I admire your leaving so early in the morning, Ingrid, there is no way I’m going to leave my bed that early! 😂
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Saguaros live on average about 200 years. Last summer’s heat did a number on some of our beauties. Even though I’m a morning person, I usually don’t leave the house quite that early. However, I did go for a walk this morning at 6:30. 🥾
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200 years is a long time! At 6:30 this morning I was still in REM sleep. 😂
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🤣 I love the mornings way too much to linger in bed.
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