Greetings B2B Families!
This weeks trip brought us out to Tonto National Forest. We drove 2 hours SE from Flagstaff towards Payson, AZ. We arrived to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, here we got to check out an impressive arch with a stream running underneath it and a spring fed waterfall running off the top! We hiked about a mile downstream before hiking under the arch itself, then we got to see the 200 ft. waterfall from above, an excellent photo opp! We then followed the stream south for a bit and all took a dip in the water.
After our hike we chilled out in the park on top of the arch and threw the frisbee around while one of the guides bought us post cards that will hopefully be making their way to you sometime soon. We then drove to a spot along Payson Creek where we came across an amazing cliff jump area with multiple waterfalls. The water was a pleasant temperature and the very was gorgeous! We sat around the creek for about two hours journaling, reflecting and enjoying each other’s company.
We then drove down a forest service road and came upon a very nice camping area where we decided to settle for the night. After eating a delicious dinner of raviolis and salad we held an AA meeting around the campfire. It was a treat having a fire, the fire ban has recently been lifted in Northern Arizona due to summer monsoons. We got to witness an abundance of shooting stars. It was a pleasant night sleeping under the stars and the Mogollon Rim.
Monday morning we awoke to breakfast and coffee, we then packed our backpacks for the hike into Horton Creek. We hiked along the beautiful spring fed creek for a few miles until we happened upon an ideal campsite. We set up our camp and made lunch. We then held our Sharing Is Caring group underneath a primitive teepee structure. Afterwards we had some downtime to rest, swim, chat and play hacky sack. Donnie even whittled a wooden spoon out of alligator juniper with the help of former wilderness guide AD. We then went on a silent meditative hike along the creek for an hour, before returning to camp for dinner and another AA meeting around the campfire.
We arose early Tuesday morning to another beautiful August day in Northern Arizona. We all were a bit tired from the journey in the summer heat. Another outdoor adventure and another bonding experience for the residents here at B2B.
Much Love,
The B2B Boys
