Tag Archives: Family Memories
The past few months have allowed little time for writing, but I am finally in a space where I have both the time and the energy to capture my thoughts on paper. The holiday season is a time to reflect and give thanks for all that brings you joy. Some of my most treasured memories involve time spent outdoors with family. Whether we are by the coast or exploring our own backyard, I love being outside. Unfortunately, the cold and flu season has limited our level of activity in recent weeks, so for now, I have to be content with our patio.
Time spent outdoors enhances not only your physical well-being, but your mental and spiritual health. The beauty of the natural world should be accessible to all people-regardless of your level of mobility. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience all that our beautiful planet has to offer. From wooded paths to saguaro lined trails, Arizona has an incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape. I am not very sure- footed, so I am always looking out for trails that are easily accessible to hikers of all ability levels. We have discovered two walking trails in Arizona that are accessible to individuals with all ranges of mobility- the Bajada Trail at Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and the Canopy Trail at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. Both trails provide scenic views that can be enjoyed by all visitors.
Bajada Trail
Photographing Teddy Bear Cholla Cacti
Bajada Trail at Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy offers stunning desert vistas with the McDowell Mountains in the background.
Scenic vistas from Bajada Trail
The half-mile trail is family friendly with interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the area. The smooth surface allows individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran landscape without having to worry about accessibility or risk for injury.
Bajada Trail
The following link offers additional information about all the trails at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/visit-the-preserve/trailheads/
Educational Exhibits on the Bajada Trail
Canopy Trail
Easily Accessible Canopy Trail
A drive up north to Cottonwood will take you to Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Canopy Trail- a wheelchair accessible wooded path that is designated for individuals with chemical sensitivities. The loop trail is less than a quarter mile in length and runs through a canopy of Fremont cottonwood trees. A stroll along the shaded walkway is a welcome retreat from the heat and an ideal spot for bird watching.
Canopy Trail at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Shady Rest Stop along the Canopy Trail
For additional information about Dead Horse Ranch State Park, click on the following link: https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse/things-to-do/trail.
I believe every family should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the natural world together. Whether you are a reliant on braces, confined to a wheelchair, or like me- a little less sure-footed, nature’s blessings should be accessible to everyone.
For more extensive information regarding recreation sites and nature trails that are accessible to individuals with disabilities in Arizona, I discovered the following two sites: Accessible Nature http://www.accessiblenature.info/?page_id=44 and Accessing Arizona by Loren Worthington http://www.accessingarizona.com/
A collection of our Arizona images is available for download and purchase at Bigstock:
https://www.bigstockphoto.com/search/?contributor=SILVERBROOK+IMAGES&safesearch=n
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!
With blessings,
Sheryl Brooks
My Grandpa Henry inspired in me a love of writing. He wrote a number of poems for me beginning in early infancy and then every year on my birthday up through age 18. His poetry served as a scrapbook of my life and was his way of showing how much he cared. In poetry he was able to put into words what was sometimes difficult for him to say. This love of poetry formed our lasting connection. I decided this year to enter the Arizona Literary Competition for the first time with two poems. I decided that if I was going to move forward as a writer, that both poems needed to be dedicated to my Grandpa Henry. Both poems were finalists and at an awards event on Saturday November 7, 2015 I discovered that one of my poems, A Grandfather’s Legacy, won second place. Both poems along with all of the other winning submissions in poetry as well as other categories including short story and essay have been published in the Arizona Literary Magazine. My poem including all first and second place winners in the categories of essay, short story, and poetry will also be nominated by the Arizona Author’s Association for the Pushcart Prize. I am very appreciative of the recognition as well as very proud that I could honor my Grandpa in this way.
Grandparents play an invaluable role in our lives and I feel blessed that I was able to have a relationship with all of my grandparents. My last two visits with my Grandpa Henry were two of the most special. In my last visit I introduced him to my husband-to-be, Joe Brooks, which will always hold a special place in my heart. However, it was the time before that, when I sat with him and read to him the poetry that he had written, that will remain with me always. When he was older (my Grandpa lived to be in his nineties) and unable to write, I remember sitting by his bedside and reading to him poetry that he had written not only about me, but his experiences as a young man out in the world. He captured the times in his writing and the power of his words revealed another side of him that I didn’t know existed. His eyes lit up as he listened to poetry that he had not looked at in years. Memories like these are what touch the heart and I will always be appreciative that we could share this time together.
Poetry provided a window to his soul and his words have inspired me to find my own voice. Grandpa- thank you for sharing this love of poetry with me! I will always be grateful!
Your loving granddaughter,
Sheryl Brooks
