Saturday, January 20^th, 2018. Cold –very, very cold –night.

The smoke danced in scattered patterns, barely visible in the candlelight. The window was open in the attempt to let all the smoke out. A wintry night embraced the cloudy sky.  I was bundled up, underneath the blankets. Curled up next to my lover, as we shared a joint. We had the curtains drawn back, exposing the quiet parking lot outside. I was waiting for the snow. It was 9:00 p.m. According to the weather forecast, the snow was predicted to reach us by 10:30 p.m.

We stayed in bed, warm and cozy. Talking about everything and nothing, as we usually do.

I enjoy moments like these, where we get to share each other. Enjoying each other’s souls. I’m mesmerized by his mind. By the way he speaks –his voice alone gives me goosebumps –. By his big hazel eyes, deep and kind. By his full lips…

I took another hit, letting go of the smoke as soon as I took the hit. I didn’t want another cough attack, you’d think I’m a rookie.
More dancing patterns. Smoke can be so enchanting. I closed my eyes and felt aware of every cell in my body. Every sensation.

A light, frequent, tap outside called my attention. It almost sounded like rain, but it was somehow not a wet sound. I got up quickly and looked out the window. It looked like it was raining, but there were no ripples on the ground. No liquid to meet the drops that create a slight splatter as they precipitate. It was only 9:30 p.m., we were about to take a nap and wake up later for the snow. I was happy we didn’t wait until 10:00 p.m., as the weather cast said.

We put shoes on and quickly headed out the room. I first walked towards the glass-sliding-do

or. The wooden floor of the porch was glimmering. A white, almost powdery, dust covered the floor. It was everywhere. On the roundtable, covering the glass top. On the chairs. On the railing. I couldn’t wait to step outside.

We slid the door open.

As I stepped on to the snow I could hear a crunching sound beneath my feet.  I made my way around to the right, I was by the window. The bird food was frozen, covered in glittery dust. We made our way to the stairs.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Leaving detailed footprints as we went down the stairs.

We got to the parking lot, I never would have thought a parking lot could be magical.  White small fluffs lightly falling everywhere. Wordlessly beautiful.

Sunday, January 21^st, 2018. I meant to get up early, but my brain missed the alarm.

We woke up to a frosty morning. Because I slept in, unfortunately, most of the snow was gone by the time I woke up. But we went for a hike, close to midday, and as if she knew I wanted to see snow, nature did not disappoint –not that she ever does –.

As I bundled up again, I couldn’t help to think of how easy it is to walk out your house back in FL, no need to layer up to step outside. Once we were ready, made our way down to the parking lot. From there it’s just a short walk, cross the street, walk past the Red Agave Resort, and on to the trails that take you to either Castle Rock or further into the woods. We chose to go down the Slim Shady trail.

There was not a lot of snow around, but the places where the sun didn’t reach yet, were cold, white, and somewhat snowy. I’m proud to say that the following three pictures were actually taken by me

As it was not cold enough for the snow to stay, puddles of water accompanied our surroundings. Letting you know where the snow had fallen. My artsy photographer got submerged in his talent. Finding beautiful pictures where I would have never thought to take one.

Tuesday, January 23^rd, 2018. Monday was a snowless hike.

Not getting enough exposure to the snow, and not wanting to miss it, Brad took me to Flagstaff. A beautiful city about 45 minutes north of Oak Creek. If you’re not in a hurry to get there, I definitely recommend driving local. An awe-striking scenic road, surrounded by deep forests and beautiful mountains. All covered with snow.

When we got to Flagstaff, we had lunch at Red Curry Vegan Kitchen. A delight for your tongue, if vegan is what you seek to consume.

We drove around, dumbstruck by the developing neighborhoods. Amazing houses with
large windows to take in the beautiful view of the snowed forest and the Fremont Peak. Our drive led us to the Coconino National Forest.

The snow was intact. The forest glimmered with

the sunlight. Tall pine trees spread throughout. We parked just outside the entrance of the park, it was closed for motorized vehicles, and we headed north, towards the woods.

These two pics are also mine.   Turns out I’m an amateur photographer.  Who knew?! Needless to say, I made my talented photographer proud.

Walking around we noticed that some of the trees were marked with a thick orange cross, some were blue. We figured the marked trees were destined to be chopped off –I thought it was just cruel –. As we continued our walk –I was mesmerized by the view –, the snow crunching as it compacted beneath our feet, we ran into a man that explained what the markings were.

He explained that the trees that were marked were actually destined to stay –you’d think that was a good thing –but there were fewer trees that were not marked, in comparison to those that were.

“Yeap, this will look quite different in about four years.”

That’s what the man said when he noticed my grimace to his explanation. The reason behind it is to stop fires from happening, saving the fireproof trees from the natural fires, and to keep the surrounding neighborhoods safe.

After our hike, we headed back to the car. The cold weather prompted us to get some hot chocolate –by us, I mean me –, so we stopped by Late for the train coffee shop. It’s a really cute shop, a gas station turned coffee shop. A bohemian environment, with its own bakery.

By far the best hot chocolate I have ever had. I actually ordered a small size, a decision I quickly regretted after knowing how delicious it was. It may be the only regret I may have in my life *insert dramatic emoji*.  If you’re ever in Flagstaff, stopping by this café should be added to the ‘must visit’ list.

Our drive back was smooth and peachy. We drove with the sun leaving its goodbye at the top of the mountains, the red rock blushing under the warm kiss of the sun.

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