Nature's Drying Rack Along the Verde River
The Verde River was one of those places that immediately invited me to slow down.
The water moved gently through the landscape, winding past large boulders that created calm, glassy pools reflecting the surrounding desert. It was peaceful in a way that's difficult to put into words.
One of my favorite moments came when I spotted a flock of cormorants perched together on a fallen log across the river. With their wings stretched wide in the morning sun, they looked as though nature had created its own drying rack. I could have watched them for hours.
As beautiful as the river was, there was one thing that stood out for all the wrong reasons. Along parts of the shoreline, litter had collected among the rocks and vegetation. It was a disappointing reminder that even the most beautiful places depend on all of us to care for them.
Even so, the Verde River reminded me that beauty is often found in the quietest places. Sometimes it's reflected in calm water. Sometimes it's perched on a fallen log with wings spread wide to the sun.
All we have to do is slow down long enough to notice.
Morning ritual along the Verde River.
Still water has a way of inviting us to slow down.
A peaceful pool reflecting the quiet beauty of the Verde River.
A lone prickly pear finds a home atop a massive desert boulder.
The morning gathering along the Verde River.
Nature’s drying rack.
Two Cormorants, perched above the Verde River, taking in the morning together.
Where the river slows, reflections come to life.
