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AtoZ Videos

"What We Have Done, Where Have We Been"

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Shorts

Arizona's Wild Horses

Majestic Hawk

Poor Raccoon

Wild Horses of Westfork

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Places

Black River the East & West - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Arizona
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Black River the East & West - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Arizona
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Black River the East & West - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Arizona

Hiking and Exploring the Raven Caves in Sedona Arizona
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Hiking and Exploring the Raven Caves in Sedona Arizona

Alamo Lake Wildlife Area
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Alamo Lake Wildlife Area

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Videos

Mogollon Rim FR 607A: The View, Fire by Bow Drill, Wildlife

Join us on our adventure along Mogollon Rim Forest Road 607A near Pine, AZ! In this video, we explore breathtaking views, including a distant forest fire, showcasing the beauty and resilience of nature. As we hike through the stunning landscape, keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife such as the majestic black vulture perched on rocks at the edge of a cliff, the agile plateau striped whiptail lizard darting across the ground, and a quick peek of a tree squirrel as it scampers through camp.

Watch as we demonstrate the ancient skill of creating fire using a bow drill, connecting with traditional survival techniques in the wild. This video captures the essence of outdoor exploration, bringing together the elements of adventure, wildlife, and the art of fire-making.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved.

Arizona's Wild Horses + a Jackrabbit

Explore the natural beauty and wild spirit of Arizona along Forest Road 124 near Heber-Overgaard in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest! This video brings you close to three different groups of wild horses in their natural habitat, capturing unforgettable scenes as they graze, play, and cool off with a dip in a watering hole. We even witness a special moment with a young horse nursing, highlighting the bond within these wild herds. Plus, there’s a quick visit from one of Arizona’s fast and clever jackrabbits, adding a dash of excitement to the scene!

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved.

Exploring & Swimming at the Remote Chevelon Canyon Lake

Chevelon Canyon Lake is a hidden gem nestled on the Mogollon Rim in northern Arizona, maintained by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. This small, narrow reservoir, constructed in 1965 for flood control and recreation, spans 200 acres with an average depth of 35 feet. It's formed by an earthen dam that impounds Chevelon Creek within Chevelon Canyon. The lake is fed by several sources, including Long Tom Tank, Willow Springs Lake, and Woods Canyon Lake, which all drain into upper Chevelon Creek before flowing through Chevelon Canyon Lake and onward to the Little Colorado River.

Accessing Chevelon Canyon Lake is an adventure in itself, as it’s considered one of the most challenging lakes to reach in the region. The lake is accessible via 30 miles of unpaved forest roads, Forest Road 169 and Forest Road 169B, which can be impassable due to heavy snowfall from November through April. The final mile to the lake is closed to vehicles, requiring a short hike one mile hike to reach the water. The toughest part is hiking back up the trail.

Boating is limited to small, lightweight canoes or personal flotation devices that can be carried to the primitive boat ramp. Motorized boats are restricted to a single gas motor no larger than 10 horsepower.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages the lake’s fish population, primarily focusing on rainbow trout, brown trout, and Little Colorado sucker. Rainbow trout are stocked annually, while brown trout and Little Colorado sucker reproduce naturally in the lake and its inflowing streams.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved. Music by Austin Ray & Sven-Laux Map by Google

Black River the East & West

Join us as we explore the stunning Black River (East & West) in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona! In this video, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of the river, capturing its serene beauty and the vibrant ecosystem surrounding it.

Watch as we navigate the landscape, discovering intriguing natural features like poison ivy and exploring a small cave that holds a surprising find—a dead raccoon. We also encounter various wildlife, including antelope and a variety of birds, including a majestic hawk.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for adventure, this video offers a captivating look at the wonders of the Black River. Don’t forget to subscribe for more outdoor explorations and hidden gems in Arizona’s wilderness!

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved.

Dutch Oven Goulash Over a Campfire

Experience campfire cooking with our Dutch Oven Goulash! Join us as we prepare this hearty and flavorful dish over an open fire, perfect for your next camping trip. Watch as we combine simple ingredients to create a delicious meal in the great outdoors.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved.

Pinal Mountains: Wildlife, Hiking, and Campfire Cooking

Join us on a camping adventure at the top of the Pinal Mountains in Arizona! We hiked to the communication towers, discovered a spring, and were serenaded by the diverse birdlife. Along the way, we encountered deer and my first time seeing coatimundi and horned lizard. To top off our adventure, we cooked a delicious goulash in a dutch oven over an open fire. Immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the Pinal Mountains through our lens.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved.

Rockhounding and Petroglyphs at Saddle Mountain

Join us on an rockhounding and hiking adventure at Saddle Mountain, located 45 miles west of Phoenix and just southwest of Tonopah, Arizona. This unique geological site is comprised of mid-Tertiary volcanic deposits, including basaltic lava flows, cinders, and silicic volcanic tuff. Dominated by hornblende-pyroxene lava flows and breccias, Saddle Mountain offers a diverse range of rocks and minerals waiting to be discovered.

Starting from the trailhead at the north end of Saddle Mountain near the BLM dispersed campsite, we embark on a journey through the scenic desert landscape, exploring for fire agate, chalcedony, jasper, and quartz. Chalcedony is commonly found along the main road, while quartz deposits can be discovered higher up the mountain, providing ample opportunities for rockhounding enthusiasts.

Don't miss out on the chance to uncover the hidden treasures of Saddle Mountain during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate, making it the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder. Be sure to subscribe to our channel for more rockhounding and outdoor adventures!

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved.

Robbers Roost Trail & Hideout Cave

Join us as we explore the Robbers Roost Trail and hideout cave in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. Follow along as we hike through stunning red rock landscapes and discover the historic cave once used by bandits as a hideout. Don't miss out on this exciting adventure in one of the most picturesque locations in the American Southwest!

#Sedona #HikingAdventure #RobbersRoostTrail

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved. Music by Bensound.com & joystock.org. Map by Google

Short look at Shoofly Village Ruin near Payson Arizona

Nestled just beyond the outskirts of Payson, Arizona, lies the intriguing Shoofly Village Ruin, an archaeological site steeped in history and mystery. Occupied between 1000 and 1200 AD, this ancient complex boasted over 80 rooms and once served as home to a thriving community of up to 250 people. Encircling the entire settlement stands a formidable stone wall, a silent sentinel preserving the secrets of its past. Through its ruins, one can trace the evolution of architectural styles employed by the indigenous peoples who inhabited it, offering a window into their way of life.

In the 1980s, Arizona State University embarked on the Payson Archaeological Research Expedition (PARE), a comprehensive program aimed at uncovering the secrets of this ancient site. Collaborating with the Tonto National Forest, ASU conducted extensive archaeological investigations, shedding light on settlement patterns and the relationship between Shoofly Village and neighboring communities. This research endeavor not only unearthed the physical remnants of the past but also contributed to a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage.

Constructed around 1000 CE, Shoofly Village marked a period of growth and development, witnessing the aggregation of populations and the cultivation of agricultural fields. While its occupation came to an end around 1300 CE, the legacy of Shoofly Village endures, inviting modern-day explorers to delve into its storied past and unravel the mysteries of ancient Arizona.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved. Map by Google, Music by Nate Loper by Pixabay

Moqui Lookout Tower

Located on the Blue Ridge Ranger District, Moqui Lookout was constructed in 1952 The tallest tower on the Coconino National Forest being 83' high. The steel cab measures fourteen feet square and sits on an eighty-three foot high v-brace steel tower. One may visit the tower May thru September, closed Thursday & Friday.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2023. All rights reserved.

Deer @ Pinaleño Mountains

Watch these beautiful deer wonder and eat near Mount Graham in the Pinaleño Mountains within the Coronado National Forest.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2023. All rights reserved.

Camp & Hike Pine AZ Rim RD 608

Our dispersed camping adventure into the wilderness near Pine, Arizona, we exited from AZ-87 onto FS RD 608 in the Coconino National Forest's Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

Upon arrival, we wasted no time getting into the rhythm of the wilderness. We tried our hand at a bit of whittling and proudly displayed our animal trap, we enjoyed engaging in the age-old skill of survival. Soaked in the sights of wildflowers while the cicadas provided a natural soundtrack.

In the afternoon, we hit the trails for a hike, enjoying the diverse scenery from the towering trees to the breathtaking vistas of the canyons. Birdsong accompanied our every step, adding to the immersive experience.

Back at camp, we enjoy a simple yet satisfying dish of nachos, using the Omnia Oven, adding a touch of comfort to our outdoor adventure.

As night fell and the full moon illuminated the landscape, we settled in for a peaceful night under the stars, content with the day's outdoor escapades.

© Copyright @ Rachel Joel 2024. All rights reserved. Music by Joystock.org

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Outdoor Adventures

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