I spent two days on Bloody Basin Road. The first had me photographing on the Mesa proper. I had watched storm clouds build up all day. So I chose a good campsite on a ridge. It was little exposed, but since there where no high winds or ligtning, it was perfect. It then rained lightly the entire night. Just a soft, steady rain. It was wonderful. Just the respite I needed from a long, hot summer.

The soft light and atmospherics the next day were fantastic. Everything seemed fresh and new. Even dead vegetation burned out by the relentless Arizona sun seemed to have life.

I took this about 7am on my way down the mountain towards the Verde River. This is the last 5 miles of road before finally reaching the river. The road steadily got rougher the closer I got to the river. There were at least five stream crossing all of which were flowing from the rains. Very enjoyable crossings!