After exploring the Juneau region, we headed to the mountains around Anchorage. But first I made a quick stop after getting off the plane at the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center in the Anchorage Museum. It houses a wonderful collection of native arts and crafts as well as photos, maps, videos, and other educational materials. A great experience. My eyes were opened to the wide range and beauty of the native work here. (I particularly loved the masks, as you can see in my photos.)

In March 2016 I had a quick trip to Sedona, Arizona, to take pics for Visit Sedona. After Sedona, I swung by the Tonto National Monument above Lake Roosevelt. It's a stunning site, where 800 years ago people created villages into the cliffsides. You can still tour one of the dwelling spaces at the top of a trail that winds through gorgeous cacti and wildflowers.