Gnome News is Good News
Natural Wonders of Rim Country
Story and photos by J. Adam Burch and Stacey Lane
A medieval magic can be found perched on a rim, safe from the scorching heat of the Phoenix Valley. The cool waters spring forth nourishing the tall, gnarled oaks and wildlife that survive secluded and protected. Like islands in the sky, the peaks of the Mogollon Rim Country may even make you believe in renaissance gnomes and fairyland creatures settled in Christopher Creek, Arizona long ago.
There is a place for you amongst painted fir forest laced with soft flowing creek and the stage set for any size creature. It further invites an eccentric sense of humor, child-like inquisitiveness and an engineering prowess that will lead you a step further into the fragrance of spruce and ponderosa pines. At nearly 6,000 feet elevation, you will find a crisp cool weather that is home to the Christopher Creek Lodge, located on the bank of Christopher Creek. The Lodge is one of the oldest continuously operated businesses under the Mogollon Rim, which is referred to as Arizona’s mighty backbone.
The Creek is stocked on a regular basis by The State Department of Fish and Wildlife with Rainbow Trout affording you the beauty of fishing from your back porch. With Wood’s Canyon Lake, Canyon and Haigler Creeks and six other Rim lakes there is plenty of good fishing in all directions.
The rustic log and stone cabins with modern facilities afford you a relaxing escape from city life. If outdoor adventure calls your name, get ready for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, or just relax and get comfortable and intimate with a nice new book. Others may enjoy nature walks, bird watching, fossil hunting or a sudden encounter with a strange little figure with a bright red hat and bushy beard staring out at you through the bushes – whatever your cup of tea – its a photographer’s dream come true.
Hilly meadows and rocky woodlands cradle the lakes stocked for fishing and home to few humans. Take your time and relax in a row boat, or careen across the water in a kayak while trying to catch the stray glimpse of the crane with your lens. Chipmunks and squirrels keep you company and a bald eagle soars triumphantly while you walk the paths around a summer gems hidden among the national forest. Explore another feeling and take a step toward a cool reprieve in raw Arizona, where gnomes could live.
Take time to enjoy Arizona and take a drive to Christopher Creek. To learn more call or visit www.enjoyarizona.com either of the three properties any time of year ~
Christopher Creek Lodge
Tel# 928-478-4300
Email: [email protected]
www.ChristopherCreekLodge.com
Cabins at Creekside
Tel# 928-478-4389
Email: [email protected]
www.CabinsAtCreekside.com
Grey Hackle Lodge
Tel# 928-478-5050
Email: [email protected]
www.GreyHackle.com
