Tuzigoot Take-Out, July 21, 2026

Fearing mud up to our knees from the monsoon, we were relieved to find that the banks were sandy and mostly dry. Recent rainfall turned the Verde into a surging mocha latte, but Christine was able to capture lovely lavender and lilac light reflections.

Setting up my easel in a stand of willows I breathed in the heady fragrance of river water and damp cottonwoods. I attempted to capture the little sapling-covered island splitting the burnt-orange flow with my watercolors, but since I am only “watercolor curious” I have very low expectations and skills. But that can be freeing, don’t you think?

Tecla, Gwen, Ed, Betty, and Carolyn set up on the sandy bank. Pastel, “Betty’s Hat” captured our outing at Page Springs Hatchery.

Others, like James, contended with whippy willow bushes and wet feet. Christine and Suze must be attempting to avoid the papparazzi. Sophie tries to make sense of the river color with her oils.

Mike found a secret spot upriver. We saw a zone-tailed hawk swoop across the river to its nestlings in the cottonwoods on the other side and imagined, but did not see, otters.