2026 Week #03 - Adventures in Pet Sitting

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A weekly reflection on the images, scenes, and moments that sparked my photographic curiosity this past week.

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Adventures in Pet Sitting

I was hired to care for a fur family (and a few feathered friends) for three days. My service includes overnight stays of up to three nights, as I prefer not to be away from my own home for longer than that.

More random photos that I really liked this week

Until next week…

Rhonda ✌️💙📷

2026 Week #02 - Akita Heaven

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A weekly reflection on the images, scenes, and moments that sparked my photographic curiosity this past week.

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Akita Heaven

I had a blast photographing the Annual Walk to Support SWAT Rescue. It was a chilly morning, but the turnout was fantastic!

Candid Shots

This event/project pretty much consumed my week. I’d say it’s a good thing to spend my time doing. 🙌🐶

Additional Information

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Until next week…

Rhonda ✌️💙📷

2026 Week #01 - The Birds & Dallas

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A weekly reflection on the images, scenes, and moments that sparked my photographic curiosity this past week.

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The Birds

I love it when so many birds gather on powerlines. I just decided to capture it this time.

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Mr. Dallas

Dallas is a good boy that I met recently. He has the best disposition and loves his people for sure. I had the honor of feeding and checking on him while his owner was away.

Until next week…

Rhonda ✌️💙📷

The Hassayampa River Preserve

Escape to Nature

If you’re craving a place to step away from the hustle, quiet your mind, and reconnect with nature, the Hassayampa River Preserve is the perfect retreat. Tucked just outside Wickenburg, Arizona along US 60, this hidden gem offers a refreshing escape into one of the desert’s most unique ecosystems.

A Desert Oasis Waiting to Be Explored

The preserve protects a vibrant stretch of the Hassayampa River—a rare desert waterway that supports an incredible variety of plant and animal life. This lush riparian corridor is a world away from the surrounding Sonoran Desert, offering shade, running water, and the soothing sounds of wildlife.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a scenic backdrop for photography, the area provides an experience that never feels rushed.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

With over 280 species of birds living, nesting, or migrating through the preserve, you never know who might cross your path. From hummingbirds to hawks, the Hassayampa is a dream location for birdwatchers of all experience levels. Even casual visitors may find themselves pausing to admire the flashes of color and bursts of birdsong that surround the trails.

Wander Through a Lush Landscape

All trails at the preserve are self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Paths wind through:

  • Lush river bottoms

  • The sweeping river floodplain

  • Towering cottonwood-willow forests

  • Dense mesquite bosques (the Spanish word for “forest”), found only near desert waterways

Each turn reveals a new texture and tone of the desert—cool shade, shimmering leaves, warm sandy stretches, and the unmistakable vitality of a living river.

Hours and Seasonal Access

The preserve’s hours change with the seasons, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly:

May 1 – October 31

  • Open Wednesday–Sunday: 7 am to 4 pm

  • Trails close at 3:30 pm

November 1 – April 30

  • Open Wednesday–Sunday: 8 am to 5 pm

  • Trails close at 4:30 pm

Whether you arrive early for a cool morning walk or spend an afternoon wandering the shaded paths, the preserve offers peace, beauty, and a breath of calm you’ll want to return to again and again.

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Thank you and be blessed…

https://linktr.ee/RhondaTipton

My 2026 Calendar is Here!

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🎁 Looking for the perfect gift?

My 2026 Calendar is here! It features stunning images captured around the McMullen Valley area — this year with a special artistic flair.

You can pick one up locally at Mas Paz in Wenden, Mel’s Market, or Peace Trail Resale in Salome, or purchase directly from me for $20.

For out-of-town orders, it’s $20 + $7 shipping.

If you’re not buying from one of the local shops, please fill out the form below to let me know how many calendars you’d like and your mailing address:

👉 2026 Calendar Order Form

Payment options:

💵 Cash

💳 Venmo: @RTipton12 (8801)

💻 PayPal: rtipton12@gmail.com (Friends & Family option)

✉️ Check (payable to Rhonda Tipton)

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Have an amazing day!!!