tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70485988511281710342024-03-13T03:42:56.869-07:00ART in the WINDthoughts on art, nature, life, and morebunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.comBlogger328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-57068151693542568962016-05-19T00:23:00.002-07:002016-05-19T00:23:39.060-07:00Trying to come up for airSo far this week has had moments that have been kind of like the time in California when I was ten years old and somebody decided I should take another round of swimming lessons. Okay. Except this time the teacher was a mean old, grouchy old man. Not at all like the kind, sweet, beautiful mermaid teacher I'd had for the first four weeks. We were racing in about six or eight feet of water. I didn't quite have my freestyle breathing coordinated, got a mouthful of water, choked a little, and couldn't get my breath. I tried to bob up and down so that I could get a good push off the bottom of the pool and clear the surface to get a good breath so that I could swim back to the side, but I couldn't get all the way to the bottom. I kept bobbing. I was getting tired and annoyed and what little breath I had left was about gone. Suddenly I was yanked out of the water by one of the teacher's assistants, a sweet high school or college student who seemed a lot more panicked than I was. She sort of frantically asked me if I was okay. "Are you okay??!!" Oh. Was I okay? I gasped for breath, blinked, and decided I was okay. "Yeah. I'm okay." We swam back to the side together where the mean old, grouchy old teacher yelled at me for not yelling for help. Now how was I supposed to yell for help if I couldn't get my head above water? Yep. It's been kind of like that a few times this week.bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-51825127313347228352015-12-09T15:25:00.000-08:002015-12-09T15:31:58.777-08:00More Gulf Shores, 11/6/2015<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">When I stepped out of my room at 5:45 a.m. to go to the beach, I encountered really thick fog and decided that I'd skip trying to get there in time to greet the sun at 6:08. Visibility at 6:30 was not a great deal better, but I was eager to get on over to Gulf State Park. For park info see </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park">http://www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">(larger views may be available for some photos by clicking on them)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cf9YyVqyXUg/VmUrN5eWN1I/AAAAAAAAWcY/b5Z0O0CUqW4/s640/blogger-image-913345348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cf9YyVqyXUg/VmUrN5eWN1I/AAAAAAAAWcY/b5Z0O0CUqW4/s640/blogger-image-913345348.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Pretty clear by 7:00, but the condos and hotels down the beach were still wearing a blanket of fog. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnggYX2xiwQ/VmUrIAgI9fI/AAAAAAAAWb4/Ab6FVMv-Yq0/s640/blogger-image-1846169351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnggYX2xiwQ/VmUrIAgI9fI/AAAAAAAAWb4/Ab6FVMv-Yq0/s400/blogger-image-1846169351.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Obviously, the fishing pier is a great place to fish, but it is also a great spot for making photos. It is 1540 feet long, extending out into the Gulf for more than a quarter of a mile, and according to the website, is the second longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico. More info here: http://www.gulfshores.com/details/gulf-state-park-pier/17165/ </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLfG7V9_HOM/VmUrJjPA0yI/AAAAAAAAWcA/uHLC4j53vkU/s640/blogger-image-268160793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLfG7V9_HOM/VmUrJjPA0yI/AAAAAAAAWcA/uHLC4j53vkU/s400/blogger-image-268160793.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wnSeHqhG02Y/VmUrMuyKoQI/AAAAAAAAWcQ/7DamHLUo6v0/s640/blogger-image--1202312514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wnSeHqhG02Y/VmUrMuyKoQI/AAAAAAAAWcQ/7DamHLUo6v0/s400/blogger-image--1202312514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A shot from the pier looking out to sea.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And looking toward shore. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laqU0hbETl8/VmUrGyHDUAI/AAAAAAAAWbw/l2wAT2gUzac/s640/blogger-image--1133140584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laqU0hbETl8/VmUrGyHDUAI/AAAAAAAAWbw/l2wAT2gUzac/s400/blogger-image--1133140584.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My gear is ready to be hauled down to the beach. I'm traveling as light as possible and don't want to make multiple trips back and forth, so I only take the bare necessities. I do not tan well, so the ever-present sunscreen and a source of shade, my celestial print umbrella, are a must. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laIyp1Brx2k/VmUrLJEcsxI/AAAAAAAAWcI/F3qqj5QQryI/s640/blogger-image-1953836014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laIyp1Brx2k/VmUrLJEcsxI/AAAAAAAAWcI/F3qqj5QQryI/s640/blogger-image-1953836014.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wkh1PaAD7o0/VmUrPRba31I/AAAAAAAAWcg/T7CTmcQ257o/s640/blogger-image--1018828539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wkh1PaAD7o0/VmUrPRba31I/AAAAAAAAWcg/T7CTmcQ257o/s640/blogger-image--1018828539.jpg" /></a></div>
My nest for the day will require reconfiguring as the sun moves across the sky.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ROr_ne5CKxo/VmUrQ59jhWI/AAAAAAAAWco/NjZ5ebXPMM0/s640/blogger-image--2099706433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ROr_ne5CKxo/VmUrQ59jhWI/AAAAAAAAWco/NjZ5ebXPMM0/s400/blogger-image--2099706433.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
Sun. Warm weather. No crowds. Very nice. Good for several hours.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-63302103494755716022015-12-03T21:06:00.001-08:002015-12-09T15:36:14.351-08:00Short trip to the beachI took myself down to Gulf Shores a few weeks ago (November 5-7). There was a break in the rainy weather, so I decided to head down there. I have missed our frequent trips to the Gulf and it has been three years since I'd been. The favorable weather forecast was a sure sign that it was time to hurry down before it started raining again. It looked like I'd have two good days at the beach. My goal was to spend time at Gulf State Park where there is plenty of beachfront to explore, an excellent fishing pier with various accommodations that include clean restrooms, and nature trails and points of interest on the areas of the park around Lake Shelby.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing I hoped to do while I was there was get some photos of sunrise over the Gulf. However, I awoke to heavy fog both days and decided to wait to go to the park until about 6:30 each morning. Wait a minute! This trip is supposed to be for relaxation and I'm actually thinking of heading to the beach before sunrise every day?? I guess I'm finding out the lengths to which I'm willing to go in order to get a photograph. </div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Here's a shot of the sunrise through the fog<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> at about 6:30 <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Friday morning.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">(larger views may be available for some photos by clicking on them)</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DeGMV3FTmc/VkTilkWXRTI/AAAAAAAAWaY/2eNQuh46v9g/s640/blogger-image-319003449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DeGMV3FTmc/VkTilkWXRTI/AAAAAAAAWaY/2eNQuh46v9g/s640/blogger-image-319003449.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The state park is a couple of miles from the hotel where I stayed, requiring that I drive down to the pier. Even the closest hotel is probably a mile from the park entrance, making it necessary to drive if you are planning to take much gear. I had a folding camp chair, beach umbrella, a backpack stuffed with all my smaller necessities, and one of my two trekking poles to assist with walking because of my gimpy hip. There used to be a nice lodge on the beach at the park, but it was the victim of at least one hurricane a few years ago. There are plans to rebuild, but it seems that bureaucracy and funding issues have the project on hold. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The fog was lifting a bit when I got to the pier parking lot around 6:40 and I got this nice shot. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mP5AonbWHMw/VkmiIilqS-I/AAAAAAAAWbA/Ys3WRklh7K0/s640/blogger-image--1224966186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mP5AonbWHMw/VkmiIilqS-I/AAAAAAAAWbA/Ys3WRklh7K0/s400/blogger-image--1224966186.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">By the time I got my gear together and got</span> down to the beach, it was about <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">7:<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">00.</span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I took</span> numerous shots of the sun a few degrees above the horizon. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y5htZMoS4yQ/VkTioqbV9vI/AAAAAAAAWao/8Cw2lz-_GqM/s640/blogger-image--529878094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y5htZMoS4yQ/VkTioqbV9vI/AAAAAAAAWao/8Cw2lz-_GqM/s400/blogger-image--529878094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The day turned out to be beautiful and warm with few people on the beach. There was lots of fishing activity at the pier and early in the day there were fishermen on the beach as well. Going to the beach at this time of year is so different from the summer visits. Of course, the beach areas at the hotels and condos have much more activity, but the state park area is considerably less crowded. It is one of my favorite places to go. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8MseL0kOvtA/VkTinNqfRGI/AAAAAAAAWag/CLHdS0O7eTE/s640/blogger-image-2041476242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8MseL0kOvtA/VkTinNqfRGI/AAAAAAAAWag/CLHdS0O7eTE/s400/blogger-image-2041476242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What a warm and beautiful day. I really enjoyed my brief time there. It has been much too long since I've been down to the Gulf. I should definitely consider doing this again, weather permitting.</div>
</div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-69877825415844080342015-11-12T11:43:00.001-08:002015-11-12T11:43:56.491-08:00I'm Back! I GuessLong time no blog and am trying to do better. Have I said that before??<br />
<br />
For my "Welcome Back" post, I have a rant to get out of my system. I'll try to be brief.<br />
<br />
On November 5, I went down to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for a couple of days to enjoy the scenery and pleasant atmosphere at Gulf State Park. On the way down, I had to pass through the town of Foley, Alabama. Had I reached Foley during the daytime, I might not have noticed the Christmas decorations on the lightposts as I drove through the town. It was dark and the lights of the decorations were quite noticeable. Wait. Didn't we just have Halloween? Isn't Thanksgiving coming up at the end of November? Do we really need to jump straight from Halloween decorations on September 1 (and I really like Halloween) to Christmas decorations on November 1? What happened to the harvest-oriented decorations (admitttedly, I can take or leave them) that used to be everywhere this time of year? I love Christmas, but really have no desire to look at Christmas decorations for two months any more than I want to look at Halloween decorations for two months. I guess I'm just an old cranky person. For those of you who enjoy putting up Halloween decorations on September 1 and Christmas decorations on November 1, fine, you are going to do it anyway. My apologies if I have seriously offended any of you. I just hope I don't have to listen to Christmas music everywhere I go starting next week.<br />
<br />
Well, that's it. More later.bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-52357008593744567062014-11-02T13:10:00.001-08:002014-11-02T13:36:13.511-08:00Happy<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iKfszSelxho/VFadwS0BsBI/AAAAAAAARHs/ZbZQgCwef6c/s640/blogger-image--1328251635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iKfszSelxho/VFadwS0BsBI/AAAAAAAARHs/ZbZQgCwef6c/s640/blogger-image--1328251635.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
These are skeins of yarn I've spun up from some fiber blending fun I've had since summer 2013. They are spun as single strands that would typically be respun with at least one other strand, a process called plying that yields 2-ply, 3-ply, or X-ply depending on how many strands are plied (twisted) together. These were so nice as single strand yarn, known as "singles," that I decided to leave them as is and not ply them. I will use them for freestyle weaving projects such as wall hangings, scarves, and shawls, but not soon. I love looking at these skeins just the way they are. The colors and textures make me happy. I want to enjoy them like this for a while before I do anything else with them.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-46416263530389637602014-10-23T14:17:00.001-07:002014-11-02T13:35:10.981-08:00Throwback Thursday: Great Blue HeronSome bad cell phone photos of Great Blue Herons made at various locations over the past few years<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ditto Landing, Huntsville, AL</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bo2hP28iOhg/VElwX9oeLYI/AAAAAAAAQ_s/kPt3N3zZum8/s640/blogger-image-476812006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bo2hP28iOhg/VElwX9oeLYI/AAAAAAAAQ_s/kPt3N3zZum8/s640/blogger-image-476812006.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-krOKwKTUsVE/VElwZVSz-jI/AAAAAAAAQ_0/y_-HcIccj9k/s640/blogger-image-571337399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-krOKwKTUsVE/VElwZVSz-jI/AAAAAAAAQ_0/y_-HcIccj9k/s640/blogger-image-571337399.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Madison County Lake, AL</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gbUTfdhtukA/VElwfJPVG9I/AAAAAAAARAM/LaGfdXnsAtg/s640/blogger-image--581996938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gbUTfdhtukA/VElwfJPVG9I/AAAAAAAARAM/LaGfdXnsAtg/s640/blogger-image--581996938.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gulf Shores State Park, FL</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RTSRlvrQeZc/VElwdPdQJvI/AAAAAAAARAE/Fpw4thdW3oU/s640/blogger-image-1292672051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RTSRlvrQeZc/VElwdPdQJvI/AAAAAAAARAE/Fpw4thdW3oU/s640/blogger-image-1292672051.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hYxBe6qD-qU/VElwa36_o6I/AAAAAAAAQ_8/5tZy7cIv_Vg/s640/blogger-image-1544877361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hYxBe6qD-qU/VElwa36_o6I/AAAAAAAAQ_8/5tZy7cIv_Vg/s640/blogger-image-1544877361.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
And back to Ditto Landing</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eYdt8dnz4vQ/VElwgaGUbuI/AAAAAAAARAU/cFr74MHycwM/s640/blogger-image--1915038220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eYdt8dnz4vQ/VElwgaGUbuI/AAAAAAAARAU/cFr74MHycwM/s640/blogger-image--1915038220.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-63483111131360858932014-10-18T23:56:00.000-07:002014-11-02T13:34:06.313-08:00An Amazing Place: Crater Lake National ParkThe long lost blogger has returned with more travel photos.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WQ3tdHPQfsA/VENdabpUELI/AAAAAAAAQ-I/ZHwUUI1Ni-A/s640/blogger-image--1630658957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WQ3tdHPQfsA/VENdabpUELI/AAAAAAAAQ-I/ZHwUUI1Ni-A/s640/blogger-image--1630658957.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our daughter went to visit a friend in Portland, Oregon back in March. The visit led to a summer job out there. We went to visit her in July and one place I really, really had to see was Crater Lake. What an indescribably beautiful place! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I first heard of Crater Lake in 1974 when I was taking geology classes in college as a possible minor to my anthropology major. One of my classes focused on the geology of our national parks. Two parks that were already on my "must see" list were the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, but when the professor introduced us to Crater Lake, I knew that I absolutely had to add it to my list. So many years passed that I never really thought I'd make it. Then the Daughter went to work in Oregon for almost three months. Her dad and I planned a visit and Crater Lake was one of the places I did not intend to miss. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vplQTgY1WMs/VENdbyd1mdI/AAAAAAAAQ-Q/MtZ_m8_uEoU/s640/blogger-image-396774142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vplQTgY1WMs/VENdbyd1mdI/AAAAAAAAQ-Q/MtZ_m8_uEoU/s640/blogger-image-396774142.jpg" /> </a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Crater Lake was created about 7,700 years ago when a volcano of approximately 10,000-12,000 feet in height, now known as Mt. Mazama, erupted, causing the top to collapse and creating the existing caldera that is filled about halfway with water. Crater Lake is is about six miles long and four miles wide. The water is nearly 2000 feet deep and is some of the purest on earth. The lake is fed only by rain and snow. The water level is fairly constant due to evaporation and some seepage. No recreational watercraft are allowed and swimming is limited to one beach area at the end of the only trail where, according to the NPS Crater Lake brochure, "it is safe and legal to get down to the lake shore." The steeply sloping sides of the interior of the caldera range from 500 feet to almost 2000 feet from the rim to the lake surface. </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7GnHvhf09v0/VENW-5TxvwI/AAAAAAAAQ9w/hP2JNCvk8Ec/s640/blogger-image--250259923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7GnHvhf09v0/VENW-5TxvwI/AAAAAAAAQ9w/hP2JNCvk8Ec/s640/blogger-image--250259923.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2X9POLN_2jE/VENXAcX5KtI/AAAAAAAAQ94/N03gRjtLMIc/s640/blogger-image-1387836127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2X9POLN_2jE/VENXAcX5KtI/AAAAAAAAQ94/N03gRjtLMIc/s640/blogger-image-1387836127.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yNAKY7iBTrY/VENdh8EjH8I/AAAAAAAAQ-w/JxGjv4keNy8/s640/blogger-image--367923675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yNAKY7iBTrY/VENdh8EjH8I/AAAAAAAAQ-w/JxGjv4keNy8/s640/blogger-image--367923675.jpg" /></a></div>
Daughter and friend enjoy the view from a most precarious spot. She's the one in the red shirt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D6WJgZwUZiw/VENgTtS7KpI/AAAAAAAAQ_E/bqxEj8wGE1M/s640/blogger-image-891691015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D6WJgZwUZiw/VENgTtS7KpI/AAAAAAAAQ_E/bqxEj8wGE1M/s640/blogger-image-891691015.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After the eruption of Mt. Mazama that left the approximately 4000-foot deep hole, there were several other eruptions over the next 300-400 years. As a result, there are several other cinder cone volcanoes within Crater Lake. The only one that is visible from the surface of the lake is known as Wizard Island. It rises a total of about 2,700 feet from the bottom of the lake and is about 755 feet above the current lake surface. There are three tour boats (the only watercraft other than two maintenance boats allowed on the lake) operated by Crater Lake National Park that make stops at Wizard Island. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eqE3X_VQMc0/VENddlkHWtI/AAAAAAAAQ-Y/bEc_p64RSAA/s640/blogger-image--1222782002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eqE3X_VQMc0/VENddlkHWtI/AAAAAAAAQ-Y/bEc_p64RSAA/s640/blogger-image--1222782002.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rKJdREhYb7k/VENdjPPxokI/AAAAAAAAQ-4/r303mr7ZrV8/s640/blogger-image--2074862696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rKJdREhYb7k/VENdjPPxokI/AAAAAAAAQ-4/r303mr7ZrV8/s640/blogger-image--2074862696.jpg" /></a></div>
The caldera in the top of Wizard Island is about 500 feet across and 100 feet deep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N12iqAgVJxI/VENdgTLjrAI/AAAAAAAAQ-o/uNr8kXNJ8kM/s640/blogger-image-1146856619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N12iqAgVJxI/VENdgTLjrAI/AAAAAAAAQ-o/uNr8kXNJ8kM/s640/blogger-image-1146856619.jpg" /> </a></div>
A view of Wizard Island from the Visitor Center overlook.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One final shot of Crater Lake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ut35oM2LoUU/VENde3aiDuI/AAAAAAAAQ-g/K6ZzpRwj7_Q/s640/blogger-image-1812048815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ut35oM2LoUU/VENde3aiDuI/AAAAAAAAQ-g/K6ZzpRwj7_Q/s640/blogger-image-1812048815.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My cell phone photos do not do it justice. Actually, no photos really do. If you ever have the opportunity to travel to the Pacific Northwest, I hope you make Crater Lake National Park one of your destinations. It is about 125 miles from Eugene, Oregon and about 60 miles from Klamath Falls, Oregon. It was about a 4-hour drive from Portland and well worth the time. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-89827441674780943162014-05-14T14:14:00.004-07:002014-05-14T14:20:28.766-07:00The Trips West 2013--Petrified Forest and Painted DesertBack again. Finally. Technology and general lethargy are keeping me from the blog. No promises this time.<br />
<br />
On the way home from our amazing trips last year, we toured some of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrified_Forest_National_Park" target="_blank">Petrified Forest</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrified_Forest_National_Park" target="_blank"> National Park</a> and drove through a portion of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Desert_%28Arizona%29" target="_blank">Painted Desert</a>, both just off Interstate 40 near Winslow, Arizona (click on the links for more info). Here are a few photos.<br />
<br />
Some cell phone shots from the Petrified Forest<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eL7b26mib_A/U3PYvnJVMgI/AAAAAAAANNU/F1oS6qcV-yM/s1600/petried+long+log.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eL7b26mib_A/U3PYvnJVMgI/AAAAAAAANNU/F1oS6qcV-yM/s1600/petried+long+log.jpg" height="320" width="240" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A very long petrified tree trunk</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMY1l-TlOrU/U3PZO92N7NI/AAAAAAAANNc/2q9Lr9GS8v0/s1600/petrified+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMY1l-TlOrU/U3PZO92N7NI/AAAAAAAANNc/2q9Lr9GS8v0/s1600/petrified+colors.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">lovely colors in the petrified wood</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_9Sf6-N7FM/U3PZhWIeGuI/AAAAAAAANNk/CnVEFVDhnTc/s1600/petrified+forest+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_9Sf6-N7FM/U3PZhWIeGuI/AAAAAAAANNk/CnVEFVDhnTc/s1600/petrified+forest+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No. 2 Son in foreground and Daughter back in the distance examine petrified trees</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our return to the Interstate took us on a scenic drive through part of the Painted Desert. These photos just don't do it justice. Next time I'll try the panoramic setting. Or the other camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9EWZzOUFk8/U3PaTXPIMQI/AAAAAAAANNs/nBax6oqAE1U/s1600/painted+desert+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9EWZzOUFk8/U3PaTXPIMQI/AAAAAAAANNs/nBax6oqAE1U/s1600/painted+desert+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsVIUzGvf-Q/U3Paei7ye5I/AAAAAAAANN0/rm09beQ6dls/s1600/painted+desert+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsVIUzGvf-Q/U3Paei7ye5I/AAAAAAAANN0/rm09beQ6dls/s1600/painted+desert+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
What a beautiful part of the country. I hope I get to go back to the Southwest soon.bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-85832941115191521672014-03-21T11:51:00.001-07:002014-03-21T12:05:07.197-07:00More Trips West 2013--Meteor Crater National Natural Landmark We did a good bit of traveling at night as we headed out to New Mexico and Arizona in May. This meant that we missed a few sites we wanted to see, so we decided to visit them on the way back home. There were several places near Winslow, Arizona that were not to be missed. These included <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_Crater" target="_blank">Meteor Crater</a></span>, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrified_Forest_National_Park" target="_blank"> Petrified Forest</a></span>, and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Desert_%28Arizona%29" target="_blank">Painted Desert</a></span> (click on the links for more information; you can also check the National Park Service websites for these sites).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meteorcrater.com/" target="_blank"><b>Meteor Crater</b></a> (or Barringer Crater), 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow is a huge meteor impact crater owned by the Barringer Family and not actually a national park or national monument, which would require federal ownership; however, it was designated a<a href="http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/nation.cfm" target="_blank"> <span style="color: blue;">National Natural Landmark</span></a> in November 1967. The crater was formed about 50,000 years ago when a meteor struck the Earth. Today it is about a mile across, 2.4 miles in circumfrence, and 550 feet deep. Photos made from the ground do not do it justice. It was extremely windy the day we were there. Normally, crater rim tours are given throughout the day, weather permitting, but it was so windy during our visit that tours were cancelled because of the risk to visitor safety. Here are a few photos.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2cDXU-j4fc/UyyEkwrkhPI/AAAAAAAAMZs/GX0bDci1jBQ/s1600/crater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2cDXU-j4fc/UyyEkwrkhPI/AAAAAAAAMZs/GX0bDci1jBQ/s1600/crater.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just a small portion of the crater. This is a cell phone photo. I wasn't using the panoramic setting because I was making other photos with another camera. One day I will upload all those photos--when I have a lot of time.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYeer-IZSqs/UyyFV00r-AI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/rXdmUdqn9dY/s1600/blowing+away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYeer-IZSqs/UyyFV00r-AI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/rXdmUdqn9dY/s1600/blowing+away.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daughter and No. 2 Son getting blown fiercely by the high winds. It was difficult to even hold the camera still to make photos.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fVE8_mxUB0/UyyFzPJfqbI/AAAAAAAAMZ8/6XpjGgQoNJM/s1600/lenticular+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fVE8_mxUB0/UyyFzPJfqbI/AAAAAAAAMZ8/6XpjGgQoNJM/s1600/lenticular+clouds.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Probably my favorite photo of the day, made from the visitor center as we were returning the to car.<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud" target="_blank">Lenticular clouds</a></span>, lens-shaped, stationary clouds that generally do not form in over all types of terrain. I have seen many photos of them, but never seen any in person until our visit to Meteor Crater. This was a real treat. You can see by the shape why folks sometimes think they are UFO's.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next time: Petrified Forest and Painted Desertbunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-47254448727658156772014-03-01T02:00:00.000-08:002014-03-01T02:21:48.063-08:00Ok, RG, this one 's for you<span style="font-size: large;">Sedona, Arizona. Part of "The Trips West 2013.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I did not get to spend as much time there as I'd hoped. Suffice it to say that the four or five hours we spent there were enough to make me want to go back. There were many rock shops and New Age shops and restaurants, but the best part was the absolutely beautiful scenery. After making a second trip to Sunset Crater, then driving to the nearby Wupatki Ruins, we drove from Flagstaff down to Sedona in the afternoon along what was one of the most nerve-wracking roads I've ever been on. Narrow, many hairpin turns and switchbacks with towering rock outcroppings on one side and sheer drops on the other. Once we got out of the nightmare portion of the drive, we were treated to a combination of breathtakingly beautiful red rock formations and lush forest trails and camping areas. We arrived in Sedona around 5:00 in the afternoon with a nearly full moon rising in the east. What a lovely sight. It put all the tourist shops and the rest of the town to shame. We wandered the streets a bit, browsed the shops, ate dinner, then returned to Flagstaff. I certainly hope I get to go back soon. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwVbgzIUJg4/UxGszxoAFGI/AAAAAAAAL1w/2h6Wr6oN7YU/s1600/road+to+sedona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwVbgzIUJg4/UxGszxoAFGI/AAAAAAAAL1w/2h6Wr6oN7YU/s1600/road+to+sedona.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The road to Sedona. It was like this or worse most of the way there.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbEybKZJxJ4/UxGrskPP3aI/AAAAAAAAL1g/Nfx8IHljJ00/s640/blogger-image-1110670991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbEybKZJxJ4/UxGrskPP3aI/AAAAAAAAL1g/Nfx8IHljJ00/s400/blogger-image-1110670991.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the beautiful rock formations along the drive to Sedona</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5KMAK67Boo/UxGtegR2-tI/AAAAAAAAL14/azDts5YTgVQ/s1600/sedona+moonrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5KMAK67Boo/UxGtegR2-tI/AAAAAAAAL14/azDts5YTgVQ/s1600/sedona+moonrise.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sedona moonrise</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zh0B8-X7FAc/UxGrrQf2IxI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/BFXrKD79c0g/s640/blogger-image-572299354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zh0B8-X7FAc/UxGrrQf2IxI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/BFXrKD79c0g/s400/blogger-image-572299354.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just a small portion of the shops we saw</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-42279326265053443272014-02-14T23:44:00.003-08:002014-03-01T02:08:26.941-08:00I Meant to...I finally sat down to finish up my posts about my trips West this
past summer. Well, as most of you know, I'm quite behind on writing any
posts and reading those of other bloggers. My apologies to those of you
that I seem to have neglected. I still love all of you. And, no, I have
not given up blogging for Facebook. I've just become lethargic and
reluctant to break out the laptop in order to get posts written. Using
the iPhone is much easier--sometimes. There are glitches in the Blogger
app that annoy me. It probably works fine. I am most likely the cause of
the glitches. However, most of the photos that I care to post are on my
phone and it is much less trouble for me to use the phone, despite the
fact that I have to use a tiny keyboard, to write the posts than trying
to go back and forth between the phone and the laptop. And the laptop
has an annoying feature of having an super sensitive mouse thingy area,
so that whenever my thumb(s) hover even slightly too close to the
surface, the silly cursor jumps all over the screen and ends up anywhere
other than where it needs to be. I don't catch this until I have typed a
few letters and realize that they are not in the line in which I am
typing. Then I have to find and fix the intrusive letters that have just
been inserted into previous lines. How annoying! I do not need this, so
I usually use my phone for whatever computer chores need doing or
whatever Internet entertainment I choose to pursue. So... <br />
<br />
So.
I began by doing a little catching up on the blogs of some of my
Blogiverse friends. That took more time than I intended, so now it is
later than I care to be up hunched over the laptop. Yes, I'm on the
laptop. It is much more comfortable to sit or lie down and use the
iPhone in order to do these things. I have grown truly lazy. Even
better, the cat can also curl up beside me instead of trying to squeeze
her way into my lap between me and the laptop keyboard. So...<br />
<br />
As
I pondered the time it took and what I originally intended to do when I
broke out the laptop, the words "I meant to do my work today" popped
into my head and I thought of a poem that I had to learn in elementary
school. Probably in Mizz Corinne's fourth grade. I could remember about
the first three lines, so I looked it up. It is <b><i>so</i></b> the story of why I never get anything done. It is in the public domain, so (yes, that word again), here it is:<br />
<br />
I Meant to Do My Work Today<br />
by Richard Le Gallienne (1866-1947)<br />
<br />
I meant to do my work today--<br />
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,<br />
And a butterfly flitted across the field,<br />
And all the leaves were calling me.<br />
<br />
And the wind went sighing over the land,<br />
Tossing the grasses to and fro,<br />
And a rainbow held out its shining hand--<br />
So what could do but laugh and go?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku-dW1QKnoY/Uv8gyGIwX2I/AAAAAAAAL1A/WP5AXeXIEU8/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku-dW1QKnoY/Uv8gyGIwX2I/AAAAAAAAL1A/WP5AXeXIEU8/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My place is in your lap. You will put the computer down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-67734780884829844842014-01-05T17:41:00.005-08:002014-03-01T02:36:02.173-08:00The Trips West 2013--Petroglyphs National Monument<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk6hqj9GaRg/UmQq5rIPAQI/AAAAAAAAEgM/TkWZRaBJQDE/s1600/IMG_5055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk6hqj9GaRg/UmQq5rIPAQI/AAAAAAAAEgM/TkWZRaBJQDE/s320/IMG_5055.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A parting shot from Sunset Crater Volcano of the San Francisco Peaks and Humphreys Peak </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy New Year to all. Trying to get back on track with the trip photos that I'd hoped to finish by the end of 2013. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our two-day stay in Albuquerque led us to some neat places. We visited the New Mexicoar Museum of Natural History and Science, took the tram to the top of Sandia Peak 10,378 ft), went to the National Museum of Nuclear Energy, and stopped at Petroglyphs National Monument on the west side of Albuquerque. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYbNCtg9hNQ/UmQWjyQvpnI/AAAAAAAAEfo/PQNtza1pTgo/s640/blogger-image--302155260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYbNCtg9hNQ/UmQWjyQvpnI/AAAAAAAAEfo/PQNtza1pTgo/s640/blogger-image--302155260.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroglyph" target="_blank">petroglyphs</a> were carved into the volcanic rock (yep, more volcanoes, many of which were visible from the top of Sandia Peak) by early peoples living in the Albuquerque area between 400 and 600 years ago. More info can be found <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroglyph_National_Monument">here</a></span>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uh1AheJDdX4/UmQWij0WGYI/AAAAAAAAEfg/0NMDSFz7muA/s640/blogger-image--1622418730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uh1AheJDdX4/UmQWij0WGYI/AAAAAAAAEfg/0NMDSFz7muA/s400/blogger-image--1622418730.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q-sb2q-1ZmE/UmQWlJO2PeI/AAAAAAAAEfw/Z_g-mwstHtY/s640/blogger-image--897957370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q-sb2q-1ZmE/UmQWlJO2PeI/AAAAAAAAEfw/Z_g-mwstHtY/s640/blogger-image--897957370.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Iihv830_J48/UmQWhawmIhI/AAAAAAAAEfY/OzADDVHGkzs/s640/blogger-image-283749536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Iihv830_J48/UmQWhawmIhI/AAAAAAAAEfY/OzADDVHGkzs/s400/blogger-image-283749536.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AHzAiLBtVr8/UmQWeYAjPbI/AAAAAAAAEfI/_HDNAlFsQmE/s640/blogger-image-1878555943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AHzAiLBtVr8/UmQWeYAjPbI/AAAAAAAAEfI/_HDNAlFsQmE/s640/blogger-image-1878555943.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_P9NfvDPFZw/UmQWf4NqlJI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/J61K5tPAsSs/s640/blogger-image-1876927617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_P9NfvDPFZw/UmQWf4NqlJI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/J61K5tPAsSs/s640/blogger-image-1876927617.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xb4Jz2EbneY/UmQWmeovcGI/AAAAAAAAEf4/8W72eGO-hbE/s640/blogger-image--4626784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xb4Jz2EbneY/UmQWmeovcGI/AAAAAAAAEf4/8W72eGO-hbE/s640/blogger-image--4626784.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Next: Petrified Forest and Painted Desertbunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-29371386832416250252013-12-27T04:59:00.001-08:002014-03-01T02:06:59.982-08:00Goodby Little GabbyI happened to be up about 4:00 a.m., headed into the kitchen to get some water. Matilda was making a lot of noise. On checking the bunnies, I found that Gabby was down and it wasn't looking good. She had been fine and was not showing signs of any kind of problems. She was active when I fed them their supper last night. She was an old bunny at nine years, but seemed to be going strong. I guess it was time. I wrapped her up and held her until the end.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She loved getting to go out to the playpens.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZC_bdQhFvus/Ur15vKTyLKI/AAAAAAAAEmI/dDLN3nneFXo/s640/blogger-image--333641208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZC_bdQhFvus/Ur15vKTyLKI/AAAAAAAAEmI/dDLN3nneFXo/s640/blogger-image--333641208.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Enjoying her perch in the playpen out back</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OL_xjU4l0po/Ur14lEpaIzI/AAAAAAAAEls/8sng1-cCoHE/s640/blogger-image-616566896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OL_xjU4l0po/Ur14lEpaIzI/AAAAAAAAEls/8sng1-cCoHE/s640/blogger-image-616566896.jpg" /></a></div>
Stretched out in the shade in the front yard</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mulqq8hUtZI/Ur15tav7YBI/AAAAAAAAEmA/vcBqWzf5NXU/s640/blogger-image--294800556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mulqq8hUtZI/Ur15tav7YBI/AAAAAAAAEmA/vcBqWzf5NXU/s640/blogger-image--294800556.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Relaxing with her best bun, Matilda</div>
</div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-10511424474977601892013-12-25T01:08:00.001-08:002014-03-01T02:06:39.122-08:00Before and AfterCutting down our tree at the Christmas tree farm on Sunday and all decorated on Christmas Eve. No ornaments, just lights, thanks to the cats.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bGgj92HKaGU/UrqghRnoeYI/AAAAAAAAElI/s_fA-dWvPfU/s640/blogger-image-1016710305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bGgj92HKaGU/UrqghRnoeYI/AAAAAAAAElI/s_fA-dWvPfU/s640/blogger-image-1016710305.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-84176384624028199272013-12-24T07:55:00.001-08:002014-03-01T02:35:03.190-08:00Best Wishes to AllMerry Christmas to everyone.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HkXTEXTy6TE/UrmuWHzIDiI/AAAAAAAAEk4/KR_SUXPOgao/s640/blogger-image--972806212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HkXTEXTy6TE/UrmuWHzIDiI/AAAAAAAAEk4/KR_SUXPOgao/s640/blogger-image--972806212.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Twinkie says</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TabPhGOxhX4/UrmuU28k3oI/AAAAAAAAEkw/0luwo7zsbeo/s640/blogger-image-1870315891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TabPhGOxhX4/UrmuU28k3oI/AAAAAAAAEkw/0luwo7zsbeo/s640/blogger-image-1870315891.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(These appear to be the only two Christmas photos I have stored in my phone, having failed to take any with it so far this year. We won't decorate our tree until tonight. Maybe some new ones then)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-62689599297035453912013-11-24T10:44:00.000-08:002014-03-01T02:34:35.043-08:00In the Meantime...I have not given up on my Trips West 2013 posts, even though I know some/most of you find them as exciting as home movies and slide shows (slide shows--remember when we had those things called slide carousels full of photos in slide format and bored family and friends with them at holiday get-togethers?). More to come. I have been a bit tied up with trying to finish some spinning projects and getting acquainted with a delightful little loom I have acquired. In the meantime, I'm sharing some equally exciting photos of random stuff that makes up my life. My apologies for the erratic spacing of the photos. I don't seem to have control of it or know what to do to fix it. Still working on that.<br />
<br />
The spinning project. Hand dyed and blended by Yours Truly. Fiber is a blend of mostly alpaca, some sheep's wool, and a little bit of sparkly stuff. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WG5RyzEToE/UpI-wzm_QXI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/6PNifREOYkY/s1600/wool+for+Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WG5RyzEToE/UpI-wzm_QXI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/6PNifREOYkY/s320/wool+for+Mary.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GictLeIQs7Y/UpI-2hIg8VI/AAAAAAAAEjY/PdvhNgNi1IA/s1600/mary%27s+yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GictLeIQs7Y/UpI-2hIg8VI/AAAAAAAAEjY/PdvhNgNi1IA/s320/mary%27s+yarn.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a>Some of the yarn. This thin stuff takes a while to spin. I'm almost finished with this step, but next I have to make 2-ply (2-strand) yarn out of it. That won't take as long once I get around to doing it. I have to knit a lacy scarf after I finish the yarn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAIx69oMP_U/UpJBa8S9cHI/AAAAAAAAEjo/AWLHqu8rO-s/s1600/baby+wolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAIx69oMP_U/UpJBa8S9cHI/AAAAAAAAEjo/AWLHqu8rO-s/s1600/baby+wolf.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
New-to-me portable loom. A Schacht Baby Wolf. Folds up and fits into the back of the van so that I can carry it to workshops. (photo from the Schacht files)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMA1AQcEjj4/UpJCOFd5PSI/AAAAAAAAEjs/GiHDkw-HSFM/s1600/garage+loom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMA1AQcEjj4/UpJCOFd5PSI/AAAAAAAAEjs/GiHDkw-HSFM/s320/garage+loom.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
A shot of the Baby Wolf (to give a better idea of its size) and my Majacraft Rose spinning wheel in the garage space that has become my temporary fiber studio while I rearrange space in the house to make room for the loom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBf2yF7VyaI/UpJDnKH1oxI/AAAAAAAAEj4/okhDvZJM2Ok/s1600/lab+coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBf2yF7VyaI/UpJDnKH1oxI/AAAAAAAAEj4/okhDvZJM2Ok/s320/lab+coat.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Daughter in the chemistry lab storeroom at UAH. Weird lighting makes it look like she has a black eye. It's just the shadow created by her hair.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2EUbrgdX7Q/UpJEMvxe_qI/AAAAAAAAEkA/RAwr15dPiTw/s1600/Mt.+Shasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2EUbrgdX7Q/UpJEMvxe_qI/AAAAAAAAEkA/RAwr15dPiTw/s320/Mt.+Shasta.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Mt. Shasta at sunset with alpenglow. Photo taken by Number 2 Son. He's gone to California for a few weeks and is staying in the town of Mt. Shasta. He gets to look at this beautiful sight whenever they go anywhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1mywIfcww4/UpJFGq4HvcI/AAAAAAAAEkM/A4zP0xRN6cA/s1600/Mt+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1mywIfcww4/UpJFGq4HvcI/AAAAAAAAEkM/A4zP0xRN6cA/s320/Mt+painting.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
His photo prompted me to do this small watercolor for him as a keepsake of his adventures in Northern California.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok, bear with me. Only two more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtDD1fsTUdE/UpJFoCL2YzI/AAAAAAAAEkU/wA1RmQ-03j0/s1600/mike+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtDD1fsTUdE/UpJFoCL2YzI/AAAAAAAAEkU/wA1RmQ-03j0/s320/mike+bike.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
A photo of a photo and the real reason I haven't been doing much. My dear nephew doing what he loved--competing in mountain biking events. His favorite place to ride and compete was in the Colorado Rockies. I like to think that that's what he's doing now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last one.<br />
We had a spectacular sunset the other day. Too bad there's no way to capture the beauty of it with a cell phone camera.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrIm1bPnDLE/UpJGrMOvLoI/AAAAAAAAEkg/1Kpt4eMFE2c/s1600/awesome+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrIm1bPnDLE/UpJGrMOvLoI/AAAAAAAAEkg/1Kpt4eMFE2c/s320/awesome+sunset.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-66941300360065353102013-11-06T18:50:00.005-08:002014-03-01T02:34:06.725-08:00The Trips West 2013--Walnut Canyon National MonumentAfter a little sidetracking to do some hectic yarn spinning (fiber type yarn, not tall tales), I'm back on the trail of places we visited during the summer.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walnut_Canyon_National_Monument">Walnut Canyon National Monument</a></span> <span style="color: black;">(click for more info) </span></span>is located near Flagstaff, Arizona. The monument is the site of some early inhabitants of the area who lived there from about AD 1100 to 1250. Exactly why they left is unknown. Personally, I'd say climbing up ladders to get home at the end of a day of tending crops would do it for me. Acutally, they might have been climbing down ladders to get to their dwellings if they planted crops up at the top of the canyon. There is considerable plant diversity in the area of the canyon. The inhabitants focused on growing corn (maize), beans, and squash--the "big three" of North American archaeology. The elevation at the top is 6700 feet and the bottom of the canyon is about 350 feet below. None of the cliff dwellings is accessible to the public, but may be viewed from the trails and visitor center. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1I1ByHER3g/Unr79INrVUI/AAAAAAAAEig/mDx7ac4OnMY/s1600/WC+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1I1ByHER3g/Unr79INrVUI/AAAAAAAAEig/mDx7ac4OnMY/s320/WC+view.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A view of the cliff dwellings from the trail (you might need to click to enlarge)</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N09eWqWGnBo/Unr8gg3u7KI/AAAAAAAAEio/DmvMMdVRy0s/s1600/Walnut+canyon+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N09eWqWGnBo/Unr8gg3u7KI/AAAAAAAAEio/DmvMMdVRy0s/s320/Walnut+canyon+view.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cliff dwellings as seen from the visitor center</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaI5Q8ING6U/Unr82o84HTI/AAAAAAAAEiw/Xr12amdbHDg/s1600/WC+along+the+trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaI5Q8ING6U/Unr82o84HTI/AAAAAAAAEiw/Xr12amdbHDg/s320/WC+along+the+trail.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another view from the trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCgpoVmDxy4/Unr9VuaSblI/AAAAAAAAEi4/VqYZa-AlDV4/s1600/J+and+R+WCanyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCgpoVmDxy4/Unr9VuaSblI/AAAAAAAAEi4/VqYZa-AlDV4/s320/J+and+R+WCanyon.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Number 2 and Daughter at a stop along the canyon rim</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DR1N1Iw2X14/Unr9rAAp44I/AAAAAAAAEjE/cFtpOYu7YQc/s1600/WC+house+ruin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DR1N1Iw2X14/Unr9rAAp44I/AAAAAAAAEjE/cFtpOYu7YQc/s320/WC+house+ruin.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remains of a house along the canyon rim trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned. More to come. We still have Sedona, Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest, and more to cover.bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-4505944719686888142013-10-21T10:52:00.002-07:002014-03-01T02:33:14.966-08:00The Trips West 2013--Wupatki National Monument<div>
<br /></div>
Because of my work as an archaeologist in another life, I had originally hoped to visit two well-known Southwestern archaeological sites of the <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Pueblo_Peoples">ancient Pueblo cultures</a></span>, Chaco Canyon and Canyon de Chelly, while in New Mexico and Arizona. See a map of the area <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/cach/planyourvisit/upload/CACHmap2.pdf">here</a></span>. After reading the AAA tour guide and park descriptions of less than ideal road conditions near Chaco Canyon (some 20 miles of unimproved, rocky and rutted road) and the warning that GPS devices might not be functional in all areas, I decided against trying to drive the last few miles to Chaco in our van. We were afraid there might be similar road conditions leading to Canyon de Chelly and decided to save both those stops for another trip. Maybe next year. Instead, we decided to visit archaeological ruins of the same types of ancient Southwestern cultures in the Flagstaff area. <i>(Some photos were made with the camera instead of the cell phone, so clicking might yield closer looks. Also, underlined links were supposed to be highlighted in red, but Blogger is uncooperative today.) </i><br />
<br />
Wupatki National Monument<br />
More information is available <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/wupa/faqs.htm">here</a></span> and <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wupatki_National_Monument">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
Just a few miles north of Sunset Crater Volcano near Flagstaff is Wupatki National Monument. Both sites are located about fifteen miles north of Flagstaff along a scenic loop that covers about 50 miles off US 89 beginning at Sunset Crater, then meanders along Route 395 back to 89 about 15 miles north of the Sunset Crater Visitor Center. After our visit to Sunset Crater on our first day in Flagstaff, we decided to go back another day and spend some time at Wupatki. We did not try to cover the entire Wupatki site complex. A number of the 2500 documented sites of the complex are accessible by trails and we had a bit of a time trying to decide which to explore. We were trying to get to Sedona, AZ later in the day, so our ramblings took us to the Lomaki (Hopi for "Beautiful House") site where we walked among many abandoned structures of these ancient people.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-EwytxQB7U/UmVNOTZsihI/AAAAAAAAEg0/aLhMsMQeJnM/s640/blogger-image--1360562627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-EwytxQB7U/UmVNOTZsihI/AAAAAAAAEg0/aLhMsMQeJnM/s400/blogger-image--1360562627.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
Daughter near one of the houses constructed of sandstone blocks. These blocks were held together with mortar and portions of many are still standing, even though the site was abandoned sometime around AD 1200.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H6Y0K1jeNgM/UmVNL3mGg0I/AAAAAAAAEgk/dt2JUfyqhvw/s640/blogger-image-1479277868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H6Y0K1jeNgM/UmVNL3mGg0I/AAAAAAAAEgk/dt2JUfyqhvw/s400/blogger-image-1479277868.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Another house ruin<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2wqhNcZgvvU/UmVNNEaCXdI/AAAAAAAAEgs/3q01NyNjmEk/s640/blogger-image-1922901952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2wqhNcZgvvU/UmVNNEaCXdI/AAAAAAAAEgs/3q01NyNjmEk/s400/blogger-image-1922901952.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
The trail at one of the stops at Wupatki with No. 2 Son and a structure in the distance. Sunset Crater is visible on the left and the San Francisco Peaks on the right</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jr4T6RWr6N4/UmVNKevivPI/AAAAAAAAEgc/JanIK_X-KeM/s640/blogger-image-1564654223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jr4T6RWr6N4/UmVNKevivPI/AAAAAAAAEgc/JanIK_X-KeM/s640/blogger-image-1564654223.jpg" /></a></div>
Close up of that trail shot--No. 2 looking at a lizard with the house just beyond<br />
<br />
<br />
More photos of some of the ruins <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyM3qAjVQ4A/UmVTcD8_eyI/AAAAAAAAEhI/OTFSW53aOew/s1600/wupatki+cam1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyM3qAjVQ4A/UmVTcD8_eyI/AAAAAAAAEhI/OTFSW53aOew/s320/wupatki+cam1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJzDvdmZJl8/UmVT00muyMI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/34CYMf6GIN4/s1600/wupatki+cam2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJzDvdmZJl8/UmVT00muyMI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/34CYMf6GIN4/s320/wupatki+cam2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking through a doorway from one room into another</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHEnFvhWDg4/UmVUJ-bdn8I/AAAAAAAAEhY/wzzo9m9PaZ4/s1600/wupatki+cam3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHEnFvhWDg4/UmVUJ-bdn8I/AAAAAAAAEhY/wzzo9m9PaZ4/s320/wupatki+cam3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Looking down over a collapsed wall into a box canyon above which the house had been built</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9Va33gURLY/UmVV7l20ZtI/AAAAAAAAEhg/IVqJrNmXmNI/s1600/wupatki+cam4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9Va33gURLY/UmVV7l20ZtI/AAAAAAAAEhg/IVqJrNmXmNI/s320/wupatki+cam4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daughter and No. 2 inspecting on of the structures</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tHOSkGTfP0/UmVWmCMzh0I/AAAAAAAAEho/g-uRFrgJOww/s1600/wupatki+cam5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tHOSkGTfP0/UmVWmCMzh0I/AAAAAAAAEho/g-uRFrgJOww/s320/wupatki+cam5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A last look at Wupatki's Lomaki site with the volcanoes in the distance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-5344869496758007592013-10-14T23:18:00.000-07:002014-03-01T02:31:37.496-08:00The Trips West 2013--Sunset Crater National MonumentAlthough our May trip was originally planned for a duration of three weeks, my bout with bronchitis delayed our May 12 departure by three days, then changes in the schedules of Daughter and No. 2 Son required us to return home a few days ahead of our proposed date of June 1. We had to alter our original, loosely planned itinerary a bit. This allowed us to make it to
the two things in which arrival time was important--Bat Flight at
Carlsbad Caverns and our Grand Canyon helicopter and jeep tour--but we were still able maintain a leisurely and rather open schedule as much as possible. We played it by ear and made a few unplanned and really interesting stops that weren't on our original list. Here is one of them.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2em8m6fFNQ/Ulq9HGgYQ0I/AAAAAAAAEdU/HXNlDzm2TrE/s640/blogger-image--765480163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2em8m6fFNQ/Ulq9HGgYQ0I/AAAAAAAAEdU/HXNlDzm2TrE/s400/blogger-image--765480163.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are cinder cones and volcanic remnants all over the area we were exploring around Flagstaff. It was amazing. That area must have been a regular volcano farm--or I could say a hotbed of volcanic activity (sorry...couldn't help it). There are about 600 volcanoes in the area. Go<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:San_francisco_peaks_geo.jpg"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span> for a map of the area showing all the volcanoes in the region. Sunset Crater is the result of an initial eruption sometime around AD 1180, although tree ring dating from house timbers yield earlier dates of about 1040 to 1060, but these are disputed because of lack of information concerning the source of origin of the timbers. The people of the puebloan culture who lived in the area undoubtedly witnessed the eruption of this volcano and the ash from its activity probably enriched the soil of these early Southwestern farmers. These small volcanoes are silent now, but could erupt again at any time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TW44XPumsks/UlzNTePHBnI/AAAAAAAAEeM/NdC1wnENlsU/s640/blogger-image--310869121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TW44XPumsks/UlzNTePHBnI/AAAAAAAAEeM/NdC1wnENlsU/s400/blogger-image--310869121.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
Sunset Crater Volcano from the road leading to the visitor center. Its total elevation is about 8,000 ft, with the cinder cone rising about 1,100 ft from the local elevation of almost 7,000 ft. My home elevation is just over 622 ft and the elevation of Monte Sano Mountain, Huntsville's landmark "mountain," is a little over 1600 ft, so even in the lowlands out here we were as high as the highest elevations in the Smoky Mountains of the Appalachians (Clingman's Dome at around 6640 ft).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lyHRfnPBie0/UlzNV0pLvSI/AAAAAAAAEec/IJmih1s8PRM/s640/blogger-image--1382076166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lyHRfnPBie0/UlzNV0pLvSI/AAAAAAAAEec/IJmih1s8PRM/s400/blogger-image--1382076166.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Lava beds<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ygZp69EpZH8/UlzNKlHeHtI/AAAAAAAAEd0/xuL1XniYfyM/s640/blogger-image--364373889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ygZp69EpZH8/UlzNKlHeHtI/AAAAAAAAEd0/xuL1XniYfyM/s400/blogger-image--364373889.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
A view from the lava trail we hiked around the crater. I supposed you'd call this the back side. There is a trail that goes up to the summit, but it had to be closed in 1976 because of the risk of increased erosion.<br />
<br />
<br />
And another view<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ti1zYFmzw8w/UlzNXfiI6RI/AAAAAAAAEek/2EIAc50t4WA/s640/blogger-image-1813686968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ti1zYFmzw8w/UlzNXfiI6RI/AAAAAAAAEek/2EIAc50t4WA/s640/blogger-image-1813686968.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There were many beautiful old snags that provide homes for lots of critters--look, there's one now!</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P2lkhgWMbjo/UlzDHiuGLuI/AAAAAAAAEdk/AxFfCKLGl2w/s640/blogger-image-742383278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P2lkhgWMbjo/UlzDHiuGLuI/AAAAAAAAEdk/AxFfCKLGl2w/s400/blogger-image-742383278.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
No. 2 Son and a fallen snag<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U3-3P_050I8/UlzNU5Gu20I/AAAAAAAAEeU/MkReRAMNP4I/s640/blogger-image--553847434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U3-3P_050I8/UlzNU5Gu20I/AAAAAAAAEeU/MkReRAMNP4I/s400/blogger-image--553847434.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
No. 2 and Daughter beside another fallen snag; the San Francisco Peaks and Humphreys Peak (elevation 12,635 ft) in the distance<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NXUTIPPu3v4/UlzNMIlTavI/AAAAAAAAEd8/V_Qdnvy7vK0/s640/blogger-image--83915551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NXUTIPPu3v4/UlzNMIlTavI/AAAAAAAAEd8/V_Qdnvy7vK0/s400/blogger-image--83915551.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Daughter, a standing snag, and cinder cone<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6x9h8MOMLTs/UlzNPJlvUuI/AAAAAAAAEeE/97SAd4v0AsM/s640/blogger-image-1700283839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6x9h8MOMLTs/UlzNPJlvUuI/AAAAAAAAEeE/97SAd4v0AsM/s400/blogger-image-1700283839.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
More lava beds</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We spent four nights in Flagstaff, Arizona, which became our base camp for exploring the area. There are many interesting things to see in and around Flagstaff. I think we could have spent at least a week there.<br />
<br />
I had planned to include Wupatki Ruins in this post, but will save that for next time.</div>
</div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-18714707210709649052013-10-13T21:35:00.003-07:002014-03-01T02:14:23.055-08:00Now What??I bragged on the Blogger iPhone app and now it won't load the photos of my newest post about our visit to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Stay tuned.bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-10754095042817374452013-10-07T18:59:00.001-07:002014-03-01T02:29:56.404-08:00The Trips West 2013--Grand CanyonParting shot from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Looking across the lowlands (elevation of about 3500 ft.) from the parking lot (elevation of about 6500 ft) with the visitor center behind us <i>(all these photos are made with my cell phone, but I did get many more with a better camera that I haven't finished culling and uploading to the computer yet)</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y1GztC9VHWg/UlNZl_vwSgI/AAAAAAAAEc0/14r9cYg2cEU/s640/blogger-image--1844947201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y1GztC9VHWg/UlNZl_vwSgI/AAAAAAAAEc0/14r9cYg2cEU/s640/blogger-image--1844947201.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The desert has bloomed in the rainy season. Below, the second visit in early August after six weeks of intermittent rain. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aAYUEvLx47I/UlNZkuCwHqI/AAAAAAAAEcs/7PG7Frl6UoY/s640/blogger-image--1249757635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aAYUEvLx47I/UlNZkuCwHqI/AAAAAAAAEcs/7PG7Frl6UoY/s320/blogger-image--1249757635.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The drive to the caverns in <strike>late</strike> mid May during the dry season. Quite a contrast from this first visit to our second one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0qs5J9CknMo/UlNZgJmWEvI/AAAAAAAAEcM/OWl-MdlMC0Y/s640/blogger-image--580551199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0qs5J9CknMo/UlNZgJmWEvI/AAAAAAAAEcM/OWl-MdlMC0Y/s320/blogger-image--580551199.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We made several stops between Carlsbad Caverns and the Grand Canyon, but I will skip those for now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Grand Canyon. Arizona. May, 2013. Our visit began with a helicopter tour from Grand Canyon National Airport followed by a jeep tour through Kaibab National Forest in order to view sunset from the canyon's South Rim. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sBGptEShO8U/UlNZiujqBGI/AAAAAAAAEcc/KSZAh46jy1I/s640/blogger-image--59255667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sBGptEShO8U/UlNZiujqBGI/AAAAAAAAEcc/KSZAh46jy1I/s400/blogger-image--59255667.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Looking down from the helicopter at part of the Kaibab National Forest near Tusayan, Arizona. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One of our first views of the canyon from the air. There is really no way to properly capture this spectacular panorama. A few more shots follow. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NruXiA-Lh_g/UlNZZbcPJdI/AAAAAAAAEbc/hmvOlTGobf4/s640/blogger-image-159070975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NruXiA-Lh_g/UlNZZbcPJdI/AAAAAAAAEbc/hmvOlTGobf4/s400/blogger-image-159070975.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WrhAXwus1-k/UlNZXWKy7jI/AAAAAAAAEbM/N-TR52tfJZQ/s640/blogger-image-477473362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WrhAXwus1-k/UlNZXWKy7jI/AAAAAAAAEbM/N-TR52tfJZQ/s640/blogger-image-477473362.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tHhiDFw2llg/UlNZc5-ZrzI/AAAAAAAAEb0/kk5BZuz9M5U/s640/blogger-image--1469331005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tHhiDFw2llg/UlNZc5-ZrzI/AAAAAAAAEb0/kk5BZuz9M5U/s400/blogger-image--1469331005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y3xRhvw4Cn8/UlNZYUPcaoI/AAAAAAAAEbU/-HBWhhBZ0og/s640/blogger-image-1644645928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y3xRhvw4Cn8/UlNZYUPcaoI/AAAAAAAAEbU/-HBWhhBZ0og/s400/blogger-image-1644645928.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daSpg3vuKmc/UlNZd5roCbI/AAAAAAAAEb8/k_Xglq4GNZk/s640/blogger-image-1342057096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daSpg3vuKmc/UlNZd5roCbI/AAAAAAAAEb8/k_Xglq4GNZk/s400/blogger-image-1342057096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DM0_XhkAM9c/UlNZhTOb9xI/AAAAAAAAEcU/4OdW60vGyXs/s640/blogger-image--24333786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DM0_XhkAM9c/UlNZhTOb9xI/AAAAAAAAEcU/4OdW60vGyXs/s400/blogger-image--24333786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KB6nFv0ftcE/UlNZbtbxqQI/AAAAAAAAEbs/M_jvi8um8aA/s640/blogger-image--114329012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KB6nFv0ftcE/UlNZbtbxqQI/AAAAAAAAEbs/M_jvi8um8aA/s400/blogger-image--114329012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. The work of running water is amazing. Just look what it did over several million years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
And a few photos from a couple of stops during the jeep tour of the canyon's South Rim. With the sun getting lower in the sky, the contrast made it difficult to get good detail and color in the photos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-imzsfK_cBGA/UlNZfLnPfNI/AAAAAAAAEcE/qtNii77Mhps/s640/blogger-image--1073953399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-imzsfK_cBGA/UlNZfLnPfNI/AAAAAAAAEcE/qtNii77Mhps/s400/blogger-image--1073953399.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
No. 2 Son with an awesome background<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLftPXfrJu4/UlNZoGQjexI/AAAAAAAAEdE/OWMgab8q2tA/s640/blogger-image-2118463611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLftPXfrJu4/UlNZoGQjexI/AAAAAAAAEdE/OWMgab8q2tA/s400/blogger-image-2118463611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
No. 2 Son and Daughter at one of the stops. Just a few feet behind them is a drop of about a mile. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7YJEZp4ZT88/UlNZaahDWHI/AAAAAAAAEbk/AWmKMglXMHk/s640/blogger-image-1057211033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7YJEZp4ZT88/UlNZaahDWHI/AAAAAAAAEbk/AWmKMglXMHk/s400/blogger-image-1057211033.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Cutting across the upper center of the photo is the Colorado River, about a mile down from the canyon rim<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlKNOmp4RQY/UlNZjsnpLSI/AAAAAAAAEck/A-VM3n7Z7vU/s640/blogger-image--299252370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlKNOmp4RQY/UlNZjsnpLSI/AAAAAAAAEck/A-VM3n7Z7vU/s400/blogger-image--299252370.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The canyon casts a shadow on itself as the sun gets lower in the sky</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7dshHbIFDQM/UlNZnAuOXBI/AAAAAAAAEc8/K9zSnUXA8aI/s640/blogger-image-920567634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7dshHbIFDQM/UlNZnAuOXBI/AAAAAAAAEc8/K9zSnUXA8aI/s400/blogger-image-920567634.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
The last rays of the day from the South Rim<br />
<br />
Next time: Petroglyphs, Sunset Crater, and Wupatki National Monumentsbunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-50434392725503443722013-10-05T13:34:00.003-07:002014-03-01T02:24:47.696-08:00The Trips West 2013--Carlsbad Caverns<i>[Trying to use the Blogger app for iPhone again. It has been working well lately. However, I just completed a post that I thought was published, but it is not showing up, so I'm trying it again. Just watch. I'll probably have two of the same thing. Here we go again.] </i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I haven't posted anything about my two trips west this summer, so I thought that since the national parks are currently closed, I'd share some photos. I made two trips because my children's schedules were not compatible. I took the two younger ones to New Mexico and Arizona during May-June. The older one had to wait until August. He had a request to see the Rocky Mountains, but less time for travel, so he and I went to New Mexico and Colorado. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Carlsbad Caverns (both trips; yes, we are cave nuts)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bmAilMAMAts/UlBw8oTcLyI/AAAAAAAAEa8/j_ZL-B0kUz4/s640/blogger-image--943556145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bmAilMAMAts/UlBw8oTcLyI/AAAAAAAAEa8/j_ZL-B0kUz4/s640/blogger-image--943556145.jpg" /></a></div>
No. 1 Son at Carlsbad Caverns visitor center in August</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yy88uhZ3B6E/UlBw6g4tCKI/AAAAAAAAEas/ley7Xahw3QU/s640/blogger-image--1270681561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yy88uhZ3B6E/UlBw6g4tCKI/AAAAAAAAEas/ley7Xahw3QU/s640/blogger-image--1270681561.jpg" /></a></div>
Carlsbad Caverns natural entrance. A good, long hike for fit folk who want to attempt the steep, 8-story hike down and back out. We took the elevator down and back. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dBkYy-uHSK8/UlBw5j63NBI/AAAAAAAAEak/gNwlDF_dxEk/s640/blogger-image-1030130651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dBkYy-uHSK8/UlBw5j63NBI/AAAAAAAAEak/gNwlDF_dxEk/s400/blogger-image-1030130651.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Cave stuff (not sure why the lighting in some of these photos looks green; colored lights are not used in these caves)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qdHDw3HCmeo/UlBw7vQQ31I/AAAAAAAAEa0/WYWjhVhPHm0/s640/blogger-image--433146577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qdHDw3HCmeo/UlBw7vQQ31I/AAAAAAAAEa0/WYWjhVhPHm0/s400/blogger-image--433146577.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
More cave stuff<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hoxerG0O49w/UlBw4SEx2XI/AAAAAAAAEac/wwCj2gtYvD0/s640/blogger-image--373631660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hoxerG0O49w/UlBw4SEx2XI/AAAAAAAAEac/wwCj2gtYvD0/s400/blogger-image--373631660.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And more cave stuff<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-edyoGV-MTyE/UlBw3Zm__FI/AAAAAAAAEaU/AvlOmSAbuJc/s640/blogger-image--1990039151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-edyoGV-MTyE/UlBw3Zm__FI/AAAAAAAAEaU/AvlOmSAbuJc/s640/blogger-image--1990039151.jpg" /></a></div>
Waiting for Bat Flight at the amphitheater at the natural entrance to the caverns where between 450,000 and 500,000 Mexican Free-tailed bats, who live in the cave from about April or May until October or November, emerge every night in search of insects and water. No photos electronic equipment are allowed during the flight because of the possibility of interference with the bats echolocation. Take my word for it, though. It can be pretty awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Next: Grand Canyon</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-62554687212165769682013-10-01T15:52:00.001-07:002014-03-01T02:09:59.559-08:00They're Back!!<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rbi2P2oIInE/UktR_2ZpUcI/AAAAAAAAEZE/fTfVI_ohi-M/s640/blogger-image--1194741324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rbi2P2oIInE/UktR_2ZpUcI/AAAAAAAAEZE/fTfVI_ohi-M/s640/blogger-image--1194741324.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Replicas of the Nina and the Pinta visit the Southeast again. It's been three years since they were here. I saw them at Guntersville on Columbus Day 2010, but missed them here at Ditto Landing Marina. They are currently at Ditto and will head up the Tennessee River to Chattanooga, TN next. After that, other Tennessee stops include Lenoir City and Knoxville. If they weren't such tiny vessels, I'd try to stowaway, but where would I hide?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BiBJHYVq5J4/UktSElsb_SI/AAAAAAAAEZk/0b2LtLWqGrQ/s640/blogger-image-1061510456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BiBJHYVq5J4/UktSElsb_SI/AAAAAAAAEZk/0b2LtLWqGrQ/s640/blogger-image-1061510456.jpg" /></a></div>
The Nina at her temporary location before getting in place for visitors</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5Q8aRr2B3k/UktSCA139WI/AAAAAAAAEZU/sGnIHTLQnIk/s640/blogger-image--1850738340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5Q8aRr2B3k/UktSCA139WI/AAAAAAAAEZU/sGnIHTLQnIk/s640/blogger-image--1850738340.jpg" /></a></div>
The Pinta, the larger of the two </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
According to the website, the Nina is "the most historically accurate replica of a Columbus Ship ever built." More info at <a href="http://www.thenina.com/">www.thenina.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JERRjugdGis/UktR-8NSfgI/AAAAAAAAEY8/bC4e8fXemco/s640/blogger-image-857944151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JERRjugdGis/UktR-8NSfgI/AAAAAAAAEY8/bC4e8fXemco/s640/blogger-image-857944151.jpg" /></a></div>
Pinta just arrived at the dock</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1tPWr7WK4cI/UktSBFXrPzI/AAAAAAAAEZM/ugLsQtvUL7M/s640/blogger-image--644769833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1tPWr7WK4cI/UktSBFXrPzI/AAAAAAAAEZM/ugLsQtvUL7M/s640/blogger-image--644769833.jpg" /></a></div>
Nina slipping in beside Pinta when they first arrived. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had forgotten these two ladies were coming to Huntsville and just happened to be at Ditto when they arrived. I was unaware that they were even in the area and did not see them coming up the river. I was being entertained by these folks over on the creek side of the marina </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZblDUW-lJWQ/UktSDSrONxI/AAAAAAAAEZc/r56KiDk67AM/s640/blogger-image--1721171806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZblDUW-lJWQ/UktSDSrONxI/AAAAAAAAEZc/r56KiDk67AM/s640/blogger-image--1721171806.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Suddenly there was a loud blast followed by another about five minutes later. I decided I'd creep around to the riverside parking lot to see what was going on and was very pleased to see the Pinta making her way into the marina. The blasts were the two ships firing their canon to announce their arrival. The Nina had already docked at a temporary spot. I spent quite some time watching them dock and get into position for visitors. What a happy surprise that I was there.<br />
<br />
My older posts of the 2010 visit are<a href="http://artinthewind.blogspot.com/2010/10/columbus-day-2010.html"> Columbus Day 2010</a> and <a href="http://artinthewind.blogspot.com/2010/10/two-more-photos-of-ladies-and-parting.html">Two More Photos of the Ladies and Parting Shots</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-20213541297462384902013-08-05T06:40:00.001-07:002014-03-01T02:10:18.612-08:00For My Nephew<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Do not stand at my grave and weep,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am not there; I do not sleep.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am a thousand winds that blow,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am the diamond glints on snow,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am the sun on ripened grain,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am the gentle autumn rain.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
When you awaken in the morning’s hush</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am the swift uplifting rush</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Of quiet birds in circling flight.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am the soft starlight at night.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Do not stand at my grave and cry,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I am not there; I did not die.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T5lVPyYLbmI/Uf-rVk2ei8I/AAAAAAAAEYA/oRngEoX-nX0/s640/blogger-image-1582645956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T5lVPyYLbmI/Uf-rVk2ei8I/AAAAAAAAEYA/oRngEoX-nX0/s640/blogger-image-1582645956.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Michael Evans Pace</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
December 28, 1966 - July 30, 2013</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
We will love you and miss you always </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048598851128171034.post-15014719783321645422013-07-28T13:14:00.001-07:002014-03-01T02:10:36.791-08:00Finally, one of us caught on camera<div>
Yes, the sad truth caught on camera and circulated on the Internet for the whole world to see. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xjhjUGp5iLU/UfV7rlBFTwI/AAAAAAAAEXY/eUQvUmS0APY/s640/blogger-image-1140590662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xjhjUGp5iLU/UfV7rlBFTwI/AAAAAAAAEXY/eUQvUmS0APY/s640/blogger-image-1140590662.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Someone in the Huntsville Fiber Guild found this and posted on Facebook just now. I've been needing something to make me give this Blogger iPhone app another chance. bunnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762412508859521913noreply@blogger.com5