tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66356639903899666942024-02-19T02:01:58.016-05:00Life of LeisureOur retired travels around the U.S. southwestUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-51725309223142926472017-02-23T23:12:00.002-05:002017-03-16T18:44:14.711-04:00Blog Finale - Recapping our 2016-2017 RV TripAnother fabulous trip has ended. Here's a quick recap of where we went with a summary of costs and distances at the end.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schwabacher pond</td></tr>
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We started in <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/09/grand-teton-national-park-wyoming.html" target="_blank">Grand Teton National Park</a> in Wyoming. Less visited (but still very busy) than its neighbour to the north, Yellowstone National Park, the Tetons offer a beautiful landscape with stunning hikes and drives. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/10/craters-of-moon-national-monument-near.html" target="_blank"> Craters of the Moon National Monument</a> in Idaho was our next stop. It's a very small park offering a scenic drive and a couple of short hikes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbers on Morning Glory Spire</td></tr>
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Also in Idaho, we visited <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/10/city-of-rocks-national-reserve-near.html" target="_blank">City of Rocks National Reserve</a>. Several climbers made the views so much more interesting and added size perspective to these towering spires. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXG6wNdpRDGiGUMke49yX8DvktMO8r2mnxyM169Ga7VSH0-zm4hiq_uPVC3SIgAw5_EWI4Eh_h2NHXP121PY2cKj2GFVZiqAZ1Nzw4KFnUCjmAMcgLONuepobaAHXVP5lLtFE7Eo1ePCE/s1600/4+-+Cape+Meares+P1070208_09_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXG6wNdpRDGiGUMke49yX8DvktMO8r2mnxyM169Ga7VSH0-zm4hiq_uPVC3SIgAw5_EWI4Eh_h2NHXP121PY2cKj2GFVZiqAZ1Nzw4KFnUCjmAMcgLONuepobaAHXVP5lLtFE7Eo1ePCE/s400/4+-+Cape+Meares+P1070208_09_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally, we reached the <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/10/the-oregon-coast-from-cannon-city-to.html" target="_blank">Oregon Coast</a>, this year's "destination". We spent about two weeks travelling southward, staying mostly in state parks. This shot near Cape Meares represents the area around Tillamook (famous for its fabulous cheese and ice cream). </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsJ1rkh_y8zOvLE1yuMyJvHEL4P95nsaBU1BiO4gMxJ5AB6MyiQ0doxXlHbVo9u_UsCysgTY_-I6U4QeJ9sA_GyFv1KkWWs_y6RRHVwkmI-6xE4y-xStluHmC-wRWn1B0tvxb0CEX3qhg/s1600/5+-+Cape+Kiwanda+P1070509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsJ1rkh_y8zOvLE1yuMyJvHEL4P95nsaBU1BiO4gMxJ5AB6MyiQ0doxXlHbVo9u_UsCysgTY_-I6U4QeJ9sA_GyFv1KkWWs_y6RRHVwkmI-6xE4y-xStluHmC-wRWn1B0tvxb0CEX3qhg/s400/5+-+Cape+Kiwanda+P1070509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The surf at Cape Kiwanda was spectacular. We spent hours watching the waves smash against the rocks and each other. </td></tr>
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The Devil's Churn at Cape Perpetua (I just love that name) was a raging torrent of water rushing up and down this narrow channel. The water was foam by the time it reached the cave at the end of the channel. The power of these waves is unbelievable. </td></tr>
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Near Florence, the Heceta Lighthouse sits high above the ocean at the northern end of a lovely, sheltered cove. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSWHJb4LcTkNu0osqu_kS9hZCX_iZC4pn0kLnxJ4FWWXxSr0XLiZc_BW1VPH_YxYC6ypJTazfgZQHXI1V0kZ4RPYJn4IQNjB2xEmV5z-l8P3uVLMs1ZwTsv61pBV4y8EMgwApON5E3w-6/s1600/9a+-+Sea+Stars+P1100219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSWHJb4LcTkNu0osqu_kS9hZCX_iZC4pn0kLnxJ4FWWXxSr0XLiZc_BW1VPH_YxYC6ypJTazfgZQHXI1V0kZ4RPYJn4IQNjB2xEmV5z-l8P3uVLMs1ZwTsv61pBV4y8EMgwApON5E3w-6/s400/9a+-+Sea+Stars+P1100219.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A wall of marine life - Sea Stars, Green Anemonies and who knows what else. We viewed these on the rocks along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor on the way to Brookings at the south end of our coastal drive. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXCsrDQ-ni4mnqf5SxX93UEtkb7F1Q6BcdBIlqyOrL8EUM-66-C7TdmCOgcVKXgCwrQi6-s95UbY1onGEhlZ911bIH9czvpp8PC0Q1HZipVblqVFdzwyPnzZKnGeYCavaoRYe08RVv3pP/s1600/10+-+P1100633_4_5_7_8+Obsidian+Flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXCsrDQ-ni4mnqf5SxX93UEtkb7F1Q6BcdBIlqyOrL8EUM-66-C7TdmCOgcVKXgCwrQi6-s95UbY1onGEhlZ911bIH9czvpp8PC0Q1HZipVblqVFdzwyPnzZKnGeYCavaoRYe08RVv3pP/s400/10+-+P1100633_4_5_7_8+Obsidian+Flow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Heading back inland from the Oregon Coast, we stop at the <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/10/newberry-national-volcanic-monument-or.html" target="_blank">Newberry National Volcanic Monument</a>; yes we like volcanoes and lava flows. Pictured here is the Obsidian Flow, highlighted by snow. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeIXqxJpASxkGN4OPhrKpd-l_zFfJUtOLvHeB3cOOTYA2pv9Q3V9vW0K8caL7_De32287d9VXd0uBUwRjLSqoI5vr0rG8E5-ydgyRUBZUe4PJW4zMME2qxAx2Wk8O37YCrxCYUhOMYhyd/s1600/11+-+P1100754_5_6+Flint+Knapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeIXqxJpASxkGN4OPhrKpd-l_zFfJUtOLvHeB3cOOTYA2pv9Q3V9vW0K8caL7_De32287d9VXd0uBUwRjLSqoI5vr0rG8E5-ydgyRUBZUe4PJW4zMME2qxAx2Wk8O37YCrxCYUhOMYhyd/s400/11+-+P1100754_5_6+Flint+Knapping.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Brad is learning a technique called flint knapping at <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/11/glass-buttes-oregon-and-driving-to-moab_13.html" target="_blank">Glass Buttes</a> in Oregon. People come to collect many different kinds of obsidian here, including the rare fire obsidian. Brad collects mahogany obsidian which is a mixture of brown and black. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXzuCAkOfGyGM1ZQ9Yycb3-hSxnAqgq2r5Vx1XlVt-XI56P2zRi-tHiTxx9qjlkrdBbh1bdL8qvp5sUTYnYyl06Dy-E8hyWY-v4ywn_gMXkvPGqSyg1ou4xWjmXG52KsTctaJKAIlDreo/s1600/13j+-+_DSC8072_3_4_5_6+Delicate+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXzuCAkOfGyGM1ZQ9Yycb3-hSxnAqgq2r5Vx1XlVt-XI56P2zRi-tHiTxx9qjlkrdBbh1bdL8qvp5sUTYnYyl06Dy-E8hyWY-v4ywn_gMXkvPGqSyg1ou4xWjmXG52KsTctaJKAIlDreo/s400/13j+-+_DSC8072_3_4_5_6+Delicate+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We spent over three weeks in the Moab area (<a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/11/moab-part-1-with-friends-utah.html" target="_blank">Moab Part 1</a>, <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/11/moab-part-2-arches-national-park-utah.html" target="_blank">Moab Part 2</a> and <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/11/moab-part-3-more-great-stuff-around.html" target="_blank">Moab Part 3</a>), hiking in Arches National Park, at Fishers Towers and other spectacular spots along the Colorado River as it traverses southern Utah. Delicate Arch, pictured here with me standing beneath it, is one of the most photographed spots in Utah. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaavmxpwZJQ47tosBXx_AXtmBUY2qgCrbf6JZz7H35odhCWQpK5S57FGtIVORpUpt9EDQsy1cCNiBnxPqIkehoNG-F6UBTLZelJy8ShnDhZL2CDX4laVuTES9btbwAbkk5qeC1p2Gz581q/s1600/14+-+P1130187_8_9+Cliff+Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaavmxpwZJQ47tosBXx_AXtmBUY2qgCrbf6JZz7H35odhCWQpK5S57FGtIVORpUpt9EDQsy1cCNiBnxPqIkehoNG-F6UBTLZelJy8ShnDhZL2CDX4laVuTES9btbwAbkk5qeC1p2Gz581q/s400/14+-+P1130187_8_9+Cliff+Palace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Palace</td></tr>
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Since we're in the southeast corner of Utah, we are really close to <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/11/mesa-verde-national-park-colorado.html" target="_blank">Mesa Verde National Park</a> in the southwest corner of Colorado. This is our first visit to this park which protects ancient native cliff dwellings. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm_AMwputvogpDtyIRuUlDNpSlj1Alf2W7MuselC8mZBTdgO_MiwLWeGTxa4Ao4EDXhc7bcw1P3DPqILfQnE-5UZPFhyy4iIBp0Iie82rSCy0tv3bh-BswWS8afQVojIcZY_1J9llspc9/s1600/15a+-+P1130255_6_7+Antelope+House+Overlook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm_AMwputvogpDtyIRuUlDNpSlj1Alf2W7MuselC8mZBTdgO_MiwLWeGTxa4Ao4EDXhc7bcw1P3DPqILfQnE-5UZPFhyy4iIBp0Iie82rSCy0tv3bh-BswWS8afQVojIcZY_1J9llspc9/s400/15a+-+P1130255_6_7+Antelope+House+Overlook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Another spot that's been on our bucket list for a few years is <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/11/canyon-de-chelly-national-monument.html" target="_blank">Canyon de Chelly</a> (pron. SHAY) National Monument. These canyons are still inhabited by natives who farm the land and keep livestock. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglepAYpuVXUP2RYJ8E69nS84QZUIku9ovLSdVV9Fgx8NNxobcae4iDk2x6-7lNwbj3mL881xZletS5SSe4fzJcJlFdboK9Yb9tkBWasWuG3nHWeD4fU1ddGFP0UtHrWTIdmvYbkZtZxO0g/s1600/16a+-+P1130552_3_4+Ooh+Ahh+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglepAYpuVXUP2RYJ8E69nS84QZUIku9ovLSdVV9Fgx8NNxobcae4iDk2x6-7lNwbj3mL881xZletS5SSe4fzJcJlFdboK9Yb9tkBWasWuG3nHWeD4fU1ddGFP0UtHrWTIdmvYbkZtZxO0g/s400/16a+-+P1130552_3_4+Ooh+Ahh+Point.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad and Marilyn at Ooh Ahh Point</td></tr>
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Since the weather is fairly warm, we stop at the <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/11/grand-canyon-national-park-arizona.html" target="_blank">Grand Canyon National Park</a> for a few days. While we've driven through it before, we've never hiked here, so a stop on our way to Lake Havasu City for Thanksgiving is warranted. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMAu11iytdKpOAdqZmxKw8NRIlQY6QjtXBvkXl6jQBvwWI83J5y5M-75bBV5nvaX66i3dxHsTVQLNGry3sIuTNBbipiPgTqDG_Ld_5Q4INnb_qvEFPUELagPbqOIbicW_25uMdCa2LENn/s1600/17b+-+P1130854+Tiny+Toot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMAu11iytdKpOAdqZmxKw8NRIlQY6QjtXBvkXl6jQBvwWI83J5y5M-75bBV5nvaX66i3dxHsTVQLNGry3sIuTNBbipiPgTqDG_Ld_5Q4INnb_qvEFPUELagPbqOIbicW_25uMdCa2LENn/s400/17b+-+P1130854+Tiny+Toot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boat Parade in the canal</td></tr>
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We spent the American Thanksgiving in Lake Havasu City at the <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/12/partying-at-porters-project-and-party.html" target="_blank">Porters' Party Place</a> with friends. Brad helped with some chores, we cooked, ate, and drank; a lot of fun as usual with this group. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcM2pROSd7xAEZbvBBe841mwPcUdAn4YCwyhAjPO94yGwRWPFLY8DOac7UePjP9NoH0MwhEGtLquF4pGTdT_xP-BivAVN9Ua_YHgPxmBkKDoWjSJ6rEBdyqbtes5Msil3HaViE6-EXU_A/s1600/18d+-+P1140030_1_2+Wash+3+VoF+SP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcM2pROSd7xAEZbvBBe841mwPcUdAn4YCwyhAjPO94yGwRWPFLY8DOac7UePjP9NoH0MwhEGtLquF4pGTdT_xP-BivAVN9Ua_YHgPxmBkKDoWjSJ6rEBdyqbtes5Msil3HaViE6-EXU_A/s400/18d+-+P1140030_1_2+Wash+3+VoF+SP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We met new friends, Jody and her miniature schnauzer BooBoo, at <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2016/12/lake-mead-and-valley-of-fire-state-park.html" target="_blank">Valley of Fire State Park</a>, just outside of Las Vegas between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We again camped on Lake Mead at Stewarts Point, a favourite free campsite. We also visited the Shelby Museum in Vegas, a real treat for Brad being a Mustang nut! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SteEQaUPh_7cxKpW5NPPqHGqIjPeJZsEX94035G-1Ja07Y59zpuF7xh4nm9JxVs9zj1edE0RwvBNU6g6SHIDhnlG18RE41r5H0z_OTJ4MGzQikF-MziWHn-tBQ2i_2dBY_Mnw9v5ikO-/s1600/20+-+P1140260_1_2+Telegraph+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SteEQaUPh_7cxKpW5NPPqHGqIjPeJZsEX94035G-1Ja07Y59zpuF7xh4nm9JxVs9zj1edE0RwvBNU6g6SHIDhnlG18RE41r5H0z_OTJ4MGzQikF-MziWHn-tBQ2i_2dBY_Mnw9v5ikO-/s400/20+-+P1140260_1_2+Telegraph+Pass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Christmas was spent back in Lake Havasu City at the Porters with another group of friends. We love spending time with these folks. After New Years, Brad and I headed south to <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2017/01/yuma-az.html" target="_blank">Yuma</a> to stock up on grapefruit honey, date syrup and a few other commodities we have only found here. After Yuma, we met with the Escapees group in Quartzsite during the annual rock & gem shows and the RV show. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXVMQv4Lj2XdANSDPf8d8wuJMd5u-h2NLzPpz5BUIc1Nxi93Jku8z8BWN0TIKQ8siEBvzRDI09Yju7ryXKCLQWB8yH7zWG2KgmOVgC2a1cEX1EJM7htM1VIlVFc_HDEYcUhTcCBp6RqYL/s1600/22b+-+P1140290+Missile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXVMQv4Lj2XdANSDPf8d8wuJMd5u-h2NLzPpz5BUIc1Nxi93Jku8z8BWN0TIKQ8siEBvzRDI09Yju7ryXKCLQWB8yH7zWG2KgmOVgC2a1cEX1EJM7htM1VIlVFc_HDEYcUhTcCBp6RqYL/s400/22b+-+P1140290+Missile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Next off to <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2017/02/tucson-arizona.html" target="_blank">Tucson</a> to see Tom and Dianne's new house and to explore this really pretty area. We visited the nearby San Xavier del Bac Mission, the Titan Missile Museum, drove up Mount Lemmon, and hiked in Sabino Canyon. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuZap0w_4JywSclOCC_X5faYs08sIembGLQCAOOur5XpVPuI6EM5DGG2jpf7rzrqX5Dg9eQ31KnAuKezww2R9b_N2AfYQIilNqty2FR4sSv0lD5mN4rhrfponMTLrDn2MUrifV_xZCHhE/s1600/23+-+P1140721_2_3+Chiricahua+NM+Marilyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuZap0w_4JywSclOCC_X5faYs08sIembGLQCAOOur5XpVPuI6EM5DGG2jpf7rzrqX5Dg9eQ31KnAuKezww2R9b_N2AfYQIilNqty2FR4sSv0lD5mN4rhrfponMTLrDn2MUrifV_xZCHhE/s400/23+-+P1140721_2_3+Chiricahua+NM+Marilyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As the trip nears its end, we continue east to get closer to home making our journey back to Canada as short as possible. We revisit <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2017/02/chiricahua-national-monument-az.html" target="_blank">Chiricahua National Monument</a> and hike around these interesting rock pinnacles. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHI3MgSj_osgfVfUfJKIcY06r26526yrgOUVZ9vaK8J6nugyiS82NfNgKa6VjNyfgCdUUbt1xVml8hXC4GXH2wRHg49lq3469j-09zRa9O5JAmOx1-qGFaUa-75jdf0TghOL4VDnD5C9S/s1600/24+-+P1140816_7_8+Yucca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHI3MgSj_osgfVfUfJKIcY06r26526yrgOUVZ9vaK8J6nugyiS82NfNgKa6VjNyfgCdUUbt1xVml8hXC4GXH2wRHg49lq3469j-09zRa9O5JAmOx1-qGFaUa-75jdf0TghOL4VDnD5C9S/s400/24+-+P1140816_7_8+Yucca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Our last scenic stop is at <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2017/02/white-sands-national-monument-new-mexico.html" target="_blank">White Sands National Monument</a> near Alamagordo in New Mexico. We only spend one night, then drive over the Sacramento Mountains (the town of Cloudcroft is at 8,640 feet, and the ascent from Alamagordo is over 4,000 feet within 16 miles - a good haul with the trailer) to spend a night in Carlsbad, New Mexico to visit with friends before the four-day drive home to southern Ontario. We have a great window of weather for the drive home, which is uneventful but tiring (1,800 miles in 4 days; about 30 hours). It was another fantastic trip, but it's wonderful to be home with family and friends again. </td></tr>
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<tr><td>Trip dates: </td><td>September 6, 2016 to February 20, 2017 </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total distance driven: </td><td>12,600 miles (20,278 km) over 168 days (5.5 months) </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total amount spent on diesel (truck fuel) </td><td>$ 2,665 USD of which $953 USD was spent driving to Wyoming and then home from New Mexico (fuel was still fairly cheap again this year) </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total amount spent on propane (heating and cooking) </td><td>$ 268 USD which isn't bad considering it was another cool, wet season </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total amount spent on camping: </td><td>$ 683 - $ 373 of that on the Oregon Coast where there is no free camping </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total trip-related expenses: </td><td>$ 6,373 (includes above fuel costs but excludes groceries since we would buy food at home) </td></tr>
<tr><td>Average daily trip-related cost: </td><td>$ 38 per day for the two of us ($ 19/day each)</td></tr>
<tr><td>States Visited: </td><td>Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico </td></tr>
<tr><td>Number of different camping spots: </td><td>24 (Lake Havasu City twice and excluding overnights at Walmarts and Cracker Barrels) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1ehU0uxhTBq4a4ra8iEfJo10AE9MHJTGuLeCJhr_6urydFRy_J9nmMuy9AkDUlgovw_aSlcwdTe8TqzgY0tQLobBSRIqhCumzpqV-i8hdsjcMwcfIzbyapTIWII1M4NLmCaxCajS_9Pi/s1600/Trip+Avg+Daily+Cost+Comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1ehU0uxhTBq4a4ra8iEfJo10AE9MHJTGuLeCJhr_6urydFRy_J9nmMuy9AkDUlgovw_aSlcwdTe8TqzgY0tQLobBSRIqhCumzpqV-i8hdsjcMwcfIzbyapTIWII1M4NLmCaxCajS_9Pi/s1600/Trip+Avg+Daily+Cost+Comparison.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison of Daily Average Cost over all years RVing</td></tr>
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<strong>NOTE:</strong>
This is the last year that I will blog about our entire trip. I have no idea yet what destinations our next trip will include, but we are returning to a lot of places that we really love, but doing different hikes. I'm sure in the photos, things look very much the same. So I will only blog about a place if it's new or we capture something really interesting or exciting. I started this blog originally as a way to keep friends and family at home informed of where we went and what we did. I think they get it now.
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Over the spring and summer, I will be adding a new tab to the blog site with some resources I use to plan our trips, and updating the "Favourite Photos" tab with this year's favourite pics. Let me just say, thanks for reading. I hope you find the information and photos helpful and interesting. Adios.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-57039596335876356682017-02-23T14:49:00.000-05:002017-02-23T14:49:09.050-05:00White Sands National Monument, New MexicoWhite Sands is one of our favourite places to visit. I don't know why, there aren't many trails here to hike. But, you can walk out onto the cool, white sand and go for miles. Kids sled down the dunes. I guess what we love about it is the spectacular photography and the location in the Tularosa Basin nestled between the Sacramento Mountains to the east and the San Andreas Mountains to the west, near the city of Alamagordo.
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5mmgLwsHKsopOCZ_-tjypEpcJGEPOcIyRMsxvRrpjXyY88MGGROPstbv6ZF5cncW37HTaQTL4bUzgROQBlHVm9xtLNms4z7AwF53MncpL7GYqaqiWh4ZzZj_gtZO_ndWMx4iVy7DQI8q/s1600/24+-+P1140816_7_8+Yucca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5mmgLwsHKsopOCZ_-tjypEpcJGEPOcIyRMsxvRrpjXyY88MGGROPstbv6ZF5cncW37HTaQTL4bUzgROQBlHVm9xtLNms4z7AwF53MncpL7GYqaqiWh4ZzZj_gtZO_ndWMx4iVy7DQI8q/s400/24+-+P1140816_7_8+Yucca.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The sand dunes are fed by the winds blowing from the southwest across Lake Lucero which is a deposit of gypsum and selenite crystals. The dunes are a beautiful, white colour, but very alkaline and salty making conditions tough for animal and plant life. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9FX8LNDSSRYP85X8h_nZVaV6sW_6ZXtfoUF_2rmr0gnkALmWY1qlPOEhmJ6pcYiLajlJNpGRvExnfKyZPTVuiog6Tko8Nk6zEQ6D58vuVN0csWDZh3fEOVl88YcUBIEAAOjR6Ly0N8eS/s1600/24+-+P1140801_2_3+Tree+mound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9FX8LNDSSRYP85X8h_nZVaV6sW_6ZXtfoUF_2rmr0gnkALmWY1qlPOEhmJ6pcYiLajlJNpGRvExnfKyZPTVuiog6Tko8Nk6zEQ6D58vuVN0csWDZh3fEOVl88YcUBIEAAOjR6Ly0N8eS/s400/24+-+P1140801_2_3+Tree+mound.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here the sand has engulfed a skunkbush sumac tree and solidified around it, forming these gypsum pedestals. The trees may continue to bloom yellow and white flowers, and red and orange berries in the spring. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwMPuhzpRhTNAQ5-eoKg3vaX7f60NUdkA_mAkOTo1EhzQm_REWS8jwvaNOMByFGEc55rLwkGuXt-1eLU1lN0sEeEyiTW8-UO5xN8d8tiuAjkUy4DZQVxl-mCQVHaW1uzut2PnqobiSbrj/s1600/24+-+P1140822_3_4+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwMPuhzpRhTNAQ5-eoKg3vaX7f60NUdkA_mAkOTo1EhzQm_REWS8jwvaNOMByFGEc55rLwkGuXt-1eLU1lN0sEeEyiTW8-UO5xN8d8tiuAjkUy4DZQVxl-mCQVHaW1uzut2PnqobiSbrj/s400/24+-+P1140822_3_4+shadow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A young yucca, with its elongated shadow and the sand ripples make a gorgeous shot. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCHcYkZDQOkTladV-5lSypoH8uCLqcEaFQb-MyH-SgVjFWVy3ZpEy_h45aDiwxIEeYrD0EYJrJydtDZXXNE_k14DsB3FXgs1DODWVhok9aSyQ8hTU01fqu4uU0r9MCkFyd4eNtDdI9iYs/s1600/24+-+P1140924_5_6+Marilyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCHcYkZDQOkTladV-5lSypoH8uCLqcEaFQb-MyH-SgVjFWVy3ZpEy_h45aDiwxIEeYrD0EYJrJydtDZXXNE_k14DsB3FXgs1DODWVhok9aSyQ8hTU01fqu4uU0r9MCkFyd4eNtDdI9iYs/s400/24+-+P1140924_5_6+Marilyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Soaptree Yuccas grow so tall. This one dwarfs me. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiZwAaeBvn15ouIlQcNSZLXODEunlXrHmKJ60e4uMiPSNq_BpPTvFu7h1AlbEqtpPU8kwi8VPHstevh2BxjTUharZ9lHVHc4iEonzOdxEWIvwSX9cdjKEaPIWsGmio2vdDwDXhXEmuhZx/s1600/24+-+P1140927_8_9+Selenite+crystals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiZwAaeBvn15ouIlQcNSZLXODEunlXrHmKJ60e4uMiPSNq_BpPTvFu7h1AlbEqtpPU8kwi8VPHstevh2BxjTUharZ9lHVHc4iEonzOdxEWIvwSX9cdjKEaPIWsGmio2vdDwDXhXEmuhZx/s400/24+-+P1140927_8_9+Selenite+crystals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The gypsum sand re-crystalizing as selenite. </td></tr>
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The next few days, and the last days, of this trip are supposed to be spent in Carlsbad, New Mexico visiting Carlsbad Caverns (again) and Sitting Bulls Falls (for the first time), but suddenly a really good four-day window opens up and we decide that, after spending the night in Carlsbad to visit with friends Grace and Greg (whom we first met in St. George in December 2015 and again accidentally met at Lake Mead in December 2016), we will drive straight home.
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The 1,800-mile (2,900-km) drive home is gloriously uneventful, and we arrive home, safe and sound, to great weather and our greatly missed family. Another trip completed. I will post one more blog, outlining trip numbers - distances, costs, etc.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-16266334444954931912017-02-23T13:44:00.000-05:002017-02-23T13:44:19.913-05:00Chiricahua National Monument, AZWanting to continue our trek east to get closer to home, we return to Chiricahua (pron. Cheer-ee-CAH-wah) National Monument in southeast Arizona. We were first here as RV rookies only a few months into our new RV travelling lifestyle, and experienced our most difficult boondocking "<a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.ca/2010/12/chiricahua-national-monument.html" target="_blank">night from hell</a>". We are now much wiser and more experienced understanding better our and the trailer's capabilities.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_5Ubs0_7LcuSe6XMpSUpf-Cn2DxYwYmnK3MWrOCPWjHcJ8vPxCMhXnUpU8xp35ZJn2o-NWTDW-lq7Qm1ji8RWgRwF2K61MKIJSBboBWLJrxTdXIphRgQp1L383rmnWNvNAgRejQlurI3/s1600/23+-+P1140785_6_7+Coronado+NF+campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_5Ubs0_7LcuSe6XMpSUpf-Cn2DxYwYmnK3MWrOCPWjHcJ8vPxCMhXnUpU8xp35ZJn2o-NWTDW-lq7Qm1ji8RWgRwF2K61MKIJSBboBWLJrxTdXIphRgQp1L383rmnWNvNAgRejQlurI3/s400/23+-+P1140785_6_7+Coronado+NF+campsite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It turns out there are a few campsites for big rigs like ours in the national forest adjacent to the park. There is even a very large camping area up Pinery Canyon Road about 7 miles from the highway where a large gathering is currently occurring - the Valentine's Rainbow Reunion - a group of about 50 pretty well-behaved hippies. Anyway, we manage to squeeze into this gorgeous little spot, under the ponderosa pines with a creek flowing right behind the trailer. I love falling asleep to that babbling brook sound. And Grady absolutely loves his walks here. Sometimes he just finds a sunny spot under the trees, rolls over onto his back and suns his belly for 10 minutes. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4sS3XBmsTAeXigAbAFVNiOWujFcj_rQiBmU5BBFYt-9PfX1q3XeyU9JBsL3v8mWAoIhRqDbQqBNzQ0WnrugwgR1EFmfa9ZqmWqLzq1XCgZ5gAfTxo1xS1yiHgDW9cLvpyVmLOSr8nR4Q/s1600/23+-+P1140676_7_8+Coronado+NF+icefalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4sS3XBmsTAeXigAbAFVNiOWujFcj_rQiBmU5BBFYt-9PfX1q3XeyU9JBsL3v8mWAoIhRqDbQqBNzQ0WnrugwgR1EFmfa9ZqmWqLzq1XCgZ5gAfTxo1xS1yiHgDW9cLvpyVmLOSr8nR4Q/s400/23+-+P1140676_7_8+Coronado+NF+icefalls.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
We drive further up Pinery Canyon Road in the Coronado National Forest. Near the peak, there is still some ice and slush on the road even though we have hit a heat wave here and the temps are over 60F during the day. This icy falls reminds us that it's still winter, and at this elevation (over 7,000 feet) we could be experiencing snow. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsObtXwhyyfEmT3myUYZfI0GZ-NpsHywK2QNuTclOJYDNwbVCSvdcdxzOo3Fp6TMgzuZstsxEjipJL3iTLZpHAxDxmp2xvYwTizhzNYOPJggT6CUbkNkG2wd13DSVRyclRyskTT5rAKl4F/s1600/23+-+P1140703_4_5+Grottoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsObtXwhyyfEmT3myUYZfI0GZ-NpsHywK2QNuTclOJYDNwbVCSvdcdxzOo3Fp6TMgzuZstsxEjipJL3iTLZpHAxDxmp2xvYwTizhzNYOPJggT6CUbkNkG2wd13DSVRyclRyskTT5rAKl4F/s400/23+-+P1140703_4_5+Grottoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo given a "surreal" effect to enhance the features - see Brad in the back?</td></tr>
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There are only a few hikes in the park, and we can't remember which one we did during our previous visit. So we just select the one that isn't too long, or too short. Lo and behold, it's partly the same trail we did before! This is at the Grottoes on the Echo Canyon trail, the most popular trail in the park. Last time though, this is as far as we ventured before turning back since we were constrained by time. This year we have several days to explore, so we continue and do the entire loop, about 4 miles. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXeqeYga7_gaq6UUxSCTvMDNs9zF9g4GQQy7mjpnPfLraHqeFHtImTDZRUkxDnIkWm7mUkDzEdAz34ykXCOpPbq90_VXMfoEGtlLhY4sejij8JXiTylPYMQZ3fjAR2A-GDxP6YnP_9QVQ/s1600/23+-+P1140721_2_3+Chiricahua+NM+Marilyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXeqeYga7_gaq6UUxSCTvMDNs9zF9g4GQQy7mjpnPfLraHqeFHtImTDZRUkxDnIkWm7mUkDzEdAz34ykXCOpPbq90_VXMfoEGtlLhY4sejij8JXiTylPYMQZ3fjAR2A-GDxP6YnP_9QVQ/s400/23+-+P1140721_2_3+Chiricahua+NM+Marilyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Marilyn on the Echo Canyon Trail. Some of these rock pinnacles are hundreds of feet high. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb7VSFi_OsvirTyn36Y9aGORgVNCgbjK9KEfmxObape_RoblXQffn9MfIYlwPXRxQOnjRNIjN51FcWaNriENMlUoCXAoSYaqgK80kzWVszFVB4-VN0C5JyIPwoJAWuZb8LWWtZoyTdxpw/s1600/23+-+P1140733_4_5+Chiricahua+NM+Brad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb7VSFi_OsvirTyn36Y9aGORgVNCgbjK9KEfmxObape_RoblXQffn9MfIYlwPXRxQOnjRNIjN51FcWaNriENMlUoCXAoSYaqgK80kzWVszFVB4-VN0C5JyIPwoJAWuZb8LWWtZoyTdxpw/s400/23+-+P1140733_4_5+Chiricahua+NM+Brad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Brad on the Echo Canyon Trail. These are pretty cool rock formations; basalt from ancient volcanic activity. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-37102154845783069072017-02-23T12:54:00.000-05:002017-02-23T12:54:03.611-05:00Tucson, Arizona<table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ1nSvmpOmy0WEOjewNlLLARjZyvv7hcdb7CQRx7LnDiPMreHEAKzdqrI2KjUgXsGzQ9q7Hk7hzhmhZ-GwUFLctQN5MmPrkWQgglrCoJkVhsVu75L4T5WhJq5hiOqnxaFq_0jC0sjqOmr/s1600/22+-+P1140625+campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ1nSvmpOmy0WEOjewNlLLARjZyvv7hcdb7CQRx7LnDiPMreHEAKzdqrI2KjUgXsGzQ9q7Hk7hzhmhZ-GwUFLctQN5MmPrkWQgglrCoJkVhsVu75L4T5WhJq5hiOqnxaFq_0jC0sjqOmr/s400/22+-+P1140625+campsite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's us below the yellow arrow.</td></tr>
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Some of our full-time RV friends are buying houses in the southwest, becoming "part-timers" like Brad and me. Tom and Dianne are another such couple who have purchased a home in Tucson, so we just HAVE to go for a visit. And what a great time to explore the area while we're here. What was meant to be a visit for a few days becomes a two-week stay. Another reason why I love not having to reserve an RV site! Here's our (free) campsite at "Snyder Hill". </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkrmm3vjSovDZp3TZeSKDAXzoUQdRZ06lyEL5ik3-7pl8_IWoNGEHWUNYuMIRVg1R1titPOfqJjyMaWEyQzELeOeeAYa3gPkmXnKG9LA-dKEAg0UIFrRhE6Xg4F0bfdPvX1UceqdBeMWR/s1600/22+-+P1140624+Tucson+campfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkrmm3vjSovDZp3TZeSKDAXzoUQdRZ06lyEL5ik3-7pl8_IWoNGEHWUNYuMIRVg1R1titPOfqJjyMaWEyQzELeOeeAYa3gPkmXnKG9LA-dKEAg0UIFrRhE6Xg4F0bfdPvX1UceqdBeMWR/s400/22+-+P1140624+Tucson+campfire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One night, Tom, Dianne and a few other friends who are staying in the area come over for a campfire. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">San Xavier del Bac Mission </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoLaQ7G1VWze9I1TKwBSV-p-0EXL2rYmKJiOwU_g3O77c9uTWoxsT6D5AAOaw_DJD1LxBDALXiap4ngUZGpbyx1RvU3t87wFlZH3CzDyEuqH4ZckCuyR2aZJMorbK53UFRxoPjDjLQ8lN/s1600/22a+-+019+Mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoLaQ7G1VWze9I1TKwBSV-p-0EXL2rYmKJiOwU_g3O77c9uTWoxsT6D5AAOaw_DJD1LxBDALXiap4ngUZGpbyx1RvU3t87wFlZH3CzDyEuqH4ZckCuyR2aZJMorbK53UFRxoPjDjLQ8lN/s400/22a+-+019+Mission.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
We tour the nearby San Xavier (pron. HA-vee-air) del Bac Mission with our friend Jody whom we met at Valley of Fire SP before Christmas. The mission was founded in 1692 by Father Kino, but the current church was completed in 1797 under the direction of the Franciscans. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqWfJIu6r6rT3ayCymE9BfYJwZU3noPpVi4PwPIXhOP6H_-x0PN68krh-qDv9dAJQirOZpGr73XZ2i3rZ4C2Q_-cxa8z-4tA5bkb5chFJbKBPnaLNlgy7tMrOGjplNoksWb7JHC7eVXiX/s1600/22a+-+025+Mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqWfJIu6r6rT3ayCymE9BfYJwZU3noPpVi4PwPIXhOP6H_-x0PN68krh-qDv9dAJQirOZpGr73XZ2i3rZ4C2Q_-cxa8z-4tA5bkb5chFJbKBPnaLNlgy7tMrOGjplNoksWb7JHC7eVXiX/s400/22a+-+025+Mission.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The rear courtyard behind the mission, a peaceful desert garden. Restoration efforts are evident, although much painting inside the sanctuary is still required. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Titan Missile Museum </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnZRoNsj0WIiLq5F76bMqJVs4eDP-ZFuJQhs8q2Lcz0r5ahYf_ZQJVOTLGENnMtA1AhNtbW6S7JYg6fQlo2lEeUpKNfxD1n2jNEH0MqqBYd783-vWtazPjbp21WQ0amgz_mD6AK45VWnH/s1600/22b+-+P1140290+Missile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnZRoNsj0WIiLq5F76bMqJVs4eDP-ZFuJQhs8q2Lcz0r5ahYf_ZQJVOTLGENnMtA1AhNtbW6S7JYg6fQlo2lEeUpKNfxD1n2jNEH0MqqBYd783-vWtazPjbp21WQ0amgz_mD6AK45VWnH/s400/22b+-+P1140290+Missile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
During the Cold War, 54 <a href="http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Titan Missiles</a> were built and housed underground in three different states. This location just south of Tucson was one such site. Today, only this one remains (with the nuclear warhead removed of course), and only as a museum. What was most interesting was the comment that the missiles were meant to keep peace, thinking that the Soviets wouldn't launch their nuclear missiles knowing that the Americans had the ability to counterattack, thus maintaining an equilibrium in power. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Sabino Canyon </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg7bEf8DOC75N_-3lRlJ4r14mXGr5nhtLFXwonmMm6t4-Y9mB-SLVDhngAQJ7slE5Qp6ZEIlHLjn4ZaDqGbe3Mfcmns-TKQNlJ-7zp8e-QS-Yyol8gyCjJ6Wdn8iZQNGc-uDd0iNcwJCj/s1600/22c+-+P1140332_3_4+Sabino+Cyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg7bEf8DOC75N_-3lRlJ4r14mXGr5nhtLFXwonmMm6t4-Y9mB-SLVDhngAQJ7slE5Qp6ZEIlHLjn4ZaDqGbe3Mfcmns-TKQNlJ-7zp8e-QS-Yyol8gyCjJ6Wdn8iZQNGc-uDd0iNcwJCj/s400/22c+-+P1140332_3_4+Sabino+Cyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's time to get back to doing some hiking, so we visit Sabino Canyon just on the edge of Tuscon with friends Barbara and Wayne. Here's the four of us on the trail at the end of the shuttle ride. </td></tr>
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Barbara and I at the dam (shuttle stop #8). </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Mount Lemmon </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQuRfPh7aRmDpCkb110nCsmxI-ljuAw5BQ7QNMtqymVtn2hP5JXnr9ctsKUOXjX5RqEtkagQ09k77VQcBZ-jcNwlIlmqE7J5rvNUJhy9jt9hzqeqSzAP8leYWmLYZ4C3LOo3-53PyUn6U/s1600/22d+-+P1140500_1_2+Mt+Lemmon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQuRfPh7aRmDpCkb110nCsmxI-ljuAw5BQ7QNMtqymVtn2hP5JXnr9ctsKUOXjX5RqEtkagQ09k77VQcBZ-jcNwlIlmqE7J5rvNUJhy9jt9hzqeqSzAP8leYWmLYZ4C3LOo3-53PyUn6U/s400/22d+-+P1140500_1_2+Mt+Lemmon+1.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
On another trip with Barbara and Wayne, this time up to the summit of Mount Lemmon. On the way up, we stop to shoot this pretty waterfalls in the canyon. </td></tr>
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A cool rock arch on the road up the mountain. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BpLmF4EjeEQrfZKekffpNuFiDqEzPaxFRBGboDzN8SSSBikoaKL2EFjM9EYcp62lU-CLh38AATMnnxA-MVS8F10a-vOq_Gf8B39eCf3hwi5oeZDf2mI2MQrsF9GE_sgFYqlYxykiiCj2/s1600/22d+-+P1140554_5_6+Mt+Lemmon+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BpLmF4EjeEQrfZKekffpNuFiDqEzPaxFRBGboDzN8SSSBikoaKL2EFjM9EYcp62lU-CLh38AATMnnxA-MVS8F10a-vOq_Gf8B39eCf3hwi5oeZDf2mI2MQrsF9GE_sgFYqlYxykiiCj2/s400/22d+-+P1140554_5_6+Mt+Lemmon+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Near the top, Brad and I in snow overlooking a valley. We are at the ski lift parking lot. Mount Lemmon is the southernmost ski resort in the US, although only one run is open today with a mere handful of skiers. Talk about spring skiing conditions! </td></tr>
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Here you can see the road below Brad, twisting along the canyon up (or down) Mount Lemmon. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2vZOpxX8ytG0e7P8vw_C1iP-AAop84SUiTqC6wnprsewI_d4cc6tEWJovhvX7Mr7YkC1sRUV5aa-X-rTtwHHUCf7WHBPJRd8T16QyOupNTGnOSZPT6Aw6pxBcabCr5yzkZyHrPbE3iyi/s1600/22d+-+P1140608_09_10+Mt+Lemmon+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2vZOpxX8ytG0e7P8vw_C1iP-AAop84SUiTqC6wnprsewI_d4cc6tEWJovhvX7Mr7YkC1sRUV5aa-X-rTtwHHUCf7WHBPJRd8T16QyOupNTGnOSZPT6Aw6pxBcabCr5yzkZyHrPbE3iyi/s400/22d+-+P1140608_09_10+Mt+Lemmon+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Barbara, Wayne and I posing on the rocks overlooking Tucson about 6,000 feet below us. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Brown Mountain Trail </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cshN0kH_MqV0p_uqpgvQATVUJ5CJbWM978acBzqbEEBtLL7hppemmtwwGnKQInr6rAGFvg4BdSyTvOEX8mXHXdxAEQrFP44LJjTjzu1Nyiz12fTp2C74lB_GrLLwf8fbsWr3JDfUAgPN/s1600/22e+-+P1140652_3_4+Brown+Mtn+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cshN0kH_MqV0p_uqpgvQATVUJ5CJbWM978acBzqbEEBtLL7hppemmtwwGnKQInr6rAGFvg4BdSyTvOEX8mXHXdxAEQrFP44LJjTjzu1Nyiz12fTp2C74lB_GrLLwf8fbsWr3JDfUAgPN/s400/22e+-+P1140652_3_4+Brown+Mtn+Trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Brad and I hike the Brown Mountain Trail only a few miles from our campsite. Here is a saguaro cactus, those icons of the Sonoran Desert landscape, gone crazy. </td></tr>
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A barrel cactus starting to bloom. Next year, we will be in the southwest in the spring to see the cactus and wildflowers blooming. Hopefully it will be as fruitful a year as this year promises to be and last year was thanks to such wet winters. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-17333295945363233842017-01-17T12:58:00.001-05:002017-02-23T12:36:40.520-05:00Yuma, AZWe spend Christmas and New Years in Lake Havasu City, back at the Porters' Party Place with the group. Not going to blog about that other than to say it was lots of fun, eating, drinking, you know the usual holiday drill, so again our heartfelt thanks to Paul and Sue for hosting.
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Before we meet back up with the same group and even more friends in Quartzsite for the annual reunion, Brad and I head to Yuma to stock up on grapefruit honey, date syrup, date shakes, lime/cilantro balsamic vinegar, and cheap meds from Mexico. Other than shopping and relaxing, the only hike we take is a brutal 1,200-foot climb up Telegraph Pass. The view here is of Dome Valley and the Muggins Mountains beyond. </td></tr>
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And here's the group who met in Quartzsite in mid-January 2017 (photo credit to Carol Ann Dwyer). Mostly, this event is about socializing with friends, and checking out the local shows - rock & gem shows, RV show, and general swap meet. As always, our special thanks to Steve and Carol for hosting spaghetti night, and the Porters and Swains for hosting margarita/quesadilla night. So much great food!
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-19272810539351400152016-12-30T14:22:00.001-05:002016-12-30T14:22:52.359-05:00Lake Mead and Valley of Fire State ParkJust outside of Las Vegas is one of our favourite areas. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a beautiful spot to camp over the lake, and Valley of Fire State Park is a spectacular area of bright red/orange sandstone formations with great hiking.
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Hanging out at Lake Mead with new friends </td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU4E9oqNoe5k1oU7R6TquVdRMBkCa2i99gnjVToYBxUqtAj9MX9YWL7xwQRpxcbdL4oqAoSeRtB2UAHQL62boOV5vqK_X1cYPagNfEWiZRqP2ilRPRIOC9RL6K8bYhToeDZqBa2xKdY9V/s1600/18+-+P1130957_8_9+with+Jodi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU4E9oqNoe5k1oU7R6TquVdRMBkCa2i99gnjVToYBxUqtAj9MX9YWL7xwQRpxcbdL4oqAoSeRtB2UAHQL62boOV5vqK_X1cYPagNfEWiZRqP2ilRPRIOC9RL6K8bYhToeDZqBa2xKdY9V/s400/18+-+P1130957_8_9+with+Jodi.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
We meet a new friend, Jody, while hiking in Valley of Fire State Park, and she comes to join us camping at Lake Mead for a few nights. She and I quickly become best buddies, laughing and carrying on. Poor Brad. She also has the cutest little dog, BooBoo, whom Grady attacks. Poor BooBoo. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoCudxtFsO8ucHsQch4Mi51KNkCHgcTLeXqMBCwL2Ab58fmmH98LvJgdFABFtf8qEherkTgLVrVZERL7-4lSnvPP6yfYbT3BI-xNnpuYiDJhT3Cic8a6l-49qfcz3sGMEunC89ylNzWXl/s1600/18+-+P1130991_2_3+Campfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoCudxtFsO8ucHsQch4Mi51KNkCHgcTLeXqMBCwL2Ab58fmmH98LvJgdFABFtf8qEherkTgLVrVZERL7-4lSnvPP6yfYbT3BI-xNnpuYiDJhT3Cic8a6l-49qfcz3sGMEunC89ylNzWXl/s400/18+-+P1130991_2_3+Campfire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A night at the campfire with Jody and Grace, whom we first met last year outside of St. George. Strangley, we run into Grace and her hubby Greg camped here at Stewart's Point; in fact, they are in our favourite spot. Such a strange coincidence. </td></tr>
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Grace takes Brad out kayaking on the lake on a very calm day. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Carroll Shelby Museum in Las Vegas </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9atrYY5MitXpMFl_52RbeRv8qe5XWyqS0dETI9TdJkccE6-Zul9J8t03JwF67d67p2WTojYuLsMr7MEpa41AEKGu5DAeYzhMDGw0H46kbzOWrGp51dxS0OFJX3ZjfFDp_zVUXsclTxhWk/s1600/18c+-+20161216_144331+Shelby+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9atrYY5MitXpMFl_52RbeRv8qe5XWyqS0dETI9TdJkccE6-Zul9J8t03JwF67d67p2WTojYuLsMr7MEpa41AEKGu5DAeYzhMDGw0H46kbzOWrGp51dxS0OFJX3ZjfFDp_zVUXsclTxhWk/s400/18c+-+20161216_144331+Shelby+Museum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Brad is in heaven, surrounded by so many Shelbies and Mustangs made into Shelbies. From the old Cobras to the new Shelbies, including a Shelby 1000 pictured here (that's 1,000 horsepower and it's barely street legal!), there's a wide assortment of everything ever touched by Carroll Shelby.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OtPesfWtdGjSjBXpsXZxTPZae5QwVEjWo7PVrwPJR-ZyVmfJNeD-mhaApLOM7T0H1MeYYB2iNRWvl6i7bnQLhnec9Oo6YmbFqm13HKKXlf4kx-3Aag9fyWOeUP43zyfRhlSUXILsUtsP/s1600/18c+-+20161216_144942+Shelby+Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OtPesfWtdGjSjBXpsXZxTPZae5QwVEjWo7PVrwPJR-ZyVmfJNeD-mhaApLOM7T0H1MeYYB2iNRWvl6i7bnQLhnec9Oo6YmbFqm13HKKXlf4kx-3Aag9fyWOeUP43zyfRhlSUXILsUtsP/s400/18c+-+20161216_144942+Shelby+Shop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Inside the shop. Shelby is not a car manufacturer. They only modify cars. The old style Cobra seen here is a brand new car, and neither of the two vehicles in the foreground have an engine in them - yet. This tour was very interesting and worthwhile, and best of all it's free. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves cars in general and Shelbies in particular, and tires of Las Vegas strip. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Hiking </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6g0hdrSlxM8Ikr3i9npY0TGrw2x429zQgjRxuNCji3hT_jNtI-U_IxTdFsljeKwH_UvG4UzMnWNo4npPfS4fioKa-_-hwj4pcCcA4r_TlW4_R1dqxDkhrAPlmHP-Y_TRi-GHV6shhjld/s1600/18a+-+P1130948+Horses+in+VoF+SP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6g0hdrSlxM8Ikr3i9npY0TGrw2x429zQgjRxuNCji3hT_jNtI-U_IxTdFsljeKwH_UvG4UzMnWNo4npPfS4fioKa-_-hwj4pcCcA4r_TlW4_R1dqxDkhrAPlmHP-Y_TRi-GHV6shhjld/s400/18a+-+P1130948+Horses+in+VoF+SP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
On the Arches Trail in Valley of Fire State Park, a group of horsemen/women ride past us. Smart - the sand in the wash on this hike is deep and going is tough. Even the horses are sweating and it's only about 55F today. </td></tr>
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A hike into the Bowl of Fire in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It's a stunning outcrop of very red/orange rock against the brown Muddy Mountains. </td></tr>
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We hike from the main road in Valley of Fire State Park with Jody through Wash #3. This area makes us all think about Orange Cremesicles because the rocks are striped white and bright orange. Sadly, no ice cream can be found within 20 miles. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUtcj6rJlSwuPy-dD4t7w525djXLThe8JspKQY5nne1zQf89RxuHMShxksEkt0pqlg9ynaY6P0icqSSXvyrg1Q3BBBeZef36owmIRTGOfq5JAUDKzXV_irKRZ4erkU_NRB1SYHb-OGuiJ/s1600/18d+-+P1140060_1_2+Wash+3+VoF+SP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUtcj6rJlSwuPy-dD4t7w525djXLThe8JspKQY5nne1zQf89RxuHMShxksEkt0pqlg9ynaY6P0icqSSXvyrg1Q3BBBeZef36owmIRTGOfq5JAUDKzXV_irKRZ4erkU_NRB1SYHb-OGuiJ/s400/18d+-+P1140060_1_2+Wash+3+VoF+SP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Brad and I have <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.com/2013/12/valley-of-fire-state-park-nv.html" target="_blank">hiked this wash before</a> and we know there is an area of rock with beautiful, colourful striping. We're very happy that we actually are able to find it, after a 3 year absence. This is a small section of rock wall about 3-4 feet across. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DLaw9k6wkf5ucQSFkY2sSqwprqxaDIGeGIPQe4Mc36XZaaBiuKVSo2Hd2RseBcqpWqaJKIh0IxhYBbCRjyNZZRVa6WeUoLv3Xby5w-OcBJu2v0pMy3kXI8aVjt80-4Z56Ug9T9xoCPKp/s1600/18d+-+P1140153_4_5+Wash+3+VoF+SP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DLaw9k6wkf5ucQSFkY2sSqwprqxaDIGeGIPQe4Mc36XZaaBiuKVSo2Hd2RseBcqpWqaJKIh0IxhYBbCRjyNZZRVa6WeUoLv3Xby5w-OcBJu2v0pMy3kXI8aVjt80-4Z56Ug9T9xoCPKp/s400/18d+-+P1140153_4_5+Wash+3+VoF+SP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Another abstract section of rock wall about 1-2 feet wide. Reminds me of an alien spaceship looking for a landing site. </td></tr>
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Last one - these are just so cool. This one is probably only about 1 foot wide. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-29055741236498246192016-12-12T00:34:00.001-05:002016-12-30T14:34:48.761-05:00Partying at the Porters' Project and Party Place, Lake Havasu City, ArizonaIt's great to have such wonderful friends down here in the southwest. We join two other RV couples at the Porters' Party Place for the American Thanksgiving. There is a lot of eating and drinking, a bit of swimming (temps are a bit cool even though the pool is heated) and much hot tubbing.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad working hard</td></tr>
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Paul and Sue built a house in Lake Havasu City two summers ago, leaving a life of full-time RVing for a part-time home, part-time RV lifestyle. Fortunately for their friends (including us - YAY!) they added 3 spaces with RV hookups outside their beautiful new home, and they love having visitors. Especially since a visit is the perfect time to get some help with heavy work, like planting a 6-foot palm tree. Brad, Tom and Dave help Paul plant two trees this week. Brad also takes the opportunity to fix a crack in the outer shell of our trailer (with a lot of advice from everyone) and replace our truck's driver's side mirror which broke requiring an electronic part. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Hiking Lizard Peak </td></tr>
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Sue takes Brad and me up Lizard Peak, about a 2-3 mile steep hike. At the top is this picnic table which was carried up the difficult trail we just climbed. That's determination! This view looks down the Colorado River, south towards the Parker Dam. </td></tr>
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This view looks north towards Lake Havasu City. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">The Boat Parade </td></tr>
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Christmas is less than one month away, the lights are being hung all over town, and we attend the annual Boat Parade at the canal. This cute little tug also has fake smoke puffing out of its stack and takes a spin (literally) every once in a while. </td></tr>
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Probably the most lights on one boat. </td></tr>
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Santa and his sleigh. Ho Ho Ho! </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Hiking SARA's Crack </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikkDfgCCORrtOCosY_U9-_uD9XqMS9lScvhzOpfhrOuP1KAhBiexI4yELdLh2zciFimqDVuW2c_4jPCoELsRvDlhNLEY6-Ij13Wzn01IOblZl3sTyqlSq9vmW2EAKoZERHL_fH0tui54w/s1600/17c+-+_DSC8367_68_69_70+Group+in+the+Crack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikkDfgCCORrtOCosY_U9-_uD9XqMS9lScvhzOpfhrOuP1KAhBiexI4yELdLh2zciFimqDVuW2c_4jPCoELsRvDlhNLEY6-Ij13Wzn01IOblZl3sTyqlSq9vmW2EAKoZERHL_fH0tui54w/s400/17c+-+_DSC8367_68_69_70+Group+in+the+Crack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Every year when we are in town (sometimes for the fireworks in February, last year for Christmas at the Porters') we have wanted to hike SARA's Crack, but it's been too hot or we've been too busy. This year, we finally do it. The Crack is a short slot canyon with a bit of rock scrambling required. </td></tr>
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This is the biggest drop, and a rope is provided. I do great at first, until my heel steps on the rope and I go off balance and smash my elbow into the wall to my right. I'm not really hurt, and we all have a good laugh. </td></tr>
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Sue shows us the slide method. </td></tr>
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Paul show us all how to do it right! </td></tr>
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The 2.5-mile trail leads down to Lake Havasu in a pretty little cove where we sit and have lunch with the ducks and coots (not just the 3 old coots we walked down with LOL!) before making the 2.5-mile trek back. So glad we finally get to do this cool hike. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">A Christmas Lights Walk in the English Village of Lake Havasu City </td></tr>
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Paul, Sue, Brad and I walk along the canal at the London Bridge to see the Christmas lights. This is the English Village lit up like Clark Griswold's house! Have you ever seen so many lights? </td></tr>
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Paul, Brad and Sue with the London Bridge in the background. It is a beautiful, warm evening with no wind. </td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-39575196185650230292016-11-26T17:03:00.000-05:002016-11-26T17:03:49.863-05:00Grand Canyon National Park, ArizonaWhile we have visited the Grand Canyon at least twice before this trip, we have never hiked in the park. Since we have a few days to "kill" before Thanksgiving celebrations with friends in Lake Havasu City, we stop at this world-renowned destination to fulfill that wish, even though temperatures plummet. The Grand Canyon is at almost 7,000 feet and a cold snap with strong winds comes in the day we arrive. Temps drop to 23F overnight and only about 45F during our first day here (as you'll see from the photos of our hike on the South Kaibab Trail how bundled up we are), but thankfully rise after that to a pleasant 65F during the day and only around 40F at night. Thankful for our propane heater in the trailer.
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">South Kaibab Trail Hike </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpRY7Kjxp_nK6DC3WgNtyTNkH197a2Nwk6rvU3fr0xpwpYWbrKdGEXgdUmujFeImMPPLMphhaUg1uoNK7_53VPmlzUDiKNYaWa35QQ5yJX9WrDsaFIB9L9JtGczXZpvhcTJxrd0_Gm1pW/s1600/16a+-+P1130623_4_5+South+Kaibab+Trail+Switchbacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpRY7Kjxp_nK6DC3WgNtyTNkH197a2Nwk6rvU3fr0xpwpYWbrKdGEXgdUmujFeImMPPLMphhaUg1uoNK7_53VPmlzUDiKNYaWa35QQ5yJX9WrDsaFIB9L9JtGczXZpvhcTJxrd0_Gm1pW/s400/16a+-+P1130623_4_5+South+Kaibab+Trail+Switchbacks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Kaibab Trail Switchbacks</td></tr>
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The South Kaibab Trail leads down to the Colorado River, about one vertical mile below the rim on the canyon floor. You can hike down this trail and come up the Bright Angel Trail (another rim to river trail), or vice-versa or down and back up, but it requires a backcountry permit and a tent because you're staying overnight! The beginning of the trail is steep, hence these switchbacks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule riders coming up the South Kaibab Trail</td></tr>
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This is simply cheating in my opinion. According to park staff, there has never been a fatality involving these sure-footed animals. The mules are purchased from approved suppliers when they are young and trained for 9 months. Those mules who successfully complete training work for 20 years before they are retired. An adoption program is available for retired mules and, believe it or not, there are more applications to adopt than mules. Nice to know they are well treated. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mules packing out gear from the Phantom Ranch</td></tr>
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The Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon has closed for the season and these mules are bringing all the gear up. The ranch accommodates hikers and rafters. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad and I posing at Ooh Ahh Point</td></tr>
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Ooh Ahh Point (yes, it's really called that) is as far as we go down the trail, only one mile, but we don't expect the views to get better as we descend further. And there's always that climb back up. While this is our coldest day at the Grand Canyon, the wind hasn't found its way down into this part of the canyon and we're pretty warm with the sun shining. It's a lot colder up on the rim with 30 mph winds blowing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel at Ooh Ahh Point</td></tr>
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Some of the local wildlife at Ooh Ahh Point. He's quite the poser and a bit of a beggar. Most injuries in the park are due to wildlife bites from people feeding them. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rcJRLDRHazRn7U3jJpt2Lq6Swy-Be1YjL9ufb-0jkl9seb5UUmBMnixhQ1oPvrYU1CEIMznJ5NSqSDOyAzOorqV6F7TB5Wc6C0hszeihnBEL0WBSFvkcZjx7Gxb2fBlqifIyQvDGEN0M/s1600/16a+-+P1130602_3_4+Brad+Ooh+Ahh+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rcJRLDRHazRn7U3jJpt2Lq6Swy-Be1YjL9ufb-0jkl9seb5UUmBMnixhQ1oPvrYU1CEIMznJ5NSqSDOyAzOorqV6F7TB5Wc6C0hszeihnBEL0WBSFvkcZjx7Gxb2fBlqifIyQvDGEN0M/s400/16a+-+P1130602_3_4+Brad+Ooh+Ahh+Point.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad enjoying the view at Ooh Ahh Point</td></tr>
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Another gorgeous view from Ooh Ahh Point. </td></tr>
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">The South Rim </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWfMOXBeP41Wxh9akaxKGZ4aDUuZDBWNYp4k4PoRPOVVV7EWcbpLkksJSQ1yzPPRCaK54TEXXJZIAqWM9tXObWkyb8fwFBHI8MW3-LOUi8phs_EINtHrjDIPuJ9qU3CuT0cy6fTcS_OwR/s1600/16b+-+P1130704_5_6+Mather+Point+from+Rim+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWfMOXBeP41Wxh9akaxKGZ4aDUuZDBWNYp4k4PoRPOVVV7EWcbpLkksJSQ1yzPPRCaK54TEXXJZIAqWM9tXObWkyb8fwFBHI8MW3-LOUi8phs_EINtHrjDIPuJ9qU3CuT0cy6fTcS_OwR/s400/16b+-+P1130704_5_6+Mather+Point+from+Rim+Trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the tiny people near top left?</td></tr>
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After hiking the South Kaibab Trail, we decide to hike back to the Visitor Center along the Rim Trail, about 1-2 miles. This is a view of Mather Point (which is near the Visitor Center) from the Rim Trail. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87ZjWRjjbeW0HMIjTavvqnBlY-bumc_S_2DCMBXFpq5y9NYvsawKmpszYU66KeQLNxJQ8ir7opwfDKABbkDLUFtfKNnAapx7gsUNlatqTLdntk-7oR85Jn5IPgjbdosRl9_IdZItQiuQY/s1600/16c+-+P1130773_4_5+Bright+Angel+Fault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87ZjWRjjbeW0HMIjTavvqnBlY-bumc_S_2DCMBXFpq5y9NYvsawKmpszYU66KeQLNxJQ8ir7opwfDKABbkDLUFtfKNnAapx7gsUNlatqTLdntk-7oR85Jn5IPgjbdosRl9_IdZItQiuQY/s400/16c+-+P1130773_4_5+Bright+Angel+Fault.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bright Angel Fault/Canyon</td></tr>
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That chasm from the middle to the top of the photo on the right side is the Bright Angel Fault looking towards the North Rim. The Bright Angel Trail is probably the most popular hiking trail in the park. The North Rim is about 1,000 higher than the South Rim, making it colder although snow hasn't fallen yet. The North Rim will close within a couple of weeks, by the first of December. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl6R0JrmPWxMkNY3iOh9xEx0if4tSHxCZiNmyaFkKmSwOF_DyrTjGI4jP6G8AFx3R50g_F60KNpVGWJcAFCtmkps_kkWu76JJRGArbyV9a42SlyH43j4tkPzRvIXXIwWoj7pCUyLWnvxd/s1600/16c+-+P1130833_4_5+Pima+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl6R0JrmPWxMkNY3iOh9xEx0if4tSHxCZiNmyaFkKmSwOF_DyrTjGI4jP6G8AFx3R50g_F60KNpVGWJcAFCtmkps_kkWu76JJRGArbyV9a42SlyH43j4tkPzRvIXXIwWoj7pCUyLWnvxd/s400/16c+-+P1130833_4_5+Pima+Point.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally a view of the Colorado River from Pima Point. A fantastic shuttle bus system takes visitors all over the park since it's such a busy, crowded park and parking vehicles would become impossible. Visitors can park at the Visitor Center and take the shuttle almost anywhere - to the campgrounds, shops, train station, hiking trails, geology museum, and rim overlooks. This part of the park (from the Village Transfer Route to Hermit's Rest) is one of the few routes that allows no other vehicles at all; shuttle buses only. This system, implemented in many busy parks, gives us a break from driving and time to enjoy the views. Conveniently, shuttles run every 10-20 minutes all day long. </td></tr>
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We're so happy we finally get to hike in the Grand Canyon, Arizona's jewel. Next, we head west to spend Thanksgiving with friends in Lake Havasu City (elevation 600 feet instead of 6,000, so my head and lungs will be happy!) I won't be blogging about that, but be assured there will be a lot of eating, drinking, swimming, spa soaking, and general fun! My Facebook friends have already seen it!
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-5559942469537110652016-11-26T14:10:00.000-05:002016-11-26T14:10:03.995-05:00Canyon de Chelly National Monument, ArizonaNumerous times we have wanted to visit Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de Shay), but it has been snowing or too cold every time we were in the area. So we are excited for the unusually warm fall this year when we are passing through northeast Arizona on our way to Lake Havasu City for Thanksgiving.
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Located on the Navajo Indian Reservation, this national monument is sacred to the natives who live here. The canyons are still inhabited by a few Navajo families following the old traditions. This gorgeous viewpoint at Antelope House Overlook shows Canyon del Meurto (Canyon of Death) on the left and Black Rock Canyon to the right. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVqJAZEjPNkYyb_ya14MEF9sdexHkFAz5SAcPeznS9kZh1dRIDoRRixTxlEjK15EUa3GUr86hB__Bij2yAh8dsBs-EiWSlzrM0AJxRDSP6sag08ShKCZw8pWT0MLhcp31oqmMizUoi8Di/s1600/15a+-+P1130264_5_6+Antelope+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVqJAZEjPNkYyb_ya14MEF9sdexHkFAz5SAcPeznS9kZh1dRIDoRRixTxlEjK15EUa3GUr86hB__Bij2yAh8dsBs-EiWSlzrM0AJxRDSP6sag08ShKCZw8pWT0MLhcp31oqmMizUoi8Di/s400/15a+-+P1130264_5_6+Antelope+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Antelope House ruins, built at the bottom of the Canyon de Chelly. While there are many side canyons, Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto are the two main canyons of the park. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZ_JgwmnsRhjhvoJ1fnHrsJh6-0bPia4_WndckYFDkSkuTWhPgVB1Or3ctsxhnRBLCAq3LSZwgBv0ImkQ0KBqyj0BEolEXU-zw8RXbbJbkzzoEn2s6elzACDVPw6qmFzBEZhkyoF3jSlR/s1600/15a+-+P1130303_4_5+Mummy+Cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZ_JgwmnsRhjhvoJ1fnHrsJh6-0bPia4_WndckYFDkSkuTWhPgVB1Or3ctsxhnRBLCAq3LSZwgBv0ImkQ0KBqyj0BEolEXU-zw8RXbbJbkzzoEn2s6elzACDVPw6qmFzBEZhkyoF3jSlR/s400/15a+-+P1130303_4_5+Mummy+Cave.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Following the North Rim Drive along Canyon del Muerto there are three overlooks. The first is Antelope House, and the second is Mummy Cave shown here. This is one of the largest ruins in the canyon believed to have been occupied until 1,300 AD. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCJt5lWxFG70yntLRKdz1UuXWDI2RSKIQNSK4lgGU5h_l1sXrPLtnOncyw5Qvi4Jom6IzCL3gBy49Q2NoFmaVpntYSMk6-3r9_ljrmyDiyHh_Crdlyv_9gf7qxG3gyFcmSGgAtpLaIEMH/s1600/15a+-+P1130315_6_7+Massacre+Cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCJt5lWxFG70yntLRKdz1UuXWDI2RSKIQNSK4lgGU5h_l1sXrPLtnOncyw5Qvi4Jom6IzCL3gBy49Q2NoFmaVpntYSMk6-3r9_ljrmyDiyHh_Crdlyv_9gf7qxG3gyFcmSGgAtpLaIEMH/s400/15a+-+P1130315_6_7+Massacre+Cave.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The final overlook on the North Rim is Massacre Cave, which has a brutal history. In 1805, about 115 Navajo thought they would be safe from a group of Spanish military by hiding in this cave. But when they were discovered, the Spaniards opened fire from the rim, killing everyone on the ledge. Their refuge became a death trap. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1cmvhcUq5Mnk25RCw7CI1o8UkrgLqX-42UxXTkmdtv7kzMVbahDTiuqrDSLHDEeaIbILT0SoRUDK1UqZN7n7gjuHnZLbMQbPbDmemVeGtBfK2rb5FVgkVu9vGlH-8ub7r1Cd6nx0k-eT/s1600/15b+-+P1130318_19_20+White+House+from+Rim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1cmvhcUq5Mnk25RCw7CI1o8UkrgLqX-42UxXTkmdtv7kzMVbahDTiuqrDSLHDEeaIbILT0SoRUDK1UqZN7n7gjuHnZLbMQbPbDmemVeGtBfK2rb5FVgkVu9vGlH-8ub7r1Cd6nx0k-eT/s400/15b+-+P1130318_19_20+White+House+from+Rim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
From the South Rim, a view of the White House ruins, built and occupied about 1,000 years ago. The name comes from the white plaster wall in the upper dwelling. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7043hGIJi8Qe_pZu5WarKxcySINz6zJpV2cGTov_HC3TDo1Fhr-wqYuA3Qp4MyiaZJ9a4UNHGyt5P7-gcykXMskmJ40umVvBUjYHaIyDNzT_Cl9FbuawQm38g95zc5cSr4INNOcJ7xZr/s1600/15b+-+P1130381_2_3+Horse+in+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7043hGIJi8Qe_pZu5WarKxcySINz6zJpV2cGTov_HC3TDo1Fhr-wqYuA3Qp4MyiaZJ9a4UNHGyt5P7-gcykXMskmJ40umVvBUjYHaIyDNzT_Cl9FbuawQm38g95zc5cSr4INNOcJ7xZr/s400/15b+-+P1130381_2_3+Horse+in+Canyon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The White House Trail is the only access into the canyon and ruins without a native guide. The trail is not difficult and is only 2.5 miles round-trip, although it descends about 600 feet into the canyon, and of course 600 feet back up. Many horses roam through the canyons. </td></tr>
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White House from inside the canyon. Brad is pictured with Sam, a young girl from Texas who asks if she can hike this trail with us since she is traveling alone and a bit nervous hiking into the canyon by herself. Of course, we are happy to have her along. </td></tr>
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Just a beautiful shot of the cottonwood trees along the dry creek at the White House ruins. </td></tr>
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Spider Rock is at the end of the South Rim Drive. The spires climb 800 feet from the canyon floor. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-90533980457484935292016-11-25T17:30:00.000-05:002016-11-25T17:30:47.752-05:00Mesa Verde National Park, ColoradoOnly 3 hours from Moab, Utah in the southwest corner of Colorado, we take a quick side trip to Mesa Verde National Park.
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The park and the ruins are over 1,000 feet above the valley. The Mancos Mountains are snow-capped, and it is much cooler here. The highest elevation in the park is over 8,400 feet. Mesa Verde contains some of the best preserved cliff dwellings in the world built by ancient pueblo people, the Anasazi, who populated the Colorado Plateau starting about 1,500 years ago until about 800 years ago. </td></tr>
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Of over 4,500 archeological sites, only 600 are cliff dwellings, like this most famous ruin, Cliff Palace. Unfortunately tours have ended for the season and that's the only way to get a closer look. During off-season, only the rim drives are open with overviews of most of the ruins. </td></tr>
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It is mind-boggling to imagine how the Anasazi accessed these homes. Many dwellings have evidence of toe and finger holds carved into the cliff walls. While these incredible builders lived in this area for 700 years, no one knows what caused them to leave in about 1,200 AD, but the cliff dwellings have been vacant since that time. </td></tr>
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Near the very informative museum is Spruce Tree House. Mesa Verde NP also contains numerous sites of pit houses built on top of the mesas, but the cliff dwellings are the most intriguing. Pit houses and villages were built prior to the cliff dwellings, but were dangerous places, many succumbing to fires. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-49202316827189997222016-11-25T15:21:00.001-05:002016-11-25T15:21:57.115-05:00Moab, Part 3 - More Great Stuff around Moab, UtahStill in the Moab area, we find some beautiful places to explore outside of Arches National Park. We don't really even venture into Canyonlands National Park as we spent a full week hiking here a few years ago. And there's so much other new stuff to do and see around here...
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Highway 128 along the Colorado River </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuRTj69KCX0XZf_jZBU4SJEy5p2VdsxULR6S81Yao2ULmP4K24wjUGt_tYyeuVTq9n7BB4VbqTHfTea3BQ5OkOHLQYFrIc9NXbHnVqAZ0JtPri1MUG0kCXsGi_RICyLKh_PN63c7-tJoc/s1600/13f+-+P1110841_2_3+Priest+and+Nuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuRTj69KCX0XZf_jZBU4SJEy5p2VdsxULR6S81Yao2ULmP4K24wjUGt_tYyeuVTq9n7BB4VbqTHfTea3BQ5OkOHLQYFrIc9NXbHnVqAZ0JtPri1MUG0kCXsGi_RICyLKh_PN63c7-tJoc/s400/13f+-+P1110841_2_3+Priest+and+Nuns.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Valley - The Priest and Nuns</td></tr>
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We take the La Sal Mountain Loop Road just south of Moab. The views above the city are beautiful, but the photos are not as they're into the sun. This view of the rock formation called the Priest and Nuns in Castle Valley at the end of the loop drive is the best from our day. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeipD_4PVOVRkeEc344ENUbKKpVESi6s7lwkrBaW2L4nsS116hbER5G566s4o2ID1Bl4YQYS5yh4wy9wZ0FutImvY6niiW1NfZp4H4I0yORYubbwIVRA0o1jlLyrYWldJJe3pbQbF_rTjq/s1600/13g+-+P1110928_9+Morning+Glory+Natural+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeipD_4PVOVRkeEc344ENUbKKpVESi6s7lwkrBaW2L4nsS116hbER5G566s4o2ID1Bl4YQYS5yh4wy9wZ0FutImvY6niiW1NfZp4H4I0yORYubbwIVRA0o1jlLyrYWldJJe3pbQbF_rTjq/s320/13g+-+P1110928_9+Morning+Glory+Natural+Bridge.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory Natural Bridge</td></tr>
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An easy, 4-mile hike up Negro Bill Canyon (aka Grandstaff Canyon) leads to Morning Glory Natural Bridge. Its huge expanse is hard to capture in a single photo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagnRREC_muIgpFhXUldtExWW9UwsweKsHCZrJnF2_y-xJJ0A1tvgrEAt3wa0-swd17MtyP4uEyH70SZ0GBx2LHpfboMDrIMEszt6anxPJVrZ1pXly69-dBgFPfXB7VGnpm6LqQW8Ua59F/s1600/13m+-+P1120833_4_5+Colorado+River+Resort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagnRREC_muIgpFhXUldtExWW9UwsweKsHCZrJnF2_y-xJJ0A1tvgrEAt3wa0-swd17MtyP4uEyH70SZ0GBx2LHpfboMDrIMEszt6anxPJVrZ1pXly69-dBgFPfXB7VGnpm6LqQW8Ua59F/s400/13m+-+P1120833_4_5+Colorado+River+Resort.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Colorado River</td></tr>
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A beautiful resort with at least 50 cabins along the Colorado River near Castle Valley. Some cottonwood trees are still bright yellow, contrasting with the red rock. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Potash Road and the Shafer Trail </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96pYR7WBa2M3Do-bWm8kr-e_6SOCJlDtqJ-_6flHSsOGMku5LQO0yuTy2qZ8y49J-9PYA21M8AngVW3ZLjHccLYqfp0B8hpJw2XeDfwexBaAiSiSq1XT6qjYWzpKjPuSSGCga_DCM1_LC/s1600/13h+-+P1120070_1_2+Overlooking+Colorado+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96pYR7WBa2M3Do-bWm8kr-e_6SOCJlDtqJ-_6flHSsOGMku5LQO0yuTy2qZ8y49J-9PYA21M8AngVW3ZLjHccLYqfp0B8hpJw2XeDfwexBaAiSiSq1XT6qjYWzpKjPuSSGCga_DCM1_LC/s400/13h+-+P1120070_1_2+Overlooking+Colorado+River.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad overlooking the Colorado River</td></tr>
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We spend a full day driving Potash Road from Moab. Here's Brad at Thelma and Louise Point, technically called Fossil Point for its marine fossils found in the rocks 1,000 feet above the Colorado River. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVc_Rt_pR6PKS4vSbENoZKnB8HmuHVE_ol8J3VOYYeQlqPHeLD45oxnj_p4XmdbpkRMvTRLcI3_Cr-1L1h2zPfbUAiIIOYgylh5ekl04j2Zv5HQRoYXh5UF4YbfMRdXm_YWxBUkBkp6C/s1600/13h+-+P1120110+Thelma+and+Louise+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVc_Rt_pR6PKS4vSbENoZKnB8HmuHVE_ol8J3VOYYeQlqPHeLD45oxnj_p4XmdbpkRMvTRLcI3_Cr-1L1h2zPfbUAiIIOYgylh5ekl04j2Zv5HQRoYXh5UF4YbfMRdXm_YWxBUkBkp6C/s640/13h+-+P1120110+Thelma+and+Louise+Point.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thelma and Louise Point</td></tr>
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The final scene of the movie, Thelma and Louise, was shot here. The car was ejected over the cliff just beyond the promontory in the middle of this photo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1S8RNJCQBrkDJ3wpQaaWlPvMuFuB83KjdbMVS1ln5HsfN5k6xnIGaMPlWrKPVEash5_IrZKLCK1VDvrdWurce6vCNJCNj7UG4eIXU0lgE4xpORPpKc876weQ9BoxI_YMwklGLsRsQD1M/s1600/13h+-+P1120173_4_5+Overlooking+Tributary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1S8RNJCQBrkDJ3wpQaaWlPvMuFuB83KjdbMVS1ln5HsfN5k6xnIGaMPlWrKPVEash5_IrZKLCK1VDvrdWurce6vCNJCNj7UG4eIXU0lgE4xpORPpKc876weQ9BoxI_YMwklGLsRsQD1M/s400/13h+-+P1120173_4_5+Overlooking+Tributary.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me overlooking a tributary along Potash Road</td></tr>
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We started our drive on Potash Road in Moab just before lunch, and stopped to enjoy the views so often that it is getting dark by the time we get to the spot where it intersects with the Shafer Trail leading us back up to Canyonlands National Park and our campsite on Dubinky Well Road. This tributary, when there's water, falls about 400-500 feet over this smooth, rocky waterfall and joins the Colorado River just around the corner. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbuXdtAms6xroMhiBx1zF1SAU8s4niu0HvERebj7fHBriYBKyHQA2GeuXDe61W_OSrPiXKiiHNxHDxvHfEuf5BaH0NKQ_CQOrr5A2LBv_IBjRzwDeyjDvDQRugOZs4a9pvYr8dQ4SaqH2/s1600/13h+-+P1120203+Bighorn+Sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbuXdtAms6xroMhiBx1zF1SAU8s4niu0HvERebj7fHBriYBKyHQA2GeuXDe61W_OSrPiXKiiHNxHDxvHfEuf5BaH0NKQ_CQOrr5A2LBv_IBjRzwDeyjDvDQRugOZs4a9pvYr8dQ4SaqH2/s400/13h+-+P1120203+Bighorn+Sheep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As we ascend the steep switchbacks of the Shafer Trail, it's fully dark and we are surprised by a group of bighorn sheep who run across the road in front of the truck and disappear over the cliff's edge. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Rf6cGUEObdCcsR5n8JubpJO5xFX1YsQs3R2DhhKRLwKwcuSoGHuSx3K4-JySezWOygCrm9fu0m1ciDnEATcLdzt6Nc-F4LODT1-a-FDPpsLFfUBPly6FS8sUsJoN2zoh8J4S4fhryfLS/s1600/13o+-+P1130032_3_4+Shafer+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Rf6cGUEObdCcsR5n8JubpJO5xFX1YsQs3R2DhhKRLwKwcuSoGHuSx3K4-JySezWOygCrm9fu0m1ciDnEATcLdzt6Nc-F4LODT1-a-FDPpsLFfUBPly6FS8sUsJoN2zoh8J4S4fhryfLS/s400/13o+-+P1130032_3_4+Shafer+Trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The switchbacks of the Shafer Trail</td></tr>
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On another day, we start down the Shafer Trail late in the morning to retrace our drive backwards towards Potash Road since it was dark when we finished that previous drive and we missed some great views. These are some of the switchbacks that descend the steep cliff and lead to Potash Road and the White Rim Trail, the latter a 100-mile dirt road that follows the rim above the Colorado and Green Rivers, and is a popular backcountry 3-4 night trip for cyclists. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk9ev4R9FYaaW70VrWe6JAXNjtw94l0SKeOP53wBPau8DsJ1M2UsbgeTHXWOGqzDLm0Z-oP0z4-shHYl-tt5XXVKRbsfHHj8UY5QNPzpUtVVqgzhYGzwwDHvYGciexGdiJMkweiJRnG9f/s1600/13o+-+P1130133+Gooseneck+Panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk9ev4R9FYaaW70VrWe6JAXNjtw94l0SKeOP53wBPau8DsJ1M2UsbgeTHXWOGqzDLm0Z-oP0z4-shHYl-tt5XXVKRbsfHHj8UY5QNPzpUtVVqgzhYGzwwDHvYGciexGdiJMkweiJRnG9f/s640/13o+-+P1130133+Gooseneck+Panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama at the Gooseneck on Potash Road</td></tr>
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We have lunch at the Gooseneck below Dead Horse Point State Park and spend a couple of hours just enjoying the view and soaking up the sun. The road (Potash Road at this point) is fairly well travelled by all types of vehicles although parts of the road from here to the Shafer Trail are fairly rough. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Fisher Towers and Onion Creek </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFZxd9F_0VS1yAHRvPDb3sUNTI3e9H-JVR5OyqX7uYDXLMJNJ6ZkM6Y_3lieCAzOjEtNm7P3RsbhqtpFZR_64RmbDy0cdXMxxzC5y5f63V4JO8mPQGS_wR3rVhxJkZ2jH3k6MjNUwxma8/s1600/13l+-+P1120479_80_81+Fisher+Towers+Climber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFZxd9F_0VS1yAHRvPDb3sUNTI3e9H-JVR5OyqX7uYDXLMJNJ6ZkM6Y_3lieCAzOjEtNm7P3RsbhqtpFZR_64RmbDy0cdXMxxzC5y5f63V4JO8mPQGS_wR3rVhxJkZ2jH3k6MjNUwxma8/s400/13l+-+P1120479_80_81+Fisher+Towers+Climber.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climber at Fisher Towers</td></tr>
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About 20 miles east of Moab on Highway 128 is the Fisher Towers trailhead and small campground. This trail is popular not only with hikers but also climbers. There are several climbing routes in this rocky ridge, but this one seems to be the most popular. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3elAX8LZvjwEV85Ojyp_Rr7HOLqLon1ie41xwZvpXTCjn2YBFE5pfbLL7bR024bIARIKYh0FGSewBsPbyIo5tF6rEkkKqh7SJkI-IEX90KnXCNO1d_nnKIWtGQwTfRmV-AYjBTsKDOGOr/s1600/13l+-+P1120776_7_8+Fisher+Towers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3elAX8LZvjwEV85Ojyp_Rr7HOLqLon1ie41xwZvpXTCjn2YBFE5pfbLL7bR024bIARIKYh0FGSewBsPbyIo5tF6rEkkKqh7SJkI-IEX90KnXCNO1d_nnKIWtGQwTfRmV-AYjBTsKDOGOr/s400/13l+-+P1120776_7_8+Fisher+Towers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A bigger view of the rock ridge. Note the formation being climbed in the previous photo is the second "peak" from the left. The hike is fairly easy (if you're not afraid of heights), but longer than it looks as the trail follows the canyons created by erosion - in and out, in and out. From the viewpoint at the end of the trail, the parking lot is barely one mile away as the crow flies. We have hiked 2.2 miles. Oh well, the views make the trail worthwhile. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_MVLs1pzHXEnJVNSiu07FwSC86sS-Bk_8-9lVbQ17n6cRN2gYqd6av2WlPXAJXGFr7rcHLGAU6o2VKjisjTJg1xP8MRru9tGnwmSJpEv263YawLmqKaWQ5cyPxQttn6yau6d4qEv9aQ7/s1600/13l+-+P1120698_699_700+Onion+Creek+Overlook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_MVLs1pzHXEnJVNSiu07FwSC86sS-Bk_8-9lVbQ17n6cRN2gYqd6av2WlPXAJXGFr7rcHLGAU6o2VKjisjTJg1xP8MRru9tGnwmSJpEv263YawLmqKaWQ5cyPxQttn6yau6d4qEv9aQ7/s400/13l+-+P1120698_699_700+Onion+Creek+Overlook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad overlooking Onion Creek</td></tr>
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Below Brad is Onion Creek Road, which we drive on another day trip. It's a lovely drive through the canyon, then through and above Fisher Valley, eventually climbing North Beaver Mesa and looping back to the highway through Castle Valley. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3MRK3krR1oJ2Zp4yTyHxUyzUq5Wm3pc-5ndbNz4XAVWwxR1ARsQ3Kk_xFl5nkxMwKJwjaZFsFvW50yV5Wd4AeM_cWMj-nNe8xg-UHZ8r_e3STfSuyJDR1Mg6DyD0ZsziSDUqRSOaz_qp/s1600/13m+-+P1120928_29_30+Dinosaur+Tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3MRK3krR1oJ2Zp4yTyHxUyzUq5Wm3pc-5ndbNz4XAVWwxR1ARsQ3Kk_xFl5nkxMwKJwjaZFsFvW50yV5Wd4AeM_cWMj-nNe8xg-UHZ8r_e3STfSuyJDR1Mg6DyD0ZsziSDUqRSOaz_qp/s400/13m+-+P1120928_29_30+Dinosaur+Tracks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This dinosaur trackway is not advertised on our map so is a nice surprise to find along Polar Mesa Road just before we descend into Castle Valley. There are numerous tracks found in this location with a short interpretive trail, and fabulous views of Bull Canyon and Fisher Valley if you follow the social trail along the rim. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-28679649889806093422016-11-21T01:31:00.000-05:002016-11-25T15:24:37.797-05:00Moab, Part 2 - Arches National Park, UtahBarely a few miles north of the town of Moab, Utah is Arches National Park. It is one of five national parks in southern Utah; not the biggest nor the smallest; certainly one of the most visited; and one where it is fairly easy to see the incredible red sandstone formations southern Utah is known for. It has one of the highest concentration of naturally formed arches in the world.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w4KXnlKdb04VecTwQX6U_DutYFmnJPAGG7Clxtcj1AoD2L9S_wuzj9piAQJptti8NqzZ2-X6UeCIpcCfHoeSlD1cX_IIAA-PSX0GaPolcSqFmpBqQVV0cPImfPLiLgnPnx4t258lQoSq/s1600/13j+-+_DSC8072_3_4_5_6+Delicate+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w4KXnlKdb04VecTwQX6U_DutYFmnJPAGG7Clxtcj1AoD2L9S_wuzj9piAQJptti8NqzZ2-X6UeCIpcCfHoeSlD1cX_IIAA-PSX0GaPolcSqFmpBqQVV0cPImfPLiLgnPnx4t258lQoSq/s400/13j+-+_DSC8072_3_4_5_6+Delicate+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me standing beneath Delicate Arch</td></tr>
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Delicate Arch is probably the most iconic symbol of Utah, and is used in many publications and tourism brochures. The hike to the arch is considered difficult with a pretty steep climb up the sandstone rock, an elevation gain of 480 feet and a narrow ledge to traverse in the last few hundred feet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balanced Rock</td></tr>
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Balanced Rock is visible from the main road through the park, although a short trail circumnavigates its base. The La Sal Mountains (unusual to have so little snow on the peaks in late October) make a majestic background. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7j43SpfibtLfK3BvfcL0MTkuy5RZ3TB7CMlmqUQwjYwkvY1hAVAioj2pOrE0LPJtxKEkZlOK1QH2Kx7MXoQDOlapJnnWZp9BALe_cORNwUkzZrTnQkc7YgMwrFqm1ipYA8spNXuYaLM9/s1600/13e+-+P1110808_09_10+Fiery+Furnace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7j43SpfibtLfK3BvfcL0MTkuy5RZ3TB7CMlmqUQwjYwkvY1hAVAioj2pOrE0LPJtxKEkZlOK1QH2Kx7MXoQDOlapJnnWZp9BALe_cORNwUkzZrTnQkc7YgMwrFqm1ipYA8spNXuYaLM9/s400/13e+-+P1110808_09_10+Fiery+Furnace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jumbled maze of Fiery Furnace</td></tr>
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This is Fiery Furnace as seen from a distance. The eroded fins create a maze of passageways with towering walls on each side. Ranger-guided hikes through the Furnace have ended for the season, so we purchase a permit (it is the only area in the park requiring a permit other than for overnight backpacking) and attempt to navigate it on our own. </td></tr>
<tr><td><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIBO-8cj5mY_TU060XuOmoxjk_IJXD1vVvdDIb7I_oY8jbUXDwEm5cMTAaVFBGlGkxM8zg4Zu340Hkvwa3zzEDSOIp2CDqocW4CYqcYjT5HpPfdhCRz61nc_LntZGzEanycBGlVf7IkPi/s1600/13e+-+P1110589_90_91_93+Fiery+Furnace+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIBO-8cj5mY_TU060XuOmoxjk_IJXD1vVvdDIb7I_oY8jbUXDwEm5cMTAaVFBGlGkxM8zg4Zu340Hkvwa3zzEDSOIp2CDqocW4CYqcYjT5HpPfdhCRz61nc_LntZGzEanycBGlVf7IkPi/s400/13e+-+P1110589_90_91_93+Fiery+Furnace+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me standing inside the tiny arch</td></tr>
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Somehow, we stumble across this tiny arch in one of the dead-end passages of Fiery Furnace, but we never manage to penetrate into the interior of this maze. Next time, we will hire a private tour guide, or return during guided tour season as our hiking day is a bit disappointing. </td></tr>
<tr><td><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj9cXSy1ziPZme-51jQWPQ-ch5G3QczbriD-cQKewq52slUm614pHrNaWxEM6IaDXsJi08YtKSRX5CsFi8Q-lS8VAm8IVZ7Uvymeq38ghZXpQmtHKMYem2Wjt1DTaJ2VQ4XvEojmtWZTU/s1600/13i+-+P1120341_2_3+North+and+South+Windows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj9cXSy1ziPZme-51jQWPQ-ch5G3QczbriD-cQKewq52slUm614pHrNaWxEM6IaDXsJi08YtKSRX5CsFi8Q-lS8VAm8IVZ7Uvymeq38ghZXpQmtHKMYem2Wjt1DTaJ2VQ4XvEojmtWZTU/s400/13i+-+P1120341_2_3+North+and+South+Windows.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L) South Window; (R) North Window</td></tr>
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The North and South Windows from the backside on the Primitive Trail. These windows are huge; if you look closely, you can see people standing in North Window on the right. </td></tr>
<tr><td><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8VqNEd9QrbxwxX6lrrmXgbZE76BqaNtGONg89ssJ7GhYFOJe5mWeOtnOsERZJ5u3CKWXkiJOSFNZDqH4YSzbo2FpYdE9nK_xF4sJZbz_igybzk2c4UeBypLIlh57C3fdVcpjLvDVP4zS/s1600/13i+-+_DSC8202_3_4_5_6+Turret+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8VqNEd9QrbxwxX6lrrmXgbZE76BqaNtGONg89ssJ7GhYFOJe5mWeOtnOsERZJ5u3CKWXkiJOSFNZDqH4YSzbo2FpYdE9nK_xF4sJZbz_igybzk2c4UeBypLIlh57C3fdVcpjLvDVP4zS/s400/13i+-+_DSC8202_3_4_5_6+Turret+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me standing inside the North Window</td></tr>
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A view of Turret Arch taken through the North Window, again from the backside where few people wander. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMI1zjFxkr4ok9GKbq7hqzE4hPIQpcgZgBNF5Tp3qx8zlFh89sFNJl7tVt0O5hrAq8YsP8awlDxneY40TrHWkjuYDQcRaVWk8MDqLgCTNSfHQKbwnI9JM4hyphenhyphenzoqQUPNg8DWJ2blqWsThq/s1600/13i+-+_DSC8252_3_4_5_6+Double+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMI1zjFxkr4ok9GKbq7hqzE4hPIQpcgZgBNF5Tp3qx8zlFh89sFNJl7tVt0O5hrAq8YsP8awlDxneY40TrHWkjuYDQcRaVWk8MDqLgCTNSfHQKbwnI9JM4hyphenhyphenzoqQUPNg8DWJ2blqWsThq/s400/13i+-+_DSC8252_3_4_5_6+Double+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, Brad's almost invisible because he's wearing blue!</td></tr>
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Brad standing inside one of the arches of Double Arch, also in the Windows Section of the park. <br />
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(Brad is standing in the bottom right corner of the arch at the bottom left.)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroFM_uJPl8LiHtViBn2sdjDXQ5tQ_ZKW6C9B2N4zuZF1LJSdyGeDcCoE3E14dtZCG107ZRVZdudV62GqBa4qlb2ezbA_tN2DTZa37zVyTswYiSU_tNF22DYetY6CyoZ-UeIZ8adg0TB8q/s1600/13n+-+P1120952_3_4+Park+Ave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroFM_uJPl8LiHtViBn2sdjDXQ5tQ_ZKW6C9B2N4zuZF1LJSdyGeDcCoE3E14dtZCG107ZRVZdudV62GqBa4qlb2ezbA_tN2DTZa37zVyTswYiSU_tNF22DYetY6CyoZ-UeIZ8adg0TB8q/s400/13n+-+P1120952_3_4+Park+Ave.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Along the short hike in Park Avenue, so named as the canyon resembles the famed New York street lined on both sides with towering buildings. These are nature's skyscrapers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKPHNOk4EaZqqTiQnEX6Cr9hgrmXxpgjDuIv8YpCzoAAycISmMFbp4Vgiwb06gp0H-fpgiRNBkrpnJZ2KCDV72GbaE5W4QvwmB7Q_bNum7NaSEiDYG4Jd7e1KzbRm8_th-KRuyjRHThqx/s1600/13+2009+Utah+477+Double+O+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKPHNOk4EaZqqTiQnEX6Cr9hgrmXxpgjDuIv8YpCzoAAycISmMFbp4Vgiwb06gp0H-fpgiRNBkrpnJZ2KCDV72GbaE5W4QvwmB7Q_bNum7NaSEiDYG4Jd7e1KzbRm8_th-KRuyjRHThqx/s400/13+2009+Utah+477+Double+O+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the bottom arch with a view of Colorado in the top arch</td></tr>
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Arches National Park has many other beautiful arch formations which we've seen on previous trips, like Double-O Arch near the end of the Devils Garden Trail. This photo is from our trip in 2009, pre-retirement. </td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjauJF3DnD7yvJI6fzmtrXCKmsN1sdKyXtXfF3glCSlDAs0bIp_4GdKCjbjMJstDrHLbx1vTRF2wZZibiEcTLQJVmld97S9Qehdh9jWzdGgI9s5oqvqaBTajCfZOoyovuugIgMc7mKfi4J/s1600/13+2009+Utah+267+Landscape+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjauJF3DnD7yvJI6fzmtrXCKmsN1sdKyXtXfF3glCSlDAs0bIp_4GdKCjbjMJstDrHLbx1vTRF2wZZibiEcTLQJVmld97S9Qehdh9jWzdGgI9s5oqvqaBTajCfZOoyovuugIgMc7mKfi4J/s400/13+2009+Utah+267+Landscape+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Another photo from our 2009 trip of Landscape Arch, which we think should be called Delicate Arch because it's so thin. Only a few years ago, a huge chunk of rock fell from the underside on the right. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-272094375921471802016-11-17T00:14:00.000-05:002016-11-25T15:25:35.558-05:00Moab, Part 1 - With Friends, UtahSouthern Utah - our favourite place on earth! How can we resist spending some time here, especially with friends Nancy and Dave, and new friends Dori and Ken. Two national parks are nearby - Arches and Canyonlands - as well as several other remarkable hikes and views. We spend only the first four days of our three week stay in Moab with our friends before they continue on their previously planned journey.
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Corona Arch </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PmrgxjLmW8G8HBXC4UiVJLpW7JaueWVc75lucnVqJUSts1ePlsImwViB4YnfsUI7a6Fcg16ep3rJFx0HwxLv5vM1H6sUeBYL7De5MLQBNZR11cMCn7r-z7hxO8G_Kfl8Pv0jOgaGrYtC/s1600/13a+-+P1100850_1_2+Train+Tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PmrgxjLmW8G8HBXC4UiVJLpW7JaueWVc75lucnVqJUSts1ePlsImwViB4YnfsUI7a6Fcg16ep3rJFx0HwxLv5vM1H6sUeBYL7De5MLQBNZR11cMCn7r-z7hxO8G_Kfl8Pv0jOgaGrYtC/s400/13a+-+P1100850_1_2+Train+Tunnel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The train "tunnel" at the beginning of the hike along Potash Road outside of Moab. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26XHnDsmNyc76UQl86zkcuNmggfwiJxjGQ-QC-tWuULIYXUrCLxzhTs7NuTmM9CARwOKDLfSonrQV5Ji0h4DTFaC3yMWpDaq5rL_pya1-Cmh3v2lcz-AeeIA8BdWIMpRs7qmDGEGMiUCa/s1600/13a+-+P1100934_5_6+Ladder+on+Hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26XHnDsmNyc76UQl86zkcuNmggfwiJxjGQ-QC-tWuULIYXUrCLxzhTs7NuTmM9CARwOKDLfSonrQV5Ji0h4DTFaC3yMWpDaq5rL_pya1-Cmh3v2lcz-AeeIA8BdWIMpRs7qmDGEGMiUCa/s400/13a+-+P1100934_5_6+Ladder+on+Hike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave (top), Nancy, Ken, Dori, me and Brad</td></tr>
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Here we all are posing at the one small ladder to climb along the hike to the arch which is behind us. On the left of the photo, you can see a pothole. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuTUgkLerI5vjSvuoAJUqkPjt5ojgRxQDRKEHkqVmE4mDjjjb7Kcnz_HLq7YRQBUHS8FVhR3TOFG1zZFp168DJJdb6IK90wor1B2IO9joF5FoQSrlXJO7higtz9XHBKrl1yPIe96ofe70/s1600/13a+-+P1110034_5_6+Corona+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuTUgkLerI5vjSvuoAJUqkPjt5ojgRxQDRKEHkqVmE4mDjjjb7Kcnz_HLq7YRQBUHS8FVhR3TOFG1zZFp168DJJdb6IK90wor1B2IO9joF5FoQSrlXJO7higtz9XHBKrl1yPIe96ofe70/s400/13a+-+P1110034_5_6+Corona+Arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corona Arch</td></tr>
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Four of us contemplating the sheer size of the arch. See the couple hugging on the right? He has just proposed to her and their dog is waiting so patiently while they are locked in this embrace for at least 5 minutes, maybe even 10. How romantic. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Spring Canyon Road </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeTMct6s563aImzifCPB0LUmqYopmZfRMNcqZzd9E90IbHn-zfsW9avmSpbLptbvmkzYHf-ODxBAo_i_oJwfDl86rlSfoPipT6cSn1MB-7CaXC6vkzgbQwf3iyxPKZBfteyGRdLqiuwBN/s1600/13c+-+P1110220_1_2+Spring+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeTMct6s563aImzifCPB0LUmqYopmZfRMNcqZzd9E90IbHn-zfsW9avmSpbLptbvmkzYHf-ODxBAo_i_oJwfDl86rlSfoPipT6cSn1MB-7CaXC6vkzgbQwf3iyxPKZBfteyGRdLqiuwBN/s400/13c+-+P1110220_1_2+Spring+Canyon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Overlooking Spring Canyon from the top of the steep road that leads down into the canyon and to the Green River. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROepTbT9kahjdiEiEROjbPcF0nCcfzhi_r8GoOOkcHBimlwyWyFUe0c3iH7qDTHoBz0mZloIYYFlXpkhx4Luj-fuiXy6fhPCTgaVW3q1xAds9X7EU4QqGPXu16rYFQ-5e_v91-O2VW3RO/s1600/13c+-+P1110253_4_5+Spring+Cyn+Rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROepTbT9kahjdiEiEROjbPcF0nCcfzhi_r8GoOOkcHBimlwyWyFUe0c3iH7qDTHoBz0mZloIYYFlXpkhx4Luj-fuiXy6fhPCTgaVW3q1xAds9X7EU4QqGPXu16rYFQ-5e_v91-O2VW3RO/s400/13c+-+P1110253_4_5+Spring+Cyn+Rd.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving down Spring Canyon Road</td></tr>
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Most of the fun is driving these roads. They are narrow, only allowing 2 cars to pass in a few spots. They are rugged, built on the edges of the steep canyon walls. Like I said - fun! </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Mineral Bottom Road to Moses & Zeus </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighVgYBmGwOhAemgEFl_fm6J76DaOVr9cXyYv2cwfPcRrDWdMmZxw6daQ8UfSYbvaLfiZSnkuI7qWtUzXZE-eAG67H2_IMTeeQZnajRN-7xrAA_yUJ-OTaEa8q1lHpzuCh29M0vhjxNnSg/s1600/13d+-+P1110347+Moses+and+Zeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighVgYBmGwOhAemgEFl_fm6J76DaOVr9cXyYv2cwfPcRrDWdMmZxw6daQ8UfSYbvaLfiZSnkuI7qWtUzXZE-eAG67H2_IMTeeQZnajRN-7xrAA_yUJ-OTaEa8q1lHpzuCh29M0vhjxNnSg/s400/13d+-+P1110347+Moses+and+Zeus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Nancy, Dave, me and Ken hiking out to Moses and Zeus (Dori must be behind Brad the photographer). The two tall spires ahead of us are the aptly-named formations. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzI-39htqNGYf92vPM3RSLJxLMrphdbcsBeXksU1OhPgU53RFE-3znnEY6tRK_X-gGuMHHC5W1ev5GW1oO_UKqz0lqIb_OiTtTayzbDmMi9ae8e3U_viv1A17rJxLJJTTJErqEQ6ZfW29/s1600/13d+-+P1110475_6_7+Taylor+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzI-39htqNGYf92vPM3RSLJxLMrphdbcsBeXksU1OhPgU53RFE-3znnEY6tRK_X-gGuMHHC5W1ev5GW1oO_UKqz0lqIb_OiTtTayzbDmMi9ae8e3U_viv1A17rJxLJJTTJErqEQ6ZfW29/s400/13d+-+P1110475_6_7+Taylor+Canyon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A view of Taylor Canyon looking towards the parking area from the base of Moses and Zeus. Ken, Dori and I are about to make our way across the narrow ridge near the bottom left. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-17196306943708343652016-11-13T09:56:00.005-05:002016-11-13T09:57:47.268-05:00Glass Buttes, Oregon and Driving to Moab, UtahOur last stop in the Pacific Northwest is at Glass Buttes in Oregon, a BLM area that looks unremarkable from the highway. What we expect to be an overnight stop becomes a week and a half visit. Rain plays a big part in the decision to stay, thinking we can wait it out, but in the end Mother Nature wins and we move on. It rains for 4 or 5 days straight! Welcome to fall in Oregon!
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Glass Buttes </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP4mFKsthZKB1QX2N4SghyphenhyphenRboj0gMiCxKJiucsIHZ_WORTSI1GsHw6gimjEGiiuMamehYnlmG4QcOp7OeR8loDeKaGbNvv0Ohc3mOFH21dhRImCMIgSL0p6TyIgEJCwkqZszFGAaW3Ucj/s1600/11+-+P1100741_2_3+Glass+Buttes+Campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP4mFKsthZKB1QX2N4SghyphenhyphenRboj0gMiCxKJiucsIHZ_WORTSI1GsHw6gimjEGiiuMamehYnlmG4QcOp7OeR8loDeKaGbNvv0Ohc3mOFH21dhRImCMIgSL0p6TyIgEJCwkqZszFGAaW3Ucj/s320/11+-+P1100741_2_3+Glass+Buttes+Campsite.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping at Glass Buttes, OR</td></tr>
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We snag a beautiful campsite a little over 2 miles from the highway along Obsidian Road. That's Big Glass Butte in the background, and it's not on fire. That's just a fiery sunset. Grady loves it here and enjoys long walks in the pinyon pine forest. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmros9baPHr-hPXGwSZTUO7p6iBQ9W3Q7LIYeNBJRUuVAq33v8UCqmLlG_ChUfPSxE499TDMNI6VgxZRKIZtJ3Vy4R_jl6cHmD3t1ngW3r-m78nBZBMHlshkNylTjjDMiy_GqNCrOXaoF/s1600/11+-+P1100754_5_6+Flint+Knapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmros9baPHr-hPXGwSZTUO7p6iBQ9W3Q7LIYeNBJRUuVAq33v8UCqmLlG_ChUfPSxE499TDMNI6VgxZRKIZtJ3Vy4R_jl6cHmD3t1ngW3r-m78nBZBMHlshkNylTjjDMiy_GqNCrOXaoF/s320/11+-+P1100754_5_6+Flint+Knapping.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad flint knapping</td></tr>
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Much of Oregon's and the PNW's geology is the result of volcanic activity. Glass Buttes is an area where outcroppings of obsidian (lava that has cooled quickly without forming bubbles, so it resembles glass) can be found. Here's Brad practicing a technique called "flint knapping" where you strike the outer, duller coating off the chunks to reveal the shiny, smooth interior. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5HbErKiii4HziJnpwgQ8UgPFHEbbRGdNv3NbTsfk5nRr3q4zr-1Td909bOqYqJ7SMwZCQtk4j9Kx3_EGGsRqqUUexUHWSYBf_QpX5TIH4Z8K606O_lSndbeuUaZSunkU8ZmgH6dK1PaL/s1600/11+-+P1120941+Mahogany+Obsidian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5HbErKiii4HziJnpwgQ8UgPFHEbbRGdNv3NbTsfk5nRr3q4zr-1Td909bOqYqJ7SMwZCQtk4j9Kx3_EGGsRqqUUexUHWSYBf_QpX5TIH4Z8K606O_lSndbeuUaZSunkU8ZmgH6dK1PaL/s320/11+-+P1120941+Mahogany+Obsidian.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mahogany Obsidian collected at Glass Buttes</td></tr>
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Besides the typical black obsidian, we find a lot of mahogany obsidian (pictured here) thanks to a friendly local hunter who leads us to a large pit full of the attractive brown and black pieces. Other specimens include red, sheen (greenish-gray), rainbow and the ever elusive fire obsidian, the latter which is known to be found only in this location. It becomes iridescent when white light is shone through the polished pieces. A fellow camper and retired geologist shows us several pieces of fire obsidian which he previously collected here. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Driving through Oregon, Idaho and on to Moab, Utah </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqB5xUOLQKUclfoVbj0CVRhaRoSleAs27C50uNNrS9OPrm3WpVZls1JwMP2rkG6P2lev4FXZ9Z7Q6WULPg7VBlaGrcyEmTnWiILXK-YPMwjd20UjCyO3RYBQvyks-a1dOyHjVmcLbgkM_/s1600/12+-+P1100817_8_9+Rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqB5xUOLQKUclfoVbj0CVRhaRoSleAs27C50uNNrS9OPrm3WpVZls1JwMP2rkG6P2lev4FXZ9Z7Q6WULPg7VBlaGrcyEmTnWiILXK-YPMwjd20UjCyO3RYBQvyks-a1dOyHjVmcLbgkM_/s320/12+-+P1100817_8_9+Rainbow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow over Idaho mountains</td></tr>
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A beautiful thing happens as we drive across Idaho to meet with friends in Moab, Utah. This rainbow appears. We get a few drops of rain from this cloud, but most of the moisture evaporates before hitting the ground. Unbelievably, the rainbow lasts for about 15 minutes. This photo is actually taken from inside the truck while I'm driving (Brad snapped the pic). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77U3982CHDR1uAGt8cWTq7SfEcsLfPmzz29zoaCzzyE1pVl5m95nk5iJcKfYdGS73O2svXHKcj2Zr_qpWZCPhEAoZ09_W-mXsv9pn6NfIof8a_3D132ypYOsSUMgfeAkfnfGFCD1NaX8i/s1600/12+-+P1100841_2_3+Verga+and+Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77U3982CHDR1uAGt8cWTq7SfEcsLfPmzz29zoaCzzyE1pVl5m95nk5iJcKfYdGS73O2svXHKcj2Zr_qpWZCPhEAoZ09_W-mXsv9pn6NfIof8a_3D132ypYOsSUMgfeAkfnfGFCD1NaX8i/s320/12+-+P1100841_2_3+Verga+and+Mountains.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verga, mountains on Idaho/Utah border</td></tr>
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The next morning (the drive from Burns, OR to Moab, UT is over 800 miles and takes 2 days), rain clouds still surround the mountains along the Idaho/Utah border. The moisture is called verga - rain that evaporates before hitting the ground. With the snow-capped mountains, it makes for a very dramatic photo. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-67572822950147624172016-10-11T15:37:00.000-04:002016-10-11T15:37:37.950-04:00Newberry National Volcanic Monument, ORRain hits the coast, so we venture inland to the east side of the Cascade Mountains where we explore the Newberry National Volcanic Monument near La Pine.
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Lava Lands Section (north and west of Sunriver on Highway 97)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFZbq3CcW0XP427av9Rph_ZtIjslB4aZPZl2LSHmsQd7Kk2NK8jB7doW1pjUKdiR7SM-2i9pFEn0vsBajUGo8_QnOjaWyZ6lST4OHNRlDIeYz5T4FkPrjK044tBHEayw_EgYvtT5IJLiv/s1600/10+-+P1100401_2_3_5_6+Benham+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFZbq3CcW0XP427av9Rph_ZtIjslB4aZPZl2LSHmsQd7Kk2NK8jB7doW1pjUKdiR7SM-2i9pFEn0vsBajUGo8_QnOjaWyZ6lST4OHNRlDIeYz5T4FkPrjK044tBHEayw_EgYvtT5IJLiv/s320/10+-+P1100401_2_3_5_6+Benham+Falls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A short hike through the great pines and spruce lead to Benham Falls which is really a series of rapids, but with all the sheer power, force and beauty of a waterfall. </td></tr>
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You think we're not in a rainforest? Think again! Moss grows on ALL the trees around here, but what a spectacle. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Paulina Mountains Section (north and east of La Pine on Highway 97)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg69HVbwdun7fE3nSGnAyQ1sF4Xr-ZBWq4VV7e8ADJKvaYJ1tzhD2Nc-XvhmtPRv3R9pD88SdkRgcRNSgy_bWEG1lv3X7cnIilAZnSq9-OkqUsXYgFi4lcSeT4RC83yQLZPGVBqe1Oo0dv/s1600/10+-+P1100630_1_2+Paulina+Peak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg69HVbwdun7fE3nSGnAyQ1sF4Xr-ZBWq4VV7e8ADJKvaYJ1tzhD2Nc-XvhmtPRv3R9pD88SdkRgcRNSgy_bWEG1lv3X7cnIilAZnSq9-OkqUsXYgFi4lcSeT4RC83yQLZPGVBqe1Oo0dv/s320/10+-+P1100630_1_2+Paulina+Peak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A steep road winds its way to the top of Paulina Peak (Paul-eye-na, not Paul-ee-na), a craggy collection of basalt rock. Unfortunately, it's a cloudy view of the Cascade Mountains to the west - Mt. Bachelor the left-most peak at 9,065 feet, and the Three Sisters to the right each around 10,000 feet. </td></tr>
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Yep, that's snow. Paulina Peak is at almost 8,000 feet and there's snow for about the last 1,000 feet while climbing the road. The temperature is about 38F (3C) up here, but the sun is out while we're on the peak. </td></tr>
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A closeup of Mt. Bachelor. Now you can really tell it is a volcano. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zME5ad3ibRhuDbCUq4CqZmu3SVATnqaw9dDbl6aV0bQ5YzLy-vqLAv_BL1psT3WqdcMP-EgJTjBHOdtUHHHMyfbMxDp_jYnr5j0zOPn3BhMxQf2r3VLkWeEQYLmG1yGy3eBabVTCRv-Z/s1600/10+-+P1100633_4_5_7_8+Obsidian+Flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zME5ad3ibRhuDbCUq4CqZmu3SVATnqaw9dDbl6aV0bQ5YzLy-vqLAv_BL1psT3WqdcMP-EgJTjBHOdtUHHHMyfbMxDp_jYnr5j0zOPn3BhMxQf2r3VLkWeEQYLmG1yGy3eBabVTCRv-Z/s320/10+-+P1100633_4_5_7_8+Obsidian+Flow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
From Paulina Peak, the view to East Lake. Paulina Lake is off camera to the left. Both lakes are craters formed from the volcano that created this geological feature. The giant mass in the middle is an obsidian flow. Obsidian is, essentially, glass. It was once lava, but with little to no gas bubbles in it cooled as a clear, sometimes shiny rock. The obsidian in this flow is very clear and black. Note the lava river to the right. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-76321430035802612622016-10-09T15:35:00.000-04:002016-10-09T15:35:08.913-04:00The Oregon Coast, from Cannon City to BrookingsOur day-long drive from southern Idaho to the Oregon Coast takes us through the Columbia River Gorge along I-84. Rain is predicted all day, but we catch a lucky break and most of the day is dry but overcast and gloomy. The gorge is spectacular and I wish we have time to explore it thoroughly. The south side of the Columbia River, in Oregon (Washington is to the north of the river), is dotted with waterfalls, most notably Multnomah Falls (620 feet!), but it is raining by the time we reach this point, and we are anxious to get to our destination, so no stopping. <br />
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The beginning of this year's trip is centred around the Oregon Coast. It is the reason we leave in early September, although means we have to return home by the beginning of March when the weather at home can still be very nasty! We are hoping for good weather here, and for the two weeks it takes us to wind our way down Highway 101 it is mostly sunny and warm. We are told the weather is unusually good for September, and we're glad - and relieved - for that. <br />
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Around Tillamook - mmm, cheese! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNKCNTNZQltQz0KlU_uzlmbvhtzoTFpnQGhnKIU-i0uCS5Gf4-VSfO8N86BWRtH604IC_EShprGqke7rPYa2pQTTzRFUU-8wrOm4g9zgdf77prvwVHqvwOvMvmX0hCeXFl2l5-cozDlNE/s1600/4+-+Cannon+Beach+P1070169_70_71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNKCNTNZQltQz0KlU_uzlmbvhtzoTFpnQGhnKIU-i0uCS5Gf4-VSfO8N86BWRtH604IC_EShprGqke7rPYa2pQTTzRFUU-8wrOm4g9zgdf77prvwVHqvwOvMvmX0hCeXFl2l5-cozDlNE/s320/4+-+Cannon+Beach+P1070169_70_71.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach</td></tr>
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We start this leg of the trip staying in Netarts, just outside of Tillamook (famous for its fabulous cheese), but drive as far north as Cannon City. This is the beach in Cannon City, a great tourist town with lots of local character. Sorry, yes, we skip the town of Astoria in the north, a fishing and tourist village at the mouth of the Columbia River. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5oyBbl2RagBe-0bYyultc_NcNyl4g8o8hQoDk0WtNGClSLZeLTUvbHCvXUqnsqZFV6gt-LaURpdPzt6WERYJahXkkEaI35gm3ph42FLryHAJWmSWeywKXCqmwbJg9Ps4pJ5uCwECIv7M/s1600/4+-+Cape+Meares+P1070208_09_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5oyBbl2RagBe-0bYyultc_NcNyl4g8o8hQoDk0WtNGClSLZeLTUvbHCvXUqnsqZFV6gt-LaURpdPzt6WERYJahXkkEaI35gm3ph42FLryHAJWmSWeywKXCqmwbJg9Ps4pJ5uCwECIv7M/s320/4+-+Cape+Meares+P1070208_09_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's mist; the forest is not on fire!</td></tr>
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A beach somewhere along the drive to Cape Meares which is the northernmost headland along the "Three Capes" route. You can see how wet it is as the mist rolls off the forested cape. It often looks like this. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GT1PI2CD6pbOqg0tpGdQSbKfvPWHgz0ldMgTsDQv2gDZ7ZvNN_var5EB6J-QNao3QC0g7078cAdBP308iQJcZsG7_9e6_XqYDkVhW-7bN59sA1rkjllEyv6xKkLpTrvFScYpt2jLwTXH/s1600/4+-+Painters+P1070221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GT1PI2CD6pbOqg0tpGdQSbKfvPWHgz0ldMgTsDQv2gDZ7ZvNN_var5EB6J-QNao3QC0g7078cAdBP308iQJcZsG7_9e6_XqYDkVhW-7bN59sA1rkjllEyv6xKkLpTrvFScYpt2jLwTXH/s320/4+-+Painters+P1070221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painters at Hug Point State Park</td></tr>
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These painters are spending the day capturing the scenery in their own way. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtuMCzfQQa2v8E4xgwocyTQsFuuOQGIivT-Ay2tmFCui5GdnYc2wwtEUhAke0qrSPsolBvtAN_ZVjWE6V3bYrzsnQ_XMNt6XtZVmvE6r9VEcT0t4KTXGltZYamA39AIq5uRsiqwQed2HW/s1600/4+-+Cape+Lookout+P1070286_7_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtuMCzfQQa2v8E4xgwocyTQsFuuOQGIivT-Ay2tmFCui5GdnYc2wwtEUhAke0qrSPsolBvtAN_ZVjWE6V3bYrzsnQ_XMNt6XtZVmvE6r9VEcT0t4KTXGltZYamA39AIq5uRsiqwQed2HW/s320/4+-+Cape+Lookout+P1070286_7_8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The view from Cape Lookout, overlooking the state park. It is late in the afternoon (about 5:30pm) and the ocean fog is rolling back in. Many days are foggy until almost noon (allowing us to have lazy mornings) and again in the evening. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Around Pacific City - small and quiet </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ9N4RL3pVFRNwlW3_xvtswx_caWh7NNVeRiFhM-4Z8Pp7XWcuI4Yy1gNz3ZnOM-BkI7MDtHJdB2kW2GIn4eyXKDivFeBThEF0jzGNsNULs5HjHeljoUAf3P_T6f4VQcaqh6G5VySPooE/s1600/5+-+Cape+Kiwanda+P1070509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ9N4RL3pVFRNwlW3_xvtswx_caWh7NNVeRiFhM-4Z8Pp7XWcuI4Yy1gNz3ZnOM-BkI7MDtHJdB2kW2GIn4eyXKDivFeBThEF0jzGNsNULs5HjHeljoUAf3P_T6f4VQcaqh6G5VySPooE/s320/5+-+Cape+Kiwanda+P1070509.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad wave-watching</td></tr>
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The views from Cape Kiwanda, the southernmost cape along the Three Capes Scenic Route, are some of the most spectacular we see. As the tide comes in, the waves explode along the rocky shoreline and sometimes even crash into each other, with the outgoing wave annihilating the incoming roller. We watch this spectacle for over an hour, taking hundreds of photos and videos. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MJ7Xb03UQfHrwd0VARgt5yEj2bGbPh13vs_bjexRbP7vwJx-JszQem5D5494h9w3RpiWyow4c0NXhnybIZ0v3SP1jQaoZOfp4e6gCY1Yj9hycg0SUOc3JuppSipNobRTFelWcE-4NkIH/s1600/6+-+Dory+Boat+P1070729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MJ7Xb03UQfHrwd0VARgt5yEj2bGbPh13vs_bjexRbP7vwJx-JszQem5D5494h9w3RpiWyow4c0NXhnybIZ0v3SP1jQaoZOfp4e6gCY1Yj9hycg0SUOc3JuppSipNobRTFelWcE-4NkIH/s320/6+-+Dory+Boat+P1070729.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the huge sand dune</td></tr>
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The beach at Cape Kiwanda is apparently the only place these dory boats still run. They are flat-bottomed fishing vessels and it is more than unsettling to watch the captain ram the boat onto the shore at full throttle. A winch then hoists the boat onto the trailer. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Around Newport - a bustling tourist town with all the attractions </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYUQHFCKUkFKCWW8jPf3E7uwQ-XpO6OFixTDTwakGhYqiMbcsVeT4szWI0C6RfnwGsIBWIzreCZ1YDfkXcoj2i4suDvXCJffHacLYlfJUz90vL7BKB_pA_dGCrNIDTPDfOvFvadyfmHS7/s1600/6a+-+Devil%2527s+Punchbowl+Bottom+P1070999_80001_80002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYUQHFCKUkFKCWW8jPf3E7uwQ-XpO6OFixTDTwakGhYqiMbcsVeT4szWI0C6RfnwGsIBWIzreCZ1YDfkXcoj2i4suDvXCJffHacLYlfJUz90vL7BKB_pA_dGCrNIDTPDfOvFvadyfmHS7/s320/6a+-+Devil%2527s+Punchbowl+Bottom+P1070999_80001_80002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad standing in the Devil's Punchbowl</td></tr>
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The Devil's Punchbowl north of Newport is another outstanding area we visit twice - at high tide and low tide. During high tide, the bowl is almost half full of churning water, but when the tide is out you can walk around the bottom. But watch out for "sneaker waves" - they'll soak you if you're not careful. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bi3FYkz55n16SP9cvpUzWnIvX29whDIw6v4MYKoujsqrVcGrAX7mgq6E-MO2AZGTdCCzAbSmcoudDUvi5LB_6T87Ki7t36fKY45FxOboD0-yqn41hHjf0JCMxPcY1t0XPScEF3R3PHNy/s1600/6a+-+Giant+Green+Anenomes+P1080084_5_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bi3FYkz55n16SP9cvpUzWnIvX29whDIw6v4MYKoujsqrVcGrAX7mgq6E-MO2AZGTdCCzAbSmcoudDUvi5LB_6T87Ki7t36fKY45FxOboD0-yqn41hHjf0JCMxPcY1t0XPScEF3R3PHNy/s320/6a+-+Giant+Green+Anenomes+P1080084_5_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In the tide pools around the Punchbowl, we find these Giant Green Anemones. They are about the size of my fist, and open when in the water but close up when the tide is out. They are very brilliant green. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggdLmt42n8sjt4hVHOrk7KkrPvjLob37kbRVntK99etKXDGc46cFY0Kv9pPTn9L8IIK6ljkl4Raj0vW3YZcKYSkvPfstnSAw0fQcuM2RMiGD6R7FLg4RQZ5keDwX7zBCLF1etS37_uiUS/s1600/6a+-+Harbor+Seals+P1080174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggdLmt42n8sjt4hVHOrk7KkrPvjLob37kbRVntK99etKXDGc46cFY0Kv9pPTn9L8IIK6ljkl4Raj0vW3YZcKYSkvPfstnSAw0fQcuM2RMiGD6R7FLg4RQZ5keDwX7zBCLF1etS37_uiUS/s320/6a+-+Harbor+Seals+P1080174.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These harbour seals are sunning along the beach and seem impervious to our presence. The town of Newport also has a Ripley's Believe It Or Not, a Wax Works museum, and marine life exhibits and dive shows at the Undersea Gardens aquarium. You can also charter boats for fishing and whale watching. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf8mvS5hIhMD0kjBHEx7m3EfHjQcwtHtVaAXRZu1EfH3jJayGiJsRvFg4a4FqF26khoxnrqtqqsvZUkHXyInrLa0mANdEvxKxCxujF3iRda9d0jMNUTNk6ZNY_6Gd3lx9y2oRe3z7beQM/s1600/6+-+Whale+P1070869_70_71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf8mvS5hIhMD0kjBHEx7m3EfHjQcwtHtVaAXRZu1EfH3jJayGiJsRvFg4a4FqF26khoxnrqtqqsvZUkHXyInrLa0mANdEvxKxCxujF3iRda9d0jMNUTNk6ZNY_6Gd3lx9y2oRe3z7beQM/s320/6+-+Whale+P1070869_70_71.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, we don't know what kind of whales they are</td></tr>
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We spot numerous whales, in fact numerous pods, along the stretch of coastline north of Newport. Only a very few times does a whale show us his tail, and of course never when we are photographing them. I could whale-watch all day, and spend hours watching them hunting in the swells. A few, like this one, come very close to the cliff from where we are watching at the Cape Foulweather Lighthouse. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7N6S4da3-Fgv_w6gRVaJRRNNpfsZiziqJWvbfW4PGlLNlFKqlQy8C5nwb1rstfaQf0Tl2lj_Ke-5XXwOiy4jvJmv3siJop1cl5G10Ej366bYu-zyDV6JwdkR-Q9J7f43_FD5ww1oPCiD/s1600/6c+-+Seal+Rock+P1080686_7_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7N6S4da3-Fgv_w6gRVaJRRNNpfsZiziqJWvbfW4PGlLNlFKqlQy8C5nwb1rstfaQf0Tl2lj_Ke-5XXwOiy4jvJmv3siJop1cl5G10Ej366bYu-zyDV6JwdkR-Q9J7f43_FD5ww1oPCiD/s320/6c+-+Seal+Rock+P1080686_7_8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At Seal Rock, the volanic basalt lava has squeezed up through a fissure in the earth creating a line of rock formations along this beach. And yes, seals are swimming in the little bay. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFdcCU5-SzgYdWijYQrHq8TlRREld7JoLpgJ4J_Pxt0RS-obx-S9NnHWJmy_6Nr19Yx98ICdoYqSjhCMB8recWQk0gwdlHd4AB0YCfmLNx2pZh98Yx4rTEuIJoJUsXxNpIHQWmKK2z5SK/s1600/6d+-+Devil%2527s+Churn+P1080927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFdcCU5-SzgYdWijYQrHq8TlRREld7JoLpgJ4J_Pxt0RS-obx-S9NnHWJmy_6Nr19Yx98ICdoYqSjhCMB8recWQk0gwdlHd4AB0YCfmLNx2pZh98Yx4rTEuIJoJUsXxNpIHQWmKK2z5SK/s320/6d+-+Devil%2527s+Churn+P1080927.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See me standing above the channel - a fall would not be survivable!</td></tr>
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I know Cape Perpetua will be my favourite place along this coast simply when I read the name on the map. And it doesn't disappoint. Irregular basalt rock creates a deadly rugged shoreline with long cracks opening perpendicular to the coast. At Devil's Churn, the waves push into a long, narrow opening about 50 feet across, then squeeze down this narrow channel for another several hundred feet. The water here turns to thick foam resembling whipped cream. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4td9pVucXLUwF3cx1kKqMH8G10MijRFe_1OMHDcWnmFpu5lwD5d0cQrOfmc2zNfESoYu6XYhTxEqFLld-hwL-9zcswSmUELLGeDfvaO66Uia6m2k3kUodoOQJG1-8lefSjf-4VZaZg-_b/s1600/6d+-+Spouting+Horn+P1090627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4td9pVucXLUwF3cx1kKqMH8G10MijRFe_1OMHDcWnmFpu5lwD5d0cQrOfmc2zNfESoYu6XYhTxEqFLld-hwL-9zcswSmUELLGeDfvaO66Uia6m2k3kUodoOQJG1-8lefSjf-4VZaZg-_b/s320/6d+-+Spouting+Horn+P1090627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Spounting Horn only performs when the tide is high or coming in. The spray shoots into the sunset as it sounds its release, visibly and audibly. This area of coastline around Newport, between Cape Foulweather and Cape Perpetua displays the most exceptional scenery and we spend the bulk of our time exploring here. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Around Florence - sand dune central </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yVbySuH1rMa9L1TFWyPP8G3RCTQLr_znAYw36-VhZRQzgWjmacocqopEUTmOg66KH5X9byKHIc8d5E6jfihjHWlWm9ta5h2jmBWd71WS63vw7Nh9-IjjJb0TIfNFlKqJj3KTiNFlDBSh/s1600/7a+-+Heceta+Lighthouse+P1090869_70_71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yVbySuH1rMa9L1TFWyPP8G3RCTQLr_znAYw36-VhZRQzgWjmacocqopEUTmOg66KH5X9byKHIc8d5E6jfihjHWlWm9ta5h2jmBWd71WS63vw7Nh9-IjjJb0TIfNFlKqJj3KTiNFlDBSh/s320/7a+-+Heceta+Lighthouse+P1090869_70_71.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Heceta Head Lighthouse and beach is the perfect place to spend a very windy (gusts around 30 mph) day as it's nicely sheltered. We stay in Florence to visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a stretch of sand dunes about 60 miles long, but they are not as impressive as we thought they'd be, and the weather is windy and cold - not good weather to be in the sand. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbEO1iUroZmXWWcEwVN-ZwG8JB8MV1obqUnb6E9vnp8OCRa23MHeE6bqMhYVbAU8OYTcaY9gLyUeDsNb8QdxDogzBDs9q5rIk7aZkF4sH0ev5jnw6UVd1hMZvzuMoYyde3WhZHGFI27JS/s1600/7a+-+Sea+Lions+P1090699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbEO1iUroZmXWWcEwVN-ZwG8JB8MV1obqUnb6E9vnp8OCRa23MHeE6bqMhYVbAU8OYTcaY9gLyUeDsNb8QdxDogzBDs9q5rIk7aZkF4sH0ev5jnw6UVd1hMZvzuMoYyde3WhZHGFI27JS/s320/7a+-+Sea+Lions+P1090699.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The commercial Sea Lion Caves just south of the lighthouse would be nice to see, but the sea lions are not in the caves until November. Instead, they are out in the surf hunting and fattening up for winter. Here are three small groups of sea lions in the swells; hope you can see them all. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Around Brookings - southernmost city on the Oregon Coast </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF8V4s5XSf6a1mqllvLLtdVjz5fzw-8kdAOJThBK70WXD-ZKIujdai2XfCbm3HVk5pZp2fnhzodzWoUqeQO8RPIMe802Hr-dReVGQ34w4By6el05uKZuu85vhqKdyQN0lLl14joIn-M4t/s1600/9a+-+Natural+Bridges+P1100233_4_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF8V4s5XSf6a1mqllvLLtdVjz5fzw-8kdAOJThBK70WXD-ZKIujdai2XfCbm3HVk5pZp2fnhzodzWoUqeQO8RPIMe802Hr-dReVGQ34w4By6el05uKZuu85vhqKdyQN0lLl14joIn-M4t/s320/9a+-+Natural+Bridges+P1100233_4_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three bridges are visible from this point</td></tr>
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The highlight in this area is the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a series of overlooks along Highway 101 north of Brookings which allows access to the Oregon Coast Trail. Natural Bridges is one of the highlights, although I think the beach is inaccessible (we don't hike the trail, but I don't think it goes down anyway, only along the forested cliffs above the surf). </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZSLfI7NHywsxG5aDgYDe48rLJrpigEQQADrWZaGZfNFGNzGC9eyOu7gAsy8hb02myWI-ArF9Mu1ZfH1krtVTWTxpln7h_HYY9QfNpfyrwxk0LYc_rv_3ApmG4m5DC9XJjISnJeiDr_Jz/s1600/9a+-+Sea+Stars+P1100219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZSLfI7NHywsxG5aDgYDe48rLJrpigEQQADrWZaGZfNFGNzGC9eyOu7gAsy8hb02myWI-ArF9Mu1ZfH1krtVTWTxpln7h_HYY9QfNpfyrwxk0LYc_rv_3ApmG4m5DC9XJjISnJeiDr_Jz/s320/9a+-+Sea+Stars+P1100219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Do not adjust your glasses; this photo is blurry since it super-telephoto without a tripod, but I want to include it to show some of the marine life we see. These sea stars cling to the rock (this happens to be Arch Rock) and come in orange and purple. There are also numerous green anemones hanging on the rock. </td></tr>
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As you can see, we love our journey down the Oregon Coast, just soaking in the ruggedly stunning scenery. We focus on the natural attractions, but man-made ones abound too. Gourmet coffee, wineries, micro-breweries, lighthouses, bridges, maritime museums, cheese-making, quilting, glass-blowing, seafood restaurants and markets, ATV rentals for playing in the sand dunes, white-water rafting and jet boating on the Rogue River - there's something for everyone. But for us, we prefer watching the ocean's perpetual motion and power, seeing how the water sculpts the volcanic basalt and sandstone into rugged headlands and gorgeous stretches of beach. Nature is our attraction of choice, and the Oregon Coast certainly delivers.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-28708912294078512232016-10-05T15:25:00.000-04:002016-10-05T15:25:17.949-04:00City of Rocks National Reserve near Burley, Idaho<table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjM0jREe8MWh2tW8gDpneGaJqYMTwrVklWAfvlIReZZjnzFynnP6sty1fxK9S4JkrDKRvn7WWEdQzd8c4RcEtDYBZkUTeuCWRqH3WMx6ayrG4lKU1HKDVmDFsNbjJYCg0vd3AVNxY0JKG/s1600/3+-+P1060663_4_5_tonemapped+City+of+Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjM0jREe8MWh2tW8gDpneGaJqYMTwrVklWAfvlIReZZjnzFynnP6sty1fxK9S4JkrDKRvn7WWEdQzd8c4RcEtDYBZkUTeuCWRqH3WMx6ayrG4lKU1HKDVmDFsNbjJYCg0vd3AVNxY0JKG/s320/3+-+P1060663_4_5_tonemapped+City+of+Rocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Since we're killing a couple of days before heading to the coast where it's raining, we drive south to City of Rocks. These granite pinnacles, arches and windows form visually stunning views. </td></tr>
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The park is very popular with climbers and we find several along the Creekside Towers Trail. This is Morning Glory Spire which this young couple is climbing; a 66-year old woman was climbing a formation called Scream Cheese! </td></tr>
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These spires, called the Twin Sisters, are interesting because the two formations were actually formed millions of years apart, yet they look so much alike. </td></tr>
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We also plan to spend a day at the Bruneau Dunes State Park a bit further west, but honestly we find the lake beach smelly with algae and the sand dusty and dirty. Having visited so many beautiful sand dunes before - the Imperial Sand Dunes in Southern California, Kelso Dunes in Mojave National Preserve, the dunes near Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado - these don't live up to expectations and we move on after having a quick snack.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-90848403697567957882016-10-05T15:22:00.000-04:002016-10-05T15:22:11.071-04:00Craters of the Moon National Monument near Arco, IdahoSorry for such a short blog post on the Grand Tetons. They are worthy of so much more. But we have been traveling quickly and I've had little time to organize the photos and thoughts that go into this blog. We have now been on the road for about 5 weeks, and I'm finally getting around to catching up on what we did 4 weeks ago!<br />
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A couple of hours drive over the Rocky Mountains brings us into Idaho, a new state for all of us. They call it "The Gem State" and I can only assume that's because it has a high incidence of gem-quality minerals. It is mountainous, yet open meadow in a lot of places too. We focus on an area northwest of Pocatello (which always reminds me of Judy Garland, singing "Born in a Trunk" in the movie "A Star is Born" - yeah, I'm a 50s-60s musical buff).
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Anyway, we're here to see the Craters of the Moon, a vast area of lava spewed forth beginning 15,000 years ago from a 52-mile (84-kilometre) series of deep fissures known as the Great Rift that cross the Snake River Plain.. </td></tr>
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It's almost unthinkable how life can exist in this place, but it does. This hearty little plant is about the size of my hand. </td></tr>
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A close-up of some chunks of lava. Its surface is very rough. Here you can see the algae growing on it. </td></tr>
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There are a few lava tubes in the park, but we don't explore them as our campground host convinces us to explore a much lesser known cave further to the north called Hidden Mouth Cave. And I'm glad he does as we have the place all to ourselves, although we are hiking in the rain and the trail is steep, muddy and difficult to find at times.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-31852646013367636722016-09-20T01:32:00.001-04:002016-09-20T01:32:25.947-04:00Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back on the road for Year 7! Wow! Where have the years gone?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We leave early this year, right after Labour Day. The plan is to get to the Oregon Coast before the weather turns bad (ha ha! After all, it IS the Pacific Northwest where the weather is notoriously wet!) But our first destination will be in Wyoming at Grand Teton National Park for two reasons. First, to visit with friends Nancy and Dave who are temporarily working in Jackson Hole at the south end of the park; second, because the last time we were here (after visiting Yellowstone NP in <a href="http://griseslifeofleisure.blogspot.com/2012/09/grand-tetons-and-flaming-gorge.html" target="_blank">2012</a>), we just drove through since we couldn't see the mountains thanks to the numerous forest fires.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad thinks he's a cowboy!</td></tr>
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Probably the MOST photographed barn in the park, in Wyoming, and probably in all of the U.S. Sitting alongside Mormon Row, this barn attracts crowds every day thanks to its perfect location. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A glorious view of the Tetons reached by a short hike to a beaver pond off Schwabacher Road. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Catching the last rays of sun from Signal Mountain. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Our longest hike in the park - 4 miles to Taggart Lake. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And this year proves to be no different from our last visit. Small fires have been burning and thanks to a very windy day close the highway to Yellowstone NP north of us. Our route will take us south and west, so this closure doesn't affect us. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After a great dinner with Dave and Nancy on our last night, we walk around the town of Jackson Hole. Here is Nancy and me in the town square where an elk antler arch adorns each corner. Don't worry, the elk aren't killed for their antlers. The males shed their antlers every fall and are collected. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many thanks to Dave for touring us around the park this year while poor Nancy had to work. We're so glad we had the opportunity to squeeze this beautiful park and such wonderful friends into our schedule.
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 83012, USA43.7904282 -110.6817626999999843.4211397 -111.32720969999998 44.159716700000004 -110.03631569999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-49924629472828715892016-03-03T22:13:00.002-05:002016-03-03T22:26:05.698-05:00From Birthday Parties in Lake Havasu City, Arizona to Home in OntarioFirst, this post is greatly delayed as we drove home immediately following our visit and within 24 hours of arriving safely, both of us came down with a very bad flu virus. Once I recovered, there was mounds of laundry, housework, grocery shopping, trailer unpacking to do and a trip to the vet with kitty. But anyway, here is the final blog post for the 2015-2016 season.
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Our last weekend in the southwest is spent partying back in Lake Havasu City. Along the drive between I-10 in California and Parker, Arizona is this strange "shoe fence". We often see wacky stuff like this driving through the desert, and this day we make time to stop and take a few pictures. It's crazy - shoes and clothing just stuck in this fence. Need a shoe, take a shoe. Have a shoe, leave a shoe. </td></tr>
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We arrive at Paul and Sue's on my birthday, and this beloved group of friends surprises me with a delightful chocolate cake after a dinner out for dollar tacos. How did you know chocolate was my favourite? I guess the t-shirt is a dead giveaway (it says "Give me chocolate and nobody gets hurt"). </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhCTs1t2JRBgdW9_EpP-qVR6JZq7ddNEzFvJoFzL4SUQXbhs8bHXyus-qElMNXPx1WZnDfoC-yQtr2MTO5rnVVtPXG1m9HL2_2WJ21N0QTwCb7f1x1zxS1j9wyCMII-WfOAOaA6nVmxFZ/s1600/15+P1030307+In+the+Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhCTs1t2JRBgdW9_EpP-qVR6JZq7ddNEzFvJoFzL4SUQXbhs8bHXyus-qElMNXPx1WZnDfoC-yQtr2MTO5rnVVtPXG1m9HL2_2WJ21N0QTwCb7f1x1zxS1j9wyCMII-WfOAOaA6nVmxFZ/s320/15+P1030307+In+the+Pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We're really here to celebrate Paul's 60th birthday. To party with friends is why Paul and Sue built this house in Lake Havasu City, and we thank them. Brad and I enjoy an afternoon with the group in the pool the day before the celebration. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8JK7eBSAc8DwJji8oEZ-wndZRLTuHCt9VcRQ-EB2mmv6FRK87bHHb4z9GkCtlqezNNKvr5D0EOolvQoKzIRyFLw6786XrGmYlQSqmalhudA-8xR7lGsHAMxaHNPZbI3XoictonXf40bC/s1600/15+P1050580_1_2+Tequila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8JK7eBSAc8DwJji8oEZ-wndZRLTuHCt9VcRQ-EB2mmv6FRK87bHHb4z9GkCtlqezNNKvr5D0EOolvQoKzIRyFLw6786XrGmYlQSqmalhudA-8xR7lGsHAMxaHNPZbI3XoictonXf40bC/s320/15+P1050580_1_2+Tequila.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patron Silver Tequila</td></tr>
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<a href="http://soos-ontheroad.blogspot.ca/2016/02/paul-porters-birthday-bash-02-20-16.html" target="_blank">Sue's blog</a> already has the best party photos. We played volleyball in the pool, had a great Mexican feast for dinner, complete with margaritas and tequila shots. And Sue put together a groovy 2-hour playlist for evening dancing. What a party!<br />
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One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MxmPIwbeOjDu1aipX_ORpjwZG9_44auEW2aAnZf9O5PWRP8HPC_C-LpJZTCha8Pu4KtV-QTZ5ffxhji8hmcA_UhbH2SMqN_GEo3qqdv0JJvqfMBizimwyjf1VD3VyVHxowzbE-BY3Bta/s1600/15+P1050610_1_2+Trailer+and+full+moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MxmPIwbeOjDu1aipX_ORpjwZG9_44auEW2aAnZf9O5PWRP8HPC_C-LpJZTCha8Pu4KtV-QTZ5ffxhji8hmcA_UhbH2SMqN_GEo3qqdv0JJvqfMBizimwyjf1VD3VyVHxowzbE-BY3Bta/s320/15+P1050610_1_2+Trailer+and+full+moon.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
Camped in the one of three full hookup sites in the Porters' driveway with an almost full moon rising. Our last night in the southwest. </td></tr>
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The day after the party and we make a run for the border - 2,400 miles (3,860 Km) in 3 days! Normally, we would take 4-5 days to do that kind of drive, but bad weather in the form of rain and gusting winds is expected on day 4, so it's a mad dash. Luckily, the weather is great all the way home, and we arrive on day 3 around 10:30 pm, unpack the entire trailer, and tumble into bed around 2am. But by bedtime the next night, we are both sick with the flu and spend almost a week in bed. But enough of that. Here's the 2015-2016 trip's numbers:
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<tr><td>Total distance driven: </td><td>11,700 miles (18,830 km) in 5 months </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total amount spent on diesel (truck fuel) </td><td>$ 2,233 USD of which $910 USD was spent driving out and home (fuel was VERY cheap this year) </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total amount spent on propane (heating and cooking) </td><td>$ 293 USD which isn't bad considering it was a cooler, wetter season than in past years </td></tr>
<tr><td>Total trip-related expenses: </td><td>$ 3,740 (excludes groceries since we would buy food at home) </td></tr>
<tr><td>Average trip-related cost: </td><td>$ 25 per day for the two of us </td></tr>
<tr><td>States Visited: </td><td>Utah, Arizona and California </td></tr>
<tr><td>Number of different camping spots: </td><td>14 (2 were repeated during this year - Lake Havasu City and Yuma) </td></tr>
<tr><td>Amount spent on camping: </td><td>$24 - 2 nights paid for in 5 months; all the rest of the trip was free camping - a new record! And - on that second day after paying, we learned where the free camping is in the area, so we could have spent $0,000.00 on camping this year with that little extra smidge of knowledge! </td></tr>
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Now to begin planning the next trip, hopefully to the Oregon coast starting in early September 2016. Safe and happy travels everyone. Thanks for following us for another year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjViCHMr_xe8oZKglmL4QbBumwWZF_iW_ErdGAW9axAP7fjAljG3HPoZFvBN_gwImMC34yV9Ienp_oh1PVl5cvQgEXzWqXh5I0hYWYA6lT_nlEeeopwHOI8P9PTouzgkFkzaqaCgMLl09/s1600/15+P1030090_1_2+Alstrom+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjViCHMr_xe8oZKglmL4QbBumwWZF_iW_ErdGAW9axAP7fjAljG3HPoZFvBN_gwImMC34yV9Ienp_oh1PVl5cvQgEXzWqXh5I0hYWYA6lT_nlEeeopwHOI8P9PTouzgkFkzaqaCgMLl09/s1600/15+P1030090_1_2+Alstrom+Point.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favourite photo of the trip</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-62789079982526327262016-02-19T17:22:00.001-05:002016-02-19T17:32:19.262-05:00Family in California<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4N5HeKKN8dv9MjHlH_Z6ECqxpqbA2K6jtqqEW4EhdgBxI5hk8r0dqPwxpmWN2_ZpDbjP_qbWKjbHmUMqebxmXz3sd5-t65ORvPOyyZUwriUePlRCwg2XRauz9aUj-mXntvDb4wLOFA80/s1600/Bill001sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4N5HeKKN8dv9MjHlH_Z6ECqxpqbA2K6jtqqEW4EhdgBxI5hk8r0dqPwxpmWN2_ZpDbjP_qbWKjbHmUMqebxmXz3sd5-t65ORvPOyyZUwriUePlRCwg2XRauz9aUj-mXntvDb4wLOFA80/s320/Bill001sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During our first visit, Christmas 2010</td></tr>
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Since year one of our RV travels (2010), we come as far west as California to visit my uncle who moved to the Golden State in 1958. Sadly, and suddenly, he passed away last spring. As executor of his will, I carried out his wish to be cremated and return to California to pick up his remains and his few personal belongings. It's a bittersweet trip, knowing we'll never being able to visit Uncle Bill again, but we do meet his best friend, and visit with my aunt and cousins (not Uncle Bill's wife and daughters, but his brother Frank's).<br />
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Background story - my dad had three brothers. Two, Uncles Frank and Bill and their families, moved to California in the mid and late 1950s; my dad, his oldest brother and their parents (my grandparents) stayed in Ontario. Uncle Bill's wife didn't like living in California, so she and their daughter returned to Ontario within a few months. They divorced, she remarried and Uncle Bill lost touch with his daughter. Unfortunately, their relationship didn't survive the distance.<br />
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From the time I was a youngster, maybe 9 or 10 years old, I've written letters to Uncle Bill and we always exchanged birthday and Christmas cards. It was a practice we continued until his death. He was my favourite uncle. I don't know why; we rarely saw each other. We just clicked. I will miss him dearly, but having listened to stories about him from my aunt and cousins, and Uncle Bill's best friend about his life in California, I am convinced he lived his life exactly the way he wanted to. And isn't that all any of us can ask for?
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUX4QS-sDUT_LuGJ205MxoO4MBqP5TZGhwQevyipD0ZtuzWQhSoOCxvkb72Aby9dGy-uCfNHWrZo_7QZ8zAMY1sWyG80kACFr280G10CO2eya73P417e3ytFmyPWdfb2lLvJgMcZD4xMG/s1600/14a+P1050411_2_3+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUX4QS-sDUT_LuGJ205MxoO4MBqP5TZGhwQevyipD0ZtuzWQhSoOCxvkb72Aby9dGy-uCfNHWrZo_7QZ8zAMY1sWyG80kACFr280G10CO2eya73P417e3ytFmyPWdfb2lLvJgMcZD4xMG/s320/14a+P1050411_2_3+Family.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back - Bev, Dan; Middle - me, Aunt Irene, Jan; Front - Brad</td></tr>
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A fun and very chatty day is spent with my Aunt Irene, cousins Jan and Bev, and Jan's husband Dan. We haven't seen each other in almost 10 years. We also share our best memories of Uncle Bill. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLLo9mCtuNQl-lgcDZClGAhnSR5vFgP6WPsqfI9ZyBxKS1B9JGDv84oQAuRQ7nZTUzt9UzJRh9MraVgsWdWkRdTMjQDPSLagkkwoRpgs_Lr5dPAcYuXyteIDOU8p6BlW05OTIw-Ju88Gj/s1600/14b+P1050417+Tony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLLo9mCtuNQl-lgcDZClGAhnSR5vFgP6WPsqfI9ZyBxKS1B9JGDv84oQAuRQ7nZTUzt9UzJRh9MraVgsWdWkRdTMjQDPSLagkkwoRpgs_Lr5dPAcYuXyteIDOU8p6BlW05OTIw-Ju88Gj/s320/14b+P1050417+Tony.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
Uncle Bill's best friend, Tony and his wife Libra. Uncle Bill spent a numerous holidays, weekends and evenings with Tony and his family over the past 30+ years, being granted honorary grandpa status to Tony's three children. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0zoMgof7ERLrFWZAwcufOj3_Ok2iFMWWp-WSmPtA76RyltiGcYpiTg-3Tay_X6iD3Fwy6ZlCf8sBQDsCN8_Dx-r_5hlljNGpT6Wf_GjuUcqKidawwOQhjOTT-ck0b1B0drFmmhuCtkrz/s1600/14c+P1050427_8_9+Padua+Hills+Theatre+CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0zoMgof7ERLrFWZAwcufOj3_Ok2iFMWWp-WSmPtA76RyltiGcYpiTg-3Tay_X6iD3Fwy6ZlCf8sBQDsCN8_Dx-r_5hlljNGpT6Wf_GjuUcqKidawwOQhjOTT-ck0b1B0drFmmhuCtkrz/s320/14c+P1050427_8_9+Padua+Hills+Theatre+CA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Century old olive trees shade this outdoor patio</td></tr>
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Tony takes us on a tour of the area, something we could never get Uncle Bill to do during our visits. At 80+ years old, Uncle Bill didn't want to venture far from home. This is Padua Hills Theatre about half-way up Mount Baldy. Originally privately owned, it was bequeathed to Pomona College in Claremont, which later transferred the title to the citizens of Claremont. It is beautifully preserved and still used for dinner, dancing, theatre and special events. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMI5uBQLXMk1Lt7V-c_ZKGSAha2EerIhOjjVf0rJsIgIylnv0KHw-a9qPB6cX0vOqYDzGamCHS2QC4cxErChNPGe-EWM8mCCOLRTCB82SknHcmQKpysVj7GT2sDNhW5G5KOK7pGtEmM3_/s1600/14c+P1050442_3_4+San+Antonio+Falls+CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMI5uBQLXMk1Lt7V-c_ZKGSAha2EerIhOjjVf0rJsIgIylnv0KHw-a9qPB6cX0vOqYDzGamCHS2QC4cxErChNPGe-EWM8mCCOLRTCB82SknHcmQKpysVj7GT2sDNhW5G5KOK7pGtEmM3_/s320/14c+P1050442_3_4+San+Antonio+Falls+CA.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Antonio Falls, Mt. Baldy</td></tr>
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One of Uncle Bill's favourite spots on Mount Baldy, San Antonio Falls. Ice pellets start to rain down as we begin the short, 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot. But we have to see it. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgUNVHzkX_pIaE8OARp9EYqZfPIAsAqtiyTP-kgZ2DCZ68vwjXOU7o8MxDbOkQhkGhxx2XYbt4pwjAFXjXeRFSLd2naPeZ1_yB8-hHlyKQLvECctuyWoq1lL3pIHekR6VkGqXnEnKtgwC/s1600/14c+P1050484_5_6+Mt+Baldy+CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgUNVHzkX_pIaE8OARp9EYqZfPIAsAqtiyTP-kgZ2DCZ68vwjXOU7o8MxDbOkQhkGhxx2XYbt4pwjAFXjXeRFSLd2naPeZ1_yB8-hHlyKQLvECctuyWoq1lL3pIHekR6VkGqXnEnKtgwC/s320/14c+P1050484_5_6+Mt+Baldy+CA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Brad and I near the Falls. Yup, that's snow up there. And it's drizzling ice pellets! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzWiDT0DLTHlh2SDnMGkAZnGlObj1r2bTdDBlRpntRBbAFSBicrVN8Pa762PdL56dW0bHt5ZFijCnA-okfYvHUGrywK60awFj1J4Jv8KNDlj2AZReYHX4HTrukTmopiBAhkhCq8e3bopE/s1600/14+P1110343+Uncle+Bill+Nov+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzWiDT0DLTHlh2SDnMGkAZnGlObj1r2bTdDBlRpntRBbAFSBicrVN8Pa762PdL56dW0bHt5ZFijCnA-okfYvHUGrywK60awFj1J4Jv8KNDlj2AZReYHX4HTrukTmopiBAhkhCq8e3bopE/s320/14+P1110343+Uncle+Bill+Nov+2014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkK-rq1xYk_h1ZkmKC-qTBBd3K_RQ_mxn12qnQMiK4ajksi_Tk1LykOadYjbMtkuwDiIeTdFb3Eo7ZRTZzL2QAvsaS89M4CH0pjV4DoqBXRFZsJO9zxjvaATUiY7P8ZAJ1jMfR2x_20L1/s1600/14d+-+P1110343+Uncle+Bill+CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The last photo I have of Uncle Bill, taken during our visit during the American Thanksgiving in November 2014. He's enjoying a beer at our campsite in San Dimas above the Puddingstone Reservoir, a spot he really loved for its great view and tranquility in the maze of California highways.</td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td><b><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: x-small;">May the road rise up to meet you.<br />
May the wind always be at your back.<br />
May the sun shine warm upon your face,<br />
and rains fall soft upon your fields.<br />
And until we meet again,<br />
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.</span></b> </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-57104901366029482552016-02-17T13:49:00.001-05:002016-02-17T13:49:22.463-05:00Joshua Tree National Park, CaliforniaAfter leaving our Colorado River campsite, we head back to Yuma for a few days, mostly to attend the Main Street Market on Tuesday so I can buy my favourite Cilantro Lime White Balsamic Vinegar. We love this market and, although there are typically only 2 or 3 fruit and vegetable stands, they have plenty of fresh veggies at very reasonable prices. Most other vendors sell jewelry, rocks, handbags, shoes, etc. A trip to the Sunday market at the Quartermaster Depot is a huge disappointment with only one veggie vendor, and he isn't selling much of anything we want. So no other blog info or photos from our second stay at Mittry Lake near Yuma.
Instead, on our way to visit family near Palm Springs, California, we take a few days to hike in Joshua Tree National Park. The weather is unusually warm (90F in L.A. and abut 75F up here in the "high desert"), so we take advantage and work on our "going home tan".
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Joshua Tree National Park </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0crpg7WiEfr-ppR1Lq4Jl_rgW3-kLlzqDbnmznRFutYeLsgVKaVREab6zU38To7oYWhpsIUhARdlvzutoLB1c7smweKUfLjOQGaULcrnmhyphenhyphenmNBltsL7cNNc9DY2iSs5fHLo95VDgQUjvz/s1600/13+P1050296_7_8+CA+Joshua+Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0crpg7WiEfr-ppR1Lq4Jl_rgW3-kLlzqDbnmznRFutYeLsgVKaVREab6zU38To7oYWhpsIUhARdlvzutoLB1c7smweKUfLjOQGaULcrnmhyphenhyphenmNBltsL7cNNc9DY2iSs5fHLo95VDgQUjvz/s320/13+P1050296_7_8+CA+Joshua+Trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Driving through the park, we spy snow-capped Mt. San Jacinto, which towers above Palm Springs. The joshua trees grow only at this elevation in the Mojave Desert. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFw1BWUGcn6NqKyjMCyA7XGVMROxa4bQEtNilGPxNlsBLOoVki-TCRnH8DgGVlcE8dYQIC4DiGbWfXVqksSu_MsTjmalzFu97om9pWwt2d9K9AZGoOz83YKImiAEQktvRKaEcrwGcKnWo/s1600/13a+P1050209_10_11+CA+Split+Rock+Loop+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFw1BWUGcn6NqKyjMCyA7XGVMROxa4bQEtNilGPxNlsBLOoVki-TCRnH8DgGVlcE8dYQIC4DiGbWfXVqksSu_MsTjmalzFu97om9pWwt2d9K9AZGoOz83YKImiAEQktvRKaEcrwGcKnWo/s320/13a+P1050209_10_11+CA+Split+Rock+Loop+Trail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad is the orange dot almost in the middle of the picture</td></tr>
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Brad practicing his climbing along the Split Rock Loop trail. This is one of four trails we hike during our three days in the park. </td></tr>
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An especially clear view (there are days when you can't see across the valley due to smog being funneled down the valley from Los Angeles). The line of hills right behind my head were formed by the San Andreas Fault which lies directly beneath. The city of Palm Springs is at the base of Mt. San Jacinto on the far right of the photo. </td></tr>
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Along the Lost Horse Mine Loop trail is the remains of the mine itself. Views of the valleys are pretty along the trail as well. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad is the orange dot bottom centre</td></tr>
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Cottonwood Springs, a grove of palms and cottonwoods near the south entrance of the park. This is also the beginning of the Lost Palms Oasis trail, but we don't hike the 7 miles round trip. It's too hot! </td></tr>
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From Cottonwood Springs, the trail ascends to Mastodon Peak, from where the views surrounding are spectacular. It's not a long or steep hike, although the last few feet require scrambling up some rocks. This isn't the peak, but a stop along the way. The Salton Sea is in the background between the ridge on the left and the ridges on the back right.</td></tr>
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Meet Chuck Walla. No, I mean - a chuckwalla, the largest lizard in this desert. He's about a foot long and several inches across - a big guy. When threatened, he'll run into a crack in the rocks and puff up his body so prey can't pull him out. Smart. Our first chuckwalla sighting. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-35520466295834553682016-02-05T23:31:00.000-05:002016-02-05T23:31:09.502-05:00Colorado River, Arizona<table>
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Camping on the Colorado River, south of Ehrenberg and I-10 </td></tr>
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We spend about 10 days camped above the Colorado River, overlooking the agricultural fields of California. Brad is just getting sick when we move here from Quartszite. A week later, I come down with the same cold. But in between, we get out for a couple of days and enjoy several beautiful sunsets and a campfire. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An antelope or deer</td></tr>
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The Blythe Intaglios are across the river on the California side, and north of the city of Blythe and I-10 about 30 miles. The Intaglios are drawings left in the desert by local natives perhaps thousands of years ago. An intaglio is made by scraping the darker layer of top rocks and dirt away revealing a lighter colour of dirt below, or by tamping (pressing repeatedly on the surface) thus creating a depression. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A human figure, upside down (better lighting for photo)</td></tr>
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There are four figures drawn in this area, but all are fenced to keep vehicles from driving on them (so sad that has to be done), and they are so large (the largest is 171 feet tall) they are difficult to photograph from ground level. Three of the figures are of humans and one is of animals. </td></tr>
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The Palo Verde Dam lies between Parker to the north and Yuma to the south. The colour of the Colorado River here reminds us of the Niagara River in the gorge. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-52581522646593882252016-01-30T17:00:00.000-05:002016-01-30T17:21:07.288-05:00Quartzsite, Arizona<table>
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Socializing Around Camp </td></tr>
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Annually, we gather in Quartzsite (Q to most) partly for the RV Show, but mostly to meet with friends, eat, drink and be very merry. Campfires are lit most nights at happy hour, and are occasionally accompanied by dinner hosted by one or more participants. This year, once again, the Porters and Swains host quesadilla/margarita night, and the Dwyers host spaghetti night. Everyone chips in, but these couples' efforts and organization are yummily appreciated. </td></tr>
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Most mornings, some of us girls go hiking, for the exercise and comraderie, not the scenery. </td></tr>
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Our departure. Several people, mostly the men, fall to a bad cold virus. Brad is on the verge, and we leave while we can so he can spend the next few days in bed recuperating since we've run out of fresh water. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Brad Goes Jeeping </td></tr>
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A couple of folks have jeeps, and several couples go to Dripping Springs, an old mine/ghost town. This road is too difficult for our truck's long wheel base, so the jeeps are necessary. </td></tr>
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How to thread a needle - with 10 people telling you which way to turn your wheels and when. I opt to spend the day quietly at the trailer, although I unwisely use my spare time cleaning and doing laundry! </td></tr>
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Brad inspecting a few remaining artifacts. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Swansea Jeep Trip </td></tr>
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Another old copper mining town, Swansea is about 1.5 hours away from Q. We go with Barbara and Wayne, who insist on driving their jeep, although the road is a well graded gravel road, rough only for the last couple of miles, but one we could have easily done in our truck. This panorama shows the remains of the smelter on the right. </td></tr>
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Only a few walls of the smelter are left standing. Most of the buildings have tumbled and only the foundations and a few brick walls remain around the town site. </td></tr>
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Barbara at the processing plant's foundation. </td></tr>
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Barbara, Wayne, me and Brad with the miner's cabins behind us. Someone is currently restoring these buildings. </td></tr>
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For those of you who are astute, you may have noticed that I have updated our "States Visited" map. I have changed my criterion from "we've set foot or wheel to soil" to "we've explored this state and stayed in one or more locations". It's a more accurate depiction.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6635663990389966694.post-31301888296351099972016-01-16T13:38:00.000-05:002016-01-16T13:38:31.480-05:00Mittry Lake and Yuma, ArizonaDo you know what I love most about Year 6 of our travels? Being familiar with the places we go - knowing where to camp, where to get supplies, and how to get around town. I love driving into Escalante or Page and just going directly to "our" camp spot without stopping at the BLM Office or Visitor Center to research where we can take our trailer. It's almost like going home, but in about 10 or 20 different cities in 5 or 6 different states. And it isn't boring going to these places where we've visited before; it's a comfort. Yuma is like that.
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<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Yuma - "Winter Lettuce Capital" </td></tr>
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Okay, tell me this doesn't look fabulous. An estimated 90% of the lettuce consumed in the United States in the winter is grown here. The city is lush with fields of, not only lettuce, but broccoli, cauliflower, and other unidentifiable leafy crops (I'm no farmer!). </td></tr>
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There must be an ecological reason the rows are planted in alternating colours/species, and we're grateful for that because it's just so darn attractive. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Mittry Lake </td></tr>
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As always, when we come to Yuma, we camp (boondock) at Mittry Lake just a few miles north of the city out in farm country. We love it here and luck out this year getting this coveted high spot with a view of the lake, Imperial Dam, and Yuma Proving Grounds, with the canal on the opposite side. </td></tr>
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When we arrive, we are shocked to see that part of the area near the boat launch has been ravaged by fire. But life continues, and new growth is starting already. </td></tr>
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This belted kingfisher's home must be nearby as we see him fishing in the canal many days. Many water birds make Mittry Lake home during the winter including egrets, herons, many species of ducks, terns and of course, American cootes. At night, we hear several owls calling across the steep, rocky hillsides. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Gathering of the Gunfighters </td></tr>
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I am happy when I learn that the annual Gathering of the Gunfighters competition is this weekend. We attended a couple of years ago for our first time and thoroughly enjoyed it along with the tour of the Yuma Territorial Prison (of the movie "3:10 to Yuma" fame) where the competition is held. This year, I am not as impressed. I don't think anything has changed except it's never as exciting as the first time. I am reminded how the microphones rarely pick up the voices properly and when a train passes, which they do frequently and only a few hundred feet away, no one can hear anything. Groups compete by enacting a skit about the old west which ends in a gunfight. Fun, but needs some technical assistance. </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#bfdef5">Algodones, Mexico </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPFyToccCHKFsjCuCxJ6RwaS0REO8-xHE1aPXIE8Bg49ggZqFCTcNH_i3tpDxzc6bSmesYXlz1WgxCBRpSz1uKssOnYEJCFTEAEc0has3luVYmR8aFiLYCoR6FX9svJ9NXErYT_d214kf/s1600/10d+IMG_20160113_123806+MX+Algodones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPFyToccCHKFsjCuCxJ6RwaS0REO8-xHE1aPXIE8Bg49ggZqFCTcNH_i3tpDxzc6bSmesYXlz1WgxCBRpSz1uKssOnYEJCFTEAEc0has3luVYmR8aFiLYCoR6FX9svJ9NXErYT_d214kf/s320/10d+IMG_20160113_123806+MX+Algodones.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad and Tom, smile!</td></tr>
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Friends from Hamilton have a house here in Yuma, and we arrange a day in Algodones, Mexico with them. Americans and Canadians come to this Mexican border town to purchase booze, prescriptions, eyeglasses and get dental work. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrurEtmBxAHqUeNWPElI75lykESxyLqqfGQsEvl23G8wQM2CzXzPFr2J2qwmUyQBCeBPzxl7GLVq0YyvZL3skaAg4tOI6mP3pHIqsfqwSVfOqspSZKoq57Ro8RgOHuydFagMZLrlxAdAas/s1600/10d+IMG_20160113_124151+MX+Algodones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrurEtmBxAHqUeNWPElI75lykESxyLqqfGQsEvl23G8wQM2CzXzPFr2J2qwmUyQBCeBPzxl7GLVq0YyvZL3skaAg4tOI6mP3pHIqsfqwSVfOqspSZKoq57Ro8RgOHuydFagMZLrlxAdAas/s320/10d+IMG_20160113_124151+MX+Algodones.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom, Brad, me and Bev - our reflections in a mirror zoomed in</td></tr>
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Of course, what's a day in Mexico without a margarita? Well, not much fun. So even I have one (or part of one). Lunch and drinks for all, then a stagger back across the border to our vehicles waiting on the American side. We do have a DD, and today, it's not me! </td></tr>
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