Hiking Methuselah Trail in the Schulman Grove of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California.Located in protected area, high in the White Mountains, part of Inyo National Forest.Same species of bristlecone pines as we just saw in Great Basin National Park in Nevada, the oldest discovered living trees in the world.To further the story of the oldest trees on earth, read about Dr Shulman and the Methuselah tree.We found a beautiful forested area to camp outside of Mammoth Lakes to explore that region of the Eastern Sierras.We hiked a bit of the Ansel Adams Wilderness in Reds Meadow Valley, in Devil’s Postpile National Monument.101 foot Rainbow Falls on the San Joaquin River was a nice destination. We did see a little bit of rainbow in the mist.We enjoyed a lunch break on the wonderful rocks. This photo was taken on a bridge that is on the Pacific Crest Trail.A unique natural artistic display of pine cones.Devils Postpile National Monument 60 foot high columnar basalt – made from volcanic lava many years ago.These were then worn down by glaciers creating a very interesting patio type area of the hexagonal tops.This gives a sense of the scale. Read more about this interesting geology.On the road again, laughing…Mono Basin National Forest Scenic AreaIs it a gorgeous day or is it a gorgeous day?! It brought out the Ansel Adams in both of us. This could be the best shot…Or is this the best photo?There are a type of sand flies that breed here. We learned they were a source of protein for native cultures.Keep safe! A fisherman on the river across from where we camped slipped on a wet rock. Several of us campers and his son lend aid until the professionals arrived. It reminded us all to be careful out there.
Great Basin National Park: We hiked to the last glacier in Nevada at Wheeler Peak.We enjoyed the ancient Bristlecone Pine forest on the way – marveling at the longevity of these old trees. Do you know the Prometheus story?These trees are so special and we are so fortunate to have the oldest trees on earth here in the southwest.So sculptural with all the forces of nature.We were lucky to be here for the 10th annual astronomy event so we enjoyed star gazing and lectures. This is also the most fall color we saw as we documented 31,000 miles on the van.Our departure morning as there is a winter storm approaching. We will miss the snow heading a bit farther south – but not the winds.The White River Narrows Archaeological District of Basin and Range national Monument, created in 2015. An amazing amount of petroglyphs.We dispersed on BLM land just off the road here so we could hike to all the archeology sites. Can you spot the Travato in the Basin?Most petroglyphs are carved in boulders. They are actually a bit difficult to spot. There are no marked trails but we enjoyed just hiking around and contemplating history.Some of these sheep are life sized!Rock art by desert archaic people.Mount Irish area rock art includes a distinctive anthropomorphic image called Pahranagat Man.Or is that Pahmranagat Woman?
Bears Ears National Monument:. Our first night of planned 6 weeks of travel visiting many places we had last visited in 2009.We had enjoyed this area many other times but not actually camped and hiked at the summit of the ears.We hiked around the summit area. Link to vicinity pictures in fall of 2016Natural Bridges National Monument: we hiked the canyon trail again that weaves under all the bridges. Link to photos in May 2012Overlooking the Colorado River as it enters Lake Powell on a very pleasant fall day at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.Water is low exposing this runway to Lake Powell reservoir. We were wondering if we should bring our kayaks as there were not too many campers this late in the season.Our dispersed camp site on BLM land south of Highway 24, east of Capitol Reef National Park. Can you find the Travato? What a view in all directions!We hiked Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sheets Gulch Slot Canyons (on three separate days) that are along the Eastern side of the Waterfold Pocket formation.This is a view of the Waterfold Pocket looking North from the Cedar Mesa campground (off Notom-Bullfrog Road). We hiked the Red Canyon Trail to a large amphitheater.Very fun and unique slot canyons.There were a few challenges to overcome.And a few predators linking around the bends.Amazing that these dry washes could scour these canyons so smooth and deep.Luckily I could stop this rock from blocking my path!We explored the busy main part Capital Reef National Park, listening to a ranger’s geology talk at the visitor center and then heading to an overlook to contemplate the rock layers.As we leave Capitol Reef National Park and head west towards Nevada…
Great Blue Herons enjoying early sunshine on the rock wall.And gave us a view of their magnificent wing span.Our guest room had some activity with friends from Santa Fe!J & J came back for 2 weeks of R & R – we would not let them work this year!Supporting the arch in the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado’s largest wilderness! For more of J & J’s adventuresWe gathered with fellow Chimney Rock Volunteers at the Springs Resort.Family comes from Florida to visit!We hiked at a 2 year old pace – but got to look at lots of leaves, flowers, sticks and bugs!Precious!Got everyone out kayaking.And all appreciated the water!Another excuse for a dinner party!Largest yet with 14 of us gathered!
We headed the Travato up the road to Teal Campground for a stay-cation!We took the new kayaks – how beautiful is this!We spent several days exploring the coast and the solitude.Taking turns with the camera. Going out in the morning and the evening.This is our favorite photo!We went for several hikes into the nearby Weminuch Wilderness.This is the life!We saw lots of wildflowers…And these black and white butterflys.Lets take the fork to the right…Fun! A river crossing!Heading home with the wilderness behind us.How many miles of fun we have had?!!The heron is waiting for us to make sure we appreciate our home lake.Life feels like a vacation here at home but it was great to explore some near by water as well.
Canada Geese have offsprings. Luckily not too many eggs hatched on “Bird Island” but it is still fun to watch the goslings.These offsprings came to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with us.We all enjoyed hanging around the lake shore and enjoying the first Summer like day.Lots of excitement with first fish caught.We wrapped up the day with a round of Mini Golf and Pizza.We headed South in early June to hike with college friends.What a crew! We camped along the Rio Chama in New Mexico – 5 dispersed sites together.And drank too much Monks Ale, made at this monastery at the end of the road.We did enjoy the scenery and hiking as well as the friendship.We picked up this visitor near the Irish Embassy in Durango, CO. Highly recommend the batter fried fish and chips!And had a great week together!We enjoyed many opening night performances with our summer season tickets.We celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.And appreciated many beautiful sunsets from our deck.
Lake is starting to thaw. Common Mergansers are returningSnowbirding friends from Tucson are passing through on their way north.We had friends over for an evening celebration.We were enjoying the sunset and this lovely solitary swan.And even family snowbirded through on their way north.An excuse for another dinner party!We are so happy to have local friends meet visiting friends and family.To celebrate Earth Day, we bought some nice Hurricane kayaks to enjoy the lakes and a different kind of exercising.
Heading towards Phoenix on Salt River Canyon’s long and winding road.Check out the map – we are not making up the twisties.What a trail blazer!It felt like we had escaped winter when we saw this palm tree.The bridge we had just crossed at the bottom of the canyon – all carved by this Salt River!Sunset on the Superstitious mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park.Nice to be winter hiking with our friends again in Arizona.We shared J & J’s campsite and took turns hosting dinners. Sunshine but temps were chilly.We enjoyed some full moon strolls. Good to be back among the saguaros.We day tripped to Tortilla Flats.Fun restaurant with moola wall papered on every square inch. Also the ladies rooms was a hoot.And got our Arizona Hunting Permit….Ha Ha Ha.We motored across the valley to Sun City to meet up with Mom and family again.Looking very good! We went back to Biltmore for another excellent lunch on the patio.The family photo in the lush gardens. R & S: thanks for hosting us at your place!Link to our photos from last year.On the road again – what an interesting view of saguaros paired with snow covered mountains.Camped for a couple nights near Mogollon Rim.Petrified Forest National Park!There are also petroglyphs hereAs well as petrified wood. Entire trees filled with minerals.Very fun to see this ancient forest ruins.El Morro National Monument was our next over night, like so many travelers before us. Can you imagine carving this beautiful signature in the rock?We climbed to the top of the mesa for the view and to explore the ruins. Link to our photos from previous visit.We lingered a few nights, for a few hikes at El Malpais National Monuments before heading home.
