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?
This redwood sign was near the Cactus Picnic area in Sabino Canyon in the Coronado National Forest. This area is used to host school groups. Smokey is looking like he could use a little sprucing up.Here is a detail of the deterioration. The paint kept the carved out letters from aging so they protruded from the background.We used Bondo on the edges to give a strong weather protection. There is also some wood filler. We had to reattach the boards with new screws.We patched the old bolt holes to keep the water from penetrating as well as patching some of the larger deterioration spots.In the field, we cleaned up the vegetation and repainted the sign metal supports.We painted the entire back ground Forest Service ‘Brown’ before painting the details with ‘Adobe’.Using a very fine brush and lots of patience!After extra indoor drying time, Smokey is ready to return to the forest.Well here we are flanking the restored sign!This project maintains the legacy of those before us that carved this sign for their care and love of the forest. We are proud to give this sign many more extra years of life to reach more of the visitors to this picnic area.
We drove to Phoenix to be with these wonderful people! My aunt and uncle have another seasonal rental in Sun City. We coordinated our visit to also be with Mom.We met J & J who were camped at White Tanks for an outing.The ladies all looking good in turquoise or is that teal sky!And the guys in khaki…not like we coordinated our hiking outfits.We enjoyed a picnic lunch after the walk to the waterfall. Photos from previous walk http://tealsky.com/2016/01/09/white-tank-mts-phoenix-area/A joint birthday celebration!And a very nice dinner out at Firebirds. We each had something different!We ended our time together with lunch at the Arizona Biltmore, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.The red flowers enhance the composition.As does the palm tree with the roof line.An entry canopy.We did not swim in this lovely pool but we did enjoy the rec centers in Sun City – the tennis, pool and hot tub.The Sprites….there are some of these in Dow Gardens in Midland. There were 6 here guarding the grounds.Stained glass window in lobby is classic FLW.We had lunch on the outdoor patio next to the waterfall, not this private room.The indoor portion of the restaurant.Until we meet up again, we will have the memories of this time together in Arizona.
Retracing our steps, we picked up the MINI in Denver, the Travato in Kansas, and returned to Lake Meredith to catch up on sleep. http://tealsky.com/2016/11/11/oklahoma-texas-panhandles/We revisited White Sands NM for a beautiful hike on the dunes. http://tealsky.com/2015/12/09/white-sands-new-mexico/We camped near by on this picturesque pond.Near Las Cruces, we enjoyed this spot in the Organ Mountains NM for a few nights – meeting up with an architecture friend for a Rotary event. First time here in the Travato http://tealsky.com/2015/12/08/organ-mountains-new-mexico/Back at our site #2 in Sabino Canyon, enjoying happy hour with Site #1 friends, co-volunteers. Last time we saw them: http://tealsky.com/2017/05/22/flying-from-ft-collins-colorado/The sunsets are memorable looking east with the saguaros in the foreground. Pictures from a year ago http://tealsky.com/2017/01/15/sabino-canyon-tucson-first-weekfull-moon/A coworker made this awesome flan for the holiday party! We had to try three servings just to make sure it was as good as it looked!A Merry Christmas to You Saguaro Nativity.Sabino Creek is very low with no water flowing, just a few little reflection pools.This coati was hanging around one of the little pools with 4 other family members – we sure enjoyed watching them forage!Some incredibly nice fall color as we started our work routine up the canyon.Hiking on another day we found this pop up art installation of balanced rocks.This must take a lot of patience but it was very fun to come across it. A peaceful way to start 2018.
A gorgeous Saturday morning in Pagosa Springs!It is fun being on the field before the balloons go up to see some silhouettes, the gas flames, and the baskets up close.Beautiful colors! Oh – they are calling it The Color Fest.Makes you want to sing ” Up, Up, and Away in my beautiful balloon”.Even the Jester was smiling and having a good time.We wandered over to the river walk.And watched some balloons do a touch and go in the San Juan River.Or just take a break and people watch the people watching!Fun to also watch from the ramada next to the deepest hot springs in the world.Oh – we got them to line up: one, two, three, four!We returned in the evening for a band, a sunset, and a glow from the gas flames on a countdown from 10.
When we arrived at Artists Point in Grand Marais, The Boss (Lake Superior) was no longer calm and placid.The big noisy waves were very interesting to watch.I enjoyed the cascades and waterfalls made with each wave that crashed on shore – such a pleasant rock outcropping added a lot of appeal.Fun to photograph! Trying to catch the wave as it breaks on the rocks.Can you feel the spray?We left the storm behind us as we headed to Superior National Forest and the Boundary Water Canoe Wilderness Area.A view from the top of Eagle Mountain looking over all that wilderness!This is the highest point in Minnesota at 2,206 feet above sea level. Lake Superior is about 600 feet above sea level for a reference point.We returned to Artist Point after a very lovely community picnic at the Grand Marais library – a very nice town. A talented stone artist left these balanced pinnacles for all to enjoy.It is wonderful to have the opportunity to experience the same beach in the calm after the storm with these great puddles full of reflections.And the late afternoon sun added such a nice warm color to the detail.Even the birds were enjoying themselves.Fabulous sunset – it was difficult to know which direction to point the camera.The harbor had its own beautyBut this captures it best – just being out and enjoying the colors and the beauty. I am so glad we have had this opportunity to spend time this summer with the Great Lakes!
After exploring Cedar Edge and Montrose, CO, we found a parking spot with a view of the valley for two nights.We enjoyed a day hike exploring the area. There were 4-wheel drive roads that were the most rugged classification – not at all suitable for the Travato – or probably any vehicle that you wanted to keep!Sunset on the first night.The second sunset was equally beautiful.Outside of Ridgway, CO we hiked around this beautiful sculpture at the Dennis Weaver Park.It has a 20-foot wing span and was commissioned as a memorial on the park land set aside that connects Ridgway with the State ParkWe are seizing the moment and soaring with our Travato.
Beautiful Sunday afternoon stroll. It is wonderful this acreage has been preserved with all the development closing in on it’s boundaries.The cloud trail adds to the beauty of this scene.Foreshadowing of things to come at the Denver Botanic Gardens: “The nature of Horses”. The white cups are to protect the cactus tips from frost damage.Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!! Taken from the parking lot of our condo a culmination of 20 minutes of photographing.
