tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67657575343370390272024-02-18T23:35:29.489-05:00Squirrel's ViewFIELD NOTES FROM THE EASTERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA AND BEYONDsquirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-81342530825730230162015-11-05T13:24:00.002-05:002015-11-05T13:24:42.240-05:00Moss girl of West VirginiaThese are some photos from my short walk at Rolling Ridge Foundation. I love to get close inside these miniature worlds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALXIuY_eqxUzCnIZlbOs4755XMEqzChqZyo584tUPRGD4IV5N_i3YS4gWEFFm8SyXr_eIcs2nhi2bGURjamA51w6R6CjKPUB72ONCPdud7gPghHuhAQaiUNBR6-zIesdlnRcITyg-8C0/s1600/20151103-IMG_5918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALXIuY_eqxUzCnIZlbOs4755XMEqzChqZyo584tUPRGD4IV5N_i3YS4gWEFFm8SyXr_eIcs2nhi2bGURjamA51w6R6CjKPUB72ONCPdud7gPghHuhAQaiUNBR6-zIesdlnRcITyg-8C0/s320/20151103-IMG_5918.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZn6duBC69Wd-7vDI9_QLP87WTjNyTGiLT_pAe2hjdaL4r_RAb3XKn7Wewj1dcmfTtTdtcFASHoZzrgopoi4S6TBEzkya07ItOwIwx4xXxXEaItWwI9hyphenhyphenFVzXjEqHxnlfh5GzRZxmzUCk/s1600/20151103-IMG_5924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZn6duBC69Wd-7vDI9_QLP87WTjNyTGiLT_pAe2hjdaL4r_RAb3XKn7Wewj1dcmfTtTdtcFASHoZzrgopoi4S6TBEzkya07ItOwIwx4xXxXEaItWwI9hyphenhyphenFVzXjEqHxnlfh5GzRZxmzUCk/s320/20151103-IMG_5924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENSG2lazcNtg3ftTMlvqyw5xuhtmQlOksz-ETHhqCgI7Nh4bbBh7q9pmtK2cL-jGy_0gJPIxlR6AKBImZyBWSZvi4SwJ9zf4i7d-YnCP6lk1FdXlvOe_lpGViMJiq7zheUXTSBJPstdg/s1600/20151103-IMG_5928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENSG2lazcNtg3ftTMlvqyw5xuhtmQlOksz-ETHhqCgI7Nh4bbBh7q9pmtK2cL-jGy_0gJPIxlR6AKBImZyBWSZvi4SwJ9zf4i7d-YnCP6lk1FdXlvOe_lpGViMJiq7zheUXTSBJPstdg/s320/20151103-IMG_5928.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPsATBMD3gQjutmrriACCeh1OGdIEyTPX2WM7F6t0ozWU9KMk8GZ8tXrpoQ8L8GftDMWKrnMGJLRPRzDx5uUvNkgHT_QM-IvTzJU_rI9pZInRu16-4sl7j4TnZlJjOLEIRWDtg-4ULJw/s1600/20151103-IMG_5938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPsATBMD3gQjutmrriACCeh1OGdIEyTPX2WM7F6t0ozWU9KMk8GZ8tXrpoQ8L8GftDMWKrnMGJLRPRzDx5uUvNkgHT_QM-IvTzJU_rI9pZInRu16-4sl7j4TnZlJjOLEIRWDtg-4ULJw/s320/20151103-IMG_5938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GmGHGAAen74PkeT4TuNB3aWD-mJNR_3MddxfWjYasCMfJQNrZvZKxsaEDMJBusfOINsovZyr_429O7E9wzzM-_YnViHqChtp5VKRwCN3pYayWMitfoGXjVgIXwa8eWsRw5GEifIAaP0/s1600/20151103-IMG_5940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GmGHGAAen74PkeT4TuNB3aWD-mJNR_3MddxfWjYasCMfJQNrZvZKxsaEDMJBusfOINsovZyr_429O7E9wzzM-_YnViHqChtp5VKRwCN3pYayWMitfoGXjVgIXwa8eWsRw5GEifIAaP0/s320/20151103-IMG_5940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z_WmvJ111AmuZvZVtSywN9RgoxaBgYA_RYcKV9gBiv-yruEXLQnTDKj-Razipxn2WubQJFvOXi_x0abL6W6VihVXhntPkBtVRrv-XBApVEKn7_yPhPWhhhgoKIGlQ4CjtL8QVJxA6hA/s1600/20151103-IMG_5944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z_WmvJ111AmuZvZVtSywN9RgoxaBgYA_RYcKV9gBiv-yruEXLQnTDKj-Razipxn2WubQJFvOXi_x0abL6W6VihVXhntPkBtVRrv-XBApVEKn7_yPhPWhhhgoKIGlQ4CjtL8QVJxA6hA/s320/20151103-IMG_5944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rPzy3ZlhoNjJMtAku0-ucbbHkoqfoeDXasTWD8Fry7yX5pCSBYytFP8usmF6-qYKAgAZH9VtwjQOlw_OB__BT__FYjoMsfPlui2P7ve84HtS_qeotoEJ35-rZHe3ATa71-PbZory6kI/s1600/20151103-IMG_5950+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rPzy3ZlhoNjJMtAku0-ucbbHkoqfoeDXasTWD8Fry7yX5pCSBYytFP8usmF6-qYKAgAZH9VtwjQOlw_OB__BT__FYjoMsfPlui2P7ve84HtS_qeotoEJ35-rZHe3ATa71-PbZory6kI/s320/20151103-IMG_5950+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7BAIGp4-70fZrVlIYkwSQsBdYO3q6SaikHFL7TwRbWgJ7s-Ltd0NTDIogmS5FRdDdj7ZOo9js8myIzXoUgiEOd4CS22znspXDsQ_FUWcl2ItlKO0A1YnSC66aSrs8y11c3_173A15HQ/s1600/20151103-IMG_5950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7BAIGp4-70fZrVlIYkwSQsBdYO3q6SaikHFL7TwRbWgJ7s-Ltd0NTDIogmS5FRdDdj7ZOo9js8myIzXoUgiEOd4CS22znspXDsQ_FUWcl2ItlKO0A1YnSC66aSrs8y11c3_173A15HQ/s320/20151103-IMG_5950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeRMCWQArVJJK9A1Zl2xrxyxT4M0D-2gczFVDua8LXi50xh3gW4V1OKf5wl3Ssr7WMX7l4WrUcwdL-9VciXOpYo85PQaSVHE-66NmWLqtYuF3TQv4mzg0kg6E7089gf4iGyamQ3D-034/s1600/20151103-IMG_5952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeRMCWQArVJJK9A1Zl2xrxyxT4M0D-2gczFVDua8LXi50xh3gW4V1OKf5wl3Ssr7WMX7l4WrUcwdL-9VciXOpYo85PQaSVHE-66NmWLqtYuF3TQv4mzg0kg6E7089gf4iGyamQ3D-034/s320/20151103-IMG_5952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-27894486531840457922015-02-07T17:10:00.002-05:002015-02-07T17:10:38.543-05:00Winter walk along the Shenandoah River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jRpPetf8HKVuI8rXuZwktVava0aYD85TeQ_vk3C_QhkwGD6j36PKIheHngzapVca-qRbB2fDqtVQ6EUA5NKxIapCmUYtPLls7ByuCpN65b53OPkcBoGOhv2RC4eWXw6NrlkEbSZjVA0/s1600/IMG_4510-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jRpPetf8HKVuI8rXuZwktVava0aYD85TeQ_vk3C_QhkwGD6j36PKIheHngzapVca-qRbB2fDqtVQ6EUA5NKxIapCmUYtPLls7ByuCpN65b53OPkcBoGOhv2RC4eWXw6NrlkEbSZjVA0/s1600/IMG_4510-9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his afternoon I decided to take a walk along the Shenandoah
River since it was so nice out. Right
away I found a branch with several gouty oak galls caused by <i>Callirhytis
guercus punctata</i>, at least I think that was what it was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GolA1Ty_ADM/VNaLFnfkmgI/AAAAAAAAJeI/yr6e699fciw/s1600/IMG_4457-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GolA1Ty_ADM/VNaLFnfkmgI/AAAAAAAAJeI/yr6e699fciw/s1600/IMG_4457-1.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nearby was <i>Exidia nigricans</i>, Black Jelly Fungus which is
similar to Whitche's butter only black. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kkZd3VUxN4/VNaLFFDLgyI/AAAAAAAAJeE/p0kzXJ7sYdo/s1600/IMG_4466-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kkZd3VUxN4/VNaLFFDLgyI/AAAAAAAAJeE/p0kzXJ7sYdo/s1600/IMG_4466-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I expected to find Ebony Spleenwort, <i>Aspleinium platyneuron</i>,
but most of them were very dried out. They remind me of Christmas Fern mimi-me’s.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1CldMozFs3w/VNaLIYYF5wI/AAAAAAAAJeQ/nfChiF-8Zr0/s1600/IMG_4469-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1CldMozFs3w/VNaLIYYF5wI/AAAAAAAAJeQ/nfChiF-8Zr0/s1600/IMG_4469-3.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn't expect to see a winter stonefly. In fact I don’ think
I have ever paid much attention to them before but when it is the only think
moving besides leaves I tend to notice. This one was <i>Strophopteryx fasciata,</i>
and Early Brown Stonefly. My field guide said they are found near rivers and
streams in late winter on warm days through early spring. Well that described
exactly where I was. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNJE4_T5I9I/VNaLKr7eo2I/AAAAAAAAJeg/dePYXL9kRUU/s1600/IMG_4486-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNJE4_T5I9I/VNaLKr7eo2I/AAAAAAAAJeg/dePYXL9kRUU/s1600/IMG_4486-5.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also found an unknown cocoon that was very small. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wbwAcCUPK8/VNaLMa5AFvI/AAAAAAAAJeo/36G2vlyqHYU/s1600/IMG_4488-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wbwAcCUPK8/VNaLMa5AFvI/AAAAAAAAJeo/36G2vlyqHYU/s1600/IMG_4488-6.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
touched its soft outer surface and to my surprise a door
opened up. I didn't see anything inside so I rubbed it shut. I think those
little white things were on the outside and just showed up against the dark
background. It is all a mystery to me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrUSA0DnxIA/VNaLPtcoE-I/AAAAAAAAJe4/M6v_wc5odDE/s1600/IMG_4490-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrUSA0DnxIA/VNaLPtcoE-I/AAAAAAAAJe4/M6v_wc5odDE/s1600/IMG_4490-7.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was taking a photo of a cicada exuviae when I saw a Purple
Cliffbrake lying on the ground. The scientific name is <i>Pellaea atropurpurec</i>. I
placed it back on the cliff and held it in place with some small stones. My
hope is that the spores with distribute themselves in the area and I will see
new ones this spring. I don’t recall
ever seeing it here before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCarNTkudt8/VNaLVNhJOKI/AAAAAAAAJfY/yistKjIfgrE/s1600/IMG_4528-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCarNTkudt8/VNaLVNhJOKI/AAAAAAAAJfY/yistKjIfgrE/s1600/IMG_4528-12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked along some more and the turned back. I loved the way the ice seems to be coming out of the tree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqOPSfsMYnM/VNaLW1dofEI/AAAAAAAAJfg/NgKyAIhltsI/s1600/IMG_4533-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqOPSfsMYnM/VNaLW1dofEI/AAAAAAAAJfg/NgKyAIhltsI/s1600/IMG_4533-13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had been
way too long since I had been down this river path. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4AktjwGWFpzZ3M84hDN8FRQAts1NZToEnyJHQuYDuxV_CzOiqsbfyPTzG0iQzmYT_RnZcIDwt_J2XmQYbEWgSjthaILJuxRI0ZcW0X5KvfWte4bURpB-WEhdFEdzLoLrq2E7mOF3Ww0/s1600/IMG_4475-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4AktjwGWFpzZ3M84hDN8FRQAts1NZToEnyJHQuYDuxV_CzOiqsbfyPTzG0iQzmYT_RnZcIDwt_J2XmQYbEWgSjthaILJuxRI0ZcW0X5KvfWte4bURpB-WEhdFEdzLoLrq2E7mOF3Ww0/s1600/IMG_4475-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-48529062954690046542014-04-16T11:01:00.000-04:002014-04-16T11:01:36.092-04:00Glacier National Park - The passGlacier National Park was cold and rainy one day and bring and sunny the next. The day I took the red bus up the Going to the Sun Road it was rainy and dreary but still beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmJAyv3d5QQ/Uyh9pJk-lJI/AAAAAAAAIew/lyyoTqwIOHk/s1600/20130626-IMG_3009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmJAyv3d5QQ/Uyh9pJk-lJI/AAAAAAAAIew/lyyoTqwIOHk/s1600/20130626-IMG_3009.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyPgOXhj0dA/Uyh8fkKLshI/AAAAAAAAIeY/3zNdpJZ1Ses/s1600/20130626-DSCN5198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyPgOXhj0dA/Uyh8fkKLshI/AAAAAAAAIeY/3zNdpJZ1Ses/s1600/20130626-DSCN5198.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh89IqZ2pwI/Uyh9ciuK6BI/AAAAAAAAIeo/Zz8YsoQBRc0/s1600/20130626-IMG_3003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh89IqZ2pwI/Uyh9ciuK6BI/AAAAAAAAIeo/Zz8YsoQBRc0/s1600/20130626-IMG_3003.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptWa_RTOIJ0/Uyh-iJe945I/AAAAAAAAIfE/WEffCCWR-GE/s1600/20130626-IMG_3013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptWa_RTOIJ0/Uyh-iJe945I/AAAAAAAAIfE/WEffCCWR-GE/s1600/20130626-IMG_3013.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moabJlX7-co/Uyh-UqtpqHI/AAAAAAAAIe8/Ns-rgU8fkFE/s1600/20130626-IMG_3021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moabJlX7-co/Uyh-UqtpqHI/AAAAAAAAIe8/Ns-rgU8fkFE/s1600/20130626-IMG_3021.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yZ_ypxU5z0/UyiAMhJAqpI/AAAAAAAAIfw/naEV0JJfo8s/s1600/20130626-IMG_3041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yZ_ypxU5z0/UyiAMhJAqpI/AAAAAAAAIfw/naEV0JJfo8s/s1600/20130626-IMG_3041.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the top, there was still snow all around.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QrfCPcmei4/UyiAaCxH_UI/AAAAAAAAIf4/sCB7KFDHWD0/s1600/20130626-IMG_3037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QrfCPcmei4/UyiAaCxH_UI/AAAAAAAAIf4/sCB7KFDHWD0/s1600/20130626-IMG_3037.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10SnXJb-k8ReUVnMP5qh0T8mZ8UfL-_pMU5Qd5ltX-1It4V3mA1Mjgrv67vrBfW2mSmLFhkSYK5wezhr8I5MQeeI0gFwSy0ij-c3c5QddKvaS-oXh_vTZriFEf_z2ctZ5gnXO911Kobk/s1600/20130626-IMG_3049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10SnXJb-k8ReUVnMP5qh0T8mZ8UfL-_pMU5Qd5ltX-1It4V3mA1Mjgrv67vrBfW2mSmLFhkSYK5wezhr8I5MQeeI0gFwSy0ij-c3c5QddKvaS-oXh_vTZriFEf_z2ctZ5gnXO911Kobk/s1600/20130626-IMG_3049.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-45266920777962493492014-04-15T17:30:00.000-04:002014-04-15T17:30:47.435-04:00Glacier National Park - The lodgeGlacier National Park, St. Mary's area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5OriYX_1Pk/Uyh2_X0k8aI/AAAAAAAAIcY/7_TKYh7HypA/s1600/20130625-IMG_2958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5OriYX_1Pk/Uyh2_X0k8aI/AAAAAAAAIcY/7_TKYh7HypA/s1600/20130625-IMG_2958.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjxIcpcXHh8/Uyh4ZgB5c0I/AAAAAAAAIc8/iEC85fr-OGE/s1600/20130625-IMG_2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjxIcpcXHh8/Uyh4ZgB5c0I/AAAAAAAAIc8/iEC85fr-OGE/s1600/20130625-IMG_2966.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YNa3rVrqfg/Uyh4s_E3eOI/AAAAAAAAIdI/lY-GD37HQkA/s1600/20130625-IMG_2969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YNa3rVrqfg/Uyh4s_E3eOI/AAAAAAAAIdI/lY-GD37HQkA/s1600/20130625-IMG_2969.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujWk4kJOXJE/Uyh5c2niw9I/AAAAAAAAIdQ/WR5xtsHwRWU/s1600/20130625-IMG_2971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujWk4kJOXJE/Uyh5c2niw9I/AAAAAAAAIdQ/WR5xtsHwRWU/s1600/20130625-IMG_2971.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjHNqCf6FJ4/Uyh5tdl4iWI/AAAAAAAAIdY/ClI7EDILaGM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjHNqCf6FJ4/Uyh5tdl4iWI/AAAAAAAAIdY/ClI7EDILaGM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2975.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcSAc_OpGOs/Uyh69lNVqrI/AAAAAAAAId0/2JjO4ca0KvY/s1600/20130625-IMG_2977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcSAc_OpGOs/Uyh69lNVqrI/AAAAAAAAId0/2JjO4ca0KvY/s1600/20130625-IMG_2977.jpg" height="400" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSVTO0h2skw/Uyh7VZz492I/AAAAAAAAId8/ixqc4QBLUFM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSVTO0h2skw/Uyh7VZz492I/AAAAAAAAId8/ixqc4QBLUFM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2984.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_PVcoX6gVzzMz8SSuAv71TBF30E1MKpF8IkvCD59dUGHBERyiQeMJ9Pb1ULe6T9Q5PzROusNcxBCIOVqmyQBVLx6cnLywfbaD4-wUFxZkMH2S7SVlzHyYXpS-jRHt4jwyuvyjAm6WZI/s1600/20130625-IMG_2985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_PVcoX6gVzzMz8SSuAv71TBF30E1MKpF8IkvCD59dUGHBERyiQeMJ9Pb1ULe6T9Q5PzROusNcxBCIOVqmyQBVLx6cnLywfbaD4-wUFxZkMH2S7SVlzHyYXpS-jRHt4jwyuvyjAm6WZI/s1600/20130625-IMG_2985.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRgQvdbYw0t1LoXgOUCy5Yu1uTTkFtSAl5bZF2hvNuJFn0SiNqN0bYXm_Y7lkpQBre_YIzjvv1UyrPY21cTlinB0z8JyXrQkikOZAaF6UFfdkPktVbITYkTE3vYezSHmiDNQhbR5-KjM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRgQvdbYw0t1LoXgOUCy5Yu1uTTkFtSAl5bZF2hvNuJFn0SiNqN0bYXm_Y7lkpQBre_YIzjvv1UyrPY21cTlinB0z8JyXrQkikOZAaF6UFfdkPktVbITYkTE3vYezSHmiDNQhbR5-KjM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2988.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qp53-QCiXxg/Uyh8YSNraRI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/DMGiOQ4lZEs/s1600/20130625-IMG_2991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qp53-QCiXxg/Uyh8YSNraRI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/DMGiOQ4lZEs/s1600/20130625-IMG_2991.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-40187940269710150872014-04-14T13:35:00.006-04:002014-04-14T13:35:54.582-04:00Glacier National Park - Wildflower WalkHere are some of my photos from Glacier National Park. I have decided to just share the photos from the remainder of my trip with little narration. Enjoy the show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRAU8GcADkw/UyiG6Lmi1II/AAAAAAAAIhc/YHkMcRkCPA8/s1600/20130627-IMG_3163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRAU8GcADkw/UyiG6Lmi1II/AAAAAAAAIhc/YHkMcRkCPA8/s1600/20130627-IMG_3163.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Old Ranger Cabin</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hJlJjTcnGs/UyiEUyDLYaI/AAAAAAAAIg4/9AjfdYApYt4/s1600/20130626-IMG_3121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hJlJjTcnGs/UyiEUyDLYaI/AAAAAAAAIg4/9AjfdYApYt4/s1600/20130626-IMG_3121.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rpl70u0cQQ/UyiHGhnlTLI/AAAAAAAAIhk/ShJQnL__GCA/s1600/20130627-IMG_3200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rpl70u0cQQ/UyiHGhnlTLI/AAAAAAAAIhk/ShJQnL__GCA/s1600/20130627-IMG_3200.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHW2i8W92yQ/UyiGeneZFEI/AAAAAAAAIhU/dbnAUF7WDnM/s1600/20130626-IMG_3141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHW2i8W92yQ/UyiGeneZFEI/AAAAAAAAIhU/dbnAUF7WDnM/s1600/20130626-IMG_3141.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIRTETKicyQ/UyiFFZv8lWI/AAAAAAAAIhI/bBh0rt0cmsE/s1600/20130626-IMG_3137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIRTETKicyQ/UyiFFZv8lWI/AAAAAAAAIhI/bBh0rt0cmsE/s1600/20130626-IMG_3137.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d6cLElFhVsQ/UyiEjl-WOPI/AAAAAAAAIhA/CgipZPi6-q8/s1600/20130626-IMG_3126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d6cLElFhVsQ/UyiEjl-WOPI/AAAAAAAAIhA/CgipZPi6-q8/s1600/20130626-IMG_3126.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykybg7qm7EU/UyiIcwXHk5I/AAAAAAAAIh0/UC80q_DiLwA/s1600/20130627-IMG_3215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykybg7qm7EU/UyiIcwXHk5I/AAAAAAAAIh0/UC80q_DiLwA/s1600/20130627-IMG_3215.jpg" height="640" width="578" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ooqd4t200_M/UyiJbSDnSuI/AAAAAAAAIiM/yAaCYFpag0o/s1600/20130627-IMG_3230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ooqd4t200_M/UyiJbSDnSuI/AAAAAAAAIiM/yAaCYFpag0o/s1600/20130627-IMG_3230.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo_SBKBcGOs/UyiI47sYX8I/AAAAAAAAIh8/ha1nHaMmJTQ/s1600/20130627-IMG_3217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo_SBKBcGOs/UyiI47sYX8I/AAAAAAAAIh8/ha1nHaMmJTQ/s1600/20130627-IMG_3217.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JTnKXCl3sMy6RNQs2AnuNv9XegNqGmOCylNdSvkFOI2FqCTYJKeBAM7WNhyphenhyphenOb3PMUSjXAlSfq3EsM27aeqPEnOhqSxdRP0QltNG7Ywh-R39w_hAEdnX3yfFcMH_Gkk1LzMBHqtuhuRY/s1600/20130627-IMG_3231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JTnKXCl3sMy6RNQs2AnuNv9XegNqGmOCylNdSvkFOI2FqCTYJKeBAM7WNhyphenhyphenOb3PMUSjXAlSfq3EsM27aeqPEnOhqSxdRP0QltNG7Ywh-R39w_hAEdnX3yfFcMH_Gkk1LzMBHqtuhuRY/s1600/20130627-IMG_3231.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mbNKEjiFYiHIs9Jf7f_hAw6EwXglX5SeyuRAbxrx3YN4DloRM7N6TXdjP1owHACYOwgVOrjlciDdSWJqQZj1ycIH-ghuus1WJpZpCGz2Yg2yCLtMWNsaz4vSwDh-QL1LeaojUrFFK9k/s1600/20130627-IMG_3288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mbNKEjiFYiHIs9Jf7f_hAw6EwXglX5SeyuRAbxrx3YN4DloRM7N6TXdjP1owHACYOwgVOrjlciDdSWJqQZj1ycIH-ghuus1WJpZpCGz2Yg2yCLtMWNsaz4vSwDh-QL1LeaojUrFFK9k/s1600/20130627-IMG_3288.jpg" height="640" width="636" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQU_n7XIxDE/UyiKZBT0sNI/AAAAAAAAIig/yFftbHpJY7w/s1600/20130627-IMG_3294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQU_n7XIxDE/UyiKZBT0sNI/AAAAAAAAIig/yFftbHpJY7w/s1600/20130627-IMG_3294.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9s-JDA0YZlI/UyiLXeF-MdI/AAAAAAAAIi0/zpjGBEjDarE/s1600/20130627-IMG_3301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9s-JDA0YZlI/UyiLXeF-MdI/AAAAAAAAIi0/zpjGBEjDarE/s1600/20130627-IMG_3301.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhRupRco_O4/UyiMEdfUxTI/AAAAAAAAIi8/JRSE-JHxjs8/s1600/20130627-IMG_3365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhRupRco_O4/UyiMEdfUxTI/AAAAAAAAIi8/JRSE-JHxjs8/s1600/20130627-IMG_3365.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQJHYWN0Goc/UyiNtJcA5UI/AAAAAAAAIjg/yl3XoRNVGoo/s1600/20130627-IMG_3376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQJHYWN0Goc/UyiNtJcA5UI/AAAAAAAAIjg/yl3XoRNVGoo/s1600/20130627-IMG_3376.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bear scat on the trail. Here is where I began to sing "Hey Bear, Hey Bear, coming through."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOGqXtZSIn4/UyiM-7JcITI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/gT4eGS02I2M/s1600/20130627-IMG_3406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOGqXtZSIn4/UyiM-7JcITI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/gT4eGS02I2M/s1600/20130627-IMG_3406.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--D3u0OXj2sc/UyiO0rJ3DVI/AAAAAAAAIjw/P_gkQEv-lg4/s1600/20130627-IMG_3484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--D3u0OXj2sc/UyiO0rJ3DVI/AAAAAAAAIjw/P_gkQEv-lg4/s1600/20130627-IMG_3484.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2XJV2ppIOc/UyiO6xV5YGI/AAAAAAAAIj4/f8ffeq2yC8w/s1600/20130627-IMG_3488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2XJV2ppIOc/UyiO6xV5YGI/AAAAAAAAIj4/f8ffeq2yC8w/s1600/20130627-IMG_3488.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fantastic Pie served here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hDqzByhsjE/UyiOSFDog7I/AAAAAAAAIjo/O5fRZzr6ZeQ/s1600/20130627-IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hDqzByhsjE/UyiOSFDog7I/AAAAAAAAIjo/O5fRZzr6ZeQ/s1600/20130627-IMG_3456.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-4253912486245988092014-04-02T17:46:00.001-04:002014-04-02T17:46:48.677-04:00Lewis and Clark23 June 2013<br />
<br />
The park ranger from the Buffalo Jump suggested that I visit the Missouri Headwaters State Park since I was passing by anyway. Meriwether Lewis described in his journal how they determined this to be the source of the Missouri River. They named the three tributaries the Jefferson, the Madeison, and the Gallatin, after the organizers of the expedition: President Jefferson, Secretary of State James Madison and Secretary of the Treasury, Albert Gallatin. July 28, 1805<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dS1CsqGuAg4/UysZoZVqO4I/AAAAAAAAIoc/riPVntssyqk/s1600/20130623-IMG_2722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dS1CsqGuAg4/UysZoZVqO4I/AAAAAAAAIoc/riPVntssyqk/s1600/20130623-IMG_2722.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Missouri is the official name given by the U. S. Geological Survey. It dates back to French explorer Jacques Marquette's journal and 1876 map of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. His Algonquian-speaking guides called the people living at the mouth of the Missouri River "8emessourit" meaning "people with canoes (made of logs)." Over time, the name was simplified to "Missouri" and became the river's name.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRrsx5Ifq-8/UysZYmWKygI/AAAAAAAAIoU/es_IL8VTowM/s1600/20130623-IMG_2730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRrsx5Ifq-8/UysZYmWKygI/AAAAAAAAIoU/es_IL8VTowM/s1600/20130623-IMG_2730.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The object of you mission is to explore the Missouri river, & such principal steam of it, as, by it's course & communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean... may offer the most direct & practical water communication across this Continent..."</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from Thomas Jefferson's instructions to Meriwether Lewis, July 4. 1803.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ELkftkDQi8/UysnREp0fKI/AAAAAAAAIow/M3FrHv79BD4/s1600/20130623-IMG_2745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ELkftkDQi8/UysnREp0fKI/AAAAAAAAIow/M3FrHv79BD4/s1600/20130623-IMG_2745.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lewis and Clark camped here on July 25, 1805 along with others in the group and Lewis' dog Seaman who traveled with him from Pennsylvania.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINCF25kMV3AkCLVyH35Bl05oPWCS27y6vunlDRNC6FX9gngznLl2UQ-01UrMwTUHXu9sYjQOu9HVyG5sgOKKFkVOxu-pEPz2p6TviWH4mT44NvcsKPp0GVL4mK4JbPxphR9JG3r2dqJA/s1600/20130623-IMG_2777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINCF25kMV3AkCLVyH35Bl05oPWCS27y6vunlDRNC6FX9gngznLl2UQ-01UrMwTUHXu9sYjQOu9HVyG5sgOKKFkVOxu-pEPz2p6TviWH4mT44NvcsKPp0GVL4mK4JbPxphR9JG3r2dqJA/s1600/20130623-IMG_2777.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I skipped a few rocks across the river, took some note, ate and then moved onto Crystal Park. It was higher up in the mountain and the views were great. I really fell in love with Montana.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBUifG5ZRus/Uysn3URBtxI/AAAAAAAAIo4/QLc-QgJ3Wi4/s1600/20130623-IMG_2804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBUifG5ZRus/Uysn3URBtxI/AAAAAAAAIo4/QLc-QgJ3Wi4/s1600/20130623-IMG_2804.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvuuBECw7rk/UysoWYtIwYI/AAAAAAAAIpI/cCOYU24N4TM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvuuBECw7rk/UysoWYtIwYI/AAAAAAAAIpI/cCOYU24N4TM/s1600/20130625-IMG_2948.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L0f64bxU6w/Uysok6mPrqI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/Pp36XfVFZD0/s1600/20130625-IMG_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L0f64bxU6w/Uysok6mPrqI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/Pp36XfVFZD0/s1600/20130625-IMG_2950.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At Crystal Park I joined other who were looking for Quartz crystals in the soil. I dug around and found a few but neglected to take any photos. The mosquitoes were fierce so I didn't stay long. On a good day and with some time it could be a fun place to dig holes and find more crystals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyVVS-76hmk/UysVkBWMjJI/AAAAAAAAIm8/quxPIfypJmM/s1600/20130623-DSCN5185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyVVS-76hmk/UysVkBWMjJI/AAAAAAAAIm8/quxPIfypJmM/s1600/20130623-DSCN5185.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I drove back down the mountain a little and found a campsite in the National Forest. I love the national forest campgrounds mostly because they were in expensive and also because they were never crowded and in beautiful locations. I just wish there were more of them in the east.<br />
<br />
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-5085551036422150872014-03-24T10:58:00.001-04:002014-03-24T10:58:28.718-04:00Madison Buffalo Jump23 June 2013<br />
<br />
There are several Buffalo Jumps in Montana but Madison Buffalo Jump was more or less on the way to Glacier my next National Park. A buffalo jump is a high ledge that the western native people used to help harvest buffalo for the winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNv6R1yOBlo/UysVyOtq9AI/AAAAAAAAInE/cUBzd1ZHf_0/s1600/20130623-IMG_2680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNv6R1yOBlo/UysVyOtq9AI/AAAAAAAAInE/cUBzd1ZHf_0/s1600/20130623-IMG_2680.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This cliff was an important hunting tool used for communal bison hunting. Sosoni' speaking (Shoshone) probably used the jump most frequently, but over time many nations have call this area home. For days the entire camp plans and prepares for the upcoming hunt. Tools, weapons and hearths are ready. Ceremonies and personal rituals are performed. Many of the artifact such as arrow and spear heads, and pottery shards were found in the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vgc1LzwLkE/UysXE2dpn0I/AAAAAAAAInc/CqPxXUP9ChE/s1600/20130623-IMG_2696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vgc1LzwLkE/UysXE2dpn0I/AAAAAAAAInc/CqPxXUP9ChE/s1600/20130623-IMG_2696.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Runners locate the heard and with their bodies covered in wolf skins they crouch and began to move the heard toward the cliff. After witnessing a buffalo drive in 1776, fur trader Alexander Haney wrote, "<i>The Indians' gestures so closely resemble those of the animals that if I had not been in the secret, I would have been as deceived as the buffalo."</i> As they move the heard onto the plateau, hazers hiding behind rocks jump up and begin shouting and waving hide. Below all eyes are fixed on the cliff ready for the stampede of bison of to fall to their death. Those below others move in to kill any injured animals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w7irJlJWb4/UysVHJ6_unI/AAAAAAAAIm0/pVovszdBons/s1600/20130623-IMG_2681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w7irJlJWb4/UysVHJ6_unI/AAAAAAAAIm0/pVovszdBons/s1600/20130623-IMG_2681.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
Below the 30 foot cliff women began butchering and skinning the bison into manageable pieces. The large bones were cracked open and boiled to remove the nourishing marrow. Nothing was wasted. I think my camper was parked in one of the butchering sites. The majority of the meat was preserved for winter food. Long strips of meat were hung from pole racks to dry. Once dry, the meat was ground into small bits, mixed with the marrow and often chokecherries, buffalo berries or other fruits dried in the summer. The mixture was then spread out in sheets to dry and then cut into cakes. These energy bars, called pemmican, provided nourishment throughout the winter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I was there a park ranger came up the trail and told me the history of the area and offered suggestions for other places to visit while in the area. Besides a man and his son I was the only other person around and they soon left leaving the place to myself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLHQo945BWa6sLt3lZFN6lGzRFAvnia0U-OAje4p2Uqw2CmOuQQATEoC88Q0ula_BevU3VUKxMDj_85rDR5WKQocdcHYS0aYQWe5k1kcdE33Nfk5OPUsIRkVs13NFKb5DkSIdnfX35VA/s1600/20130623-IMG_2708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLHQo945BWa6sLt3lZFN6lGzRFAvnia0U-OAje4p2Uqw2CmOuQQATEoC88Q0ula_BevU3VUKxMDj_85rDR5WKQocdcHYS0aYQWe5k1kcdE33Nfk5OPUsIRkVs13NFKb5DkSIdnfX35VA/s1600/20130623-IMG_2708.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As I slowly drove back along the gravel road I noticed these cloud formations. I started to think that this was the place where photos were taken of clouds to study in textbooks. There was so much sky and the clouds kept changing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuuuRJZoM7CpXPBpiXCQ4KzUGL-tc1vKDMR85g45fUpJ30q4p4SScxuj50ttEgNx5U-eNVoLpwfxJKNP637OLtuI3gBrk778F1P5QjBklPApc_1q0a4RLtqaCfyojiAazDwNrOdWBdt0/s1600/20130623-IMG_2710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuuuRJZoM7CpXPBpiXCQ4KzUGL-tc1vKDMR85g45fUpJ30q4p4SScxuj50ttEgNx5U-eNVoLpwfxJKNP637OLtuI3gBrk778F1P5QjBklPApc_1q0a4RLtqaCfyojiAazDwNrOdWBdt0/s1600/20130623-IMG_2710.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5laQi6CB-lPYLR_qwKJd15SdBL8S7Pb6ACTEli4Wxh_U0WyH7pIz2z85hQNwJifEqqTJDl-VvbE1GoxCt-SJ79tBJC-bGzeAAQOTEl-VxfUc5oe0vamFO9-rf3uGL9S9Oseh3x7xlCAE/s1600/20130623-IMG_2711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5laQi6CB-lPYLR_qwKJd15SdBL8S7Pb6ACTEli4Wxh_U0WyH7pIz2z85hQNwJifEqqTJDl-VvbE1GoxCt-SJ79tBJC-bGzeAAQOTEl-VxfUc5oe0vamFO9-rf3uGL9S9Oseh3x7xlCAE/s1600/20130623-IMG_2711.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Later I wrote in my journal: "I could see forever and what I saw was rolling hills of grass, foothills sage green with that wonderful smell of herb and blue mountains and snow covered peaks. Occasionally cattle dotted the landscape but they could have just as easily been buffalo. I felt like it had always been this way but now instead of wagon ruts there was a 2 lane road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T_Bnw8ebEM/UysX21kDVhI/AAAAAAAAIn0/LAwaPTwKFuw/s1600/20130623-IMG_2713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T_Bnw8ebEM/UysX21kDVhI/AAAAAAAAIn0/LAwaPTwKFuw/s1600/20130623-IMG_2713.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"There is more than what you see here."</i> -- Tony Icashula, Pend d'Oreille</div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-78417215536779701332014-03-23T11:19:00.003-04:002014-03-23T11:19:53.131-04:00Yellowstone National Park - Mammoth Hot Springs21 June 2013<br />
<br />
Eventually my camper was repaired and it was dime to depart Yellowstone. I could have stayed another week and still not see anything twice. I would love to return someday but alas my funds wouldn't support a longer stay. On my way out I stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs for a quick look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1upnKWiDwmU/UyhxIpgHx4I/AAAAAAAAIbM/ET1DlX86JC4/s1600/20130622-DSCN5162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1upnKWiDwmU/UyhxIpgHx4I/AAAAAAAAIbM/ET1DlX86JC4/s1600/20130622-DSCN5162.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I believe these are the most beautiful in the park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHWD2HKP1nA/Uyhyc1RLWfI/AAAAAAAAIbg/DQr4Fx_9-_o/s1600/20130622-IMG_2622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHWD2HKP1nA/Uyhyc1RLWfI/AAAAAAAAIbg/DQr4Fx_9-_o/s1600/20130622-IMG_2622.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjJ2KVUtvO8/UyhzcLMw-II/AAAAAAAAIb0/oti81hhUAmw/s1600/20130622-IMG_2630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjJ2KVUtvO8/UyhzcLMw-II/AAAAAAAAIb0/oti81hhUAmw/s1600/20130622-IMG_2630.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8P0I_2XXHw/Uyhz2fARldI/AAAAAAAAIcE/6HWoixWoubA/s1600/20130622-IMG_2671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8P0I_2XXHw/Uyhz2fARldI/AAAAAAAAIcE/6HWoixWoubA/s1600/20130622-IMG_2671.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfWBiYJFla0/UyhxEMUeIqI/AAAAAAAAIbE/iFgtLorb_go/s1600/20130622-DSCN5177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfWBiYJFla0/UyhxEMUeIqI/AAAAAAAAIbE/iFgtLorb_go/s1600/20130622-DSCN5177.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vEqf6fwQgqv2yybzPe17JhQ5XR1qPjEyogy8eh1LXgV8j9OLvqELHoC9edUIqEthk-hp7ysqoo25J0dD6ZWmkoTkmS6uFNzFya6K_w-lZH2c7Twe2MbYp9yHe_IBDZQlFzh9KH1hTl8/s1600/20130622-IMG_2674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vEqf6fwQgqv2yybzPe17JhQ5XR1qPjEyogy8eh1LXgV8j9OLvqELHoC9edUIqEthk-hp7ysqoo25J0dD6ZWmkoTkmS6uFNzFya6K_w-lZH2c7Twe2MbYp9yHe_IBDZQlFzh9KH1hTl8/s1600/20130622-IMG_2674.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just down the road I came to the Devil's Slide on Cinnabar Mountain. Early prospectors thought the red color was from cinnabar, or mercuric sulfide, but it actually sandstone and shale stained with iron oxide. The wall of the slide are made of quartz sandstone. The layers were created horizontally but were turned up to their present position by the uplift that created the range to the east.<br />
<br />
Since I had just spent a great deal of time in the lodge lounge waiting for my camper I had a chance to write down my Camping and Traveling Rules.<br />
1. Ever thing takes longer than you think it should or planned for.<br />
2. Expect nothing except to have fun and see new things.<br />
3. Go slow and look carefully, you may find a snake or mating lizards.<br />
4. Pay it forward and leave books, CDs and DVDs you have finished in the restrooms and laundry rooms for others to enjoy as you did. Be sure to put a note saying "Please take, enjoy and share with others" you don't want people to think they are stealing.<br />
5.You need less things than you thought but it is good to have them anyway.<br />
6. Keep in contact with family and friends.<br />
7. Photos become less and less important.<br />
8. Check the weather and lay low when necessary.<br />
9. Take vitamins, eat right and stay healthy.<br />
10. Be friendly.<br />
<br />
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-74640539126347068242014-03-22T08:45:00.000-04:002014-03-22T08:45:51.075-04:00Yellowstone National Park - Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone RiverJune 19, 2013<br />
<br />
The guys at the Canyon Village Service Station were very helpful and said they could fix my camper but they would have to order a metal strap and in the meantime I shouldn't drive too much. I was within walking distance of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone so I took many trips there before my camper was repaired.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPk6u8wjwlU/UyPPi48FKzI/AAAAAAAAIVk/7f9ZvX2o0-o/s1600/DSCN5106-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPk6u8wjwlU/UyPPi48FKzI/AAAAAAAAIVk/7f9ZvX2o0-o/s1600/DSCN5106-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Above is a view from the Artist Point. In fact there were a number of visitors there with their paints and drawing pads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ink7l1vrEqE/UyPPo-9DieI/AAAAAAAAIWM/AIAtOqX9dL0/s1600/IMG_2218-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ink7l1vrEqE/UyPPo-9DieI/AAAAAAAAIWM/AIAtOqX9dL0/s1600/IMG_2218-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I hiked the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail and got a good workout. The lower falls is 308 feet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlIfCO-bq00/UyPPx7Jj4bI/AAAAAAAAIW8/OqWU8BzfxB4/s1600/IMG_2463-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlIfCO-bq00/UyPPx7Jj4bI/AAAAAAAAIW8/OqWU8BzfxB4/s1600/IMG_2463-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The white in the lower left side is snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1I5jj0FZhs/UyPP1rFYXpI/AAAAAAAAIXM/Q-ckbR-SxDE/s1600/IMG_2480-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1I5jj0FZhs/UyPP1rFYXpI/AAAAAAAAIXM/Q-ckbR-SxDE/s1600/IMG_2480-3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My first good photo of a Yellow Bellied Marmot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iO62CR1sXk/UyPP5_-Bu2I/AAAAAAAAIXc/tAYM7r_PweA/s1600/IMG_2494-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iO62CR1sXk/UyPP5_-Bu2I/AAAAAAAAIXc/tAYM7r_PweA/s1600/IMG_2494-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_raKLNTu6EgaThAHq0Sj4AYpoCSFv4azJewtQRLNGWfHIM-1E6COeh4jGV-92JuCn11TJCnoFbqiHHmeQ4DDgLFC-4N6G4mOpoBWiZtuJ27jVzdirS0kpXRx8DEvudKKvxs-XL0RcMz8/s1600/IMG_2530-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_raKLNTu6EgaThAHq0Sj4AYpoCSFv4azJewtQRLNGWfHIM-1E6COeh4jGV-92JuCn11TJCnoFbqiHHmeQ4DDgLFC-4N6G4mOpoBWiZtuJ27jVzdirS0kpXRx8DEvudKKvxs-XL0RcMz8/s1600/IMG_2530-2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The colors of this canyon were very interesting and different from any I had previously seen. It turned out to be one of my favorite locations of my entire journey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax80nHcYBHY/UyPP_AEgj1I/AAAAAAAAIXs/L7OCFp9NMeI/s1600/IMG_2525-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax80nHcYBHY/UyPP_AEgj1I/AAAAAAAAIXs/L7OCFp9NMeI/s1600/IMG_2525-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yB3rYoyGv_k/UyPQAhgs3II/AAAAAAAAIX8/yRhm9hlmOdw/s1600/IMG_2533-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yB3rYoyGv_k/UyPQAhgs3II/AAAAAAAAIX8/yRhm9hlmOdw/s1600/IMG_2533-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the most rewarding moments was watching an Osprey bring in fish to its mate and chicks. The nest was on a pinnacle in the middle of the canyon and you can see him in the direction about 10 o'clock just a short distance away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mBMdIT4CY3E/UyspLF2Y9cI/AAAAAAAAIpk/Ockt93YFtUU/s1600/20130616-IMG_2538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mBMdIT4CY3E/UyspLF2Y9cI/AAAAAAAAIpk/Ockt93YFtUU/s1600/20130616-IMG_2538.jpg" height="505" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhjrw2lhonQ/UyspF6VxXjI/AAAAAAAAIpc/Y2Pb5a2N3Zw/s1600/20130616-IMG_2540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhjrw2lhonQ/UyspF6VxXjI/AAAAAAAAIpc/Y2Pb5a2N3Zw/s1600/20130616-IMG_2540.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I watched him drop off the fish then circle around and fly below me to look for more fish in the Yellowstone River below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BS5SxMKZRdQ/UyPQL-0RNEI/AAAAAAAAIYo/fw1NS6eGgR4/s1600/IMG_2544-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BS5SxMKZRdQ/UyPQL-0RNEI/AAAAAAAAIYo/fw1NS6eGgR4/s1600/IMG_2544-1.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqBe01lVe4M/UyPQPODH_cI/AAAAAAAAIY4/AzQCwdWP5iU/s1600/IMG_2545-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqBe01lVe4M/UyPQPODH_cI/AAAAAAAAIY4/AzQCwdWP5iU/s1600/IMG_2545-2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Not as spectacular but very abundant were Violet-Green Swallows. I had seen them earlier in my trip but here I had my best views. Look to the right in the photo below and you will see one sitting on the ledge just below me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VYFfm8m_rmB2omn4Bm2_adkS896wWz0g5comO79Ap1XUqvIl1nFLSNqJYkKinAGVLRJTiuCz8bU3nq64rN6KV2p4BKZE_aG1XMTof2_TAd47yqn1cXegR4P60MEAAWgm2ER-UeDVYYY/s1600/IMG_2605-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VYFfm8m_rmB2omn4Bm2_adkS896wWz0g5comO79Ap1XUqvIl1nFLSNqJYkKinAGVLRJTiuCz8bU3nq64rN6KV2p4BKZE_aG1XMTof2_TAd47yqn1cXegR4P60MEAAWgm2ER-UeDVYYY/s1600/IMG_2605-1.jpg" height="337" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed3BHwEN2RM/UyPQYR7xi3I/AAAAAAAAIZY/jNhbdhYi5ww/s1600/IMG_2555-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed3BHwEN2RM/UyPQYR7xi3I/AAAAAAAAIZY/jNhbdhYi5ww/s1600/IMG_2555-3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnHYkVXBXoU/UyPQd5OGr3I/AAAAAAAAIZ4/e-fC8VPVe5Q/s1600/IMG_2583-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnHYkVXBXoU/UyPQd5OGr3I/AAAAAAAAIZ4/e-fC8VPVe5Q/s1600/IMG_2583-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Many of the overlooks reminded me of Japanese paintings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNDmWdG22k/UyPQbfgU0XI/AAAAAAAAIZo/MKRbzdZd-dg/s1600/IMG_2560-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNDmWdG22k/UyPQbfgU0XI/AAAAAAAAIZo/MKRbzdZd-dg/s1600/IMG_2560-5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-32506727426854832832014-03-21T11:53:00.000-04:002014-03-21T11:53:28.560-04:00Yellowstone National Park - Roosevelt Lodge and Dunraven Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
June 17, 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a day of fun and disappointment. My drive over Dunraven Pass was beautiful with the snow covered mountains in the distance. It was cold and windy but I was tough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GV4wzFZbEGA/UyPOzn1sc2I/AAAAAAAAISk/c41BtewsnJA/s1600/IMG_2277-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GV4wzFZbEGA/UyPOzn1sc2I/AAAAAAAAISk/c41BtewsnJA/s1600/IMG_2277-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8TX-xC-mAU/UyPO16UwJ3I/AAAAAAAAISw/26E94Sw12-g/s1600/IMG_2282-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8TX-xC-mAU/UyPO16UwJ3I/AAAAAAAAISw/26E94Sw12-g/s1600/IMG_2282-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The expanse of the view was just breathtaking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn8Bh2HS6J0/UyPO363pJBI/AAAAAAAAITA/zYPx2H5-RvI/s1600/IMG_2290-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn8Bh2HS6J0/UyPO363pJBI/AAAAAAAAITA/zYPx2H5-RvI/s1600/IMG_2290-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REJFxmH3igY/UyPO49ltMfI/AAAAAAAAITI/EOQ6OA3B7d8/s1600/IMG_2298-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REJFxmH3igY/UyPO49ltMfI/AAAAAAAAITI/EOQ6OA3B7d8/s1600/IMG_2298-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"As I took in the scene, I realized my own littleness, my helplessness, my dread exposure to destruction, my inability to cope with or even comprehend the mighty architecture of nature."</i> --Nathaniel P. Langhorn, 1870.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QE7SRSp3_E0/UyPO8R4RyAI/AAAAAAAAITU/UKM1Y7XMKnY/s1600/IMG_2313-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QE7SRSp3_E0/UyPO8R4RyAI/AAAAAAAAITU/UKM1Y7XMKnY/s1600/IMG_2313-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a lot of construction on the road to the Roosevelt Lodge and I paused to take a photo of the basalt columns. I saw several elk and a black bear but with the bumper to bumper traffic caused by road construction it was almost impossible to take a photo. My camper felt like it was coming apart at the seams because it was so bumpy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0yhWDidOxw/UyPO_BN3j1I/AAAAAAAAITg/neIMRS6KkXY/s1600/IMG_2315-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0yhWDidOxw/UyPO_BN3j1I/AAAAAAAAITg/neIMRS6KkXY/s1600/IMG_2315-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally I arrived a Roosevelt Lodge and decided to take the short hike to Lost Creek Falls located behind the lodge. I wanted to stop at Tower Falls but there were no parking spaces open so I had to move on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LajlSVXviBs/UyPPA0IjHcI/AAAAAAAAITw/u47l-4Bezek/s1600/IMG_2318-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LajlSVXviBs/UyPPA0IjHcI/AAAAAAAAITw/u47l-4Bezek/s1600/IMG_2318-3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the nice things about this little trail is that no one was on it and I could take photos without having to move aside for those rushing by.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO5AlbQBPSdMMH3MWaEXVpGZccsQU-U6os-XwYuzaVHsZE78RShg4CYI-VKBxfJw-9bV-q0ugcUh2-E_5rYOJUlgU5wibz94Nj-XPLXuZOh1bl2bSig8p4usMZ-cvvTDEE4oFMo7lMEE/s1600/IMG_2335-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO5AlbQBPSdMMH3MWaEXVpGZccsQU-U6os-XwYuzaVHsZE78RShg4CYI-VKBxfJw-9bV-q0ugcUh2-E_5rYOJUlgU5wibz94Nj-XPLXuZOh1bl2bSig8p4usMZ-cvvTDEE4oFMo7lMEE/s1600/IMG_2335-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLE_4J2mjv8/UyPPIsils8I/AAAAAAAAIUQ/yJj90_J4gz0/s1600/IMG_2343-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLE_4J2mjv8/UyPPIsils8I/AAAAAAAAIUQ/yJj90_J4gz0/s1600/IMG_2343-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHjgSSd3FeI/UyPPMYuwjtI/AAAAAAAAIUc/wXAy8yOtRaY/s1600/IMG_2357-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHjgSSd3FeI/UyPPMYuwjtI/AAAAAAAAIUc/wXAy8yOtRaY/s1600/IMG_2357-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKHonILaG-I/UyPPR-yvNGI/AAAAAAAAIU4/FzZn1sZlESQ/s1600/IMG_2363-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKHonILaG-I/UyPPR-yvNGI/AAAAAAAAIU4/FzZn1sZlESQ/s1600/IMG_2363-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgl8-zpyQrFxxcuQLN5hHlDplpdnE_jlOUcD6GJOrKmBa8u7pgYoxVau3DzrHeyRkbuyFo-4JUWnyLCVxPGjFaAtP7rd9Ok6JrwAA1FXwsjDXA4xecUcVXCqg9Cxv6Vy9t88VwxwXR6s/s1600/IMG_2351-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgl8-zpyQrFxxcuQLN5hHlDplpdnE_jlOUcD6GJOrKmBa8u7pgYoxVau3DzrHeyRkbuyFo-4JUWnyLCVxPGjFaAtP7rd9Ok6JrwAA1FXwsjDXA4xecUcVXCqg9Cxv6Vy9t88VwxwXR6s/s1600/IMG_2351-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The falls wasn't grand but it was a wonderful place to stop and contemplate. When I was at Old Faithful I received word that one of my uncles had died and that was weighing heavily on my heart so I welcomed the time outside alone. He was a farmer, hunter and fisherman.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6hCBUHzF1w/UyPPSl1-U0I/AAAAAAAAIVA/q37N3n8nCvE/s1600/IMG_2372-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6hCBUHzF1w/UyPPSl1-U0I/AAAAAAAAIVA/q37N3n8nCvE/s1600/IMG_2372-6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nWLuLbFZkQ/UyPPRW8IXYI/AAAAAAAAIU0/QAvRPk3Rm2U/s1600/IMG_2392-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nWLuLbFZkQ/UyPPRW8IXYI/AAAAAAAAIU0/QAvRPk3Rm2U/s1600/IMG_2392-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From here I drove to Sough Creek in search of birds and other wildlife. When looking at the bear the day before I was told I could find pika here. I didn't but I did see these baby prairie dogs<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsUF1EH8YQY/UyPPWFnn0mI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/XFwL3t6aBCg/s1600/IMG_2430-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsUF1EH8YQY/UyPPWFnn0mI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/XFwL3t6aBCg/s1600/IMG_2430-1.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As I left Slough Creek, the bottom of my camper sounded like it had just fallen off and indeed one of two metal straps holding my water tank on had broken. There was only a gas station in Roosevelt so I had to head back. The sound was horrid as the metal strap scraped and clanged over the rough road. Then it started to snow as I reached the pass, I held tight to the steering wheel and drove very very slow and was actually a bit thankful for a good excuse to slow down because I was already in slow mode because of the condition of my camper. I arrived back to Canyon Village and took my camper into the service station the next day and they said it could be fixed. They would make the part I needed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmeGAmULIHc/UyPPUyxSEtI/AAAAAAAAIVI/ZaBB8uyxRQ8/s1600/IMG_2440-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmeGAmULIHc/UyPPUyxSEtI/AAAAAAAAIVI/ZaBB8uyxRQ8/s1600/IMG_2440-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-8355057299835817772014-03-20T10:35:00.002-04:002014-03-20T10:35:38.385-04:00Yellowstone National Park - looking for wild lifeJune 13, 2013<br />
<br />
My first stop was Le Hardy's Rapids where I saw four Harlequin Ducks. They were so beautiful and I was mesmerized watching them navigate up the rapids.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H77SnN5_LEE/UyPOVAbDTdI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/m1K31aOaGVI/s1600/IMG_2043-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H77SnN5_LEE/UyPOVAbDTdI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/m1K31aOaGVI/s1600/IMG_2043-1.jpg" height="218" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOXetZcK2m8/UyPOWKmzBwI/AAAAAAAAIQc/kSPqx7TQQz0/s1600/IMG_2051-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOXetZcK2m8/UyPOWKmzBwI/AAAAAAAAIQc/kSPqx7TQQz0/s1600/IMG_2051-1.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnvVj6a08t2WjL9aK74k_UbmbdkLq3_i13j7Ib-56v2WcMRdRtu9vXZdjD1QJJj5HOOBDx5ko-MHpYffWbMKRNxW8-xvGtkK9RxhW8VP6NhGjZkc91YxPj9xJgUtYOz2L3vdrs_6egDk/s1600/IMG_2060-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnvVj6a08t2WjL9aK74k_UbmbdkLq3_i13j7Ib-56v2WcMRdRtu9vXZdjD1QJJj5HOOBDx5ko-MHpYffWbMKRNxW8-xvGtkK9RxhW8VP6NhGjZkc91YxPj9xJgUtYOz2L3vdrs_6egDk/s1600/IMG_2060-1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXte4xjnpmo/UyPOYGPG__I/AAAAAAAAIQk/WrtGkGayYk0/s1600/IMG_2072-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXte4xjnpmo/UyPOYGPG__I/AAAAAAAAIQk/WrtGkGayYk0/s1600/IMG_2072-1.jpg" height="173" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luDzP3yveKM/UyPOYwbcftI/AAAAAAAAIQs/8hcqj_deo6Y/s1600/IMG_2078-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luDzP3yveKM/UyPOYwbcftI/AAAAAAAAIQs/8hcqj_deo6Y/s1600/IMG_2078-1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is a YouTube video I made of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsvOIvKRsDI&feature=youtu.be">a bit of what I saw</a>.<br />
<br />
On my way to Hayden Valley I took some time to hike the Pelican Creek Trail. It begins overlooking wetlands, towards the mountains near Fishing Bridge. The sound of tree frogs were everywhere and very loud. As I entered the pines I saw a pair of Mountain Chickadees flying to and from a hole in a dead stump. I was so tempted to take a peak but knew it was not a good idea to upset them. I saw many white butterflies but could only guess at the species. As I entered the forest I mentally reviewed my bear defense strategies just in case.<br />
<br />
Soon I came to the Yellowstone Lake shore, with its gray sand. I could hear Canada Geese off in the distance against the gentle lapping of the waves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ceVps-JBbM/UyPOcjecFVI/AAAAAAAAIRA/efFVTqdlL1c/s1600/IMG_2116-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ceVps-JBbM/UyPOcjecFVI/AAAAAAAAIRA/efFVTqdlL1c/s1600/IMG_2116-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Standing there I noticed a storm approaching and could hear the distant thunder. As I walked the shore line I heard a pair of ducks fly off, and it seemed as if my hearing had improved in this quiet setting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9s87zmFg6I/UyPOc0zneBI/AAAAAAAAIRI/oQ7WRgeyH6E/s1600/IMG_2139-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9s87zmFg6I/UyPOc0zneBI/AAAAAAAAIRI/oQ7WRgeyH6E/s1600/IMG_2139-1.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYhYcapO3o0/UyPOdAwg2GI/AAAAAAAAIRM/sUXOd9vDcAY/s1600/IMG_2155-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYhYcapO3o0/UyPOdAwg2GI/AAAAAAAAIRM/sUXOd9vDcAY/s1600/IMG_2155-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The sky darkened as I came back around to the marsh and the thunder was louder. Soon I could hear the sound of rain falling on my hat. I returned to my camper just in time to avoid being hit by the pounding hail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0h0801mnPksf1MR3E6p-nWEdfBtVc68GVfqUDXp82voQzAtd1n7WIBSt3JpoInOfatKNJoYDB8i0uK7gtX3jfdUPP2RyQmZV3lpiXLMC9v5Q8FgZ34t1B_pUWWbs0VwOQLyvD5HI3mU/s1600/IMG_2161-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0h0801mnPksf1MR3E6p-nWEdfBtVc68GVfqUDXp82voQzAtd1n7WIBSt3JpoInOfatKNJoYDB8i0uK7gtX3jfdUPP2RyQmZV3lpiXLMC9v5Q8FgZ34t1B_pUWWbs0VwOQLyvD5HI3mU/s1600/IMG_2161-1.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When it was all over in a few minutes the frogs sang again and a gray jay paid me a visit, another life bird.<br />
<br />
I drove a little further were everyone else was and had a chance to see a young grizzly running across the meadow. One of the other visitors shared a scope, so I had a good look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpmiahgtylM/UyPOibC4v6I/AAAAAAAAIRk/7-jyXYQA6tk/s1600/IMG_2170-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpmiahgtylM/UyPOibC4v6I/AAAAAAAAIRk/7-jyXYQA6tk/s1600/IMG_2170-1.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Later in the day I saw a coyote. It was a very wildlife thrilling day!squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-64850329519919475692014-03-18T09:14:00.000-04:002014-03-18T09:14:38.440-04:00Yellowstone National Park - Old FaithfulJune 12, 2013<br />
<br />
During my time in the Old Faithful area the weather was changing almost every five minutes from rain to sunshine so it might look like I was there several days but actually it all happened in one short afternoon. I was lucky to see the Beehive Geyser go off and then at the same time Old Faithful put on a show right behind me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9MtIqe5N3E/UyPN67yWogI/AAAAAAAAIOs/u6nIRVo5tNw/s1600/IMG_1956-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9MtIqe5N3E/UyPN67yWogI/AAAAAAAAIOs/u6nIRVo5tNw/s1600/IMG_1956-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved these pools and could not really comprehend how close I was connected to the earths core,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbxKJIBsTu8/UyPN2iG4enI/AAAAAAAAIOU/drXkXDGX9d8/s1600/DSCN5081-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbxKJIBsTu8/UyPN2iG4enI/AAAAAAAAIOU/drXkXDGX9d8/s1600/DSCN5081-1.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOsIwy65RNU/UyPN3AjGFxI/AAAAAAAAIOc/iox3xoROvjI/s1600/DSCN5091-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOsIwy65RNU/UyPN3AjGFxI/AAAAAAAAIOc/iox3xoROvjI/s1600/DSCN5091-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea1cbGGF6JM/UyPN4DgMDWI/AAAAAAAAIOk/iWbv54MziRQ/s1600/DSCN5092-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea1cbGGF6JM/UyPN4DgMDWI/AAAAAAAAIOk/iWbv54MziRQ/s1600/DSCN5092-1.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ygWOoo7wJk/UyPN_KLaRwI/AAAAAAAAIPE/Qg0oTL-A7Is/s1600/IMG_1975-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ygWOoo7wJk/UyPN_KLaRwI/AAAAAAAAIPE/Qg0oTL-A7Is/s1600/IMG_1975-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ4YQ83UmWk/UyPODJKocEI/AAAAAAAAIPc/0dkZph7WODg/s1600/IMG_2000-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ4YQ83UmWk/UyPODJKocEI/AAAAAAAAIPc/0dkZph7WODg/s1600/IMG_2000-1.jpg" height="233" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I took a tour of the lodge and would recommend it to anyone in the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PuMKJFp4wA/UyPN7hvDq-I/AAAAAAAAIO0/ja4MtA5oy34/s1600/IMG_1967-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PuMKJFp4wA/UyPN7hvDq-I/AAAAAAAAIO0/ja4MtA5oy34/s1600/IMG_1967-1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAhmvMyHv-4/UyPOGlc8-1I/AAAAAAAAIPs/Q9hCZ0zHlhA/s1600/IMG_2019-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAhmvMyHv-4/UyPOGlc8-1I/AAAAAAAAIPs/Q9hCZ0zHlhA/s1600/IMG_2019-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsm8or8HpSg/UyPOH2zBqMI/AAAAAAAAIP0/37JKreLiXuc/s1600/IMG_2022-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsm8or8HpSg/UyPOH2zBqMI/AAAAAAAAIP0/37JKreLiXuc/s1600/IMG_2022-1.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OctI-65u1c/UyPOIev2LsI/AAAAAAAAIP8/w8dvRC14Jng/s1600/IMG_2029-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OctI-65u1c/UyPOIev2LsI/AAAAAAAAIP8/w8dvRC14Jng/s1600/IMG_2029-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7Z4Eie6asc/UyPN8xTF72I/AAAAAAAAIO8/7VFtawNcAew/s1600/IMG_1930-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7Z4Eie6asc/UyPN8xTF72I/AAAAAAAAIO8/7VFtawNcAew/s1600/IMG_1930-1.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-60796063374302033272014-03-17T10:58:00.000-04:002014-03-17T10:58:52.033-04:00Yellowstone National Park -- Norris AreaJune 11, 2013<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span>ellowstone was one of my “must see” parks so I had made
reservations well in advance and ended up staying 10 days and still barely saw
everything the park has to offer. I stayed at Canyon Village and had my routes
all mapped out into different sections so as to not miss anything and cut down on doubling back to save gas. I began my first day with a hike to Ice Lake. As
I walked through the Lodgepole pines I felt as though I was a giant in the
Land of Lilliput with new born pines no taller than me. There were a few elders
scattered around, a reminder that what was once can become again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eryiBhVsTfQ/UvURQn_6Y8I/AAAAAAAAILg/9fQz71-LMtM/s1600/IMG_1787-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eryiBhVsTfQ/UvURQn_6Y8I/AAAAAAAAILg/9fQz71-LMtM/s1600/IMG_1787-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the lake I found a pair of Barrows Golden Eye Ducks that
seemed to be the sole proprietors. As
they swam in my direction I felt welcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7f5xBBUOEC8/UvURRBIQiII/AAAAAAAAILs/TQef86ddWWg/s1600/IMG_1796-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7f5xBBUOEC8/UvURRBIQiII/AAAAAAAAILs/TQef86ddWWg/s1600/IMG_1796-1.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CD2QbBcjYQk/UvURRdp71uI/AAAAAAAAILw/MxU3kaGkZE4/s1600/IMG_1799-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CD2QbBcjYQk/UvURRdp71uI/AAAAAAAAILw/MxU3kaGkZE4/s1600/IMG_1799-1.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At Norris I walked the Porcelain trail where I saw my first geyser
explode when a killdeer landed in the distance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4M-YIUhsGA/UvURU-UsWWI/AAAAAAAAIL4/vsUleVyhaUM/s1600/IMG_1802-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4M-YIUhsGA/UvURU-UsWWI/AAAAAAAAIL4/vsUleVyhaUM/s1600/IMG_1802-1-2.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cistern Spring is one of many hot springs here. The brown,
orange, and green colors represent species of visible algae and bacteria, each
requiring a different temperature. As
water gradually cools—by flowing away from its source—it creates lower
temperature environments ideal for these colorful species. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx9ulofntVA/UvURmdRK2yI/AAAAAAAAINU/FFhC2btz93Q/s1600/IMG_1862-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx9ulofntVA/UvURmdRK2yI/AAAAAAAAINU/FFhC2btz93Q/s1600/IMG_1862-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>"It is a place where the center of the earth finds and exit and gives us a glimpse of its soul." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
--Ann Coe, painter 1998</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lup1D68lO6w/UvURKHT5FJI/AAAAAAAAILI/62mR9hRry7k/s1600/DSCN5035-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lup1D68lO6w/UvURKHT5FJI/AAAAAAAAILI/62mR9hRry7k/s1600/DSCN5035-1.jpg" height="222" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcnU2QCHGWA/UvURf0BeNAI/AAAAAAAAIMo/XgCZfbUcq5g/s1600/IMG_1822-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcnU2QCHGWA/UvURf0BeNAI/AAAAAAAAIMo/XgCZfbUcq5g/s1600/IMG_1822-1.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"It is probably the greatest laboratory that nature furnishes on the surface of the globe."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--Gustarus C. Doane, military escort to the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doan Expidetion.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YeLxvIT_Es/UvURdCgznQI/AAAAAAAAIMg/kuCawtTAKSY/s1600/IMG_1819-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YeLxvIT_Es/UvURdCgznQI/AAAAAAAAIMg/kuCawtTAKSY/s1600/IMG_1819-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUAMHTbz84k/UvURganWqlI/AAAAAAAAIM0/I1IzIa1gh40/s1600/IMG_1827-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUAMHTbz84k/UvURganWqlI/AAAAAAAAIM0/I1IzIa1gh40/s1600/IMG_1827-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1829 Joe Meek, a trapper wrote, <i>“—and behold! the whole
country beyond was smoking with the vapor from boiling springs, and burning
with gasses issuing from small craters, each of which was emitting a sharp
whistling sound…Out of craters issued blue flames and molten brimstone.” </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBoPGjwUung/UvURiy2nn5I/AAAAAAAAINA/-3ybgupMlSE/s1600/IMG_1843-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBoPGjwUung/UvURiy2nn5I/AAAAAAAAINA/-3ybgupMlSE/s1600/IMG_1843-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Steamboat Geyser</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
On my way to Steamboat Geyser the wind picked up and I reached to tighten the strap on my cowboy hat when a man coming towards me said, "You need to snug up that stampede strap." I was in a whole new world with new expressions.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Emerald Spring is a 27-foot-deep clear blue pool, where the
water is absorbing all the colors of sunlight except one—blue, which is
reflected back. The yellow color from
the sulfur combines with the reflected blue light, to make the hot spring
appear emerald green.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlx6ZzxuzT0/UvURgg5LmDI/AAAAAAAAIM4/2h3h-gRyI64/s1600/IMG_1833-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlx6ZzxuzT0/UvURgg5LmDI/AAAAAAAAIM4/2h3h-gRyI64/s1600/IMG_1833-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I drove on to the Artist Paintpots I passed a small heard
of bison with their cinnamon colored caves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEoaGojcDIE/UvURmXl-ntI/AAAAAAAAINI/1O-ztvG2Ec0/s1600/IMG_1885-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEoaGojcDIE/UvURmXl-ntI/AAAAAAAAINI/1O-ztvG2Ec0/s1600/IMG_1885-1.jpg" height="339" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think the Artist Paintpots site was one of my favorites.
It was a little smelly at the top but what a beautiful sight to behold.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUc317Rq-LE/UvURM6e_kAI/AAAAAAAAILY/S2tB23Cnex0/s1600/DSCN5059-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUc317Rq-LE/UvURM6e_kAI/AAAAAAAAILY/S2tB23Cnex0/s1600/DSCN5059-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vbGzhTB3Ps/UvURoiPgyFI/AAAAAAAAINg/GJsdGT2BZts/s1600/IMG_1905-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vbGzhTB3Ps/UvURoiPgyFI/AAAAAAAAINg/GJsdGT2BZts/s1600/IMG_1905-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-60749810926069766372014-02-07T10:39:00.000-05:002014-02-07T10:39:05.559-05:00Grand TetonJohn D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway<br />
June 9, 10, 2013<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hese photos as sepia images because I feel they show the detail and structure of the area better than full color would. No matter how you look at it this area is magnificent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFp9mo5pqJw/UvO77IDrQjI/AAAAAAAAIIg/LpDIk8Z9yaQ/s1600/IMG_1695-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFp9mo5pqJw/UvO77IDrQjI/AAAAAAAAIIg/LpDIk8Z9yaQ/s1600/IMG_1695-1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"There are not foothills to the Tetons, they rise suddenly in rugged majesty from the rock strewn plain...the soft light floods the great expanse of the valley, the winding silvery river and the resplendent deeply carved mountain walls."</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-- Lt. Gustavus Cheney Doan, leader of a small party, 1876.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0VzSjIP-JFL2fQERIxrpDMVYzkJNcCWEvpYNLjuzx-krzlu5JVzKpVM9AX7wn9gUC4ooZawNUnP1RH7r6T-7ntbMQyF0sAjC_4bgipN7gtC3G9l8Ta8L8U-HwNMnLOmfK0AZR-6JpvQ/s1600/IMG_1714-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0VzSjIP-JFL2fQERIxrpDMVYzkJNcCWEvpYNLjuzx-krzlu5JVzKpVM9AX7wn9gUC4ooZawNUnP1RH7r6T-7ntbMQyF0sAjC_4bgipN7gtC3G9l8Ta8L8U-HwNMnLOmfK0AZR-6JpvQ/s1600/IMG_1714-1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Irrespective of hour or season, whether view on clear days or stormy,the Tetons are so surpassingly beautiful that one is likely to gaze silently upon them, conscious of the fatility of speech." </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-- Fritiof Fryxel, 1938</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VsvHC6L58Y4Gji9oiD7fm8xups1Z5ndu7PYHKcZfIop9D_vgs8ensGBpUSmEUe-hsT-SpJ4-2O0H08RiwejKm35LviuT2LdVe27riSHBt68RGSo_tsPaHXkB61TQggIydLNeHayPuag/s1600/IMG_1728-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VsvHC6L58Y4Gji9oiD7fm8xups1Z5ndu7PYHKcZfIop9D_vgs8ensGBpUSmEUe-hsT-SpJ4-2O0H08RiwejKm35LviuT2LdVe27riSHBt68RGSo_tsPaHXkB61TQggIydLNeHayPuag/s1600/IMG_1728-1.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpWfChLNTsM/UvT8znrHGII/AAAAAAAAIK0/xfF2ISPiaQg/s1600/IMG_1754-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpWfChLNTsM/UvT8znrHGII/AAAAAAAAIK0/xfF2ISPiaQg/s1600/IMG_1754-1.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Some day I hope to learn more about the sun and stars, at that time we shall meet up there, but for the present I prefer to have the boundaries shown by our familiar rivers and mountains." </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--Washakie, 1876 (last leader of the Shoshone's Eastern Band)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_1YpTUOmcicMqkQwRrbzCUqjMCxP993qdtEhe7t9ik_K3su9IGaSJNLDZcjB5yyXJiFAuSVI8Mantdnp_zuz4ijvWin9KQBs_udqcRqs5FafrJQaTLK9697wIKdbG_JK3A-znLqdRDg/s1600/IMG_1755-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_1YpTUOmcicMqkQwRrbzCUqjMCxP993qdtEhe7t9ik_K3su9IGaSJNLDZcjB5yyXJiFAuSVI8Mantdnp_zuz4ijvWin9KQBs_udqcRqs5FafrJQaTLK9697wIKdbG_JK3A-znLqdRDg/s1600/IMG_1755-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZCxtzc1C2Q/UvO8E1EPdoI/AAAAAAAAIJc/VUN-ylRpdag/s1600/IMG_1763-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZCxtzc1C2Q/UvO8E1EPdoI/AAAAAAAAIJc/VUN-ylRpdag/s1600/IMG_1763-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"The Grand lift of the Tetons is more than a mechanistic fold and faulting of the earth's crust; it becomes a primal gesture of the earth beneath a greater sky."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-- Ansel Adams, 1950</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBpeLif2_2g/UvO8E1BU_QI/AAAAAAAAIJY/CXi0V3xFQvY/s1600/IMG_1773-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBpeLif2_2g/UvO8E1BU_QI/AAAAAAAAIJY/CXi0V3xFQvY/s1600/IMG_1773-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"You must search for the loveliness of America; it is not obvious; it is scattered; but when you find it, it touches you and binds you to it like a great secret oath taken in silence."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-- Struthers Burt, Jackson Hole Dude Ranch, 1934</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMt-A2HZiH3YYKra030dGn-qq4aaaNRYCM8jGRvt5LxP6ibKQgV4rehIF0cqcVt83i8I3s3i71tbX8bBcPK-fNi3lanfav623S0gH0AJnA_qg2X8-FC7h43I6gn_ssLp-Ar31U4L6z3j4/s1600/IMG_1782-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMt-A2HZiH3YYKra030dGn-qq4aaaNRYCM8jGRvt5LxP6ibKQgV4rehIF0cqcVt83i8I3s3i71tbX8bBcPK-fNi3lanfav623S0gH0AJnA_qg2X8-FC7h43I6gn_ssLp-Ar31U4L6z3j4/s1600/IMG_1782-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYqt7A-fAMevycfm2fNF8ApticrORmQV-pGCUzC-M9M33R6I7BvCqUGxkqYR7OsFapIy4XDjqY7ISD6hv4j7Ykh352KJuod30EGfQVpXXBvZt91BHOA06sZZKCFfYNoophvf8x5CF9HA/s1600/IMG_1869-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYqt7A-fAMevycfm2fNF8ApticrORmQV-pGCUzC-M9M33R6I7BvCqUGxkqYR7OsFapIy4XDjqY7ISD6hv4j7Ykh352KJuod30EGfQVpXXBvZt91BHOA06sZZKCFfYNoophvf8x5CF9HA/s1600/IMG_1869-1.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5K0ZaJ2EcDA/UvO8PSjlECI/AAAAAAAAIKI/3lvpMm6jAcc/s1600/IMG_1862-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5K0ZaJ2EcDA/UvO8PSjlECI/AAAAAAAAIKI/3lvpMm6jAcc/s1600/IMG_1862-1.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Unexpectedly I found a sign directing me to the Murie Center whey Olaus and Mandy Murie lived and did their research.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IwZ1dDcLJE/UvO8IeOfnWI/AAAAAAAAIJo/FHXaxQkrOZc/s1600/IMG_1781-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IwZ1dDcLJE/UvO8IeOfnWI/AAAAAAAAIJo/FHXaxQkrOZc/s1600/IMG_1781-1.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"We cannot overlook the importance of wild country as source of inspiration, to which we give expression in writing, in poetry, drawing and painting, in mountaineering, or in just being there."</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--Olaus Murie</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8zl9bPltKuMso9y29JKNbXdYVOYfbiWSleq_nHcUiZpWH0sgDHYeWJ2bQ1C0Xp5N6JffKLvhpie33zJ2lgH8VigUGBt22xNnEiO60Wz7gvvo9FGVZ2BR1uzAx0zGR0v_f1f16xWGyVg/s1600/IMG_1810-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8zl9bPltKuMso9y29JKNbXdYVOYfbiWSleq_nHcUiZpWH0sgDHYeWJ2bQ1C0Xp5N6JffKLvhpie33zJ2lgH8VigUGBt22xNnEiO60Wz7gvvo9FGVZ2BR1uzAx0zGR0v_f1f16xWGyVg/s1600/IMG_1810-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Wilderness itself is the basis of all our civilization. I wonder if we have enough reverence for life to concede to wilderness the right to live on?"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-- Mandy Murie, 1980</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mSw53mfMoo/UvO8NNJhvwI/AAAAAAAAIJ8/WFGZGqzgSdE/s1600/IMG_1809-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mSw53mfMoo/UvO8NNJhvwI/AAAAAAAAIJ8/WFGZGqzgSdE/s1600/IMG_1809-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-36314517695884489722014-02-06T12:06:00.002-05:002014-02-06T12:06:34.621-05:00EBR-1<div class="MsoNormal">
June 7, 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EBR-1 is the acronym for Energy Breeder Reactor One, now a
National Historic Landmark. It wasn't my normal kind of stop but it did sound
interesting and it was way out in the middle of nowhere. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcjx75or4lo/UvO7e6Sy4rI/AAAAAAAAIH4/uDnw78nH55s/s1600/DSCN4996-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcjx75or4lo/UvO7e6Sy4rI/AAAAAAAAIH4/uDnw78nH55s/s1600/DSCN4996-1.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On December 20, 1951, EBR-1 became the first power plant in
the world to produce usable electricity using atomic energy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KvxzM4xgs8/UvO7YCeS_tI/AAAAAAAAIHM/JOW88-5JoFQ/s1600/DSCN4976-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KvxzM4xgs8/UvO7YCeS_tI/AAAAAAAAIHM/JOW88-5JoFQ/s1600/DSCN4976-1.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that day until decommissioning in 1964, EBR-1
generated enough electricity to supply all the power for its own building
whenever the reactor operated. This was
how it all started. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxwiaVBPGBM/UvO7Y5nkqQI/AAAAAAAAIHY/jLTEwo5tR78/s1600/DSCN4981-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxwiaVBPGBM/UvO7Y5nkqQI/AAAAAAAAIHY/jLTEwo5tR78/s1600/DSCN4981-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One wonders how the world would be different if they had
developed solar energy at that time, but they didn’t. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWRyWVbMA1s/UvO7cY_i_UI/AAAAAAAAIHs/aVetYuANWhM/s1600/DSCN4993-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWRyWVbMA1s/UvO7cY_i_UI/AAAAAAAAIHs/aVetYuANWhM/s1600/DSCN4993-1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was only one other person there at the time of my visit. If I remember correctly this is the reactor. It all seemed so cold and industrial and didn't really hold my interest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTOYOG5NHuhqjq2Swx0d9-Lmjl4Sk-VgvNUWcPElmsopW5Ij0-4kHLJzM9HM-vF4_ysbks9S4C7fg8WGXeUTxlX8UQWASJPqBTg01Kvi1xAgzurCkjCjcDc4MleB4-ymc6vEvx2kNtOI/s1600/DSCN4984-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTOYOG5NHuhqjq2Swx0d9-Lmjl4Sk-VgvNUWcPElmsopW5Ij0-4kHLJzM9HM-vF4_ysbks9S4C7fg8WGXeUTxlX8UQWASJPqBTg01Kvi1xAgzurCkjCjcDc4MleB4-ymc6vEvx2kNtOI/s1600/DSCN4984-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I finally arrived back into town I stopped this car and
had to take a photo, since it seemed so appropriate.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1B4DLVSbvTE/UvO7fjS_5bI/AAAAAAAAIIA/MvZw9O-TDDk/s1600/DSCN5002-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1B4DLVSbvTE/UvO7fjS_5bI/AAAAAAAAIIA/MvZw9O-TDDk/s1600/DSCN5002-1.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I drove onto Falls Campground National Forest where I spent the next two nights. I saw my first moose there on the banks of the Snake River but I didn't have my camera with me. Here is a photo of the Falls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_k43qEsksUc/UvO7w2vA_5I/AAAAAAAAIII/ppsEO3tg0xE/s1600/IMG_1667-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_k43qEsksUc/UvO7w2vA_5I/AAAAAAAAIII/ppsEO3tg0xE/s1600/IMG_1667-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-5410484757443173802014-01-29T00:55:00.001-05:002014-01-29T00:56:55.359-05:00Craters of the Moon National Monument<div class="MsoNormal">
6 June 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> guess when they named this place it reminded everyone of
the surface of the moon but in fact the craters of the real moon resulted from
meteorite impacts and this area has volcanic origins. And here again it is still a little deceiving
because there is not one volcano but a series of deep fissures, collectively
called the Great Rift. So what I saw at
Craters of the Moon were spatter cones, cinder cones, and lava tubes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first stop was the campground to get a site before they
were taken. I had to park up next to the
road and then the main site was basically a big hole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZhgeqYbH71kWEQqacfV8IOqv75ntxIdC9EWSX_OpA7GFHUEkyHmJ2Ue6SRp41zaz61rcUYLqyJowwcBn8Co2PD6_1BNlheubsiIpDs19EBdbBXSJqqaAQ6s4HKe92HRKIpHde0bbHNw/s1600/DSCN4951-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZhgeqYbH71kWEQqacfV8IOqv75ntxIdC9EWSX_OpA7GFHUEkyHmJ2Ue6SRp41zaz61rcUYLqyJowwcBn8Co2PD6_1BNlheubsiIpDs19EBdbBXSJqqaAQ6s4HKe92HRKIpHde0bbHNw/s1600/DSCN4951-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My next stop was the visitor center where I learned about a
tour starting at the north crater flow trail so I rushed over there just in
time. Our guide was very nice and
informative and very patient with the attention demanding little girl in our
group. Personally I was ready to put a muzzle on the kid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4N5VAoRRJw/UuiDl47UghI/AAAAAAAAID0/by51645oz1o/s1600/IMG_1525-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4N5VAoRRJw/UuiDl47UghI/AAAAAAAAID0/by51645oz1o/s1600/IMG_1525-1.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Anyway we walked along a paved path since the surrounding ground was sharp as glass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1g4wl0N1ZA/UuiDkPSZJZI/AAAAAAAAIDs/3KtPbzx9_ts/s1600/IMG_1528-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1g4wl0N1ZA/UuiDkPSZJZI/AAAAAAAAIDs/3KtPbzx9_ts/s1600/IMG_1528-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We passed fissures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOYM19mjm7E/UuiDpR3dUII/AAAAAAAAIEE/TU1Txl22VzY/s1600/IMG_1537-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOYM19mjm7E/UuiDpR3dUII/AAAAAAAAIEE/TU1Txl22VzY/s1600/IMG_1537-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lava tubes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And eventually came to one of the tunnels the park is famous
for and down we went. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsVFs_Uc15M/UuiDvw3nv6I/AAAAAAAAIEc/aKUkyi4Qbys/s1600/IMG_1544-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsVFs_Uc15M/UuiDvw3nv6I/AAAAAAAAIEc/aKUkyi4Qbys/s1600/IMG_1544-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This one is called Indian Tunnel, named for the mysterious
stone circles that lie near the path to this large lava tube. Archaeologists
believe that some of these structures may have had ceremonial significance, but
their precise function is unknown. Personally I think they used the rocks to hold
down the sides of their tents. When I
later visited a Buffalo Jump site there were similar rock circles and the
interpreter there said they were used for that purpose. It is windy in this
area and really no way to stake down a tent so that made sense to me but I’m
not an archaeologist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ag9iDaV6MjE/UuiD3Z-BqSI/AAAAAAAAIE8/VwHf1Z_HSBw/s1600/IMG_1558-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ag9iDaV6MjE/UuiD3Z-BqSI/AAAAAAAAIE8/VwHf1Z_HSBw/s1600/IMG_1558-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here we are inside near the entrance. The tube is 30 feet
high and 50 feet wide and 800 feet long. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eAOqFIXs11c/UuiDuE_S9tI/AAAAAAAAIEM/lMrkFo4GSW0/s1600/IMG_1538-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eAOqFIXs11c/UuiDuE_S9tI/AAAAAAAAIEM/lMrkFo4GSW0/s1600/IMG_1538-1.jpg" height="371" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was cool inside and had some beautiful lava flows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn802TJnXAs/UuiDui-NaEI/AAAAAAAAIEU/T8S7O0_rYp0/s1600/IMG_1542-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn802TJnXAs/UuiDui-NaEI/AAAAAAAAIEU/T8S7O0_rYp0/s1600/IMG_1542-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back outside we continued on the path as it crossed over a
collapsed lava tube. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwRSIUayXWs/UuiD1TIcPAI/AAAAAAAAIE0/SnGLuj9D7ys/s1600/IMG_1556-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwRSIUayXWs/UuiD1TIcPAI/AAAAAAAAIE0/SnGLuj9D7ys/s1600/IMG_1556-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the view of the same tube looking to the other side
of the path. Here the tube is raised up and the side collapsed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68R71PabjWE/UuiD6NSRV8I/AAAAAAAAIFE/EIkXREuFu7M/s1600/IMG_1563-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68R71PabjWE/UuiD6NSRV8I/AAAAAAAAIFE/EIkXREuFu7M/s1600/IMG_1563-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We passed many wildflowers on the tour and the ranger would
stop and give us the name. One of the
men in the group kept forgetting the name of the red flowers and when he asked
she would say, “You mean the ones that look like an Indian Paint Brush?” then
we would all laugh because that was the name and they really did look like their
name sake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevQLcBs20crYD8p1n4vBYyvXeSgUtYmRmIfAL_k2mZpE4mAq7FVAG2qkDC9gwRoRsCdVejGU-KzK5e85F6nBkv40cDcG4SM4oZRQZeryuTATc4Ey4QdRS2riHoZ0VSQqSO248SAhYsHA/s1600/IMG_1573-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevQLcBs20crYD8p1n4vBYyvXeSgUtYmRmIfAL_k2mZpE4mAq7FVAG2qkDC9gwRoRsCdVejGU-KzK5e85F6nBkv40cDcG4SM4oZRQZeryuTATc4Ey4QdRS2riHoZ0VSQqSO248SAhYsHA/s1600/IMG_1573-1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indian Paintbrush and Penstemon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was here at a good time to see many of the flowers in bloom like the Monkey flowers that carpet the cinders after rain in mid-June,
grow rapidly, flower, and wither in a few short weeks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4D-UA-WEpM/UuiDeaDMOoI/AAAAAAAAIDU/YwYIf6j5p9g/s1600/DSCN4915-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4D-UA-WEpM/UuiDeaDMOoI/AAAAAAAAIDU/YwYIf6j5p9g/s1600/DSCN4915-1.jpg" height="176" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dwarf buckwheat (<i>Eriogonum ovalifolium</i>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglom_5xnvuTlbOMXCNqz5-6YnbdNrgBtrEFxBF1ND4l8rfzxD2Y6LTlwqS1rnc2TCWSnRa7K7ItK9JsUqOy0YI6OQnD8CxKTJTO5EoRcaVkQbDdL39DEyYnWQ3634JwMdYNpkvX7v3-Rg/s1600/DSCN4914-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglom_5xnvuTlbOMXCNqz5-6YnbdNrgBtrEFxBF1ND4l8rfzxD2Y6LTlwqS1rnc2TCWSnRa7K7ItK9JsUqOy0YI6OQnD8CxKTJTO5EoRcaVkQbDdL39DEyYnWQ3634JwMdYNpkvX7v3-Rg/s1600/DSCN4914-1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sticky Cinquefoil (Potentilla glandulosa. The genus name
Potentilla comes from the Latin word potens meaning “powerful or potent” which
refers to the ability of some species to stop bleeding and dysentery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdxW81hRgII/UuiDoQah66I/AAAAAAAAID8/k9-nYCTIXvc/s1600/IMG_1535-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdxW81hRgII/UuiDoQah66I/AAAAAAAAID8/k9-nYCTIXvc/s1600/IMG_1535-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think this next one is Hotrock Penstemon (Penstemon
deustus).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU7bx0GqWx71mYwhpislG87iYGmIKtc9HIZB2sxhGYIhPi56bu-ZVcVIEL9Eid0wHRTIpTELFloJozQ4QGZ3KhQA0scsdWMihyHz8WDFB_tu4pqO94ucK_9Pw0ZEpJAqG24uhQcHq6zc/s1600/IMG_1552-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU7bx0GqWx71mYwhpislG87iYGmIKtc9HIZB2sxhGYIhPi56bu-ZVcVIEL9Eid0wHRTIpTELFloJozQ4QGZ3KhQA0scsdWMihyHz8WDFB_tu4pqO94ucK_9Pw0ZEpJAqG24uhQcHq6zc/s1600/IMG_1552-1.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Groundsel is a member of the sunflower family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTZTiheoeh4/UuiD95q9mjI/AAAAAAAAIFM/ePEi8Uf-wMk/s1600/IMG_1564-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTZTiheoeh4/UuiD95q9mjI/AAAAAAAAIFM/ePEi8Uf-wMk/s1600/IMG_1564-1.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another member of the sunflower also grows here, Fleabane.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avhnTfNkgRE/UuiD-RQPV-I/AAAAAAAAIFU/Xgg_CxqayWE/s1600/IMG_1565-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avhnTfNkgRE/UuiD-RQPV-I/AAAAAAAAIFU/Xgg_CxqayWE/s1600/IMG_1565-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Balsamroot also called Arrowleaf (<i>Balsamorhiza sagittata</i>) is
also a member of the Sunflower family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yub1o2ShTfw/UuiEFlbJbzI/AAAAAAAAIFk/wtLVxDcNHI0/s1600/IMG_1583-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yub1o2ShTfw/UuiEFlbJbzI/AAAAAAAAIFk/wtLVxDcNHI0/s1600/IMG_1583-1.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These little lavender blue flowers with the silver leaves
are called Phacelia or Silverleaf
(<i>Phacelia hastate</i>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbBc6DPHOUQ/UuiEGbckC-I/AAAAAAAAIFw/bz92siRtWI8/s1600/IMG_1587-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbBc6DPHOUQ/UuiEGbckC-I/AAAAAAAAIFw/bz92siRtWI8/s1600/IMG_1587-1.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you look at the bottom portion of this photo you can see
these Silverleaf flowers and the Cushion Buckwheat scattered all around. Like a
lot of desert plants and plants that don’t have a lot of water they are spaced apart
from each other to get maximum nourishment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPrseDRKZV-NnTCQtf1zyPrPFbMwgeva6S3Rtyrw8o0v3sgl8B-kfDWgxZ5MERThrvye-b8Rphl5Z6KZVPjp7XHKxxf-SYULAnBZhRwnpBicV2Np-Gkiq1yXR2S_NKiyxdndor_nfA9c/s1600/IMG_1595-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPrseDRKZV-NnTCQtf1zyPrPFbMwgeva6S3Rtyrw8o0v3sgl8B-kfDWgxZ5MERThrvye-b8Rphl5Z6KZVPjp7XHKxxf-SYULAnBZhRwnpBicV2Np-Gkiq1yXR2S_NKiyxdndor_nfA9c/s1600/IMG_1595-1.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A storm was brewing in the distance so I hurried on up to
the Snow Cone and Spatter Cone. The Snow cone is pretty big as you can see how
small the other visitors look climbing up to look inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2dLvjXkQxU/UuiEL9D1O2I/AAAAAAAAIGU/zAC0cSOVsS4/s1600/IMG_1605-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2dLvjXkQxU/UuiEL9D1O2I/AAAAAAAAIGU/zAC0cSOVsS4/s1600/IMG_1605-1.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On my way back to the campground I stopped to take a few
more photos.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aIkHPRr6Xc/UuiEN8SYBeI/AAAAAAAAIGc/pf0EtOLys3M/s1600/IMG_1613-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aIkHPRr6Xc/UuiEN8SYBeI/AAAAAAAAIGc/pf0EtOLys3M/s1600/IMG_1613-1.jpg" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv-ZebSmkjg/UuiEKJ6TAHI/AAAAAAAAIGI/xFm_YRCzU8Q/s1600/IMG_1598-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv-ZebSmkjg/UuiEKJ6TAHI/AAAAAAAAIGI/xFm_YRCzU8Q/s1600/IMG_1598-1.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ef7uhxLQDHA/UuiEOaLbNDI/AAAAAAAAIGk/4rsZ7nmIopQ/s1600/IMG_1616-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ef7uhxLQDHA/UuiEOaLbNDI/AAAAAAAAIGk/4rsZ7nmIopQ/s1600/IMG_1616-1.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning I was greeted by a cute little Golden
Mantled Squirrel. We both had a bite to
eat and then hurried on our way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOhxt8ZnEi8/UuiDcUevPHI/AAAAAAAAIDM/Bd-h8p8REdk/s1600/DSCN4901-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOhxt8ZnEi8/UuiDcUevPHI/AAAAAAAAIDM/Bd-h8p8REdk/s1600/DSCN4901-1.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEkOsb_88Ts/UuiDaSIvj8I/AAAAAAAAIC8/hkKaFIWf9MA/s1600/DSCN4910-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEkOsb_88Ts/UuiDaSIvj8I/AAAAAAAAIC8/hkKaFIWf9MA/s1600/DSCN4910-1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-8096595852514045052014-01-27T12:05:00.001-05:002014-01-27T12:05:51.534-05:00Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area, Utah<div class="MsoNormal">
4 June 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>yrum State Park just outside of Brigham City was my next
campground. There was really nothing
there to do or see unless you had a boat, but I was there to recharge all my
batteries, buy food and take a shower. I thought I would at least be able to
hike along the river but the trail was closed.
So I decided to drive up Route 101 to Hardware Ranch Visitor
Center. It was a beautiful drive but
when I reached the end of the road, where the center was located, I found it
closed as well. Shucks. But frankly the drive was so beautiful in these
mountains I was still having a good time. One the way back I stopped to watch
cattle being released and driven to higher country for the summer. They were real
authentic modern day cowboys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig2XbVb1ke4/Uqn5xjQszfI/AAAAAAAAHyA/0p_t4n00sds/s1600/DSCN4819-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig2XbVb1ke4/Uqn5xjQszfI/AAAAAAAAHyA/0p_t4n00sds/s1600/DSCN4819-1.jpg" height="310" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also passed a truck that was unloading sheep into the
summer pasture. I think they were sitting here regrouping before they moved on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YpojvXXuCQ/UuaJEcjp0AI/AAAAAAAAICo/RyeE7FrBIkU/s1600/IMG_1340-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YpojvXXuCQ/UuaJEcjp0AI/AAAAAAAAICo/RyeE7FrBIkU/s1600/IMG_1340-1.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pulled off to the side of the road because I was seeing
lots of butterflies and noticed I was still in the Hardware Ranch Wildlife
Management area. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOko_-lT1v4/Uqn52dv8vqI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/Or72QTjwWQw/s1600/DSCN4855-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOko_-lT1v4/Uqn52dv8vqI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/Or72QTjwWQw/s1600/DSCN4855-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spend the next hour or two running up and down the road
and along the stream looking for butterflies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuNp--uQsTg/Uqs1o5EDlqI/AAAAAAAAH1k/Zxhlbb1uf6Y/s1600/DSCN4851-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuNp--uQsTg/Uqs1o5EDlqI/AAAAAAAAH1k/Zxhlbb1uf6Y/s1600/DSCN4851-1.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jPFTNEdguQ/Uqs1s1iMy_I/AAAAAAAAH10/5DOqdedqA7s/s1600/DSCN4878-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jPFTNEdguQ/Uqs1s1iMy_I/AAAAAAAAH10/5DOqdedqA7s/s1600/DSCN4878-1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Satyr Comma</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pKpwB_zBms/Uqs1pEXjENI/AAAAAAAAH1s/x6bx0rbpRys/s1600/DSCN4835-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pKpwB_zBms/Uqs1pEXjENI/AAAAAAAAH1s/x6bx0rbpRys/s1600/DSCN4835-1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Indra Swallowtail</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqz_G1QitVg/Uqn57s2cT7I/AAAAAAAAHyo/EVa3H3n8WIA/s1600/IMG_1227-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqz_G1QitVg/Uqn57s2cT7I/AAAAAAAAHyo/EVa3H3n8WIA/s1600/IMG_1227-1.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Juba Skipper</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_E6jQNQU0JQ/Uqn6F1ZLlFI/AAAAAAAAHzY/HNk5lSRrHSI/s1600/IMG_1254-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_E6jQNQU0JQ/Uqn6F1ZLlFI/AAAAAAAAHzY/HNk5lSRrHSI/s1600/IMG_1254-1.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Purplish Copper</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA4l0etrBdU/Uqn6ImxWaWI/AAAAAAAAHzk/jevSBuhALdc/s1600/IMG_1260-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA4l0etrBdU/Uqn6ImxWaWI/AAAAAAAAHzk/jevSBuhALdc/s1600/IMG_1260-1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mylitta Crescent</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I made several other stops and eventually had lunch at a
spot that had access to the stream. Did you ever get
that feeling that someone or something was looking at you? Well I did and when
I looked up from my sandwich I noticed this good size Racer (Coluber
constrictor) just staring at me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL8qXvB2mV4/Uqn6VjIpx1I/AAAAAAAAH0g/XJdTcbRviXw/s1600/IMG_1387-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL8qXvB2mV4/Uqn6VjIpx1I/AAAAAAAAH0g/XJdTcbRviXw/s1600/IMG_1387-1.jpg" height="580" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was definitely
not shy and I will have to say that I did pick my feet up off the ground. It crossed my thought to climb onto the
picnic table but then what good would that have done. So we both held our
ground and eventually the snake got bored and left. Whew.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWTSa6bVwSI/Uqn6aSZMVtI/AAAAAAAAH1A/8wt13X2Zglw/s1600/IMG_1416-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWTSa6bVwSI/Uqn6aSZMVtI/AAAAAAAAH1A/8wt13X2Zglw/s1600/IMG_1416-1.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4S4jmjQyrzA/Uqn6ZrI4GvI/AAAAAAAAH00/0kHIHq-ZH58/s1600/IMG_1406-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4S4jmjQyrzA/Uqn6ZrI4GvI/AAAAAAAAH00/0kHIHq-ZH58/s1600/IMG_1406-1.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXmKgTu3ejw/Uqn6ZxLhUoI/AAAAAAAAH04/cQedg8zxsM4/s1600/IMG_1395-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXmKgTu3ejw/Uqn6ZxLhUoI/AAAAAAAAH04/cQedg8zxsM4/s1600/IMG_1395-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a nice trail through the primitive camp ground
that I took and found some lovely flowers and this Giant Dobsonfly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zL77_yc1lE8/Uqn6XpCiBxI/AAAAAAAAH0o/PRxHyUK2kuc/s1600/IMG_1389-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zL77_yc1lE8/Uqn6XpCiBxI/AAAAAAAAH0o/PRxHyUK2kuc/s1600/IMG_1389-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all it turned out to be a day of surprises and I think that if
I were to go back to that area I would consider camping in one of these
primitive spots rather than in town at the State Park. I was away from tourist, exploring, finding wildlife and enjoying life on my terms. What could be better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-52926066841004445522014-01-26T11:32:00.001-05:002014-01-26T11:32:10.981-05:00Antelope Island State Park<div class="MsoNormal">
3 June 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>rom Dinosaur National Park I drove west on US 40 toward
Salt Lake City. I had in mind to visit
the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge but I soon began to realize I was not
going to see much more than gulls this time of year. So I stopped short and drove across the
causeway onto Antelope Island State Park. Right away I could see I made the
right decision. Off to my right was an
incredible view looking across the Great Salt Lake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFjXecftwio0OowcmfwwYlYsGZVlHEACJLD_B9rEcto15URcCkcxVoUrKM1njFzelF8WFZznykUihqnHuX6J49ulbBjikzYEc0ISF0VyilR-eet2BdrDQY93klu72vTSDwcAd4zhmvps/s1600/DSCN4674-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFjXecftwio0OowcmfwwYlYsGZVlHEACJLD_B9rEcto15URcCkcxVoUrKM1njFzelF8WFZznykUihqnHuX6J49ulbBjikzYEc0ISF0VyilR-eet2BdrDQY93klu72vTSDwcAd4zhmvps/s1600/DSCN4674-1.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Great Salt Lake is a remnant of prehistoric Lake Bonneville
which covered more than 20,000 square miles during the Ice Age. Four rivers flow into the late but there are
no outlets so the evaporation leaves high concentration of minerals. As a rule
the lake is five times saltier than the ocean.
Only brine shrimp, brine flies and several types of algae can survive
the lake waters. Fortunately unlike
Salton Sea it did not have all the dead fish along its banks but California Gulls were everywhere. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7NIVHefrlU/UqjcLKPapkI/AAAAAAAAHtQ/Fxh3zruguw0/s1600/DSCN4697-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7NIVHefrlU/UqjcLKPapkI/AAAAAAAAHtQ/Fxh3zruguw0/s1600/DSCN4697-1.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took one short walk where I found a nice damselfly. They were in mating mode so it was hard to find one sitting still.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXp4xT9f8cw/UqjcoyP_7pI/AAAAAAAAHvI/W34iqfmJB4g/s1600/IMG_1062-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXp4xT9f8cw/UqjcoyP_7pI/AAAAAAAAHvI/W34iqfmJB4g/s1600/IMG_1062-1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat on this bench for a little while looking out over the
water to the other side. I found that my
mind would quiet down and rest when I looked out into these long distances.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2uQWcKIC4Q/UqjcvYZrYAI/AAAAAAAAHvQ/GBUhmawszfY/s1600/IMG_1065-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2uQWcKIC4Q/UqjcvYZrYAI/AAAAAAAAHvQ/GBUhmawszfY/s1600/IMG_1065-1.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I easily found a camp site and prepared lunch. In my journal
I wrote, “I am sitting on my camper steps, my front stoop, as it were, and
across the road are three male bison contently sitting and grazing. The purple
topped grasses fluttering at their sides as they sit chewing their cud. California
gulls are soaring overhead. Magpies play
chase as they fly by. I hear the sounds
of yellow headed black birds, with their watery metallic voices. It is so quiet
I can hear the leaves rustle in the few sparse trees near my campsite. The
tranquility of the bison is magically transferred to me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR5_cU8HEF18upcjzugs7Ccxv11dLdol5eosCQkNQcVHWFHxlelSaE2nGJpvjFy0zw_u9EuyQZpp13rFoflvHsUcr6nV5qN2hpOycgUOGRdkgSzrNJ8DV7scu5Cf292gDB0Sz2ySkoP4/s1600/DSCN4807-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR5_cU8HEF18upcjzugs7Ccxv11dLdol5eosCQkNQcVHWFHxlelSaE2nGJpvjFy0zw_u9EuyQZpp13rFoflvHsUcr6nV5qN2hpOycgUOGRdkgSzrNJ8DV7scu5Cf292gDB0Sz2ySkoP4/s1600/DSCN4807-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These were the first bison I saw on my journey. I was very lucky to be this close with no one else around chattering and taking photos.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FaiGcI9tIr8/UqjcbHCZykI/AAAAAAAAHuU/Tb4u3ZD1pNk/s1600/DSCN4729-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FaiGcI9tIr8/UqjcbHCZykI/AAAAAAAAHuU/Tb4u3ZD1pNk/s1600/DSCN4729-1.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CtMaeg0boA/UqjdzPrVJLI/AAAAAAAAHxA/Rstmgb6MlS4/s1600/IMG_1180-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CtMaeg0boA/UqjdzPrVJLI/AAAAAAAAHxA/Rstmgb6MlS4/s1600/IMG_1180-1.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Yellow Headed Black Bird was a life bird.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu7dZ0AIEaqY-abBcw7PIMzV2L0uRDClJCzhG0do7OYzRsN3EqSVNSo3sbr1iFwJQHJK56zpQXOcAEcytFJfYi69y2AFODrueI77xASVNrXMuxAjkfyeP_k62ukQYmeRGNWEC4h934kU/s1600/DSCN4726-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu7dZ0AIEaqY-abBcw7PIMzV2L0uRDClJCzhG0do7OYzRsN3EqSVNSo3sbr1iFwJQHJK56zpQXOcAEcytFJfYi69y2AFODrueI77xASVNrXMuxAjkfyeP_k62ukQYmeRGNWEC4h934kU/s1600/DSCN4726-1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the sun set I noticed a group of men hovered over
something in the road. I went to investigate and I found a young Eastern Blue
Racer, one of the 3 species on the island. It wanted no part of us and quickly
races away before I could get proper setting on my camera.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uysUuy6jto8/UuU3XFCAs7I/AAAAAAAAICQ/syprH4KUUAc/s1600/DSCN4763-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uysUuy6jto8/UuU3XFCAs7I/AAAAAAAAICQ/syprH4KUUAc/s1600/DSCN4763-1.jpg" height="264" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3dUz-zFhv0/Uqjck44v3OI/AAAAAAAAHvA/ykNBrtV1z34/s1600/DSCN4800-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3dUz-zFhv0/Uqjck44v3OI/AAAAAAAAHvA/ykNBrtV1z34/s1600/DSCN4800-1.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the morning I drove to another side of the island,
passing a small group of burrowing owls.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YmsrAVGh3k/UuUwgA2VthI/AAAAAAAAIB8/XuVGwYMlGJQ/s1600/DSCN4691-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YmsrAVGh3k/UuUwgA2VthI/AAAAAAAAIB8/XuVGwYMlGJQ/s1600/DSCN4691-1.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning I drove to the Fielding Garr Ranch on the
other side of the island. First settled in 1848 it represents 133 years of
western ranch history. On the way I passed a large heard of bison. They looked mostly like mothers with the young calves. You can see them walking out onto the salt in the distance. A Pronghorn is in the foreground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wE0XyMOcjSA/Uqjc9TeQ-ZI/AAAAAAAAHvw/VS4ovGSOeVU/s1600/IMG_1125-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wE0XyMOcjSA/Uqjc9TeQ-ZI/AAAAAAAAHvw/VS4ovGSOeVU/s1600/IMG_1125-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ranch was interesting but crowded with visitors. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEiDmsXqzRw/UqjdeJK7fKI/AAAAAAAAHwY/_VrGfMwD3AE/s1600/IMG_1146-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEiDmsXqzRw/UqjdeJK7fKI/AAAAAAAAHwY/_VrGfMwD3AE/s1600/IMG_1146-1.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbQLHd_LS8M/UqjdhFbFM1I/AAAAAAAAHwg/ifzO_DjJ1hQ/s1600/IMG_1149-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbQLHd_LS8M/UqjdhFbFM1I/AAAAAAAAHwg/ifzO_DjJ1hQ/s1600/IMG_1149-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lJnK8vqsOU/UuAoupWNxnI/AAAAAAAAIBs/pNPMJZHmAMA/s1600/IMG_1145-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lJnK8vqsOU/UuAoupWNxnI/AAAAAAAAIBs/pNPMJZHmAMA/s1600/IMG_1145-8.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watch this middle horse as it clears the others away so it can
do its thing. It learned how to splash water on its chest to cool down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3-7zYhBc80/UqjcNhp0_MI/AAAAAAAAHxo/Crsjm6wtZW0/s1600/DSCN4710.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3-7zYhBc80/UqjcNhp0_MI/AAAAAAAAHxo/Crsjm6wtZW0/s1600/DSCN4710.MOV" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>The next morning the island was invaded by mosquitoes and it was impossible to go outside. As I ate breakfast I sat and watched the bison for one last time.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUV-J_vC2SA/UuAouPnSQiI/AAAAAAAAIBo/WaB32LgugT4/s1600/IMG_1160-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUV-J_vC2SA/UuAouPnSQiI/AAAAAAAAIBo/WaB32LgugT4/s1600/IMG_1160-11.jpg" height="326" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-11120448350800647342014-01-22T12:46:00.000-05:002014-01-22T12:46:11.627-05:00Dinosaur National Monument Day 2<div class="MsoNormal">
May 31, 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he next morning I drove down Cub Creek Road to see the Fremont Petroglyphs. Approximately a thousand years ago (500-1300AD), the Fremont people settled in this area as evidenced by the petroglyphs chipped into
the rocks. They gathered and ate native plants, and hunted mule deer, bighorn
sheep, small mammals and birds. The Fremont also farmed corn, beans and squash.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-re1qPsV_YLk/UqeEqKw5uPI/AAAAAAAAHng/f_ZRcNNHk5E/s1600/DSCN4497-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-re1qPsV_YLk/UqeEqKw5uPI/AAAAAAAAHng/f_ZRcNNHk5E/s1600/DSCN4497-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hammer stones were used to chip and carve these images.
Sandstone darkened with desert varnish, a naturally formed stain of iron and manganese
oxides, I mentioned in a previous blog, made an ideal canvas for their
carvings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQzGf2O3Nzo/UqeEqqXt4zI/AAAAAAAAHns/vkIdQuf-Mzk/s1600/DSCN4492-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQzGf2O3Nzo/UqeEqqXt4zI/AAAAAAAAHns/vkIdQuf-Mzk/s1600/DSCN4492-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think they rival any modern day art. The classic Fremont style
features trapezoidal shaped anthropomorphs (human like figures) with borad
shoulders, and narrow waists. Often these figures are adorned with intricate necklaces,
ear bobs and head dresses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rH-YRQFlHjw/UqeEuu88c0I/AAAAAAAAHoE/4_IFB3R-hes/s1600/DSCN4500-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rH-YRQFlHjw/UqeEuu88c0I/AAAAAAAAHoE/4_IFB3R-hes/s1600/DSCN4500-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On down the road I came to a larger and higher petroglyph
site and began climbing. On the way up I spotted these two lizards mating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_D2vlVNmME/UuABh6oPHXI/AAAAAAAAIA0/-ToCX62swq0/s1600/IMG_0971-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_D2vlVNmME/UuABh6oPHXI/AAAAAAAAIA0/-ToCX62swq0/s1600/IMG_0971-1.jpg" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They didn't even notice me and I had time to pull out another camera and take this video.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXTrp3L3xXE/Uqd-a9RQaxI/AAAAAAAAHnE/NghDRZWfDb4/s1600/DSCN4514.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXTrp3L3xXE/Uqd-a9RQaxI/AAAAAAAAHnE/NghDRZWfDb4/s1600/DSCN4514.MOV" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just up the trail were several images of lizards and I wondered if this was
a sacred spot for lizards who come here annually to revel in sexual rituals to appease
the great lizard gods and assure
themselves of healthy offspring and abundance of insects for the coming year. I love to anthropomorphize.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5eDS1VsvGk/UqeEzrtf2EI/AAAAAAAAHoc/j1Mg3HcMJS0/s1600/DSCN4521-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5eDS1VsvGk/UqeEzrtf2EI/AAAAAAAAHoc/j1Mg3HcMJS0/s1600/DSCN4521-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zoomorphs (animal like figures) and geometric designs are
also common subjects of the Fremont rock art.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were many more images along this ridge including the
flute player. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCDhGYoM-b0/UqeE172L7XI/AAAAAAAAHok/0RSjjVF0-H0/s1600/DSCN4541-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCDhGYoM-b0/UqeE172L7XI/AAAAAAAAHok/0RSjjVF0-H0/s1600/DSCN4541-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one really knows why these are here; some say for ceremonial
or religious purpose. Or they could be related to hunting activities,
identifying their clans or simply expressions of artist’s imaginations. Even
today don’t we, in developed countries, create similar art, graffiti, religious
art in churches, great mountain carvings? It seems there is a human need to
make our mark upon the earth that goes back thousands of years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxrfLDagBg8/UqeEzYSKAaI/AAAAAAAAHoY/QNUzDJuKD3E/s1600/DSCN4525-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxrfLDagBg8/UqeEzYSKAaI/AAAAAAAAHoY/QNUzDJuKD3E/s1600/DSCN4525-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These images were pretty high and I took the opportunity to
take a photo of my camper and surrounding landscape. It was so peaceful up
there, with only bird song in my ears, it was the ideal place to draw and write.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eruoDpy2-n4/UqeFYTxt3rI/AAAAAAAAHrc/c4dRpk-C3IE/s1600/IMG_0994-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eruoDpy2-n4/UqeFYTxt3rI/AAAAAAAAHrc/c4dRpk-C3IE/s1600/IMG_0994-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the road was Josie Mosses’ homestead where she
lived in the early 1900’s. She was quite the character. Nearing 40 years of age,
divorced and with her children out of the house she wanted a home of her own.
Josie chose this spot for its plentiful water and good pasture, the natural resources
necessary to grow fruits and vegetables and raise cattle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qud0rXr7C5M/UqeFb1QNrLI/AAAAAAAAHrs/O3JwL3ZMMqA/s1600/IMG_1026-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qud0rXr7C5M/UqeFb1QNrLI/AAAAAAAAHrs/O3JwL3ZMMqA/s1600/IMG_1026-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Family and friends from Vernal visited but here life here
suited Josie’s independent spirit. She lived in this cabin until shortly before
her death in 1964 at age 90. I was in high school at the time and Beetles had just arrived in the US. She had no plumbing or electricity but she did have gumption.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sCwX5KfCno/UqeFcEMC8oI/AAAAAAAAHrw/Qe26kygMtl8/s1600/IMG_1033-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sCwX5KfCno/UqeFcEMC8oI/AAAAAAAAHrw/Qe26kygMtl8/s1600/IMG_1033-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-9860982200481373442014-01-21T14:12:00.002-05:002014-01-21T14:12:55.434-05:00Dinosaur National Monument<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Dinosaur National Monument – May 30, 31, 2013</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y next destination took me east on I-70 into Colorado,
north on State Routes 139 and 64, then US 40 up to Dinosaur National
Monument. Many of the routes I took on
my Big Adventure were like visiting a national park and Route 139 was such a
route. There were no businesses or
homes, just me and the road and beautiful scenery. It was 80 miles of gorgeous. Walt Whitman’s words from “<u>Song for the open
road</u>” some to mind:<i> “Afoot and light-hearted, I take to the open road, healthy,
free, the world before men the long brown path before me, leading wherever I
choose.”</i> I was just one of those kinds
of days and to stop and take a photo seemed like it would take the magic away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So onto Dinosaur National Monument I drove and finally
stopped at the Green River Campground.
You can see the camp sites below and how close I was to the river. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmYZ6mPDfnI/Uqd8F7hDWZI/AAAAAAAAHg4/ZSYbrE3h3q0/s1600/DSCN4435-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmYZ6mPDfnI/Uqd8F7hDWZI/AAAAAAAAHg4/ZSYbrE3h3q0/s1600/DSCN4435-1.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I marked my site I drove back up to the
Visitor Center and was greeted by this dinosaur. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dHw7y5AmTk/Uqd8GwFKWvI/AAAAAAAAHhE/4_mnN_w6qqk/s1600/DSCN4436-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dHw7y5AmTk/Uqd8GwFKWvI/AAAAAAAAHhE/4_mnN_w6qqk/s1600/DSCN4436-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inside the visitor center I learned how that they called
this a landscape of extinct ecosystems represented in 23 of the geological
formations exposed here. I wish I had
studied up more on my geology but frankly I find it so hard to grasp these geologic
times. Rather than take the bus up to
the Quarry Exhibit Hall I hiked the fossil discovery trail which led pass this formation. The clouds rolled in fast but the went on anyway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vo_IQ3u2SM/Uqd8Q5uDBeI/AAAAAAAAHiA/KEnff1ngIcE/s1600/DSCN4475-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vo_IQ3u2SM/Uqd8Q5uDBeI/AAAAAAAAHiA/KEnff1ngIcE/s1600/DSCN4475-1.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found a few desert flowers and...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWLm4Cz6DUE/Uqd8nIPlhPI/AAAAAAAAHjg/9qOtXt3kyKg/s1600/IMG_0828-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWLm4Cz6DUE/Uqd8nIPlhPI/AAAAAAAAHjg/9qOtXt3kyKg/s1600/IMG_0828-1.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WT6Vqv3QnkE/Uqd8nlxkDlI/AAAAAAAAHjk/G-lzeHvNdX0/s1600/IMG_0832-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WT6Vqv3QnkE/Uqd8nlxkDlI/AAAAAAAAHjk/G-lzeHvNdX0/s1600/IMG_0832-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
... came upon some of the
Freemont Petroglyphs scattered about the park. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Xk5pZzxL4/Uqd8tPmWOnI/AAAAAAAAHj8/oKw4KwYb2Ds/s1600/IMG_0841-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Xk5pZzxL4/Uqd8tPmWOnI/AAAAAAAAHj8/oKw4KwYb2Ds/s1600/IMG_0841-1.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More flowers, like the Sego Lily <i>(Calochortus nuttallii)</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AK1JlC-11Ho/Uqd8repXdHI/AAAAAAAAHj0/IToqDPx0lDI/s1600/IMG_0852-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AK1JlC-11Ho/Uqd8repXdHI/AAAAAAAAHj0/IToqDPx0lDI/s1600/IMG_0852-1.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF9NwEQcuMry7tE1_OOXBfnFaw7GAnnWtncOVZHNBcGX-2rgvtPNSwowUVnTXM9JaZz-j2GCDdCwjddChFQTfckkL4MI2Pheu2PzBiDG-XagZ-8d6qgcxGVDH65hKwKs0i3lweDZ7Gcw/s1600/IMG_0866-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF9NwEQcuMry7tE1_OOXBfnFaw7GAnnWtncOVZHNBcGX-2rgvtPNSwowUVnTXM9JaZz-j2GCDdCwjddChFQTfckkL4MI2Pheu2PzBiDG-XagZ-8d6qgcxGVDH65hKwKs0i3lweDZ7Gcw/s1600/IMG_0866-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stopped briefly at the Mowry Shale containing fish scale
fossils but I didn’t have any luck finding the fossils.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LQS-RaYMBp1JDH8VazwP1lL1ReySeWdpYmla6VgnT3Fcv9rieIz52T9LX5YomeOYfyVgpqs2rTWB5fsA59hx6qwOGoKGF0mz4uwgjrXjFLKT9N0r7O6zBhP9g_-z5k7gcfmhS9YW__o/s1600/IMG_0872-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LQS-RaYMBp1JDH8VazwP1lL1ReySeWdpYmla6VgnT3Fcv9rieIz52T9LX5YomeOYfyVgpqs2rTWB5fsA59hx6qwOGoKGF0mz4uwgjrXjFLKT9N0r7O6zBhP9g_-z5k7gcfmhS9YW__o/s1600/IMG_0872-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter, the flowers were enjoyable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZD8HH-upyQ/Uqd840qjkZI/AAAAAAAAHks/muYps9FfL2A/s1600/IMG_0879-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZD8HH-upyQ/Uqd840qjkZI/AAAAAAAAHks/muYps9FfL2A/s1600/IMG_0879-1.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I began climbing and could see the Green River in the far
distant. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Otcm_p6rzE/Uqd87pHAU3I/AAAAAAAAHk8/NMhIwBwMqgU/s1600/IMG_0894-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Otcm_p6rzE/Uqd87pHAU3I/AAAAAAAAHk8/NMhIwBwMqgU/s1600/IMG_0894-1.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up ahead was the Quarry Exhibit Hall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7T4B_JUJHY/Uqd89GJlVhI/AAAAAAAAHlE/tF4j5jfn5E0/s1600/IMG_0903-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7T4B_JUJHY/Uqd89GJlVhI/AAAAAAAAHlE/tF4j5jfn5E0/s1600/IMG_0903-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wall of bones inside was amazing. Earl Douglass found eight tall bones of an
immense sauropod dinosaur sticking out of the ground in 1909. He was a
paleontologist from the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TShSB2W6Bo/Uqd8-V-qr9I/AAAAAAAAHlM/zrBB-S6qmB8/s1600/IMG_0905-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TShSB2W6Bo/Uqd8-V-qr9I/AAAAAAAAHlM/zrBB-S6qmB8/s1600/IMG_0905-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paleontologist have collected fossils from almost 400
different dinosaurs. There are 1,500 fossil bones remaining. They are from 100
individuals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czVnd3lGNsc/Uqd9AyDcGCI/AAAAAAAAHlU/ueznEZcxsyA/s1600/IMG_0909-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czVnd3lGNsc/Uqd9AyDcGCI/AAAAAAAAHlU/ueznEZcxsyA/s1600/IMG_0909-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlike most museums, here I could touch one of the bones. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrCEWO918BA/Uqd8LFeCkyI/AAAAAAAAHhc/Xg0Q1S4ep1w/s1600/DSCN4448-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrCEWO918BA/Uqd8LFeCkyI/AAAAAAAAHhc/Xg0Q1S4ep1w/s1600/DSCN4448-1.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Allosaurus Skull and other cool ones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeXTQMpedhk/Uqd8LKN_WsI/AAAAAAAAHhY/eJaIN4bQHC4/s1600/DSCN4452-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeXTQMpedhk/Uqd8LKN_WsI/AAAAAAAAHhY/eJaIN4bQHC4/s1600/DSCN4452-1.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQTmfzJubzM/Uqd8QIa3eMI/AAAAAAAAHh0/tw99z28_hRo/s1600/DSCN4467-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQTmfzJubzM/Uqd8QIa3eMI/AAAAAAAAHh0/tw99z28_hRo/s1600/DSCN4467-1.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Driving back down to the campsite I passed this formation and dig site.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3La5B9GD2I/Uqd9Gm1PfuI/AAAAAAAAHl8/u-qzNjdiMv4/s1600/IMG_0921-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3La5B9GD2I/Uqd9Gm1PfuI/AAAAAAAAHl8/u-qzNjdiMv4/s1600/IMG_0921-1.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That evening I was treated with a beautiful sunset over the
Green River. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbUVyrscQyU/Uqd8Ra6YIoI/AAAAAAAAHiE/7GwUtHhuTBM/s1600/DSCN4478-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbUVyrscQyU/Uqd8Ra6YIoI/AAAAAAAAHiE/7GwUtHhuTBM/s1600/DSCN4478-1.jpg" height="260" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I looked closer I saw a small heard of mule deer climbing
up to cross over the ridge. Here they are still in the grass and you can spot their white butts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkVTGOspOC8/Uqd8VnErKxI/AAAAAAAAHiQ/HOQxfZtu82o/s1600/DSCN4486-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkVTGOspOC8/Uqd8VnErKxI/AAAAAAAAHiQ/HOQxfZtu82o/s1600/DSCN4486-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude
rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology.
We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just
after we got through with it.” </i>– President Lyndon B. Johnson</div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-12545705040076127722014-01-17T15:00:00.000-05:002014-01-17T15:00:35.421-05:00Arches National Park<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Arches National Park – May 27, 2013</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>rches was a nice park but I must admit that by this time I
was a little tired of desert canyons, it was crowded and parking my camper was
becoming an issue and I had to drive past several viewpoints. If I had a jeep some of the back roads would
have been loads of fun but my camper was just too big. Nevertheless I did have a treat that I will
get to in a moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Qf-2jZif0/UqZZKEz94MI/AAAAAAAAHaw/dnWZhy0WZ1o/s1600/IMG_0703-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Qf-2jZif0/UqZZKEz94MI/AAAAAAAAHaw/dnWZhy0WZ1o/s640/IMG_0703-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Park Avenue was my first stop after the visitor center. I did regret not walking through this canyon
to have a better look at the geologic “skyscrapers” along the trail. If you look closely you can see some hikers
at the bottom of the photo. Here is a photo of the sign describing the avenue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sB_j6grmt4/UtbU4KVJDwI/AAAAAAAAIAU/rqHwLkRwTUA/s1600/IMG_0701-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sB_j6grmt4/UtbU4KVJDwI/AAAAAAAAIAU/rqHwLkRwTUA/s320/IMG_0701-1.jpg" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I couldn't get into the parking lot at Balanced Rock but I
did manage to stop briefly on the road to take this photo. For scale I included the
oncoming car. Pretty impressive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTPFC9edIDw/UqZZLO5kskI/AAAAAAAAHbA/JcBUo45P_eI/s1600/IMG_0710-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTPFC9edIDw/UqZZLO5kskI/AAAAAAAAHbA/JcBUo45P_eI/s640/IMG_0710-1.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Windows section of the park was crowded as well so I
just circled around and stopped at the lesser impressive Double Arch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwTHxy3m14Q/UtbUtT82pZI/AAAAAAAAH_o/uU_NzTnpcEM/s1600/DSCN4368-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwTHxy3m14Q/UtbUtT82pZI/AAAAAAAAH_o/uU_NzTnpcEM/s400/DSCN4368-1.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pothole Arch below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPu7EiviMZc/UtbUuJt4gWI/AAAAAAAAH_w/sEFmj7oiWbg/s1600/DSCN4376-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPu7EiviMZc/UtbUuJt4gWI/AAAAAAAAH_w/sEFmj7oiWbg/s400/DSCN4376-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Panorama Point was less crowded and the colors in the sand
and vegetation were amazing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tBwBUs1BdA/UqZZPZkQESI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/IDHMByPZpnw/s1600/IMG_0714-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tBwBUs1BdA/UqZZPZkQESI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/IDHMByPZpnw/s640/IMG_0714-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking into the opposite direction I found here a group of
Prickly pear cactus in bloom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x79U69lgV8/UtbUywzPMnI/AAAAAAAAIAI/jmzru69t-Mk/s1600/DSCN4385-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x79U69lgV8/UtbUywzPMnI/AAAAAAAAIAI/jmzru69t-Mk/s640/DSCN4385-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parking at Wolfe Ranch for the climb to Delicate Arch was
impossible so I went onto the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint for this view.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyjrqB3N1ZJ-w4jg6tgRdzeN0m3Cwn1w0K4IjqnGfSe8XuzGOZPBuQBVI6d80rKA_p7G8gD6XwtMoF62l2ibqoPsj5YFNWUJAQOxEBjWG2-GxFkLnguTUt2TEAM8ssO05E_41M34If3U/s1600/IMG_0743-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyjrqB3N1ZJ-w4jg6tgRdzeN0m3Cwn1w0K4IjqnGfSe8XuzGOZPBuQBVI6d80rKA_p7G8gD6XwtMoF62l2ibqoPsj5YFNWUJAQOxEBjWG2-GxFkLnguTUt2TEAM8ssO05E_41M34If3U/s400/IMG_0743-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next I climbed up to the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint and
found the highlight for me, an Eastern Collard lizard <i>(Crotaphytus collaris)</i>. This was my treat for the day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjqJ3YBWRMU/UqZZWgd83OI/AAAAAAAAHbw/peNjwf645jg/s1600/IMG_0727-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjqJ3YBWRMU/UqZZWgd83OI/AAAAAAAAHbw/peNjwf645jg/s640/IMG_0727-1.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was so beautiful. I think this is a female because it is
lacking the dark spots on its throat as described in my field guide. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Qo-iXX3TQ9u76C3gv8QjRYwq8KjGRP6HDGhcZ9dtKAnyQaymEJYx9HOH9oFnWsZg-SP5dpjhaV4VaW4psssKfWHx2682NevFaDUXBnptpYN68NmHmPY8ZSE1nE_tLVyiwH2MaRz2xmE/s1600/IMG_0736-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Qo-iXX3TQ9u76C3gv8QjRYwq8KjGRP6HDGhcZ9dtKAnyQaymEJYx9HOH9oFnWsZg-SP5dpjhaV4VaW4psssKfWHx2682NevFaDUXBnptpYN68NmHmPY8ZSE1nE_tLVyiwH2MaRz2xmE/s320/IMG_0736-1.jpg" height="320" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know how large this one is but the guide gave the
size range of three to four and three fifths inches. This little sweet heart
totally made my day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-8SH_LUBtQ/UqZZZiuE1SI/AAAAAAAAHb8/WX__C2MmdGA/s1600/IMG_0738-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-8SH_LUBtQ/UqZZZiuE1SI/AAAAAAAAHb8/WX__C2MmdGA/s400/IMG_0738-1.jpg" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the trail I spotted several young cactus
wrens.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgpSfoJMVp0/UtbUzADUY0I/AAAAAAAAIAE/6w26wR_tfkw/s1600/DSCN4403-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgpSfoJMVp0/UtbUzADUY0I/AAAAAAAAIAE/6w26wR_tfkw/s320/DSCN4403-1.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd6HZrdHlfE/UqZZjQ5pilI/AAAAAAAAHcw/uBsXseoCALI/s1600/IMG_0749-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd6HZrdHlfE/UqZZjQ5pilI/AAAAAAAAHcw/uBsXseoCALI/s640/IMG_0749-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I enjoyed the Sand Dune Arch Trail that started between two sandstone
fins. It was like a big sandbox inside with lots of children playing in the sand. It was shady and a relief to get out of the blazing sun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0AdjDX3U-g/UqZZoYPRUWI/AAAAAAAAHdM/OdR6vlGHfpE/s1600/IMG_0756-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0AdjDX3U-g/UqZZoYPRUWI/AAAAAAAAHdM/OdR6vlGHfpE/s400/IMG_0756-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There I talked with the ranger who was cleaning off graffiti,
a daily job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZcTM6iAEE8/UqZZnT38egI/AAAAAAAAHc8/OCLr-N1ICPc/s1600/IMG_0762-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZcTM6iAEE8/UqZZnT38egI/AAAAAAAAHc8/OCLr-N1ICPc/s320/IMG_0762-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaving, I walked toward the Broken Arch...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1wTgsUf4Uk/UqZZoNbeQLI/AAAAAAAAHdI/ZikedksepI4/s1600/IMG_0774-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1wTgsUf4Uk/UqZZoNbeQLI/AAAAAAAAHdI/ZikedksepI4/s640/IMG_0774-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
... to look for
flowers and was rewarded with these beauties.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKPqbkrob_Y/UqZZrPeqR1I/AAAAAAAAHdU/CwNGiOhfKUE/s1600/IMG_0776-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKPqbkrob_Y/UqZZrPeqR1I/AAAAAAAAHdU/CwNGiOhfKUE/s320/IMG_0776-1.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPpd2mw4EFU/UqZZsrT1odI/AAAAAAAAHdc/kBxaIt8XMc0/s1600/IMG_0777-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPpd2mw4EFU/UqZZsrT1odI/AAAAAAAAHdc/kBxaIt8XMc0/s320/IMG_0777-1.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUhwP7t8bBuTXAnYxdVF0o3MOHcq1PGZg1YbbweSL_JxFbOkVzZmrI8_8322NzoACz0Hf6ZAJYZBRjF4IiduGpTH5csLJgD-dWDCFYtHVTUejBA_vZ_HItybnMF4MBa8I2kKT-ox7YAE/s1600/IMG_0780-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUhwP7t8bBuTXAnYxdVF0o3MOHcq1PGZg1YbbweSL_JxFbOkVzZmrI8_8322NzoACz0Hf6ZAJYZBRjF4IiduGpTH5csLJgD-dWDCFYtHVTUejBA_vZ_HItybnMF4MBa8I2kKT-ox7YAE/s320/IMG_0780-1.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Prickly Pear Cactus</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fX03MNWt55Q/UqZZxEKIjRI/AAAAAAAAHds/_flNzwF7B8M/s1600/IMG_0788-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fX03MNWt55Q/UqZZxEKIjRI/AAAAAAAAHds/_flNzwF7B8M/s320/IMG_0788-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Penstemon</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NFhz8pUpxo/UqZZ3-ZBTaI/AAAAAAAAHeY/CuUs4_WTzg0/s1600/IMG_0795-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NFhz8pUpxo/UqZZ3-ZBTaI/AAAAAAAAHeY/CuUs4_WTzg0/s320/IMG_0795-1.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Beavertail Cactus</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IQQgpTCEkI/UqZZ1e0ZQXI/AAAAAAAAHeE/gpHE4xW-FBU/s1600/IMG_0794-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IQQgpTCEkI/UqZZ1e0ZQXI/AAAAAAAAHeE/gpHE4xW-FBU/s320/IMG_0794-1.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Winged Dock</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NNZZs7koHk/UtbU5NYhn4I/AAAAAAAAIAg/XUOgZxFnTNc/s1600/IMG_0802-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NNZZs7koHk/UtbU5NYhn4I/AAAAAAAAIAg/XUOgZxFnTNc/s320/IMG_0802-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Desert Globmallow</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Broken Arch in the distance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohrQC0qi568/UqZZ4BpBVLI/AAAAAAAAHec/em0alxUOcxU/s1600/IMG_0800-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohrQC0qi568/UqZZ4BpBVLI/AAAAAAAAHec/em0alxUOcxU/s640/IMG_0800-1.jpg" height="310" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tired, I drove back to my campground and took at few more photos along the way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTt6Jv4pOFf9zbxKMCqyaSQx_b34kSxlKLobQnxe5QLOJZPLB9zKKzWvvQIwIGkLAU1HYvOhsB0cN11RDxRYk_jh3lFc-SA7S0vTbyA2L1VJSRAprgWAAizWSuz06Ua9Ri74NAKKNduY/s1600/DSCN4382-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTt6Jv4pOFf9zbxKMCqyaSQx_b34kSxlKLobQnxe5QLOJZPLB9zKKzWvvQIwIGkLAU1HYvOhsB0cN11RDxRYk_jh3lFc-SA7S0vTbyA2L1VJSRAprgWAAizWSuz06Ua9Ri74NAKKNduY/s640/DSCN4382-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In <u><i>Desert Solitare</i></u>, Edward Abby wrote in 1968, <i>"It seems to me that the strangeness and wonder of existence are emphasized here, in the desert, by the comparative sparsity of the flora and fauna: life not crowded upon life...with a generous gift of space for each herb and bush and tree, each stem of grass, so that the living organism stands out bold and brave and vivid against the lifeless sand and barren rock."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKXCU8ieDnk/UtbUy4nJfII/AAAAAAAAIAA/ZlmN1BXyrVg/s1600/DSCN4389-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKXCU8ieDnk/UtbUy4nJfII/AAAAAAAAIAA/ZlmN1BXyrVg/s640/DSCN4389-1.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gufp7LM3GU/UqZZetdDyBI/AAAAAAAAHcc/1x380BoOYEc/s1600/IMG_0746-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gufp7LM3GU/UqZZetdDyBI/AAAAAAAAHcc/1x380BoOYEc/s640/IMG_0746-1.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-9828304337697761182014-01-15T12:14:00.003-05:002014-01-15T12:14:34.222-05:00Canyonlands National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Canyonlands National Park – May 25, 2013</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">J</span>ust driving up to the Canyonlands plateau was an adventure
in itself with the sharp switchbacks and driving along the edge. Friends often
ask me if I was afraid making this adventure as a woman alone, there concerns
are mostly of me falling, or being attacked and robbed, and my answer has
always been, “No, I wasn’t afraid. “Except
driving could be a little scary and this was one of those scary drives. It ranked
right up there with 5 lane rush hour traffic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BowV31omnglU3Js2fJxAO2sN3io-rSLBCAaKExCbU5Ay4ZVD5ID225bYpKjsu7u4rUEr10ULv19JR7gYEFf-IJ1ZmAx0QBsReQWtFYPfegFtcR5JtqGC2MmHrE0-DijmtQAMrQ5laSg/s1600/IMG_0558-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BowV31omnglU3Js2fJxAO2sN3io-rSLBCAaKExCbU5Ay4ZVD5ID225bYpKjsu7u4rUEr10ULv19JR7gYEFf-IJ1ZmAx0QBsReQWtFYPfegFtcR5JtqGC2MmHrE0-DijmtQAMrQ5laSg/s640/IMG_0558-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Monitor and Merrimac Buttes, around 600 feet tall, were
named after the Ironclad ships of the Civil War.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-il94M20Pj0o/UqYX4v2RvKI/AAAAAAAAHRE/c3Utt1tarZ0/s1600/IMG_0549-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-il94M20Pj0o/UqYX4v2RvKI/AAAAAAAAHRE/c3Utt1tarZ0/s640/IMG_0549-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the visitor center I learned that the Juniper seeds used
for beads, in the 60’s and by Native People have to be carefully selected. You
have to find one with an insect hole to use because the seeds are so hard. Once
you find a hole then you can enlarge it and push on through the other side. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy0BrNfvV1g/UtV5p5T65BI/AAAAAAAAH90/qKDAIGWWv2k/s1600/IMG_0555-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy0BrNfvV1g/UtV5p5T65BI/AAAAAAAAH90/qKDAIGWWv2k/s320/IMG_0555-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like everyone I hiked to Mesa Arch. It was pretty crowded
but I did manage to get the classic snapshot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye6sLtGG8nOMCGyG5LubXoxz-a6-YyX-HOL9fqw3g0iMoEH__tSy2ggOAUoMKh7W6FFdnVWC4_ECy-ZXhJvr-2H5MNKgQIGAWqEh8M8alh86D5Cy4i1KSw87HHAALxKJOeRbcvd7eni0/s1600/IMG_0573-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye6sLtGG8nOMCGyG5LubXoxz-a6-YyX-HOL9fqw3g0iMoEH__tSy2ggOAUoMKh7W6FFdnVWC4_ECy-ZXhJvr-2H5MNKgQIGAWqEh8M8alh86D5Cy4i1KSw87HHAALxKJOeRbcvd7eni0/s400/IMG_0573-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Abby wrote, “<i>It is possible from here to gaze down on
the backs of soaring birds</i>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VH61jrxm65I/UqYYBF6LybI/AAAAAAAAHRk/-Iut3Jcg_tY/s1600/IMG_0571-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VH61jrxm65I/UqYYBF6LybI/AAAAAAAAHRk/-Iut3Jcg_tY/s400/IMG_0571-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cryptobiotic Soil is a concern of the ecologist in this
park. It is the most fragile of plants and it doesn't even look like a plant.
It just looks like dirt covered with black soot. Nonetheless, it is a plant on
which all others depend. It is composed of slow growing bacteria, algae, mosses
and lichens that bind the soil together to retain water and nitrogen. Like the moss and lichen in West Virginia it
makes soil.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUIl4V4zqpc/UqYYHbGVHHI/AAAAAAAAHSA/oneP608gB9M/s1600/IMG_0613-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUIl4V4zqpc/UqYYHbGVHHI/AAAAAAAAHSA/oneP608gB9M/s400/IMG_0613-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The coloration of the rocks is due to the various minerals
found in the rocks. These minerals have
reacted to the weathering, such as the reds and yellows of the iron that have
been exposed to the air. Basically they
have rusted. The black sheen, seen on many of the cliff faces, is formed by
manganese and is often called “desert varnish”.
I have noticed that many of the petroglyphs are in drawn on desert varnish and show
up well because of the contrast between the dark sheen and the
underlying lighter colored rock. Purples and greens are caused by clay
minerals. Upheaval Dome is a good example of these minerals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_TP28oj3yE/UtV5ud28mcI/AAAAAAAAH-M/kXcrMeFnmxk/s1600/IMG_0617-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_TP28oj3yE/UtV5ud28mcI/AAAAAAAAH-M/kXcrMeFnmxk/s640/IMG_0617-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“The desert is a good school in which to observe the
cleverness and the infinite variety of techniques of survival under pitiless
opposition. Life could not change the sun or water…so it changed itself.”</i> John
Steinbeck</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QzfV2c9HBI/UqYYDZCorGI/AAAAAAAAHR0/-Q8VrRTK3bY/s1600/IMG_0570-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QzfV2c9HBI/UqYYDZCorGI/AAAAAAAAHR0/-Q8VrRTK3bY/s640/IMG_0570-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Green River Overlook is one of my favorite spots in the
canyon. John Wesley Powell wondered in
his journal, “What shall we find?” When they reached this section of the Green
River in July 1869, he described a “strange, weird, grand region” of naked rock
with “cathedral-shaped buttes, towering hundreds or thousands of feet, cliffs
that cannot be scaled, and canyon walls that shrink the river into
insignificance.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vG16fkfuFM/UqYYQMDXu_I/AAAAAAAAHS0/2cb2lEdpBfw/s1600/IMG_0645-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vG16fkfuFM/UqYYQMDXu_I/AAAAAAAAHS0/2cb2lEdpBfw/s640/IMG_0645-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buck Canyon Overlook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ammpdTPPudo/UqYYaJ-pLTI/AAAAAAAAHTw/hxL_BO5fHIA/s1600/IMG_0665-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ammpdTPPudo/UqYYaJ-pLTI/AAAAAAAAHTw/hxL_BO5fHIA/s640/IMG_0665-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grand View Point Overlook</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbdGQlYT2gc/UqYYnBvygUI/AAAAAAAAHU8/LwcFCDl5I5M/s1600/IMG_0693-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbdGQlYT2gc/UqYYnBvygUI/AAAAAAAAHU8/LwcFCDl5I5M/s640/IMG_0693-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I never tired of looking out these great distances.</div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-80154522039314497152014-01-14T10:24:00.001-05:002014-01-14T10:24:39.667-05:00Capitol Reef National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Capitol Reef National Park, May 22-23, 2013.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9-aU3lJe7I/UqYPPp8sUEI/AAAAAAAAHN4/sb_2Lb40kb4/s1600/IMG_0322-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9-aU3lJe7I/UqYPPp8sUEI/AAAAAAAAHN4/sb_2Lb40kb4/s400/IMG_0322-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y next stop was Capitol Reef National Monument and I really
didn’t know what to expect. The Fruita campground
only had 70 sites, first come first served so that was my first stop and with
good fortune I found a site. When I left a few days later there was a long line
waiting to get in. Fruita campground is named for the fruit orchards
surrounding the campground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8b0vZctLG7_VCBF7r3ZqTlZxu0Yv_uFQLh76v35o3sqphr_Oy6UBQqtX2Ceo4BM4m_S_NsVDYoqhcC0AXmVRP55Cpny90Sjwn6R7qEMWsthc3sgTWIZwCdm3Xcxu1Pfjp4iPxuNXRO4/s1600/IMG_0388-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8b0vZctLG7_VCBF7r3ZqTlZxu0Yv_uFQLh76v35o3sqphr_Oy6UBQqtX2Ceo4BM4m_S_NsVDYoqhcC0AXmVRP55Cpny90Sjwn6R7qEMWsthc3sgTWIZwCdm3Xcxu1Pfjp4iPxuNXRO4/s400/IMG_0388-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After staking my land grab claim I headed back out to the
Historic Fruita School and Petroglypha. The school was constructed by the
Mormon settlers and was the one room class for 8 to 26 students at any one
time. The building also served as a community meeting place. In 1941 it was
closed due to declining enrollment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbgmBoTkZlM/UtBM0MAocMI/AAAAAAAAH7U/SkLJzDTISps/s1600/IMG_0169-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbgmBoTkZlM/UtBM0MAocMI/AAAAAAAAH7U/SkLJzDTISps/s400/IMG_0169-1.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just
down the road are the Petroglyphas and you can seen in back of the school a
large rock where the students made their own work of art. I am convinced that the human race and an
uncontrollable urge to mark the land with signs of their presence. I observed
so many examples of petroglyphas and graffiti on my journey and all with the
symbols of their times. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LpUHKNYp64/UtBM6Hch50I/AAAAAAAAH78/hIC2-eoU2Hs/s1600/IMG_0192-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LpUHKNYp64/UtBM6Hch50I/AAAAAAAAH78/hIC2-eoU2Hs/s400/IMG_0192-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This lizard was on guard.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD6PzyQUBOA/UtBM5HZiFOI/AAAAAAAAH74/2Rg-DgV-O5k/s1600/IMG_0212-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD6PzyQUBOA/UtBM5HZiFOI/AAAAAAAAH74/2Rg-DgV-O5k/s400/IMG_0212-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The desks reminded of my own desks in my classes in West
Virginia only we didn’t use the ink wells. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm-l_L-en7oEc3DUz4-60pM5KMXKnLiSxAGJevEXvgmv3fk_qRYT8o4PxfGIC4pfWzbFXFIvq4DHeveVsXr0VwuK3HWNu27mGrtCOeTk2-yV84DNjQhLuc4mnK1qbG_pPpRK_myPhY6I/s1600/IMG_0178-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm-l_L-en7oEc3DUz4-60pM5KMXKnLiSxAGJevEXvgmv3fk_qRYT8o4PxfGIC4pfWzbFXFIvq4DHeveVsXr0VwuK3HWNu27mGrtCOeTk2-yV84DNjQhLuc4mnK1qbG_pPpRK_myPhY6I/s400/IMG_0178-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWNw8eYqvNU/UtBM1GlxLcI/AAAAAAAAH7g/g4bZzf3_Xok/s1600/IMG_0185-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWNw8eYqvNU/UtBM1GlxLcI/AAAAAAAAH7g/g4bZzf3_Xok/s400/IMG_0185-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My next stop was a ranger talk at the Petroglyphs of the
Freemont Indians. I have seen other
petroglyphs but these were the most enchanting I saw during my journey. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi1vsnw1jesVS5rJYQTKfiZRr_tzFBiv0heWT59miSlBP9h78te8CYlLhm1u4y-Llcxu23CrtoH6s5O1-rPidl615wTOBdJ32hu6cFkSd3EKpNLGDNIzQ0RjMELwITVKOl5mebVgOrRA/s1600/IMG_0218-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi1vsnw1jesVS5rJYQTKfiZRr_tzFBiv0heWT59miSlBP9h78te8CYlLhm1u4y-Llcxu23CrtoH6s5O1-rPidl615wTOBdJ32hu6cFkSd3EKpNLGDNIzQ0RjMELwITVKOl5mebVgOrRA/s640/IMG_0218-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They are created by pecking into the cliff face. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nNf-2qeDgho/UqYPFwx28bI/AAAAAAAAHNU/76IIVG3imlA/s1600/IMG_0235-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nNf-2qeDgho/UqYPFwx28bI/AAAAAAAAHNU/76IIVG3imlA/s400/IMG_0235-1.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Fremont Indians are ancestors to various modern tribes
living in the southwest today. They settled here over 1,000 years ago, where
they built home and farmed the land.
These marking are the historical and spiritual legacy of modern Indian
peoples. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-YJfsglCUI/UqYPF8S3aCI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/2ItioFoMVCk/s1600/IMG_0242-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-YJfsglCUI/UqYPF8S3aCI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/2ItioFoMVCk/s400/IMG_0242-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I was observing the art a couple of baby Mule Deer
were observing me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0LyhL26e4E/UqYPINW7mYI/AAAAAAAAHNc/niVflk3FPkE/s1600/IMG_0256-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0LyhL26e4E/UqYPINW7mYI/AAAAAAAAHNc/niVflk3FPkE/s400/IMG_0256-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ranger passed around a photo of Freemont moccasins (replica)
made from deer. I found it interesting how nothing was wasted as used the deer’s
own leg and foot as a model, perhaps one of the first uses of bioemimicry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB-DeQjROTo/UqYPJifNZyI/AAAAAAAAHNo/4H5PnX31iSQ/s1600/IMG_0266-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB-DeQjROTo/UqYPJifNZyI/AAAAAAAAHNo/4H5PnX31iSQ/s320/IMG_0266-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxF0xpOBlIkcPaSW8fmyc6DZjhrMvaKSXVVXBqdJZiIspMvUrCqw84JFgy-V6a6eeQUR9R7yi2cEnLDQ9gVYLx36shazINyQsPI6KddFl0I41ejxG7wGJS5GjC8IrCLNltIFMlQZEZ4I/s1600/IMG_0267-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxF0xpOBlIkcPaSW8fmyc6DZjhrMvaKSXVVXBqdJZiIspMvUrCqw84JFgy-V6a6eeQUR9R7yi2cEnLDQ9gVYLx36shazINyQsPI6KddFl0I41ejxG7wGJS5GjC8IrCLNltIFMlQZEZ4I/s320/IMG_0267-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had lunch at the picnic area and couldn’t resist hugging
these magnificent trees. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH5VeQfVev0/UqYPPzFjLWI/AAAAAAAAHOA/dLoHt1Al7mE/s1600/IMG_0306-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH5VeQfVev0/UqYPPzFjLWI/AAAAAAAAHOA/dLoHt1Al7mE/s640/IMG_0306-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74K00Kgqnl8/UtBM_4h-LOI/AAAAAAAAH8I/Yq0B8qaSO6A/s1600/IMG_0313-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74K00Kgqnl8/UtBM_4h-LOI/AAAAAAAAH8I/Yq0B8qaSO6A/s400/IMG_0313-1.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heading back to the campsite I saw my first Yellow Bellied
Marmot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qD_hmg7Zh8/UqYPU7WCmII/AAAAAAAAHOM/8LmaZvQw3ME/s1600/IMG_0354-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qD_hmg7Zh8/UqYPU7WCmII/AAAAAAAAHOM/8LmaZvQw3ME/s400/IMG_0354-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day I took the Scenic Drive in search of a good
view of the Waterpocket Fold preserved by the park. It is a buckle in the Earth’s
crust created 65 million years ago. I was not able to get the spectacular photo
I wanted but I did manage to take a photo on a small piece of the edge of the
fold. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipjVLNkk3z4/UtQcIjf7wlI/AAAAAAAAH84/8aLV5hTx3e0/s1600/IMG_0443-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipjVLNkk3z4/UtQcIjf7wlI/AAAAAAAAH84/8aLV5hTx3e0/s640/IMG_0443-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-CYkuNomTX_98wrDKgjcYZ5uPW35k2Mox0WC39seI7l6uggm8uMmRU_J3JWqoJEkmWTM_WFY7k9vJiYZFT1EKEJuszmNvBlL6mGGta4lhbmCFBPzMnaQkbIx__dkNB_YGily3PVh7ps/s1600/IMG_0456-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-CYkuNomTX_98wrDKgjcYZ5uPW35k2Mox0WC39seI7l6uggm8uMmRU_J3JWqoJEkmWTM_WFY7k9vJiYZFT1EKEJuszmNvBlL6mGGta4lhbmCFBPzMnaQkbIx__dkNB_YGily3PVh7ps/s640/IMG_0456-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Navajos call the area “The Land of the Sleeping Rainbows.” The pallet of colors was similar to Death
Valley.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXLv5Lpoc4Q/UqYPdMpYDnI/AAAAAAAAHO0/UrJc5oo_aA4/s1600/IMG_0395-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXLv5Lpoc4Q/UqYPdMpYDnI/AAAAAAAAHO0/UrJc5oo_aA4/s400/IMG_0395-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKJgE-9DHkI/UtQcHYmP87I/AAAAAAAAH8s/bc3D8W5hFpM/s1600/IMG_0396-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKJgE-9DHkI/UtQcHYmP87I/AAAAAAAAH8s/bc3D8W5hFpM/s640/IMG_0396-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My drive ended at Capitol Gorge. Here I wished I had a horse or 4 wheel drive
so I could continue on. So much of this
area cannot be seen from campers or regular cars but what I did see was
magnificent. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr-VDPwOuRI/UqYPh52fj5I/AAAAAAAAHPE/AabTPuCNhOo/s1600/IMG_0420-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr-VDPwOuRI/UqYPh52fj5I/AAAAAAAAHPE/AabTPuCNhOo/s400/IMG_0420-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure I could have hiked the 2 mile round trip but frankly I was
just plain ole tuckered out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFNqUGmqlYc/UqYPd7Vz0sI/AAAAAAAAHO8/LoFOHLN2LAw/s1600/IMG_0419-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFNqUGmqlYc/UqYPd7Vz0sI/AAAAAAAAHO8/LoFOHLN2LAw/s400/IMG_0419-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSf98f_qowA/UqYPqrKUdwI/AAAAAAAAHP0/vel8QLnmJtc/s1600/IMG_0460-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSf98f_qowA/UqYPqrKUdwI/AAAAAAAAHP0/vel8QLnmJtc/s400/IMG_0460-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaving the park the following day I stopped by the Behunin
Cabin build and settled in 1882 by Elijah Cutler Behunin and his family of 10. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPayONWW9w4/UtQcMtMIGYI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/oS5IDoylsC0/s1600/IMG_0466-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPayONWW9w4/UtQcMtMIGYI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/oS5IDoylsC0/s640/IMG_0466-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The parents and the two smallest children slept in the cabin. The post bed
almost filled one side of the room. By widening a dugout in the cliff, the
older boys had a place to sleep and the girls made a bed in an old wagon box. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLSlMC15a-s/UqYPuaULJ8I/AAAAAAAAHQM/LEuLKBcJK3w/s1600/IMG_0472-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLSlMC15a-s/UqYPuaULJ8I/AAAAAAAAHQM/LEuLKBcJK3w/s400/IMG_0472-1.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They ate outdoors. I think my camper is about the same size
as the cabin. Eventually they left when the river washout out their crops.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alRapYffi18/UtQcNJvUZkI/AAAAAAAAH9U/Gn-kpLPCiig/s1600/IMG_0539-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alRapYffi18/UtQcNJvUZkI/AAAAAAAAH9U/Gn-kpLPCiig/s640/IMG_0539-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I left, I drown onto Greenriver Campground where I took time out from my big adventure. The drive was another beautiful experience.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tweakA_xSJY/UtQvVOKCSAI/AAAAAAAAH9k/zQpDaocKNo8/s1600/DSCN4313-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tweakA_xSJY/UtQvVOKCSAI/AAAAAAAAH9k/zQpDaocKNo8/s640/DSCN4313-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-74756779352032459582014-01-13T11:41:00.001-05:002014-01-13T11:41:19.537-05:00Mossy Cave trail at Bryce Canyon, May 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5y9zm8-EXJc/UqCiHFE1CLI/AAAAAAAAHFk/OBkHUN1cUf0/s1600/IMG_0016-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5y9zm8-EXJc/UqCiHFE1CLI/AAAAAAAAHFk/OBkHUN1cUf0/s640/IMG_0016-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>M</b></span>ossy Cave is in the northern section of the park along
highway 12. The trail to the cave goes through a canyon known as Water Canyon.
From 1890 to 1892 the mormon pioneers dug an irrigation ditch from the East Fork
of the Sevier River, through the Paunsaugunt Plateau, into this canyon. It is known
as the Tropic ditch and supplies water to the towns of Tropic and Cannonville
to this day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8I7mi9kFH4/UqCiGJWR6uI/AAAAAAAAHFc/WtMIbdVR-4Q/s1600/IMG_0023-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8I7mi9kFH4/UqCiGJWR6uI/AAAAAAAAHFc/WtMIbdVR-4Q/s400/IMG_0023-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-po9D8uU_6ss/UqCiMEnVvcI/AAAAAAAAHF4/EF7EdkSGcOE/s1600/IMG_0056-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-po9D8uU_6ss/UqCiMEnVvcI/AAAAAAAAHF4/EF7EdkSGcOE/s400/IMG_0056-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0pUEzjzAW_Ce6i9S1AeaGTdyEynFw6m_PkzzsSL8c51VJ9BRg-59vRGRETRYoLz3yP-G2o9_iZi6mUAefQcutmCh4ezp8pu0QqGuxZOWnK-Feu1VOHwuT5XNXr2VNIjjyaKnptTmPjo/s1600/DSCN4238-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0pUEzjzAW_Ce6i9S1AeaGTdyEynFw6m_PkzzsSL8c51VJ9BRg-59vRGRETRYoLz3yP-G2o9_iZi6mUAefQcutmCh4ezp8pu0QqGuxZOWnK-Feu1VOHwuT5XNXr2VNIjjyaKnptTmPjo/s400/DSCN4238-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After crossing a foot bridge I came to the waterfall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xLfY5Ddp1o/UqCiIpvba4I/AAAAAAAAHFs/qMUMv4hNttg/s1600/IMG_0043-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xLfY5Ddp1o/UqCiIpvba4I/AAAAAAAAHFs/qMUMv4hNttg/s400/IMG_0043-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a short walk but very enjoyable with beautiful
wildflowers along the trail such as Columbinan Virginia Bower <i>(Clematics Columbiana)</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GIycYyXjsOfDg4Zfpy2VStaxCeGOJ1gyTDb98RS1vk9uuOnK2xchaYzF2bBBolApGgweaRWsYo3AszahTBIMvUev2Ig0uniKLFzDZd43Bkj5vqBwU1G6CgNxzSOzWD9MZ2BrmujW4Cc/s1600/IMG_0066-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GIycYyXjsOfDg4Zfpy2VStaxCeGOJ1gyTDb98RS1vk9uuOnK2xchaYzF2bBBolApGgweaRWsYo3AszahTBIMvUev2Ig0uniKLFzDZd43Bkj5vqBwU1G6CgNxzSOzWD9MZ2BrmujW4Cc/s400/IMG_0066-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fringed Puccoon <i>(Lithospermum incisum)</i> the genus name means “stone
seed” referring to the hard nutlets.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grODzqQK_Kc/UqCiSS4R9MI/AAAAAAAAHGg/TvYJBX-566k/s1600/IMG_0115-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grODzqQK_Kc/UqCiSS4R9MI/AAAAAAAAHGg/TvYJBX-566k/s400/IMG_0115-1.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lavender Leaf Sundrops <i>(Oenothera lavandulifolius)</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEeVRfBKuKY/UqCiSzZneDI/AAAAAAAAHGo/jrAVmMO_eWw/s1600/IMG_0114-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEeVRfBKuKY/UqCiSzZneDI/AAAAAAAAHGo/jrAVmMO_eWw/s400/IMG_0114-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pygmy Goldenweed <i>(Tonestus pygmaeus)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SaRvTHiL5H0/UqCiWe724eI/AAAAAAAAHG8/u1F-NDTjd5s/s1600/IMG_0119-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SaRvTHiL5H0/UqCiWe724eI/AAAAAAAAHG8/u1F-NDTjd5s/s400/IMG_0119-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some other flowers I saw but I have not been able to identify them at this time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IugSnRDxjBE/UqCiWgy0zFI/AAAAAAAAHHE/rrzXcoSPpNQ/s1600/IMG_0121-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IugSnRDxjBE/UqCiWgy0zFI/AAAAAAAAHHE/rrzXcoSPpNQ/s400/IMG_0121-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX9IpOd-rko/UqCiCOMIhlI/AAAAAAAAHFU/9rhd-iN4p_o/s1600/IMG_0018-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX9IpOd-rko/UqCiCOMIhlI/AAAAAAAAHFU/9rhd-iN4p_o/s400/IMG_0018-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CQTGgGUR-Q/UqCiOf3C6JI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/AVvbPeQFAx4/s1600/IMG_0095-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CQTGgGUR-Q/UqCiOf3C6JI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/AVvbPeQFAx4/s400/IMG_0095-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGaEaxIDR48/UqCiOoxTggI/AAAAAAAAHGU/qB1XXEXiiEk/s1600/IMG_0098-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGaEaxIDR48/UqCiOoxTggI/AAAAAAAAHGU/qB1XXEXiiEk/s400/IMG_0098-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually I ended up at the cave…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwsaJvjPF7Y/UqZixwmZ-aI/AAAAAAAAHfc/A4P0lkP7zno/s1600/DSCN4229-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwsaJvjPF7Y/UqZixwmZ-aI/AAAAAAAAHfc/A4P0lkP7zno/s400/DSCN4229-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…where I came face to face with this little chipmonk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-6Qq5m6R2A/UqZiw17NtAI/AAAAAAAAHfQ/zNBk5ty6jd0/s1600/DSCN4202-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-6Qq5m6R2A/UqZiw17NtAI/AAAAAAAAHfQ/zNBk5ty6jd0/s400/DSCN4202-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Driving back to the campground I spotted a Pronghorn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0jgTyw8_Cg/UqCiWo9-ffI/AAAAAAAAHHA/l9sSxYOmPeo/s1600/IMG_0124-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0jgTyw8_Cg/UqCiWo9-ffI/AAAAAAAAHHA/l9sSxYOmPeo/s400/IMG_0124-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then made one last stop to overlook the canyon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iQrGoEUndQ/UqCiXgoET_I/AAAAAAAAHHM/yy7ElZeioWo/s1600/IMG_0139-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iQrGoEUndQ/UqCiXgoET_I/AAAAAAAAHHM/yy7ElZeioWo/s640/IMG_0139-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6765757534337039027.post-41096656931659643422014-01-08T14:05:00.001-05:002014-01-08T14:05:57.794-05:00Bryce Canyon National Park <div class="MsoNormal">
Bryce Canyon National Park May 19-21</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSLBEc8fP4KcxnwwqN6R1LpYodplJiIvXfimxNKOdAbMVOBp4sveXAbcsr1OwCoU0yXM0JT7LSGkwcXNBl6JA4PROfFGMJQyy3iESI_L1NRoiRKw-J5k7VKUpgEusnG8p87qdFLf6G6o/s1600/IMG_9885-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSLBEc8fP4KcxnwwqN6R1LpYodplJiIvXfimxNKOdAbMVOBp4sveXAbcsr1OwCoU0yXM0JT7LSGkwcXNBl6JA4PROfFGMJQyy3iESI_L1NRoiRKw-J5k7VKUpgEusnG8p87qdFLf6G6o/s1600/IMG_9885-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fromer’s “National Parks of the American West” was my main
guide book for my big adventure and from that Don and Barbara Laine in their
article about Bryce Canyon wrote: “Hoodoos, geologists tell us, are simply
pinnacles of rock, often oddly shaped, left
standing by the force of millions of years of water and wind erosion.
But perhaps the truth really lies in a Paiute legend. These American Indians,
who lived in the area for several hundred years before being forced out by
Anglo pioneers, told of a “Legend People” who lived here in the old days; for
their evil ways they were turned to stone by the powerful Coyote, and even today
they remain frozen in time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4N3V3HJ1-n0/UqCg5XHhFhI/AAAAAAAAHA8/mBiOB3koxtM/s1600/IMG_9700-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4N3V3HJ1-n0/UqCg5XHhFhI/AAAAAAAAHA8/mBiOB3koxtM/s1600/IMG_9700-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The air was cold and windy so I decided to just leave my
camper in the campground and take the park bus tour. These buses are free and well worth the ride
and tour guides. Bryce Amphitheater from
Bryce Point was amazing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H10Y5T1MxpI/UqCg7iS-Y_I/AAAAAAAAHBM/J2biV_en4wE/s1600/IMG_9689-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H10Y5T1MxpI/UqCg7iS-Y_I/AAAAAAAAHBM/J2biV_en4wE/s1600/IMG_9689-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Wall of Windows may have begun a
grottoes, though the rock behind them has long since weathered away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOs6tLyt0GM/UqCg97jDOaI/AAAAAAAAHBU/SndgzbXfeN0/s1600/IMG_9707-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOs6tLyt0GM/UqCg97jDOaI/AAAAAAAAHBU/SndgzbXfeN0/s1600/IMG_9707-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I walked up to Inspiration point to see the view I was greeted with a spectacular rainbow over the canyon. Fumbling with my camera I did manage to take a few photos before it went away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NU2FEXZ-mxc/UqZUbDvLvgI/AAAAAAAAHXg/jz6iJmcuBEQ/s1600/DSCN4102-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NU2FEXZ-mxc/UqZUbDvLvgI/AAAAAAAAHXg/jz6iJmcuBEQ/s1600/DSCN4102-1.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inspiration point overlooked an amazing view. As I sat there
I watched the sun peak out from the clouds highlighting different spots as
though mother nature was saying, “look, did you notice this group of hoodoos
and how about these.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olL5P_pHI6w/UqChzaUZpqI/AAAAAAAAHE0/jTuDfFaKuf0/s1600/IMG_9898-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olL5P_pHI6w/UqChzaUZpqI/AAAAAAAAHE0/jTuDfFaKuf0/s1600/IMG_9898-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28f7JvH8FIk/UqCh0kbSMpI/AAAAAAAAHFA/IZR25r8X2MY/s1600/IMG_9927-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28f7JvH8FIk/UqCh0kbSMpI/AAAAAAAAHFA/IZR25r8X2MY/s1600/IMG_9927-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtzzMt-0mg8/UqChI0Xaa9I/AAAAAAAAHCM/PUMqbriFnuE/s1600/IMG_9739-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtzzMt-0mg8/UqChI0Xaa9I/AAAAAAAAHCM/PUMqbriFnuE/s1600/IMG_9739-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day I took the bus out to the end of the park road
to Rainbow Point to see the bristle cone pines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8x4Iks-7sT4/UqZUgp9hdcI/AAAAAAAAHX0/liYmYD7_Jg0/s1600/DSCN4115-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8x4Iks-7sT4/UqZUgp9hdcI/AAAAAAAAHX0/liYmYD7_Jg0/s1600/DSCN4115-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yovimpa Point offers expansive views of southern Utah that
seemed to go on forever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9V7xQLeuMQ/UqChIzPoQ6I/AAAAAAAAHCI/3rJuJ8gLYb0/s1600/IMG_9751-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9V7xQLeuMQ/UqChIzPoQ6I/AAAAAAAAHCI/3rJuJ8gLYb0/s1600/IMG_9751-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LW2THzqTWXM/UqChK42vSbI/AAAAAAAAHCU/CgT9B6h3rXA/s1600/IMG_9754-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LW2THzqTWXM/UqChK42vSbI/AAAAAAAAHCU/CgT9B6h3rXA/s1600/IMG_9754-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6GIzH6Vx9s/UqChOU8o8hI/AAAAAAAAHCc/t-BRqYX87D8/s1600/IMG_9756-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6GIzH6Vx9s/UqChOU8o8hI/AAAAAAAAHCc/t-BRqYX87D8/s1600/IMG_9756-1.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
At Agua Canyon overlook I saw The Hunter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8MMIxXdFWeSMSM2GfLqSEfEDz-tN-tIn0GzPlu71LiR9luO7OnmwNMAub0GoY9R3Qs8HM_g9ttB6skkrxkApr_qvopkoozhlKUkN6YosqN1Rsjr8h6LMjkpSn6oQAeB9_LQESOIeThs/s1600/IMG_9794-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8MMIxXdFWeSMSM2GfLqSEfEDz-tN-tIn0GzPlu71LiR9luO7OnmwNMAub0GoY9R3Qs8HM_g9ttB6skkrxkApr_qvopkoozhlKUkN6YosqN1Rsjr8h6LMjkpSn6oQAeB9_LQESOIeThs/s1600/IMG_9794-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natural Bridge was not formed by a
stream like a true natural bridge but rather it was carved by rain and frost
erosion acting from the top of the rock. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQTm5b-gSg8/UqChZpFsMDI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/UMOr_nJyysw/s1600/IMG_9809-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQTm5b-gSg8/UqChZpFsMDI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/UMOr_nJyysw/s1600/IMG_9809-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HP-uj23iqts/UqChio9x5oI/AAAAAAAAHD0/SpIaTrx7qrU/s1600/IMG_9824-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HP-uj23iqts/UqChio9x5oI/AAAAAAAAHD0/SpIaTrx7qrU/s1600/IMG_9824-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LonoOwUJqJo/UqChlGC2gSI/AAAAAAAAHD8/2tUDlJ1A24Y/s1600/IMG_9865-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LonoOwUJqJo/UqChlGC2gSI/AAAAAAAAHD8/2tUDlJ1A24Y/s1600/IMG_9865-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgiaHf8mHyg/UqChrHXxwCI/AAAAAAAAHEU/3IM6Y3iB0hs/s1600/IMG_9873-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgiaHf8mHyg/UqChrHXxwCI/AAAAAAAAHEU/3IM6Y3iB0hs/s1600/IMG_9873-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Manzanita was in bloom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASSVNF6NgtU/UqZUllRSi1I/AAAAAAAAHYM/wlrVIC2UaWU/s1600/DSCN4116-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASSVNF6NgtU/UqZUllRSi1I/AAAAAAAAHYM/wlrVIC2UaWU/s1600/DSCN4116-1.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arrowleaf balsamroot.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udjH4TdND80/Us2f_0_8v4I/AAAAAAAAH4c/nZ04ORL85Lk/s1600/IMG_9814-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udjH4TdND80/Us2f_0_8v4I/AAAAAAAAH4c/nZ04ORL85Lk/s1600/IMG_9814-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Utah prairie dogs, the rarest prairie dog in the United
States, live only in southwestern Utah. These rodents build “town,” a vast
underground network of tunnels and changers, where they sleep, hide, breed, and
spend the winter. I was lucky to see them, but from a distance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a19iGXiOQ3s/UqZUk8I8B0I/AAAAAAAAHYA/q-Wt_odcESs/s1600/DSCN4175-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a19iGXiOQ3s/UqZUk8I8B0I/AAAAAAAAHYA/q-Wt_odcESs/s1600/DSCN4175-1.jpg" height="213" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also saw my first Mountain Bluebird here nearby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSvVLX06N0g/UqZUnqRjegI/AAAAAAAAHYY/dBfr5hlRGxc/s1600/DSCN4179-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSvVLX06N0g/UqZUnqRjegI/AAAAAAAAHYY/dBfr5hlRGxc/s1600/DSCN4179-1.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297406366801045392noreply@blogger.com1