Description

I own no land, instead I have wheelestate. I’ve been a full time RVer since 1997. Working summers as a Park Ranger takes me to many beautiful places and playing during the winter takes me to many more. This blog is simply the story of my life's adventures.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Elk crossing at Grand Canyon

01 Driving E at sunset Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x767)
While traveling in many western national parks one must watch out for wildlife. Especially at dawn and dusk.
02 Two elk along Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x727)
As I returned from Hermit’s rest (another post coming) a group of stopped cars told me some form of wildlife was about.
03 Elk in overlook parking along Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x892)
This cow elk seemed to hold no regard for the cars or visitors.
04 Elk crossing Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x753)
I think this visitor was just a little too close.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Our World-Hermit Road overlook Grand Canyon National Park

01 GRCA Village & Wotons Throne in distance from overlook on Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ pano (1024x356)
Winter is the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim as you don’t have to fight the crowds. Plus the Hermit Road is open to personal vehicle traffic, during summer it’s shuttle bus only or a special permit.
02 Interp sign at Mohave Pt Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)
Or you can walk the rim trail west from the hotels and gift shops for 8 miles to Hermits Rest. But I only had two hours between Sunday’s speakers from the History Symposium and a field trip to see some of Grand Canyon’s historic boat collection (a future post).
03 El Tovar from overlook on Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)
I did not stay at the El Tovar. But I’ve had a few drinks on the porch overlooking the canyon. My accommodations at Yavapai West provided comfortable amenities and no canyon view, but was within walking distance of the Shrine of Ages where the symposium was held.
04 BA trail, NR & temples from overlook on Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ pano (782x1024)
I drove out onto the Hermit Road for the view. Looking across canyon at the North Rim made me homesick. Looking down into Bright Angel Canyon I heard the trail call my name.
05 Interp sign of view to NR from overlook on Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)
This to put the view into perspective, or at least provide names for what you’re looking at.
06 Wotons Throne from overlook on Hermit Rd SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)
Sometimes I get lost looking at the North Rim from the South Rim. Like Wotons Throne (in center), I typically see from the plateau point to the left which is Cape Royal. I look forward to returning there in the spring.
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Friday, February 3, 2012

Good night Grand Canyon

01 Last light on NR from Yavapai Pt SR GRCA NP AZ pano (1024x342)

Friday afternoon the History Symposium got done a little early so I quickly headed for the canyon rim at nearby Yavapai Point to see the last light on the canyon walls. Outstanding as usual.

02 Buck mule deer at Yavapai Pt parking lot SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x757)

And very cold. So I slipped back into my warm truck to thaw out the picture-taking gloveless hands. And saw this guy through my windshield.

03 Doe mule deer crossing sidewalk to Yavapai Pt overlook SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)

Then this sweet young gal crossed the trail in front of me when I returned to the rim.

04 Last light on top layers from Yavapai Pt SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x755)

I barely caught the last light on the top layers.

05 Soft glow over canyon from Yavapai Pt SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x767)

Then the light slipped away leaving a soft glow.

06 Sunset from Yavapai Pt SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)

And a subtle show to the west.

07 Sunset from Yavapai Pt parking lot SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)

With frozen hands I returned to the truck and rushed off for the Friday night banquet speaker, Wayne Raney talking about the geologists of Grand Canyon. (I’m working on symposium posts.)

Thursday, February 2, 2012

SWF-Thru the RV door

01 Sunset from Trailer Village SR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768)

While at Grand Canyon last weekend I missed quite a few sunsets due to the long hours of the History Symposium schedule, right on through banquet dinner speakers. Sunday I finally got a chance to visit with a friend who lives in a RV at the park because she works there. And this was our goodnight gift.

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Thrifty Thursday–Never enough jewelry

Mike’s Mom owns an antiques and more store in Yarnell called “Patty and Sons” and I love to stop in to look over her stuff, especially the jewelry. Last week when I stopped in I found two great pieces.
01 New SS & turq cuff Yarnell AZ (1024x768)
This sterling silver cuff with turquoise inlay and…
02 New SS box with buffalo Yarnell AZ (767x1024)
…this little sterling silver container necklace.
03 Buffalo on SS container necklace (767x1024)
The buffalos remind me of the emblem on the National Park Service logo.
04 Stamped side of SS container necklace (768x1024)
The back, or front if you prefer, has been stamped.
05 Lid off SS container necklace (768x1024)
Haven’t decided what to put in it yet.
What kind of second-hand treasures have you picked up recently? Link in below and share your finds with others.

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