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.

Moved

Thank you for stopping by. Just to let you know, I'm still blogging but have moved to Geogypsytraveler. Hope you'll follow my adventures. Just click here.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Grand Canyon North Rim Lookout Tower

Constructed in 1933, 75 feet (22.86 m) tallJust beyond the junction where the Arizona Trail turns north I rounded a bend and saw...  (read more)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Hiking a piece of the Arizona Trail


A long line to get into Grand Canyon National Park
After two gray rainy days off work, Thursday the sun broke through at least some of the clouds and I finally went hiking. Just east of the entrance station a one mile section of the Arizona trail wanders through the forest.

Arizona Trail
“The Arizona Trail is a continuous, 800+ mile diverse and scenic trail across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. It links deserts, mountains, canyons, communities and people. Currently 95% of the trail is complete.” From their site.

At almost 9,000 feet (2,743 m) the forest is a diverse mix of fir, aspen and ponderosa pine.

Splintered trunk giving me the Peace sign
The trail is called a two-track, for obvious reasons.

Aspen leaves rattle in the wind
The temperature was perfect for hiking, about mid 60sF (19C), the clouds moved in and out with the possible threat of rain, and the light breeze brought the Aspens to life. Aspen leaves have flat stems that allow leaf movement at the slightest breeze. Thus called Quaking Aspen.

Scat from maybe coyote.


Wonder who lives in there?
There was evidence of animals.

Black Headed Grosbeak
Birdsong filled the air. Illusive little buggers that they are.

Mountain Short Horned Lizard
This little lizard posed on the trail for me. (Does it look a little like the sterling silver pin I bought last week?]

Quartz in limestone
Of course I had to look at the rocks along the way.

Which way did I go?
It took me over an hour to arrive at the junction where the Arizona trail continues north. I know, only a mile, but I do walk very slowly and took over 100 photos. Just be thankful I didn’t share them all. But there’s more coming from this little hike.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Sunset at Grand Canyon National Park

I actually took this last Friday while roving on the Grand Canyon Lodge’s veranda before an evening program.
Hope you'll enlarge it. I just couldn't crop it.
Visitors come into the visitor center all day asking where the best place is for sunset. Some want to drive 23 curvy miles out to Cape Royal and back, walk the .25 mile ridge trail to Bright Angel Point, or hike along the Transept Trail with its western view. At the end of a long day, if I was a visitor, you’d find me in a comfortable chair with a glass of wine.

To view more skies from around the world or to share your own go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Kreativ Blogger Award


Amanda from Amanda’s Veranda shares some of the most superb wildlife images from her part of Central Washington. She has a heart of gold when it comes to the animals in her life. Thank you Amanda for passing on this award to me.

Here are the 7 STEPS of this award:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the seven blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

OK, I need to nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers. Only 7! There are so many more who are worthy.

1. Karen, the Fab Grandma writes a very creative and diverse blog. She and Fab Grandpa live in an RV like I do and we all currently work at Grand Canyon National Park. I love her outlook on life and always look forward to a new post. Thanks for introducing me to blogging.

2. Ruthie at Nature Knitter introduces me to the nature around her in Minnesota plus I love her beautiful knitted creations. She is a natural naturalist.


3. Janie explores the roads less traveled on horseback with husband Steve and faithful companion Daisy. They ride into the most spectacular landscapes. I always learn something new about the land from her. And Janie has an incredible way with words.

4. Joan from SAPhotographs has one of the most interesting blogs around. You never know what kind of bugs or beasts she may share from South Africa. Plus every Monday she stumps most of us with a mystery photo.

5. Kristin from Camels and Chocolate travels the world as a journalist, which is something I’ve dreamed of doing. She has a very humorous way of seeing the world and I love visiting places virtually with her. At least until I get to go myself.
6. Diane at Sabino Canyon opens my eyes to the desert in new ways. I always feel like I’ve been walking by her side as she shares the most marvelous images and observations in nature.

7. Arija from Garden Delights is a poet of the Earth Mother. She shares stunning images from South Australia and other places she travels. The drought threatens her green thumb but she perseveres and finds the beauty of life.

Now for 7 things about myself that you might find interesting.

1. I collect and create jewelry because a woman can never have too much jewelry. Even in hard economic times we will embellish. Plus I call it my retirement.

2. I aspire to be a paid travel writer. I already travel and write. Now if I can just find someone to pay me for it. My list of places to visit gets longer every year.

3. I love an audience, so being a National Park Ranger is perfect. And so is blogging. Thanks to all of you who read and follow.

4. I need to let go of my way too Big Ego.

5. I truly dislike housework even though I live in a 27 foot RV and it probably wouldn’t take long. I can live with the dusty velvet on all my chachkis.

6. I only recently started to consider myself a photographer. Yes, just an amateur, but certainly a step above the average.

7. I hope to continue learning until the day I die.
Thanks Amanda and all the great bloggers out there who deserve awards.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Remember Whensday - Christmas 1970


Adolph unwrapped his football present
Adolph was the first dog in my life. He came home in my Dad’s suit pocket at six weeks old. Oh how he loved to play fetch. But he’d only bring the ball back in the house. Outside, forget it. Maybe too many other distractions. Adolph didn’t like water as a puppy yet once he finally tried swimming you couldn’t keep him out of the water. He went boat camping with my family and dug deep holes in the sandy beach. Although Adolph has passed over the rainbow, he lived a long rich life of play and still has a place in my heart.

Sally from the (Mis) Adventures of Karl and Sally has started a new meme, and this is #2, where the past is remembered by sharing old family photographs. I love the idea and hope you will too. So join the fun to Remember other Whensdays or join in by clicking here.

Monday, June 15, 2009

My World Tuesday - Roving around the Grand Canyon Lodge


Welcome to Grand Canyon, at the end of the parking lot and road
On some mornings my schedule starts off with a rove around the “developed” area before opening the visitor center.

North Rim Visitor Center
These are the mornings I struggle with getting up early.

Only a 300 foot walk from the visitor center, the Grand Canyon Lodge blocks the view of the canyon. This limestone and timber structure was completed in 1934 replacing the original building which burned down in 1928.

Grand Canyon Lodge
The Lodge was designed to blend with the canyon walls. The window shades still cover the large windows of the Sunroom.

Taken before opening, there’s a lot more seating and tables now
Large verandas on each side of the Sunroom offer visitors a place to sit and relax while enjoying the view.

The view that wakes me up

The Lodge offers several services including the Saloon, fine dining and a deli.

We have our own post office
There’s a gift shop full of souvenirs, t-shirts and Southwest condiments carrying the Grand Canyon name. Plus they have some authentic Native American crafted items like rugs, jewelry and pottery.

Deluxe Rim Cabins
Overnight accommodations typically require reservations up to six months in advance. But occasionally you can get lucky with a cancellation.

Guess I’ll have to show what the inside of these places look like one of these days.

For more views of the world or to share your own go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Red Crossbills at Grand Canyon


Immature male & female Red Crossbill
I was setting up for my Saturday night Campfire program and went to fill the water bucket by the fountain.

Joined by two more females
The fountain, as usual, was blocked from draining.

Adult male between two boys plus the two females
But made the perfect bird bath.

I only got these three shots before they disappeared. The bills really are crossed. This is a new bird for my list.

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