4th of July Parade at Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon Lodge decked out for the occasion, and was signed as a dry zone. Check out the parade here...

Happy 4th of July!

NPS float?
We may not be able to set off fireworks here at Grand Canyon National Park, but we will have a parade this afternoon followed by a BBQ.

A drive in Kaibab National Forest

Highway 67 north leaving Grand Canyon National Park

The sky changed at every turn.

Forest Road 610 heading east
Left the park and entered the forest.

My how the dust flies.

Which way did I go?

The forest closes in as the road narrows.

Deer Vetch
Saw so many flowers.

Geranium (I think) and Roses
If anyone can identify the above white flower let me know. (Thanks)

Columbine

Ponderosa Pine
The forest reveals many kinds of unusual growth.

Unknown mushrooms
This snag provides a home for many ants. Enlarge to see the sawdust pile at the bottom.

A small pond appears where the limestone creates a sink. Many birds that I couldn’t get close enough to photo.

And I picked up a hitchhiker somewhere along the journey.

Hope you’ll come back tomorrow for more of this adventure and see which way I did go. I only drove about 12 miles, yet it took me almost two hours with all the stops for pics along the way.

Sky Watch Friday - Storm Brewing

Enlarge to see the small plane in front of the big cloud
On my way out of the park and into the forest to play for days off. I went with trepidation because of the 40 percent chance of rain. And, oh well it rained a little after dark. But I watched the storm build all afternoon. More about where I camped tomorrow and the treasures I found.

For glimpses of skies around the world or to share your own go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.

Remember Whensday - My First Car

1964 Rambler Ambassador
My Dad was in the car business and bought me this car in 1970 before I even had a driver’s license. I was 16 just hadn’t been able to get either parent to take me for the test. Eventually a friend’s older brother took me. The convertible top went down at the push of a button. My best friend and I would pull up to a stop sign and put the top down just for fun. Then maybe back up at the next stop. We thought we were cool. I did catch a little teasing about driving a “Rambler” but this was the top of the line when new. And it had a big engine. Sure wish I still owned it for its classic value, and the convertible top.

Sally from The (Mis) Adventures of Karl and Sally has started a new meme where the past is remembered through sharing old family photographs and this is #4. I love the idea and hope you will too. So join the fun by clicking here.

Cape Royal Blooms

View from Cape Royal viewpoint Grand Canyon National Park
Sunday after opening the visitor center I drove out the scenic road to give a geology talk at Cape Royal. (Can you see the Colorado River?)

Sego Lily
The .25 mile (.4 km) walk to the overlook took me a while because of all the beautiful blooms.

Desert Paintbrush

Grizzly Bear Cactus
The flowers come in several different colors.

Can you see the bee?
At one point I saw three bees in this flower and it looked very crowded.

Currant Bush
I was tempted to sample but the berries aren’t quite ripe yet.

Plateau Lizard
This little creature decided to check out my backpack.

So that’s what’s happening in my world. To see more of life around the world or to share your own go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.

Flagstaff Buys

Sterling silver jewelry
Berta and I spent a bit of time shopping in Flagstaff. At an antique store I found some nice deals plus...(read more here).