Once a week my schedule takes me to the Walhalla Plateau where I give a 1pm talk about the history of Southwest Archeology at Walhalla Overlook. I was there last Tuesday.
And a 2:30 geology talk at the end of the road on Cape Royal.
Prickly pear cactus and sego lily
I love seeing how the blooms change weekly.
Wax currant beginning to fruit
Cliffrose showing its feathery tail fruit
Paintbrush
Wonder what will be blooming next week?
On the way to Page last week we stopped at Navajo Bridge which crosses the Colorado River at Marble Canyon.
Almost always a good place to see California condors. But don’t just look into the sky as they do tend to roost under the bridge on the girders.
We got lucky and saw three condors, #70 a 19 year-old female…
…and #73 an 8 year-old male, plus one unknown in elusive flight.
These two were both very good at trying to hide from the camera.
Visitors to the North Rim always ask where to see condors.
It is possible, but they are more often seen on the more crowded South Rim.
Condors are curious and like crowds, better chance of something dead to eat.
During summer many condors hang out by Kolb Terrace Reservoir near Zion National Park and are seen soaring above the Angel’s Landing trail. (Probably looking for dead hikers as the trail is steep and difficult.)
Navajo Bridge also provides an excellent view of the Colorado River.
At Horseshoe Bend I watched the sky…
…and so did this Raven.
On the way home Mike watched the sky…
…and the sky watched us.
To view more skies from around the world, or to share your own, go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.
Carson 2 months old
Thirteen years ago an adorable Labby mix puppy came into my life. I was living in the town of Carson, Washington at the time, and so he became Carson. As a traveler I’ve named other pets after places before.
Carson 1 year old, Muddy River Washington
How he loved to swim and play in the water.
Carson 2 years old, Orik California
Yet the ocean waves seemed to intimidate Carson but that didn’t stop him from playing fetch on the beach.
Carson 10 years old
Or in the house.
9 one-day old puppies
Carson became a young, one year old, father with the local hussie sweetie who was the same age. Actually Motsy was a fine beauty of collie and Australian sheepdog so he could have done worse.
Carson 6 years old, Lake Creek Oregon
Maybe because Carson was born in the Pacific Northwest he didn’t adjust well to desert life.
Carson 8 years old, San Felipe Mexico
Yet he’d still hike with me up rocky mountains.
Carson 11 years old, Grand Canyon
Even as he got older.
Carson 11 years old, Yarnell Arizona
Because he knew nap time would come later.
Carson 8 years old
Carson gave me the best, unconditional love.
Carson, 2 months before he crossed the rainbow bridge
We aged together. Carson would have been 13 today. Think I’ll go throw a tennis ball for him to chase. Happy Birthday Carson!
