Geogypsy

Thrifty Thursday–Never enough jewelry

2012-02-02T00:05:00.001-07:00

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.

This sterling silver cuff with turquoise inlay and…

…this little sterling silver container necklace.

The buffalos remind me of the emblem on the National Park Service logo.

The back, or front if you prefer, has been stamped.

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.

Good morning Grand Canyon

2012-02-01T09:11:00.001-07:00

I actually got up early enough to get to the rim for, not quite sunrise, my first morning at Grand Canyon.

However I did see the first light on the canyon walls and temples highlight the reds and golds of the upper most rock layers.

What a way to start the day!

With a wary greeting by this mule deer buck along the trail back to my truck.

Going to the the South Rim Grand Canyon

2012-01-31T13:35:00.001-07:00

Two ways to Prescott. The Spar road over the Bradshaw Range offers spectacular deep valley views on one side and steep rocky walls on the other. Hugging the contour of soft folds at 35mph maximum means a slow ride.

Option two, Iron Springs Road crosses an open grazing landscape dotted with scrub and oaks then over gently rolling hills into historic Kirkland. Don’t blink you’ll miss it.

Next up a gentle curving grade through piles of rounded granite that level off into more ranch land and into Skull Valley, a quaint little place along a mostly dry wash with some of the biggest most ancient poplars I’ve ever seen.

The road flattens out along a wide fingered ridge top before climbing over the foothills on the western edge of the Bradshaw Mountains.

And suddenly, there is Prescott below, and Mt Humphreys beyond. North from Prescott State Route 89 travels like a rippled ribbon through chaparral and juniper/pinyon 50 miles to Interstate 40, then east towards Flagstaff.

In 20 miles the second Williams exit leads to where the train leaves or State Route 64 heading north to Grand Canyon National Park.

But I continue on as I have a lunch date with two very dear lady friends in Flagstaff. (Sorry no photo of them as I Always seem to forget to take photos of people.)

After lunch I continue my journey to the canyon on State Route 180 skirting the southwest side of Mt. Humphreys.

Interspersed patches of open ranch lands amongst the ponderosa pines stretch ahead.

About an hour’s drive to State Route 64 from Williams and north past Red Butte towards the canyon.

Arrived in time to register for the Grand Canyon History Symposium, check into my room and watch this glorious sunset while unloading my truck.

Our World-No place like home

2012-01-30T09:27:00.002-07:00

First home or second home, I love them both. This weekend at Grand Canyon National Park certainly felt like a homecoming. The History Symposium never stopped being of vast interest. (More on that later.) Today I leave the canyon for my other home. But not until after I visit the Kolb Studio exhibit.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

SWF-Sunrise in Yarnell

2012-01-26T07:44:00.001-07:00

It’s a rare occasion for me to be up early enough to catch a winter sunrise. I know, they happen later than summer. But remember, I’m semi-retired during winter so get to sleep in.

However, Monday morning I was up early to accompany a friend to a long drive away doctor’s appointment. Maybe I should get up early more often.

Naw, I’ll settle with our glorious sunsets instead.

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

Up early this morning too as I’m on my way to the Grand Canyon via Flagstaff for lunch with friends.

ThriftyThursday-A new outfit

2012-01-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

I love wearing skirts. During summer they are fun, fine and comfortable, especially when hiking. During winter I add leggings and boots for a warm layered look. I’m not trying to be fancy, although skirts like this provide more color than my plain kaki hiking skirts. I really don’t dress for fashion, just like to be comfortable and not have my clothes restricting motion. Although it is fun to swirl in a skirt once in a while. Bought the above top and skirt for $6 at the Soroptimist Thrift Store in Wickenburg, Arizona. And it even has pockets!

Grand Canyon History Symposium

2012-01-24T23:39:00.000-07:00

Looking toward the North Rim

Yippee, I’m headed to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. The North Rim where I work summers is closed for the winter. Going to pack my long-johns and polypropylene as there’s snow on the ground and it’s been cold and windy.

Friday I’ll be a volunteer at the registration desk.

“The Grand Canyon Historical Society is pleased to announce the 3rd Grand Canyon History Symposium, a gathering of professional and avocational historians who will speak about historical topics specific to Grand Canyon National Park. The goals of the symposium are to increase the knowledge and understanding of the history pertaining to the Grand Canyon and adjacent areas, and to promote communication and sharing among canyon historians, writers and enthusiasts.”

Train station on South Rim

Some symposium attendees will ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams Depot to the South Rim which includes a Wild West Shootout. I’ve opted to drive up.

Ellsworth & Emery Kolb

Field trips include a tour of the historic Kolb Studio and residence lead by the Grand Canyon Field Institute’s director Mike Buchheit, a walk on The Trail of Time guided by geologist Wayne Raney…

…a tour of the Park's collection of historic river-running boats and other important artifacts of Grand Canyon river history by river runner Brad Dimock, and a Grand Canyon cemetery tour by historian John Azar.

The lineup of speakers is long and covers a variety of topics including archaeology, Native Americans, Colorado River, transportation, cowboys, geologists, families from the canyon, explorers, disasters, and artists. To view a complete schedule of speakers go here.

I’m pretty excited about all of this, get to learn while at Grand Canyon. I been missing that big ditch.

This is what Kolb Studio looked like when I was on the South Rim last year in February.

The Grand Canyon History Symposium is designated as an Official Centennial Event, as sanctioned by the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation Sanctioned Events
Committee!

MyMemories giveaway winner

2012-01-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

And the winner is…… drum roll please.

Betty Manousos at Cut and Dry. Congratulations Betty and hope you enjoy playing with this digital scapbooking software by MyMemories.

For those who didn’t win here is a code (STMMMS33722 ) for $10 off the purchase of MyMemories Suite software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store.

Keep checking the MyMemories website for new designs and the MyMemories blog for ideas.

Here’s my latest project, getting ready for next month.

Our World-Shopping in Quartzsite, Arizona

2012-01-23T00:55:00.001-07:00

The drive to Quartzsite takes me into the Sonoran desert where it feels like the middle of nowhere. Just where I like to be.

And then there’s Quartzsite, which during this time of year offers a little bit of everything to shop for.

Rocks from around the world. I refrained as I already have too many rocks in my head, and all over my house and yard. But someday, I want an amethyst geode big enough to sit in.

Carvings.

Berta bought one of these unusual air plants called bromeliads. Although it doesn’t need to be planted, just watered once in a while, my black thumb would surely kill it. I can’t stand to watch plants die.

I went to the big Q to shop for beads.

And came home with some some great finds. These little beads should be perfect for making earvines. Don’t know what those are, take a look on the right sidebar.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

As an aside, I tweaked my blog layout by adding a column on the left and would like some feedback please.
Oh yea, and today is the last day to enter the MyMemories Suite digital software giveaway by commenting on this post.

Windmills

2012-01-22T18:14:00.001-07:00

Long ago someone came up with the idea of using wind to make power. I really like that idea although it may not be practical for me to carry a windmill around on my RV.

The day I saw both these windmills they were spinning like crazy and it wasn’t even that windy. Some ideas never go out of style.

SWF-Almost 30 minutes of sunset

2012-01-19T22:37:00.002-07:00

As the sun westers behind the Weaver Mountains…

…the clouds reflect the lowering light.

Slowly, tints of color appear…

…and glow…

…and grow.

Then drift…

…away.

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

Only four days left to comment and win the MyMemories Suite digital scrapbooking software at this post.

Thrifty Thursday-Rhinestone buttons

2012-01-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

On the way to get lumber for the steps Mike built we stopped at the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store in Wickenburg, Arizona. I thought they might have some lumber. But instead I found bling.

Also bought a pair of copper enamel earrings, just because I like the art form.

These rhinestone buttons are probably from the 50s. Not exactly sure. And I don’t even know what I’ll do with them, yet. But I like bling!

And I really like going to Thrift Stores, even just to look. How about you? Into shopping second hand and want to share some of your treasures? Karen at FabGrandma has posted Thrifty Thursday a couple times and I really like the idea. If you’re interested please share a link.

Going to Quartzsite, Arizona

2012-01-17T23:56:00.001-07:00

Quartzsite is a normally a sleepy little town along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and the California border. Except during the winters. Any time between November and March the snowbirds descend and spread out into RV parks and Bureau of Land Management desert around Quartzsite.

December through February vendors set up to offer most anything you can think of that you probably don’t really need. It’s a gigantic rock show and fleamarket, with other crap thrown in. In another life I sold stuff and things at a fleamarket in Quartzsite and almost starved to death (another story here).

FabGrandma was happy with the bead selection in 2009

As many of you may know I have a thing for rocks, and beads, and jewelry, and cool old stuff which Quartzsite is full of. Haven’t been there in a few years and that’s saved me a whole lot of money. But now I’m feeling the need to return and check it out. Plus I have a small want list. So Berta and I are going to Quartzsite Thursday, just under two hours each way the way I drive.

And I should have some goodies to share when we return. Have a great day!

My Memories Suite giveaway

2012-01-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

I didn’t really think of myself as a scrapbooker, but do like to play around with images, make my own newsletters, greeting cards and calendars, digitally. Can’t quite see myself with scissors and paper cutting out little shapes to glue on top of each other with a photo or two. Yet cut and past on the computer only requires a few clicks and doesn’t leave a mess to vacuum up later.

MyMemories offered a free copy of their MyMemories Suite Scrapbook software to me and one of my followers. You can sign up to win this by going to the site and leaving a comment about a design you like. In one week a random winner will be drawn and notified. (Please leave a way for me to contact you.)

Plus they provided a Share the Memories code (STMMMS33722) that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software, if you don’t win, and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!

You can either use their designer templates or create your own.

My Memories also has a blog you can follow for great ideas and sharing your creative results.

I haven’t had much time to play with the software but the first thing I created was this with a handy calendar insert.

My Valentine card started off with a paper background called Templar Black and White. Then I added the heart shapes and chose a color, or two. And added text. In the process of learning I explored the “control panel” and played with hearts, flourishes and a dragonfly from imprints.

I’ll be playing around more with this digital scrapbooking software and encourage you to try it too. Please enter to win your own free copy of MyMemories Suite software and get started scrapbooking, without all the paper mess.

Our World-A frog in the desert

2012-01-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

So how does a frog survive in the Sonoran desert?

It all started in 1928 when Sara Perkins, wife of an Arizona newspaper publisher, noticed this rock in Congress, Arizona that resembled a frog. Sara kept the frog brightly painted for years, and when she grew too old to take care of it, her son John took up the task. Now this 60 ton specimen standing more than 16 feet tall gets repainted once in a while by some unknown local residents. Frog Rock is quite an attraction along State Route 89. (For more interesting painted rocks found nearby check this out.)

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Building steps

2012-01-13T11:01:00.001-07:00

The metal fold down steps on the 5th-wheel have a 9.5 inch rise, almost 2 inches more than a normal step. Very difficult to reach the door handle while balancing precariously on a tiny platform and then step back down to open the door. At least for short people like me.

I wanted a set of nice wooden steps, so Mike measured and drew up plans.

Then we went to the lumber store.

Within a few hours of sawing and screwing (get your mind out of the gutter)…

…my new steps were finished. Thanks honey.

(Mike was home for the holidays but has returned to work in Page, about 5 hours away.)

SWF-From my windows

2012-01-12T10:53:00.001-07:00

I adore the big Imax windows on my 5th-wheel.

Facing basically west I enjoy the sky over the Weaver Mountains.

The camera sits on the couch always ready.

The sky demands my attention…

…breaks up my concentration from all other activities.

Yet, watching the sky is an activity.

One I especially enjoy every night.

Some nights the show is better than others.

And I watch the sky during the day too.

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

Flowers from….

2012-01-10T18:16:00.001-07:00

I received this marvelous bouquet from, are you ready for this, my dentist. Hand delivered by a girl from Prescott Modern Dentistry, 30 miles away. She was happy to make the drive.

Almost two weeks ago I underwent five hours of surgery including bone grafting for the two upper implants for the removable overdenture and four lower implants for the fixed denture. I’ve been sore and miserable since then. Taking hydrocodone for the pain gave me wings most days but also dropped me into a very black hole one day. I can’t bite or chew yet. Healing could take 6-8 weeks. I truly hope that doesn’t mean a liquid diet for that long. I have to keep reminding myself that I will be able to bite and chew again, better than I have for many years. I’m dreaming of steak, pizza, popcorn, apples, pistachios, raw vegies, sub-sandwich, almonds, crunchy french fries, corn on the cob, trail mix, crackers, chips…

Dang that made me hungry. Guess I’ll go heat up some sweet potato chicken baby food. Pudding for dessert!

Our World-Where the desert breeze meets the mountain air

2012-01-09T15:49:00.001-07:00

While Mike has been visiting the last month we drove up and down the Yarnell Hill a lot, or so it seems.

It’s a great drive 2500 feet up a very curvy road. (More here.) But please use caution, this road sees a lot of accidents.

Within four miles the environment changes from Sonoran desert to oak woodland.

Just over the western edge of the Weaver Mountains grows saguaro and ocotillo.

Sunset over the desert from Yarnell Hill

From bottom to top the temperature changes at least 10 degrees.

Which keeps me living in the mountain air.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

SWF-Last 2011 sunset

2012-01-05T09:43:00.001-07:00

I may not have been awake at midnight but I saw the sun sink for the last time in 2011.

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

Rock Art

2012-01-04T09:42:00.002-07:00

Nature’s art of erosion carves shapes and faces in rocks.

Pictographs and petroglyphs created hundreds of hears ago by America’s first people tell a story.

Modern rock art can be rather catchy.

Or almost scary.

Or rather comical.

The last three examples of rock art were all seen along Date Creek Road north of Congress, Arizona during a little ride the other day.

Looking back at 2011

2012-01-03T10:17:00.002-07:00

I rode the wildest roller coaster called life last year and after many lessons am ready for a simple Merry-go-round. At least for a little while.

Stuck in the driveway

The last new year started off with a new home, that’s on wheels of course. I’d been looking for Just the right 5th-wheel layout and price for several years.

The end of January a fellow Ranger friend attended training at the South Rim of Grand Canyon giving me an excellent excuse for a trip to the canyon. I miss the canyon during my winter off-season. (Will be there the end of January this year too, yippee!)

Sonoran desert, bridled titmouse, sunset, cardinal & sparrows

February I watched the birds, sunsets and walked in the desert.

Susie of Arabia & me, Colossal Cave, Saguaro NP & Casa Grande NM

I headed for south Texas to visit Mom in March taking in some interesting sights along the way, meeting fellow blogger Susie and having truck troubles.

Black-bellied whistling ducks, golden-fronted woodpecker, chachalaca, long-billed curlews & great kiskadee

I added several new lifer birds in TX.

Mom at Padre Island

Then the visit changed into moving Mom to Arizona. After being in denial for a two week visit I realized Mom couldn’t take care of herself any more.

Packing Mom’s house

April is a blur. I might have been on autopilot.

Walking along the resaca every evening helped. Even more help was talking to Mike nightly and him allowing me to vent endlessly, without trying to fix it.

K on the beach, her art & Oscar

Occasionally I could slip away to visit my Aunt K, sister to my father, a delightfully intelligent and creative person we became friends in the past seven years.

I arrived a few weeks late to work in May, but the canyon waits patiently.

In June Mom passed away. (K passed in October.)

July an almost new truck came into my life to tow the almost new RV. Thanks Mom & Dad for making this purchase possible. Every time I get behind the wheel I think of them towing their own 5th-wheel around the mid-west and south many years ago.

Hermit Rapids Colorado River

August proved to be the highest crest of excitement, a month of many firsts. I never thought I’d get to float the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, a dream fulfilled by my employer, The National Park Service. And then flying back over this vast landscape put it in perspective.

Celebrated Mike’s September birthday with another first, renting a boat on Lake Powell and seeing Rainbow Bridge.

Cottonwood Canyon, Buckskin Gulch slot canyon, Eagle’s Arch, Johnson Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon, old movie set & Coral Pink Sand Dunes

My summer work season ends mid-October and a vacation was planned. But plans often go astray and because the new truck needed some pricey repairs the extended vacation covered less miles but was still a lot of fun.

Javelina, chipmunk, rabbit, scrub jay, home, quail & dove

November found me full circle and back to my winter home in Yarnell, Arizona. Back to watching the birds, wildlife and sunsets.

December brought change, at least the beginnings. A new haircut and starting the process of getting new teeth. Life usually slows down for me during my off-work season. That’s good because I have more changes to work on. And, as we all know, change takes time to adjust too.

Our World–New Year’s Day hike OR Life’s a balancing act

2012-01-02T11:57:00.001-07:00

I love being able to hike right outside my door. Well, actually we usually drive the 1.5 miles to park near the gate, then off we go, up into the Weaver Mountains.

I know I’ve posted before about hiking in the Weavers, in fact that’s where last year’s first hike was as well.

I would love to live up here but the properties are just too expensive plus would have to bring in utilities from the access road. Out of my budget even though I’m kind of looking for a place to call my own. And, no I don’t have horses.

Mike thinks there’s gold and looks at every black sand opportunity. Hope he finds a big nugget one of these days then could afford to buy the land, and keep golding.

Although there are no houses built up on these many acres obviously someone had a dream.

It’s a real balancing act….

I’m talking about life here.

Maybe I should start off small.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

New Year's Eve Cyber Masquerade Ball

2011-12-30T11:18:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year

Welcome to the 2011-12 Cyber Masquerade Ball

(Use this url http://geogypsy.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-years-eve-cyber-masquerade-ball.html to link the above image.)

Going to a Masquerade Ball

2011-12-30T11:16:00.002-07:00

I’m not even sure how the invitation found me living as I do.

The masquerade ball would be at the castle only a few townships away from my current encampment so I hitched up the horses to spy the place out.

I arrived early in the day to find a suitable place to park my wagon home out of sight of the castle yet near enough to walk to the ball.

Then I went for a stroll to familiarize myself with the area. Wow, what a view.

Grabbing a stack of linens I easily blended in with the staff preparing for the evening. I explored the castle only to discover many empty rooms. It seems King Ludwig II died in 1886, before his castle retreat was completed.

Helped myself to lunch…

…quickly carried off to a nearby knoll to enjoy along with the sunset changing colors to backdrop the castle.

The scene changed radically upon my later return with the castle glowing as bright as the moon.

A doorman greeted met me with a suspicious look as if I didn’t belong here, but upon seeing my invitation escorted me inside and loudly announced my arrival.

Only a few of the costumed crowd paused their conversation long enough to note my arrival. Yet did I care, nay. They knew not who I really was any more than I could tell who hid behind their elaborate masks.

I slid in and out of conversations nibbling at the delectable delicacies and occasionally indulging with a glass of champagne, or two…

The music began and a whirl of bodies filled the room. My feet barely touched the floor as I swirled and twirled from one exotic face after another. Drinking and dancing, the first in moderation the second not so much. Time held no meaning.

Until….. Horns blared and every body froze. A voice from beyond my vision counted…5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Voices rose as one, “Happy New Year”

Again the voice rang out, 4, 3, 2, 1, remove your masks….

To attend more parties, or share your own, go to the Cyber Masquerade Ball by clicking here.

[Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany]

SWF-Watching sky changes

2011-12-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

These late fall skies

change so rapidly

and give me joy.

View more skies, visit Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.

Hassayampa River Bridge

2011-12-28T09:29:00.002-07:00

While out driving the Wagner Road (previous post) we came to this single-lane gem.

In 1922 the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors received a citizen’s petition for a permanent wagon bridge over the Hassayampa River.

Two years later the supervisors agreed to build a steel truss bridge. The contract was awarded to El Paso Bridge and Iron Company for $7,880.00.

Downstream from bridge

The Hassayampa River runs mostly underground. The headwaters are just south of Prescott and it flows south towards Wickenburg entering the Gila River near Hassayampa, Arizona.

Upstream from bridge

This streamside habitat is home to some of the desert’s wildlife. Yet many of them have become dangerously imperiled as riparian areas have disappeared from the Arizona landscape.

A local legend purports that anyone who drinks from the river can never again tell the truth. As an anonymous poet wrote:

Those who drink its waters bright-

Red man, white man, boor or knight,

Girls or women, boys or men-

Never tell the truth again^.

In 1979 the bridge was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is considered a significant remnant of early Arizona bridge construction.

Wagner Road Ranches

2011-12-27T15:40:00.001-07:00

Big ranches encompass probably millions of acres between Yarnell and Prescott, Arizona, many of them owned by Rex Maughan.

A couple weeks ago Mike and I took a ride out Wagner Road…

…which cuts through the TK Bar Ranch.

The TK started off as a mining claim in the early 1900s…

…became a guest ranch in 1947…

…and today is a working cattle ranch.

The road also curves through the Z-Triangle Ranch…

…where Appaloosa horses are trained for pleasure riding.

Just before we turned around after a 15-mile slow and scenic ride we encountered the Gold Bar Ranch, seemingly not part of the Maughan empire. Located on the Hassayampa River this working cattle ranch doubles as a Bed & Breakfast offering opportunities to view wildlife and birds, learn to rope a cow, and take guided ATV or horseback rides to nearby Indian ruins, ghost towns and abandoned gold mines.

We enjoyed a semi-sunny day with only a few sprinkles which brought a faint rainbow.

Before we returned to the main highway home.

Our World-Starting a new tradition

2011-12-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

We may have started a new tradition, Christmas dinner at The Old Post Office Cafe. Mike’s brothers, Max and Bob, put together a ham dinner with mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon and corn. Mike’s Mom brought her famous fruit salad and I made fried apples. WE ATE. And so did the customers who didn’t know when they arrived they’d be eating a Free Christmas dinner. That’s right. Max said, “everyone should eat free for Christmas.” And Mom said we should do this every year.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. Did you start any new holiday traditions?

And now, time to prepare for the Cyber Masquerade Ball for New Years Eve.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Sorry there’s no photo of all the good eats, it just disappeared so quickly.

SWF-Will it rain on the Weaver Mountains?

2011-12-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

Tuesday’s view on the way home from Tempe.

To view more skies from around the world visit Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.

Opening the envelope

2011-12-21T11:52:00.002-07:00

This envelope appeared on my desk Tuesday while I was away from home. Maybe I shouldn’t leave the door unlocked.

I open an imaginary envelope every morning looking inside for the day. (Something I learned from dear friend Berta.) Are there things I Have to do, Need to do, or Want to do? Sometimes it’s empty, and sometimes it’s not.

I found this in the mysterious envelope.

Oh boy! A party. Can’t wait to find out more. Have to think of a costume.

Walk in the Sonoran desert

2011-12-20T06:49:00.001-07:00

Last week after Mike and I had breakfast at the Old Post Office Cafe we took a walk in the Sonoran desert.

It’s only 10 miles from home but at 2,000 feet lower in elevation a vastly different landscape.

Lots of the same kind of granite rocks.

But also lots more quartz.

And the plant life so different. Like the state tree of Arizona, the green barked paloverde which I featured in last weeks Sky Watch post.

Up in Yarnell I do see some cactus like the prickly pear and cholla.

Less often the barrel cactus…

…with its ribs similar to the never seen saguaro.

I truly do enjoy a change of scene once in a while.

Our World-Cyber Masquerade Ball invitation

2011-12-19T09:20:00.003-07:00

What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?

I haven’t attended a New Year’s Eve party in many years. Heck, I’m usually in bed before midnight.

This year I’m throwing a party, a Cyber Masquerade Ball.

And you are ALL invited.

I got this idea after reading how Jane dreams of throwing herself a huge party, a fancy ball, all dressed up, lots of food, music, flowers and dancing.

So my idea includes any blogger who would like to attend linking their story of being at the Cyber Masquerade Ball complete with an image of your costume (not necessarily you). You could elaborate on the ballroom, musicians, decorations, food, liquor, champagne fountain, flowers, games and/or topics of conversation. Let your party imagination soar.

Then I’ll set up a link on my blog starting Friday December 30th at noon Mountain time. I hope you’ll use your costume image on the link.

Come join in the fun and spread the word by adding the image below to your blog.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Celebrating with family

2011-12-16T08:48:00.001-07:00

Not really With My family as they are not around. Yet I have memories of family around me.

My Grandfather on Mom’s side carried creative genes (and might have passed some along). He put together this Christmas tree with parts and pieces of stuff and things.

Grandma would probably recognize her broken jewelry. The bottle caps may have been from jugs of Thunderbird wine, their favorite.

Mom hung this tree in her living room, all year long, and plugged it in every night.

Then there’s my fake 18 inch tree…

…decorated with Mom’s rhinestone earrings.

Also a copy of A Christmas Carol given to my Grandmother in 1917, and I can’t find a copy write date in the book.

And my Aunt Helen carved this whistle.

All these people have passed on so I feel very fortunate to have an adopted family.

Patty and Darrel raised Mike and his four brothers with love and respect. I’ll spend Christmas with this caring family. Darrel is sick right now, although we all pray he’s made it through the worse. Chemo seems to have killed the stomach tumor yet he is scheduled for two more sessions. Then physical therapy to regain his strength. He’s known as “The Giant”, a Big man with a Big heart.

Christmas is All About Love

SWF–Tree view

2011-12-15T08:52:00.001-07:00

Last week after going out to breakfast Mike and I took a walk into the Sonoran desert. During winter the leafless trees often share a little gift in their branches.

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

Our World-Old Post Office Cafe in Congress, Arizona

2011-12-12T08:26:00.002-07:00

Breakfast out Sunday morning with Mike made even more special…

Bob, Max & Mike

…because it was cooked by brother Bob and served by brother Max.

Yes it’s a DuPuy brothers enterprise.

I hear rumor the Green Chili Philly is a zesty Southwestern slant on an Eastern classic. I’ll go back. And I’m not just saying that cause they’s almost family. If you’re in the neighborhood check it out.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Birds feeding birds

2011-12-09T07:21:00.001-07:00

As you know from a recent post I’ve been spending quite a bit of time watching the birds outside my window. They fly in and out all day long. But when they fly out all at once in a rush…

That gets my attention.

This immature Swainson’s Hawk flew in Tuesday afternoon. At least that’s what I think it was. Please feel free to correct me.

After sitting by the bird feeders long enough for four photos it dropped to the ground almost out of sight. Couldn’t tell what, if anything, it found.

All part of the circle of life.

SWF-Another glorious Yarnell sunset

2011-12-08T10:17:00.001-07:00

In less than 15 minutes the sky show changes it’s quality of light and color.

And it only takes a little cloud to bring on the show.

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

Moving Michael

2011-12-07T10:38:00.001-07:00

So I helped him by towing his trailer to Page.

Snow on Mt Humphreys from I40 E towards Flagstaff, AZ

Michael worked for Forever Resorts the last two summer seasons at the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park first in recycling and then as the Environmental Risk Manager. He had 1 1/2 months off and joined me on the southern Utah truck-fixing vacation the end of October plus enjoyed Thanksgiving with his other four brothers all in town at once. What a great family.

Painted Desert & Echo Cliffs from SR89 N AZ

He was called back to work at Bryce Canyon National Park in the same job starting the end of November.

Thor’s Hammer Bryce Canyon NP

He’s living in a dorm because there’s too much snow there to live in a trailer.

Echo Cliffs to Page (& bugs on windshield)

When he’s done there in a few months he’ll go to Page, Arizona, where there are corporate offices, until the road to the North Rim is reopened, about mid April. We stayed overnight in a Page hotel and in the morning said sad farewells as he headed north and I headed south.

But first I stopped into the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam to say hello to a fellow Ranger friend.

I had planned to hike out to the Horseshoe Bend overlook but the trail was too crowded with three tour buses of people so I changed my mind part way and instead looked back at Page.

I love the eroded sandstone formations of Echo Cliffs.

There’s a great overlook part way down as you drive across the face of the cliffs where you can see forever. In the far distance the Kaibab Plateau beckoned me to the North Rim which I knew closed the next day. All I’d have to do is turn right, instead of left, at the bottom of the cliffs, follow the winding Marble Canyon north crossing the Colorado River on Navajo Bridge and then veer west to parallel the Vermilion Cliffs and climb onto the Kaibab.

Dental vacation at Quechan Casino Resort

2011-12-06T10:17:00.002-07:00

Last week I went to visit a dentist in Algodones, Mexico. The office and facilities are large and clean. The staff very friendly with some English spoken and the rest translated answered my questions. Yet I didn’t opt for their offer. I had specifically asked if they did the “All on 4 fixed” denture implants when making the appointment. But they do something different which would require bone grafting and a sinus lift. No thanks, I already suffer from sinusitis. Plus still extremely expensive and would take until next October to complete. The all on 4 implants are done in a day with my current dentures attached and in three months I’d get permanent porcelain teeth.

So even though I haven’t decided what to do about my teeth it wasn’t hard to decide to stay a second night at the Quechan Casino Resort. The Buffet and Food Court were both good. Room service for breakfast was cold.

The highlight of the stay was soaking in the hot tub, several times. We passed on the cooler river/pool water that has a light current. Looked like fun if it had been warmer outside.

I only gambled the $10 given to me on my “free” club card. Oh yea, and $1 to get the card thing started. I’m not much of a gambler.

My purchases in Mexico included drugs and alcohol.

Unfortunately I started getting sick on our drive back home. Nose running, coughing and lost my voice for two days. I’m feeling a little better today, just not 100%.

Our World-Watching out the window

2011-12-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

Since returning from Mexico (more in another post) last Friday I’ve been sick, runny nose and coughing. So I’ve just stayed inside wasting a lot of time playing solitaire on the computer and watching out the window. Wildlife entertainment sure beats watching TV, which I don’t own anyway.

The javelina love bird seed and usually show up in the afternoon between the bird’s feeding time.

Sometimes a little scuffle occurs over who gets what seed.

But all is quickly forgiven.

Seems like the Mom’s are showing their youngsters where to get good eats.

The male cardinal looks like a Christmas ornament so brightly contrasting with the green oak background. I would love to have a tree filled with them.

The Gambel quail typically feed on the ground and usually arrive by the dozens.

But I guess there wasn’t enough seed on the ground so this plump fellow made it up near the feeders.

Then hung on rather precariously leaning out for tasty seed morsels while a rufous-sided towhee looked on.

The thrasher also seems to have some difficulty hanging on for a snack.

And the dove appears almost clumsy in the attempt to hold on.

But the sparrows have no trouble. Maybe I need bigger feeders.

It snowed two nights in a row. Now I’m not big for cold or snow but it is beautiful to look at glistening in the sun, from the window inside where it’s warm.

That’s part of my world. If you want to tour more of the world, or share your own, join us and link in at Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Going to Mexico

2011-11-29T21:52:00.001-07:00

I’m taking a dental vacation in Algodones, Mexico.

I had braces as a teenager and when they came off the dentist probably took a vacation from all the fillings I got. I’ve always tried to take care of my teeth. Mom and Dad had good teeth. I don’t know. But in my 30s I started loosing teeth, a time like now when I had no dental insurance. In my 40s I went to Mexico and got upper and lower partials which after a little extra filing on my part were great. In my 50s I lost more teeth so decided to have the rest removed and got upper and lower dentures which worked for a few years. After a while and several realignments the lower dentures wouldn’t stay in with any product. I even considered super glue (not really, too toxic). Even the uppers come loose when eating anything harder than a hamburger, and that’s after cutting it into bite size pieces. I finally gave up on the lowers all together. Not fun to have a mouth full of food and teeth, especially in public places. My diet had to change and that took a while. Even the shape of my face has changed with no lower teeth. I’m self conscious of it. Heck I work with the public and fear my teeth may fly out of my mouth while talking to a bunch of tourists.

A few weeks ago I went to a local dentist and asked for advice. They recommended the “All on 4 fixed” which requires four titanium implants into the upper and lower jaw using my adapted dentures over three months of healing and then new teeth are made over a titanium bar and permanently attached to the implants. No more plastic covered pallet so I can taste again. And I’d have 95% of my normal bite instead of the 20% I currently have. I was ready and they were willing to do it the following week. Except for the quoted price of $23,500. WHOA!!!!

I did my homework and talked to a couple of oral surgeons across the border. I’m talking USA trained and certified dentists with all the latest technology doing the same procedure for less than half the quoted USA price. I have a 10am appointment Thursday with the Alamo Dental Clinic. I believe I’m a candidate for “A smile in a day.” Driving four hours Wednesday and will stay at the Quechan Casino Resort located a few miles from the border in Winterhaven, California.

Our World - Rainbow Bridge National Monument–Part 3 of Day 2- Boating on Lake Powell

2011-11-28T11:31:00.001-07:00

Arrived at the Rainbow Bridge dock around 12:30.

Not the best time of day for photos.

Ranger Chuck told us the natural and geologic history of Rainbow Bridge.

We already had printed our Junior Ranger books so completed the last few activities and earned our badges. That puts me up to 12 with oh so many more to go.

Returned to the boat for lunch just in time or we may not have had any chips. I know this Raven was looking.

Rainbow Bridge was once a solid wall of sandstone. During flash floods, water filled with sand scoured away both sides of the buttress. Eventually the stream penetrated the rock and began to flow through widening the new opening.

The bridge stands 290 feet (88 m) above the stream level--nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty--and has a span of 278 feet (84 m).

Rainbow Bridge is considered sacred by the Navajo culture as a symbol of deities responsible for creating clouds, rainbows and rain--the essence of life in the desert. Even today, the Navajo, Hopi, San Juan, Southern Paiute, Kaibab Paiute, and White Mesa Ute maintain cultural affiliations with Rainbow Bridge.

With the help of local Navajos white men discovered Rainbow ridge in 1909. Hiking in by land continues to be an arduous 13 to 16 mile journey of rugged trails through deep canyons and requires a permit from the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona.

It was designated a National Monument in 1910 by President William Howard Taft. In 1956, Congress authorized the Glen Canyon Dam to fill the Lake Powell Reservoir, but only on the condition that the water level not go high enough to reach the monument.

We were the last ones to leave that afternoon.

It felt like a place to linger.

Yet we wanted to get back to camp before dark.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

I am delighted

2011-11-23T08:21:00.001-07:00

I should have known that most of you fellow bloggers whom I’ve grown to know and admire are Happy in your chosen lifestyle. In fact I’m overjoyed at the comments from yesterday’s post. In the everyday world of fuel stations, grocery stores and banks it seems I run into a lot of unhappy people in their job. I’m so glad there are many people out there who love their lifestyle. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would love to do what you do

2011-11-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

I hear this all the time.

Ever think that someone else has the Ideal life? What does that mean about your own life? It’s OK to admire a lifestyle different than your own. But if you REALLY think you’d be happier in another lifestyle, then GO FOR IT!

I’m sure you’ve heard how “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” Until you climb over and get there. Seriously, each individual should have the right and ambition to live how they Choose. Choice. But first you have to Know what you want. Everyone has different priorities.

Unless you’re one of the 1% born into money, one of the unfortunates of modern bill paying life is to work for a living. Usually 50 weeks a year to earn a two week paid vacation, if you’re lucky that is, and for about 50 years. At at least 40 hours a week, that’s a lot of life. Sure hope you like what you’re doing in trade for the survival basics of food, water, shelter and clothing. Oh yea, and maybe a few toys, trips and trinkets on the pay later plan. And then you are seriously locked into the JOB.

I’ve been there and don’t want to go back. Loosing it all to a quarter-million dollar bankruptcy changed my perspective 25 years ago. That was a long time ago in a different life. But I learned how to be Happier without all the “stuff” that eventually owned me. Don’t misunderstand, I still have stuff. Just not as much and mostly dispensable.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a Park Ranger like some kids. Although as a high school graduate I dreamed of being a gypsy so hit the road and headed west. I’ve been a sales clerk, gas station attendant, secretary, waitress and go-go girl. OK, that was 35+ years ago. Married 15 years raising two step-children. Divorced 15 years. Rangering 17 summer seasons at five different locations.

Can you handle Not working all year? Some people can’t. I love my seasonal lifestyle of working six months and not the other six doing whatever I want, or can afford anyway. I struggled the first seven years working short four-month seasons followed by running out of employment before a new season began. Fill in waitressing again here, too old to be a go-go girl/womyn.

Living full-time in an RV since 1998 has learned me all kinds of things about mobile living. It’s a pack-it-in pack-it-out kind of lifestyle. Part of that is because when I need almost anything it requires moving about six other things. Limited space means a lot of tight packing.

How do you feel about shit? Yea, I said that. Every RVer has an only-now-that-it’s-over funny story about the holding tanks. I don’t know why the hose can only come off when the black water is flowing. Wholly S**t!!! And if they aren’t drained Before full...

Yes, the outdoors is my living room and when I close the drapes at night I’m always home. Don’t like the neighborhood or just ready for some new scenery means hooking up and rolling down the road. Yet I find myself parked about six months at a time in the last several years. It is nice to have a base to enjoy and travel away from and back to.

I want to travel the world exploring cultures and landscapes. What about you? Do you follow your heart and passions?

Our World - Part 2 Boating on Lake Powell Day 2–Getting to Rainbow Bridge

2011-11-21T08:37:00.001-07:00

Slept in the first morning along the lake, nestled in the depth of Dungeon Canyon’s towering rock, late light slowly pushed the shadowy-shape of the unseen cliffs behind our camp.

After breakfast we battened down camp…

…and headed back out onto the main channel.

With me at the helm. I grew up boating with my family back in Illinois and Dad used to let me drive quite often. It felt good to have the wind blowing in my face as I looked for some big waves to play in.

Stopped at Dangling Rope Marina to fuel up. A large solar energy plant provides power for this operation and it’s totally inaccessible by any land route. National Park Service and concession staff live here. Hmmm, maybe I should apply for a job.

We explored the store and discovered ice cream. A true treat out in the middle of nowhere.

These big carp must get treats too, but not from us.

Then we continued up lake, headed for the main attraction.

Had to keep an eye on the buoys and counted four side canyons on the right/starboard for the entrance to Forbidding Canyon.

We slowly motored into the labyrinth trying to follow the main channel.

Other boaters zoomed past us in a hurry to get to their destination instead of enjoying the journey.

Notice the light colored band on the rocks where they meet the water. Sometimes called the “bath tub ring” this indicates the high water line.

Last winter’s high snow pack in the Rocky Mountains caused Lake Powell to raise one foot a day the beginning of July but was dropping at one inch a day when we were there.

The reservoir named after Major John Wesley Powell bears no resemblance to what the Major saw on his 1869 voyage down the Green and Colorado Rivers. The completion of the controversial Glen Canyon dam in 1963 buried many geological and archaeological wonders below at least 500 feet of water.

Quiet Paths commented on kayaking which I think would be great for exploring into the fingertips of waterways, along with a big houseboat to stay in, which it seems that some of you have done. Maybe next year a houseboat. And, maybe, next post or so, Rainbow Bridge.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

All aglitter

2011-11-20T13:22:00.001-07:00

Berta came over to share a recent purchase. Don’t know what to call it but it sure makes great eye candy. Made to attach to a metal stake, she’ll put it in her yard where the colorful glass beads on fountains of wire will glitter under the sun. I really enjoyed her sparkly visit as I haven’t been feeling very bright in the last few days. That’s what friends are for.

Boating on Lake Powell–Day 1

2011-11-15T07:59:00.002-07:00

I’m Way behind labeling photos and have just finished September’s almost 2000 images. Half of those are from Mike’s birthday boating on Lake Powell, which I’m just now starting to post about. There’s just too many photos to share, and I’m a bit overwhelmed which I also experienced on the lake.

Our journey began at Antelope Point Marina, with it seemed a mile ride in a golf cart loaded with all our stuff on a skinny dock.

We rented a 26 foot deck boat with a 250 horse power Evinrude and it included a pottie that flipped up in the back. Bonus, we didn’t have to use the bucket we’d brought for anything but trash. There are no toilet facilities other than the four marinas and this is a pack-it-in and out place.

Mike took the helm and headed out of the marina onto the lake. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell straddles two time zones in Arizona and Utah. But we had no cares for time in this timeless landscape. (Other than only three days to play.)

I tried to follow the map. Good thing for the numbered buoys or we’d probably still be there lost in some wandering side canyon.

My senses were on overload.

The ancient Navajo sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet above the flooded Glen Canyon, their bases hidden deep below the waters.

Created 190 million years ago when Sahara-like desert sand dunes occupied the landscape this sandstone layer can measure up to 2500 feet thick.

We slowly ventured into Rock Creek Bay then followed a twisted passage into a side canyon of a side canyon. Like branches off a main trunk it tapered down.

In some places ending at a crack in the wall.

Or a sandy beach stretching between the walls making for great camping and hiking opportunities.

I wanted to explore every nook and cranny…

and crawl into every cave. Which could take more than a life time.

But instead settled with a couple hours circumnavigating the many walls of Dry Rock Creek Canyon.

Observing the bedding planes crisscrossing back and forth to indicate a change in the wind’s direction so long ago plus later erosion from the wind and water.

We continued to cruise up lake past many more inviting water ways, looking for a place to camp. The entire 1900 miles of shoreline is open to boat camping.

But we preferred not to camp below a recent slump or on the main channel.

So explored Dungeon Canyon.

Where we found a delightful little beach to set up camp.

And enjoy the evening while dreaming of the next day’s adventures to the famous Rainbow Bridge.

Our World–Nesting

2011-11-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

Back parked at my winter home for a little over a week now and finally got some boxes out of the basement (yes my 5th-wheel has storage underneath) to unpack my chachkies. Make it feel like home.

I’m still in the lazy decompression mode that settles in after a typical summer season of working. And this season was anything but typical. It was fun, exciting, busy and sad. Also exhausting. Am I getting old? I refuse to believe that!

Am I in denial? Probably.

My winter “to do” list is long.

But all I really want to do is, nothing. Except dream and plan for a winter vacation to Costa Rica.

To tour more interesting places around the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Fat and Happy

2011-11-11T17:34:00.001-07:00

Not me, the Gambel’s quail. (Well not me fat, definitely happy though.)

I love the view from my computer desk. Not the prettiest stand for the bird feeders, but I had it and it works, and it’s getting better as I pile more cut branches around it.

Of course that provides a freeway for the occasional chipmunk.

During winter I spend quite a bit of time at my computer desk watching the birds, enticed in by my multiple feeders. Not something I get to do when working during summer where I see a variety of different birds in their totally natural and very different habitat. Mr. Cardinal catches my eye in such total contrast to the winter green backdrop.

The most common sparrow visitors are the white-crowned, plus the chipping which are even harder to capture in anything but a blur.

Can’t miss the raucous call of the scrub jays. I think they’re yelling at me because the feeders are hard for them to land on. Does it seem I’m getting a dirty look from this one.

The Crissal Thrasher is an uncommon visitor, maybe because I live at the northeastern edge of of it’s territory.

I don’t count the birds, sometimes the ground is crawling with sparrows. Yet I so enjoy watching their antics in between unpacking my chachkies/dust collectors while I redecorate my Yarnell nest site. More on that soon.

SWF–As far as the eye can see

2011-11-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

Back in the beginning of October on a drive back to the North Rim.

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

Trailer Life

2011-11-09T19:43:00.001-07:00

I thought I’d lived in just about all the mobiles possible: Vega, truck camper, school bus, trailer, motorhome and 5th-wheel.

All it really lacks is windows and a back porch. And maybe a wood stove.

Our World–Highway 89 5th Annual Yard Sale

2011-11-07T07:47:00.002-07:00

Saturday, November 5th in Peeples Valley and Yarnell located on Highway 89 many local people set up their tables of yard sale goods on the sidewalks in both towns.

This is what we woke up to Saturday morning.

Mike’s Mom owns an antique store, Patty & Sons, and she buys out estate sales. Sometimes that means getting a lot of stuff that doesn’t fit in the store.

Three of the five sons

So the parking lot was full of tables and because of the cold windy weather was the only outside sale going on. And we were all very busy.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

SWF–Back to Yarnell sunset

2011-11-03T20:58:00.001-07:00

No matter where I travel, it’s great to be back home.

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

This is my 900th post. I can hardly believe it.

Flagstaff for one night, I hope

2011-11-01T19:31:00.001-07:00

The original vacation plan, which went entirely astray, included several nights in Flagstaff. However, a cold front is rapidly approaching with snow predicted here by Friday so the warmest place to be is home in Yarnell. Tomorrow. Barring any unforeseen circumstances. Or a really good offer.

The truck is now running, and even better starting, like new.

Completing the Johnson Canyon Road loop

2011-11-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

After shaking the sand out of our boots from walking the dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park we continued our drive north on State Route 89 to Glendale in search of the Glendale Bench Road, also known as Johnson Canyon Road.

We drove through Glendale, about five blocks long, twice looking for this elusive road then stopped in at the Post Office and asked directions. We were told where to turn, that the pavement ends on top and, NOT to turn off the road so we wouldn’t get lost.

Once “on top” of the bench views spread northward to the Pink Cliffs at the southern edge of Bryce Canyon National Park…

…and east towards the Grand Staircase Escalante.

After about 15-20 miles of gravel…

…we rejoined the pavement where we’d turned around before.

Then drove back through the Navajo Sandstone that flanks Johnson Canyon.

We saw a few cars parked by the old movie set, behind locked gate, and noticed a hangin’ goin’ on.

And Mike spotted the Eagle Arch which we couldn’t find on the last drive. Probably because it was marked on the wrong side of the road on the map.

We’ve just about exhausted the options of things to do and places to see around Kanab and my truck should be out of the shop Monday by close of business. Which means, I’m on the road again and heading for Flagstaff.

Our World–Coral Pink Sand Dunes

2011-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

After finding out late Friday that my truck repairs wouldn’t be finished before the weekend we decided to take another little drive. This time north from Kanab and we made a side trip to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. I’d been there a few years ago during the rain but Mike hadn’t been there before.

Pioneers called it The Sand Hills and the Paiute called it Na-tur-rip or Sandy Land. In a previous post I described how the dunes were formed.

I marvel at the cycling of geologic occurrences. This sand comes from erosion of the Navajo sandstone cliffs blown in from the south that were once dunes themselves. And someday, these dunes may lithifi into rock and be exposed by erosion into cliffs that repeat the process again. Or just blow away.

As we walked across the dunes certain rocks caught our attention, particularly the hundreds of moqui marbles ranging from the size of a pea to almost golf balls, some whole and others broken.

The iron oxide concretions found in the Navajo Sandstone consist of sandstone cemented together by hematite and geothite.

Also discovered just a few pieces of agate that may have been flakes from Indians of the past making arrowheads.

Although we saw no wildlife the evidence of their passing was left behind. And maybe some of them saw us.

Due to its 6000 foot elevation the dunes area receives relatively high precipitation and as a result, has surprisingly abundant plant life like Dune sunflower and grasses.

The Visitor Center displays included this friendly little gopher snake.

And many samples of sands from around the world.

To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Staying in "Little Hollywood" Kanab Utah

2011-10-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

While planning a fall vacation Kanab was to be the first stop, not the only stop. But shit happens and plans change.

Kanab is really a nice little town and the Crazy Horse RV Park next to the cemetery has been a quiet place to stay.

Plus we’ve enjoyed exploring the area. Including the Free Movie Set Museum in Kanab, also known as “Little Hollywood”.

The gift shop was loaded with western stuff. And, of course, the jewelry caught my eye. But I didn’t buy anything.

In back of the gift shop lies Frontier Town, a collection of buildings and facades depicting the old wild west.

Kanab made its screen debut in 1924 and provided spectacular western landscapes for over 100 film and TV productions.

Familiar names, to some anyway, like The Lone Ranger, Billy the Kid, Death Valley Days, Gunsmoke, Grizzly Adams, Lassie, F Troop, and the The Outlaw Josey Wales where filmed in the Kanab area.

Transportation and repairs have changed a bit.

Seems Mike got in a little trouble.

So guess I’ll be moving in for a while.

Sure hope they don't hang him like this poor fella.