Monday April 1
Clifford and I are camped on public land south of St. George, Utah. We had thought to be traveling north by April, but our intended destination in northern Nevada is still too cold and and snowy. The morning temperature here on Black Rock Road is a chilly 31 degrees. The frost is so pretty on the filaree and creosote, I go straight outside to take photos rather than doing the morning routine. Perhaps it is a meditation in its own way.
Sunday April 2
I am up in time for the sun rise. I love seeing the very instant the sun peaks above the horizon. Sometimes I am not up in time, sometimes the sky is either cloudy or hazy, but this morning was perfect.
Today we go on an outing with camping neighbors Rick and LeeAnn to Red Cliffs rest area and campground. It is too crowded to park where we can hike in the red rocks, but we park outside and I take photos from the outside vantage point which includes the snow-covered mountain in the background, dark hills in the middle, and red cliffs in the foreground creating interesting layers with a great blue sky beyond.
We go on to nearby Quail Lake State Park, which is not too crowded. We have a great afternoon there with a picnic, and Clifford plays and sings. Later, after our dinner, I go to Rick and LeeAnn’s camp to sit at a campfire with them. I’ve enjoyed their company, but they will be leaving soon. Our mutual camping neighbor, David, is in California, so he was not able to join us for the outing or the campfire. While he is away, I’ve been taking care of his beautiful cat, Ravyn.
A colorful sunset is a great ending to our day.
I will miss LeeAnn. It has been nice having her as a friend here. They invited us to go to California with them where they have property, but we are not in a position to pull it off. Too far out of our route back to Montana.
April 3 and 4. Good thing we did the outing yesterday, as it is cold with rain and wind these next two days.
Wednesday April 5
This morning I take photos of frost on the creosote again, and photos of Rick and LeeAnn as they head out on their way to the ranch in California. In the late evening, Clifford picks David up from the shuttle in St, George. David is lucky to have us to take care of Ravyn while he is gone and give him a ride back to his rig. Not sure an Uber would want to drive out to where he is camped.
Friday April 7 our friend Lori arrives. She won’t be able to stay long as she has an appointment in Phoenix to get her truck looked at on Monday. She and I run errands in St, George and go to Pioneer Park on the edge of town. There is a lovely botanical garden there along with the native red rock formations. In the evening we say our good-byes as she will be leaving early in the morning.
Sunday April 9
I sit out for coffee as it is warm enough to do so and it is not long before Clifford comes out with the dulcimer to sing and play in the sunshine.
It isn’t long before the filaree open to the sunshine. They are having a superbloom this spring and provide no end of delight.
In the afternoon, Clifford and I go on an outing to Tuacahn Ampitheather at St. George. This ampitheater has an amazing setting, being in a earthen bowl surrounded by great red cliffs. Apple trees are blooming, a wonderful contrast to the red rock cliffs and the gorgeous blue sky.
Today’s Words of Wisdom: Ang had this to say, “What a soul applies awareness to, that is what they draw to them, so try to focus on creative power, balance, and insight, be that in stories, painting, or conversation.” I can easily see that being applicable to me, maybe not in regard to painting, but in stories, journaling, photography, and conversation. A good thought to end this beautiful day.
