Clifford and I are camped in our RV, Cougar, on Black Rock Road not far from our friend David, a fellow nomad. The last weekend of January, Clifford, David, and I make a trip to Mesquite, Nevada, to the balloon festival. We meet friends Rick and LeeAnn there, go to a casino for a great lunch, the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, and a pawn shop while we wait for the evening Balloon Glow when the balloons are filled and lit up. At the pawn shop I saw an old fiddle in a brand new case; I was tempted to buy it, but since I don’t really need another instrument, I talked myself out of it.
At the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum with Friends
We parked on a hill on the edge of Mesquite to watch the activity below until dark, then found a place to park near the balloon field so we could walk through and see the balloons up close. The balloons are huge and colorful and it was fun to walk among them.
Mesquite, Nevada, Balloon FestivalBalloon Glow at Mesquite, Nevada, Balloon Festival
In my miscellaneous reading, I come across something called “Five Minute Journal,” which I added to my daily journal writing: 1) – Inspiring quote. 2) – List 3 things I am grateful for. 3) – List 3 goals for the day (and did I accomplish them, if writing pm). 4) – List 3 things that were amazing or made me happy. 5) – Anything I would have done differently. In reviewing the journal for this blog, I find what I wrote in the Five Minute Journal to be quite interesting. I am glad I did it, at least for a while.
As January draws to a close, the temperature is warm enough for Clifford to sit outside on the sunny side of Cougar to play music, even getting bit of a tan.
Clifford Plays Dulcimer in the Sunshine
An exciting change of weather happens the very next day – SNOW! I spend a long time walking in the snow taking photos. It doesn’t last long, but it was delightful for me while it was happening.
Falling Snow Blurs the HorizonSnow Defines the MesaMountain to the West Covered in White
By the next day, the last day of January, the snow is all gone, except for the new white coat on Pine Mountain. What will February bring?
Clifford and I arrive at Cave Lake Nevada State Park after leaving Patterson Pass this afternoon. This small campground is very popular, but we find an available site on the downhill side of the campground. We are happy to be here, but will only be able to spend a week.
Campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park
Cell service is marginal, but using Clifford’s hotspot, I am able to make contact with family and friends to let them know where we are and to keep abreast of the news.
Hot showers are a real plus at this campground. Since there is no one camped near us, we can play music outside, which is something we always enjoy.
Although there are not many wildflowers here, the views are good and I enjoy the walkabouts.
Ground PhloxWild Buckwheat
I can see a mountain range to the west with snow-capped peaks even though it is June, but in looking at the map, I can’t tell what range I am seeing. There are numerous mountain ranges running in a north/south direction in this state with wide valleys between.
View from Cave Lake CampgroundView from Cave Lake Campground
When we were here last fall, we drove up the mountain for a picnic and to take photos of autumn color. This time, we go on an exploratory outing to find where we might camp when we leave here. Ward’s Charcoal Oven State Park, about 10 miles south of Ely, is one of our outings. Quite the history of how all the trees were cut and burned to make charcoal needed for smelting steel for the railroads carrying silver ore. The land has never recovered and is barren for miles, but fortunately, the campground in this state park, Willow Creek CG, is situated in what remains of a juniper and pinon pine forest.
Charcoal OvensOven Door
We also check out a large forest service camp to the southwest of Ely, but all the sites seem to be reserved although there is almost no one there. Odd. There is a BLM road across the highway, but no sites, not even any good places to pull off the road. Then Egan Summit, another BLM area with cell service and a good view of the nearby mountain range, but no shade and it appears to be an ATV place, which is not so good for camping. There could be dust and noise much of the time.
Nevada Views
We go to the little village of Ruth, just to check it out, desolate, almost a ghost town. Back in Ely, we find a city park with picnic tables and have a picnic before heading back to camp.
Picnic in Ely Nevada
Wednesday June 6 is our last day here. I pack up as much as I can to make moving preparations easier tomorrow. We have enjoyed our time here, and perhaps we will come again.
Patterson Pass is turning out to be a great place for us. We had seen the highway sign for it on other trips north/south on the highway 93 corridor through Nevada, but didn’t check it out because it looked to be too far off the highway and possibly too steep for towing Cougar with our old Suburban. However, the grade is milder than it looks, it’s quiet, very few people here, exceptionally scenic, and the wildflowers are amazing.
Cougar at Patterson Pass CampgroundScenic Views – Snake Range Across the ValleyLarkspur Adds to the Palette of ColorsIndian Paintbrush Brighten My DayPenstemonAster’s Yellow Cousin
The sky is less hazy today and it is very pleasant sitting out with coffee and my stack. I am happy and grateful to be alive! As always, wherever we are, Clifford works on his ham radio and antennas to get the best reception he can. it is always fun to put out the sign our friend LeeAnn made for him.
Clifford is Radio Point
Monday May 22 – We sure do like this place. I’m glad I didn’t talk Clifford out of coming – not that I can talk him into or out of anything, but he had concerns about not having enough propane. We are being as conservative as we can with the propane. It’s so peaceful and scenic here, really a perfect spot for us right now.
There is a heavy rain in the afternoon, great for the trees and flowers.
Looking Out at the Rain
Wednesday May 24 – It is mostly cloudy again this morning, but very pretty. I take photos of paintbrush with snow-capped mountain in the distance. As the clouds build, it looks to be an indoor day, but out my window I have a view of the sky, mountains to the east, juniper, and paintbrush, so I’m happy.
Paintbrush with the Schell Creek Range in the BackgroundClouds Building
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Today I talk to the neighbor Kristine as she is out walking her dog. She is very friendly and it is nice to chat with a woman. She is solo RVing and has had quite the interesting life this past year. She is very adventuresome and I admire her courage!
(kristinedidit on Instagram)
In the early evening, across the valley we see a storm cell of over the Snake Range. Very interesting to see such a localized formation.
Storm Cell Over the Snake Range
Saturday, May 27. So lovely this morning as I sit in the shade of one of the junipers with coffee and journals. I love my front yard with the junipers and so many wildflowers. The wildflowers are totally delightful, but as clouds and breeze increase, it becomes too windy for good photos. However, life is good and I am grateful to be here now.
Sitting in the Shade of Junipers
Clifford is taking advantage of the pleasant weather to work on his bicycle. He enjoys pushing the limits and going where many bikes don’t go.
Clifford Customizes His Bicycle
Sunday, May 28. This morning we get up very late, but the extra sleep is needed after staying up late working on projects. Every day I see different wildflowers on my way to and from the restroom and as I walk about the campground. Globe mallow are beginning to bloom. I love the wildflowers here, the views, our site with Junipers hugging us, but especially the wildflowers.
Globe Mallow are Beginning to BloomGlobe Mallow in Bloom
Tuesday, May 30. I went to bed a little earlier last night, so was up before 7:00 and went for an early walkabout. Our friend Lori has come to this campground and is camped nearby. She and I chat as we walk down the road where the globe mallow are more fully blossomed.
Flower Seeker – Photo by Lori
Wednesday, May 31.
I get up early as we are leaving Patterson past today. Lori left before we got up, as she has a long drive to her next destination. It was fun to see a friend, and I hope her travels go well. I didn’t do any packing last night, but will get started as soon as Clifford gets up. This has been one of my favorite campgrounds ever, largely because of the flowers. I’ve taken hundreds of photos, but nothing captures the essence of just being here with them in person. I am grateful that we have had this opportunity and look forward to coming to this campground again some day.
For the past week Clifford and I have been at the Pioche City RV Park on the outskirts of this small mining town. Today we are leaving Pioche and heading to Patterson Pass Campground between here and Ely off US highway 93, which runs north/south through eastern Nevada.
It looks like a beautiful day to travel.
A Good Day to Travel
We have never been there, but the review sounds good and it is probably not so steep a road as it looks on the map.
Patterson Pass – Photo by Clifford
We arrive at Patterson Pass Campground in the afternoon and are pleased at the easy access and choice of sites. We walk through the campground and pick site #10 as there are enough junipers for shade and a windbreak.
Cougar into Place
As soon as we are set up, I go on a walkabout to explore and take photos of the scenic landscape, our campsite, and all the wildflowers. Across the valley, I think we are seeing the Snake Range and perhaps Wheeler Peak and Granite Peak in the Great Basin National Park.
Snake RangeWildflowers at Patterson Pass
Friday May 19, 2023
It is a fortunate time to be here. I talked to a ranger yesterday and he said that just a couple of weeks ago this campground was still under 2 feet of snow. The ground is moist and I can see recent elk tracks, and obviously the wildflowers are loving it now. The Castilleja – Indian Paintbrush – are plentiful and so vivid, a delight to see. Wildflowers abound in white, purple, and yellow.
Indian Paintbrush are PlentifulPenstemonPorter’s Aster and a Yellow Cousin
Cumulus clouds bring a little rain and a rainbow in the afternoon. There are some very interesting clouds near sunset and the subdued light is better for photos without sun glare. Cell service is marginal but I am really glad to have it all being this far from the highway and not near any towns.
Afternoon RainbowUnusual Cloud Formation
Saturday May 20, 2023
More clouds this morning, hazy to the east and the sky is pale. Maybe wildfire smoke from the fires in Alberta? I spend the morning meandering about taking photos of wildflowers – so many, so beautiful!
Maybe Related to Asters?Indian Paintbrush in Abundance
After the delightful walkabout, I sit out under the junipers with coffee and my “stack” – journal, planner, inspirational reading. I hope that the cell service is good enough to do an online Tai Chi class, but it turns out to be too sketchy to do the class. Ah well, I can make up my own routine.
Sitting Out with Coffee and the “Stack”
We are grateful that we were adventuresome enough to give Patterson Pass a try and that we get to stay a while longer. Every day brings different weather and more flowers.
Clifford and I are camped in the desert south of St. George, Utah, for this winter season. Although it is warmer than Montana, which is now our home-base and where family is, it is definitely winter in this very northwest corner of Arizona. There are some days when we can sit outside to play music, many days when I go for solitary walks, and days when Clifford sits outside to review Carnicom Institute research. However, there are nights that are in the low teen and days when all projects are done indoors.
Grateful for a warm place to spend cold days.
On my birthday we join forces with our friend David and a couple he met camping here at Black Rock, and we pick up more trash from the campsites and the parking area at Black Rock Road. David has arranged for a dumpster to be delivered and on the delivery day, other folks join in and a large dumpster is filled to the brim with all the trash we have picked up.
Waiting for the dumpsterThe trash picker-uppers
Picking up trash wasn’t what I had in mind for a birthday celebration, so we watch the weather and wait for a forecast of a sunny day with mild temperatures. A few days later when the right conditions materialize, we head to the Virgin River Gorge, about ten miles away, for a picnic outing to celebrate. I want to go to Cedar Pockets, the campground in the Virgin River Gorge but it is still closed for repairs. So, we take the overpass to the other side of I-10 and drive up the dirt road to a spot that works for a picnic.
Finding a place in the Virgin River Gorge for a picnic
We pick up trash using our “grabbers,” before we set up a table and spread out the picnic.
Birthday picnic in the Virgin River Gorge
After eating, we play music – Clifford with his dulcimer and tongue drum and me with the fiddle, playing fiddle tunes.
Music in the Virgin River Gorge
While we are there, a woman who had stopped to walk her dog stops to chat because we are such an unusual sight, a couple fuddy-duddies having a picnic and playing fiddle music in the middle of the Virgin River Gorge. We exchange contact information before she goes on her way.
After picnic and music, Clifford and I hike up the ridge behind us, enjoying the sunshine on this winter day and the view of the mesa on the other side of the gorge from where we are.
A short hike in the Virgin River Gorge
The gorge is grand, rugged, and scenic and I am grateful that the weather cooperated to allow us to have such a fun outing.
The Virgin River Gorge is grand, rugged, and scenicHiking to a plateau on the picnic side of the Virgin River GorgeThe Virgin River Gorge is grand, rugged, and scenicHiking on the plateau near sunset
Later in February, Lori, the woman we met on the picnic day in the Gorge comes to play music with us, as she also has a tongue drum and was eager to play with us. So fun to have a new-found friend in the desert.
Lori and Clifford playing tongue drums
One other outing in February is to the town of Colorado City on the border between Arizona and Utah to have dinner with a friend and while we are there, we go to Maxwell Park for spring water and the opportunity to take photos of the red cliffs, which look to be part of the same geological formation as that of Zion National Park in Utah.
View of the red cliffs from Maxwell Park in Colorado CityView of the red cliffs from Maxwell Park in Colorado City
A new activity that is fun and engaging for me is experimenting with making creative composites using photos that I have taken on my walks as well as photos in my gallery. I like the process of using photos that might not be anything more than snapshots and coming up with an image that is creative and unique. I call these images BeCreative. They are a good stretch for me from my usual documentary style photos.
In addition to playing music, Clifford always has a focus on the ham radio and improving the antennas. He is also using portable scientific instruments to do some research on a topic that is coming to his attention.
Daily I watch the sunrise and sunsets, finding great pleasure in the light and colors that are special at that time of the day.
Yesterday we woke to 14 degrees outdoor temperature where we are camped on Black Rock Road in northwest Arizona. That’s a bit chilly for Cougar, our RV, but we turn on the heat and once the sun comes up, it doesn’t take long for the outside to warm up also. Our friend David comes for coffee to compare how our RV’s held up to the cold temperature last night. Pipes froze, but soon thaw as the sun does its job.
Brrr……
David, Clifford, and I, along with another couple that he recruited, have been picking up trash from the desert every day. People coming into the large parking area and those camping on the little dirt side roads have left literally tons of trash. It is wonderful to return the desert to its more natural state, but a big job and so much more needs to be done.
David Picking up Trash on Black Rock Road
As part of my birthday celebration week, a couple days after picking up trash, we (Clifford, David, the other couple, and I) go to a beautiful scenic canyon just a ways outside St. George, Utah – Snow Canyon.
Overview of Snow Canyon
Going to Snow Canyon was what I wanted to do for my birthday and it was the perfect day for it.
Carol and Clifford at Snow Canyon OverlookRick and LeeAnn at Snow Canyon Overlook
We hike and enjoy a really good picnic thanks to LeeAnn. I walk barefoot up one of the towering petrified sandstone dunes, feeling the rough stone under my feet, knowing that even in my 70’s, I can do this.
Clifford Hiking on the Petrified Sandstone DuneHiking BarefootSnow Canyon
While the men relax, LeeAnn and I go hiking across the road from the picnic area. Such an interesting scenic place!
Hiking with LeeAnn in Snow CanyonSnow CanyonSnow CanyonA Great Day with Friends
On the way back to the campsite, we stop at a shop in Santa Clara where Clifford and David buy a stain glass butterfly for my birthday.
David, Clifford (reflected in the window), and Carol in Santa ClaraStained Glass Butterfly
Once at camp, I discover that Rick and LeeAnn have given me a string of solar lights – dragonflies that light up the night. What a great day!
As January proceeds, there are many overcast and windy days at Black Rock Road in northwest Arizona where Clifford and I are camped near out friend David in a wide desert basin. Sometimes there is rain, which is good, and I don’t mind walking in the rain, but all too often it is too windy to walk, so indoor projects take the place of walks in the desert. Some evenings we play UK fiddle tunes after dinner. That is always fun.
Even on the windy indoor days, I keep an eye out for color in the sky as the sun nears the horizon morning and evening.
Moon Rising at SunsetSunset Color Reflects Off the Snow on Pine Mountain
Saturday January 7, it is 27 degrees this morning and there is frost on the creosote. I quickly head out to take photos of the frost, so sparkly and pretty, just as the moon is setting.
Frost on CreosoteMoon Setting in the West
During the days we are inside, my projects include publishing blogs I’ve work on and rereading Fate of Angels, the last book in the epic fantasy series, Novels of Shannon. (Now renamed Saga of ShaHaNon by Ang MacDonald.) Clifford’s indoor projects include ham radio, but he always has a list of projects to keep his mind active.
I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.
Sunlight on Pine Mountain Viewed from our Doorway
In mid January, I start the Holden 5-day Qigong challenge. Qigong has been so good for my health, I would recommend it to anyone. I am also taking a 5-day class on proofreading to see if it is something I’d like to do when we are traveling/camping, as long as we have internet, which certainly isn’t a given, but could be a way to earn money while traveling. Catching sunrise and sunset and walks in the desert still fill my day.
Sunrise Golden Light Reflects off Mountain to the WestThe Mouth of the Virgin River Gorge in Northwest Arizona.
Clifford knows that an electric bike is something he would would like to have, since he and David go bike riding often and he would enjoy it for his own explorations, so one day he orders one for himself.
Thursday January 19, 2003 Today is Clifford’s birthday. Since this is a special day, David comes over to help Clifford put together the new electric bike. I do some of the daily tasks while they work on the bike and then we go to St. George to the Wildlife Museum followed by an early dinner at Cracker Barrel. Good birthday for Clifford.
The next few days are so cold and windy that I don’t bother to go walking as I don’t do well with cold wind. Sometimes I pop out for a photo of sunrise or sunset, but mostly these days are indoor project days for both of us.
Early Dawn on Black Rock RoadSunset Color on Pine Mountain
Toward the end of January, as temperature moderates a bit, we go on an outing with David to the Pioneer Museum and to Santa Clara, a village outside of St. George where I buy a stained glass sun at a little shop that David knows about. Then we go on a scenic drive to another small village, Vejo, where there is a well-known pie shop, the intention being to have pie. Unfortunately, today the pie shop is not open, but the drive was still scenic and worth the outing. A pie is purchased at Smith’s on our way back to camp and shared there.
View from Gunlock State Park on the way to VejoView on the Outing to Vejo
Another fun outing is on the horizon before the end of the month, so January 2023 is off to a good start.
December 2022 was a hard month for Clifford and me, with neither one of us feeling well while camping south of St. George, Utah. We are looking forward to getting 2023 off to a better start.
Sunday January 1, 2023 starts off with rain in the night and off and on during the day. This is a good thing.
Droplet on Creosote Pod
I do a sound meditation from Wayne Dyer, also good, and then send New Years Greetings to family and friends.
Welcoming the New Year
I walk to the wash to the east and up the mesa a ways. The wash is strewn with rocks: boulders to gravel and sand, many of them black from their lava origins. These black rocks give this area its name – Black Rock Road. This is my favorite place to walk most days.
Today is a very good start to the New Year – 2023.
Hiking in the Wash
The next morning is overcast and windy. As I look out I see the moon setting, fresh snow on Pine Mountain to the north and an interesting cloud formation, like a sky dolphin chasing a small cloudfish, It s a good day for indoor projects; I complete a blog and post it on my website.
Moon Setting over Mountain to the WestFresh Snow on Pine MountainSky Dolphin
In my planner I have a list of daily activities relating to Purpose: things that relate to what’s important to me, including journaling, photography, Qigong, the morning quiet-time routine, and so on. Thanks to having the internet at this location, I am able to do live Tai chi and Qigong classes, as well as other classes that interest me. Most days I manage to complete at least 4 of the regular 7 Dailys, but the days are not long enough for everything, as there are always domestic tasks and other items that pop up needing attention.
Photos Shared as GreetingsJournaling Outdoors Weather Permitting
Photos at sunrise are one of my favorite things. Colors are so very vivid some mornings. It is exciting to see and acknowledge the daily miracle, as I call the moment of sunrise.
Vivid Color at DawnThe Daily Miracle
Sometimes I cross the wash to the mesa hillside, which gives me a view of the creosote filled basin where we are set up, as well as the desert scenery beyond.
View of Creosote Basin from MesaSkiff of Snow on West MountainMesa View
Although it took me a while to get used to this desert area, I have come to appreciate the beauty and the solitude of being here.
Amazing Vivid Color at Sunset seen from Black Rock Road
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Clifford and I move from Echo Canyon State Park near Pioche, Nevada, to Black Rock Road, just south of St. George, Utah, because of the forecast for more snow in Nevada. Since we don’t want to get stuck in Nevada for the winter, we need to get ourselves to a lower elevation right away.
Leaving Echo Canyon Nevada State Park
There is a mountain range between us and Black Rock Road in northwest Arizona where we intend to camp on public land near our friend David. There are a couple mountain passes to cross, not as scary as Connors Pass south of Ely, but still not comfortable. Pretty, though, with snow on the hill sides and in the mountains.
Through the Mountains
I am grateful for the safe trip from Echo Canyon to Black Rock Road. Arriving at Black Rock, we set up almost exactly where we were last year. Earlier rains have been good for the creosote, but oh, for a tree!
Black Rock Road, Same Site as Last Year
There is, however, a perfect view of Pine Mountain from the window where I sit at the table.
View from the Window – Pine Mountain
Monday, November 7, 2022
I’m up at 7:30, which is nice as it gives me a little more quiet time to get myself centered for the day. It is not as dark and cold here this morning as it was in Nevada. We have enough internet/cell service here that I can also listen to Pandora and inspiring videos.
Today is a town day in St. George. It is good to get our propane tanks filled and then return to camp to put things away just in time to see a very dramatic sunset that I almost missed.
The Sunset I Almost Missed
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
The storm forecast yesterday was little more than a drizzle until late. Sometime after going to bed, the rain became a downpour, waking me up, and it was hard to get back to sleep. When I got up this morning, I had a little over an hour before an online Qigong class, giving me time to reread the chapter “Law of Intention and Desire” from the The Steven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, noting the difference between attention and intention and how they correlate for manifestation.
Thursday, November 10….
In rereading the journal entries and looking at photos taken during the balance of November, there are themes that emerge. One is that being camped with no trees offers lots of opportunity to be aware of the sky – sunrises, cloud formations, sunsets. Sometimes serene, sometimes very dramatic.
Dramatic Sunrise at Back Rock RoadA Serene Sunset at Black RockNovember Sunset at Black RockSetting Sun Turns the Mesa a Vivid Color
Another theme is my desire to have what I call QT (quiet time) to get myself centered before jumping into the activities of the day. I find this hard to accomplish, as getting up before Clifford means dealing with the cold and the dark and not making noise. Several mornings, the temperature is in the low 20’s outside and quite chilly inside. Sometimes staying in bed is the best option.
Chilly Night Means Snow on the Mountain
The third theme comes from reading the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, contemplating the difference between intention and attention and how these principles guide one’s life if allowed to do so.
I go for walks in the desert almost every day.
Teepee RockCholla with Cougar (our RV) in the Background
Now and then we make a trip to St. George for supplies. Once in a while Clifford and David go bike riding on the bike trails on the outskirts of St. George. I am always invited to go, but sometimes just having time at camp by myself is the best option for me.
One one trip to St. George, we drive to where we can see Snow Canyon from the highway. One day we will take time to go right down into the canyon.
Snow Canyon from the Highway
Clifford checks in with ham radio nets on a daily basis, and plays his dulcimer and sings – outside in the sunshine when the weather permits, which is actually quiet often. He is also doing interviews regarding his non-profit, as the work is quite significant.
Clifford Plays and Sings in the Sunshine
We keep very busy with all of our projects. Since there is decent internet via cell service at this location, I am able to work on blogs as well as participate in online classes that are of interest to me. It is a good thing we are retired, as we certainly don’t have time to run off to a job every day.
Coffee with David (Photo by David Wasden)Journal Caption to End November
Today Clifford and I move from Pioche, Nevada to Echo Canyon Nevada State Park, about 15 miles to the east of Pioche. I am mindful of Segment Intending and everything goes well – packing, hitching, driving, finding the perfect site, and getting set up. We find a really a nice spot with a couple of trees and a hill in front of us on the door and window side for privacy and views.
Our Site at Echo Canyon State Park
I hike a short way up the hill at sunset and have a good view of the surrounding area and the reservoir below.
Hike Up the Hill to View the LandscapeEcho Canyon Reservoir Below
From our campsite we get a glimpse of the reservoir, which I like. It looks like the weather will be very nice for us. Only one other party is here.
Wednesday October 26. The sun is behind the hill until 9 o’clock a.m., but I watch the light creep across the land until it finally rises right in the kitchen window. It is exciting to watch the approach of sunlight, and now it is time for coffee. Maybe I’ll sit outside if it’s warm enough in the sunshine. I am happy to be here. It’s a great day to be alive!
By afternoon it is warm enough for us to sit out for projects.
Warm Enough for Projects Outside
Thursday October 27.
It was 27° this morning at Echo Canyon and we very grateful for the heater that we got at Bretz. It is satisfying to again watch the sunlight move across the land, and soon it will be at our campsite. I call sunrise the daily miracle as it brings light and warmth to the cold and dark of winter.
Friday October 28.
We sleep in this morning due to it being a chilly 22° outside and only 33° inside.
Chilly Morning at Echo Canyon
It is still dark the first time I get up. After breakfast, it begins to warm up and we decide to go on a photo outing up the canyon, as it is a good day for photos with a clear blue sky, lovely autumn colors, and the great rugged mesas of Echo Canyon.
Photo Outing at Echo CanyonPhoto Outing at Echo CanyonPhoto Outing at Echo CanyonPhoto Outing at Echo Canyon
Saturday October 29.
This morning I was up a little before seven, which gives me time for inspirational reading and journaling, along with hot tea, followed by a Qigong routine. I feel gratitude watching daylight approach. Today is the sixth anniversary of Mom’s passing, and my brother is back in the hospital, even needing a mercy flight. My sister calls, concerned, as am I. It is good to have family who care about each other.
Sunday October 30.
The last two clocks I have purchased don’t work, so I don’t know what time it is and I don’t want to get up in the dark. It’s hard to even make tea without waking Clifford, and it might be much too early for that. I hold the positive thought that I am going to enjoy this beautiful day. It is a great day to be alive and there is good stuff on the to-do list.
We decide to back up the canyon again, this time for a picnic along the creek.
Reflections on the Creek Flowing Through Echo CanyonReflections on the Creek Flowing Through Echo CanyonPicnic at Echo Canyon Alongside the Creek
Friday November 4. It has been an interesting few days, as Wednesday rain turned to sleet and then to snow. It was very pretty and there was more overnight.
Rain Turns to Sleet and SnowSnow Begins to Stick at Echo Canyon Reservoir
I went walking both days and have a lot of photos to sort through.
The Beauty of Newly Fallen SnowThe Beauty of Newly Fallen SnowCougar in the Snow at Echo Canyon
Within a day, the snow melts, but the forecast is for more snow and much colder temperatures.
Snow Has Melted Already
Although we really like this campground and had intended to stay longer, the weather dictates otherwise and it is time for us to move on over the mountain to Arizona to meet up with a friend and find a less wintry spot to camp.
