Southwest Scenics – Quiet Walk Photography

February 28, 2023June 24, 2023

Birthday Celebration in the Gorge – February 2022

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.

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.

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.

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 scenic

Hiking to a plateau on the picnic side of the Virgin River Gorge

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.

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 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.

October 31, 2022March 4, 2025

Arrival at Pioche, Nevada – October 2022

Sunday, October 16, 2022

I am especially grateful for our safe arrival here yesterday after leaving Cave Lake Nevada State Park about noon. Connors Pass over the Schell Creek Range at 7,723 feet is much steeper and more curving than either Clifford or I recalled. It was very uncomfortable to say the least and I had to focus on the “I am safe” part of my daily mantra. I would prefer not to go that route again! Fortunately, we made it to the RV park on the outskirts of Pioche by mid afternoon, pleased that the end spot is available.

After camping 2 1/2 weeks at Cave Lake, it is odd to be in town with noisy vehicles, buildings, and power lines. I like the boulders at the entry to this site and the honey locust tree that I see out the window. I miss the convenience of restrooms, which we had at Cave Lake. It is very convenient that we have decent cell service here in Pioche, so both Clifford and I will be able to caught up on internet related activities.

Monday October 17

Today we drive south toward Pananca for an exploratory outing to Cathedral Gorge State Park just off Highway 93. This state park has quite the amazing landscape with rock formations reminiscent of a tiny Bryce Canyon, but the camping doesn’t look so good for us. Sites are small with additional fee for electricity. We take a few photos at at the campground and then stop at he scenic overlook, Miller Point.

We plan to go back one afternoon for more photography, but today we are checking out Echo Canyon State Park and Spring Valley State Park, which are about 15 miles east of Pioche. My segment intention is for a safe and enjoyable scenic trip to find the perfect place to camp when we leave Pioche.

Exploring Echo Canyon and Spring Valley state parks is interesting and helpful. Both have reservoirs in what looks like a natural setting. Echo Canyon Campground has a great layout and lots of choices for camping.

Spring Valley is less suitable for RVs, but it was fun to go there to take photos along the reservoir.

At Spring Valley, we take the gravel road to Stone Cabin, a sturdy cabin built by Mormon settlers when they settled in this area. The landscape in this area is quite rugged and hardly seems like the kind of place where families would want to settle with livestock and gardens.

Rocky Terrain on the Road to Stone Cabin

Tuesday October 18

Today we explore Pioche a bit with a visit to the museum and lunch at the Gunslinger, a small cafe that specializes in subs and wraps. I read that it was originally the blacksmith shop, and even now it is rustic with no inner walls. However, it is quite interesting, the decor like a small museum.

Wednesday October 19

This afternoon we go again to the scenic overlook, Miller Point, at Cathedral Gorge for a picnic and late afternoon light for photos, despite spraying on horizon. I go partway down a long flight of stairs set into the rocks. The stairway leads down to the valley floor, but without hiking sticks, I didn’t want to go much further.

Stairs Through the Rocks to Valley Floor

Thursday, October 20

I am up by 7:30 this morning, giving me a quiet hour by myself. At sunrise, the light through the leaves of the honey locust tree outside the window is delightful.

Rays of the Rising Sun Through the Honey Locust Tree

Friday, October 21

Today is an outing to the Boothill Cemetery. While Pioche is less known than other rough western towns in the mid 1800’s, such as Tombstone and Las Vegas, Nevada, it was one of the roughest, most lawless mining towns of the Old West. In its early days, over 70 men were buried after violent deaths before anyone died a natural death. Sadly, small children and women did not do well in Pioche. We decide to come back later when the late afternoon sun is more favorable.

Morgan Courtney, Feared by some, Respected by few, Detested by others. Shot in the back 5 times from ambush

Saturday, October 22

This morning, I am up in time for a quiet hour before Clifford gets up. As quietly as possible, I make flower tea and take photos – a still life of the lovely unfolding leaves, the angel, traveling plants, and a kind of scuffy little box I got at the thrift store yesterday before the outing to the cemetery.

At the RV, we play fiddle tunes and I do a lot of photo editing in preparation for the next blogs, which are a year behind (October 2021) It is a good and fun day, though I felt a touch of sorrow for the parents whose infants and little children died here. Hard life for them in the 1870s and early 1900s. Very rough town back then.

Sunday, October 23

It was very windy in the night, and when I get up at sunrise, I am surprised to see snow on the ground. Of course I get dressed right away and go out to take a few photos of snow on chamisa before it disappears with wind and sun. Where it’s melting, the droplets sparkle in the breeze. Very pretty. In reviewing the book that I am reading on spiritual laws, today is a review of Witness Choices. Ask yourself if your choices are choices for happiness. I’d say running out to take photos in the snow was a good choice.

Monday, October 24

Since we are leaving tomorrow, we go Panaca, the larger town to the south with a market, to pick up a few groceries and while we are there, we drive to the spring outside of town. Fresh flowing water is rare and precious in this land.

Back in Pioche, we visit the museum and have lunch at the historic Silver Cafe. We have made good use of our time here in Pioche. We are grateful for the RV park on the edge of town and look forward to finding a good site at Echo Canyon tomorrow.

October 15, 2022February 16, 2025

Northern Railway Train Museum, Ely, Nevada – October 2022

View from Summit Road Near Cave Lake Nevada State Park

Wednesday October 12

Since we will be leaving this campground fairly soon, we decide on one more trip up the mountain. Once again, we are blessed with a beautiful blue sky, gorgeous autumn colors, and another picnic.

Friday October 14

We thought the steam engine train rides at Ely were closed for the season, but somehow Clifford figured out that they are still open and running. We get permission from the park ranger to stay a couple more days at Cave Lake Campground. I don’t think the ranger minds since there are so few people at the campground. The lake has been drained so as to allow for repairs to the dam. Normally this campground is full of people coming to enjoy the lake, but now it is mostly vacant.

So we make another trip to Ely for the tour of the Northern Railway Train Museum and steam engine train ride. The train takes us on a route through the local countryside where railroad cars once carried ore from mining sites. Of course, this outing also entails another picnic.

Picnic at the Northern Railway Train Station

It has been a good stay here but tomorrow we will be leaving Cave Lake Campground and heading further south on US Highway 93 to Pioche, Nevada.

October 8, 2022February 11, 2025

Cave Lake, Nevada, Autumn Color – October 2022

*Landscape at Cave Lake Nevada State Park*

Thursday, October 6

Cllifford and I have been camped at Cave Lake Nevada State Park for about a week. We are thoroughly enjoying our time here. Today is a photo outing/exploration day, as we drive northward from the campground to Success Summit, the high point on the Success Loop Road. We are exploring where we might go camping at some future time. Although going up in the suburban was fine, it is not a place that we could take our RV. It is a good day for a drive and a picnic with a great blue sky, gorgeous autumn colors, and expansive views.

*Expansive Views on Summit Loop Road near Cave Lake Nevada State Park*

Friday, October 7

Reading Altogether in One Place has taken up too much of my time, but I did get almost everything done on my list, except finishing a blog due to poor Internet. I reflect on the book, which is an account of a wagon train on the Oregon trail where the men had all died. The women had built their lives around their men until they come to a point they had to make cooperative decisions based on the desires and abilities of each one individually, but also as to the needs of the whole. It was interesting to read, as well as insightful.

Saturday, October 8 is another photo outing, this time close to our campground. We are again exploring the possibilities for camping in the future, but stopping for photos where the autumn colors are especially engaging.

*Autumn Colors Near Cave Lake Nevada State Park*

In just a few more days we will head further south, but in the meantime, we are grateful for the opportunity to be here at Cave Lake.

October 5, 2022January 27, 2025

Cave Lake Nevada State Park – October 2022

Saturday October 1, 2022

I am sitting outside in the sunshine at Cave Lake Campground at Cave Lake Nevada State Park outside of Ely, Nevada. Clifford and I arrived here just a couple days ago on our journey south for the winter. Although the sunshine is pleasant, it is still a bit chilly as I sip tea and write in my journal.

Monday, October 3

The mornings is cool, but the afternoon is warm enough that Clifford is sitting outside minus his T-shirt to do a sewing project while I find myself a nice spot to play the fiddle where I won’t be likely to disturb any neighbors.

Wednesday, October 5

Today we make a trip to Ely for errands and admire the murals on the walls of the old downtown buildings.

Then we make or way to Renaissance Village, a portion of the original mining town that has been restored. Although the Village is closed for the season, we are free to walk the streets and peek in the windows of the buildings. Fascinating to think about all the folks who lived here in the early 1900’s and how much life has changed in the past century.

Sitting Outside the Country Store with an Oldtimer

Back at camp, we are treated to another rich sunset. Today was a fun day in town, and tomorrow we plan to head up the mountain to explore what is that direction.

September 30, 2022January 10, 2025

Montana to Nevada – September 2022

Saturday September 24, 2022

After spending the summer near family in western Montana, Clifford and I are heading south for the winter. I am grateful for all the time I’ve had with family. Despite the early August mosquitoes, hot spell, and forest fire smoke, it was great being in western Montana with my kids and siblings.

It’s a good day for travel with light winds, a great blue sky, and trees just beginning to turn to autumn color as we travel southeast on I-90 along the Clark Fork river.

Clark Fork River Along I-90 in Western Montana

I am grateful for the safe and pleasant drive from my sister’s place where we were camped this summer, to the rest area south of Butte, Montana, where we are spending the night.

Sunset at Rest Area near Butte, Montana, on I-15 South

Sunday September 25, 2022

Sunrise at Rest Area near Butte, Montana on I-15 South

Our travels take us through the ever-changing landscape of southwest Montana.

We take I-15 from the rest area near Butte to the rest area at Dubois, Idaho, grateful for the clean facilities and the large parking area where we find a parking spot on the edge alongside the grass median.

Shrubs at the Dubois Rest Area Attractive in Autumn Colors

Monday September 26 was an overnight stay at the Walmart in Burley, Idaho.

Tuesday September 27, 2022

For the first time, we are traveling south through Nevada to avoid going through Salt Lake City. We stay on I-15 until turning south on US highway 93 at Idaho Springs, Idaho.

Tonight we are at the pullover north of Wells, Nevada. It was a harder day of travel due to traffic on 93 as well as more wind. We sure are glad to get to this spot safely and after picking up trash, I take a few photos of the rather scenic desert landscape.

View from the Pullout North of Wells, Nevada

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Cougar (our RV) at Pullout North of Wells, Nevada at Sunrise

Our destination today is Cave Lake Nevada State Park near Ely, Nevada. About half way between Wells and Ely, Nevada, we stop at the Schellbourne Rest Stop which features kiosks that recount the history of the Pony Express, highlighting the bravery and hardships of the young men who traversed Nevada on their route delivering mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to San Francisco, California in 1860.

Schellbourne Rest Stop Features the Pony Express

Nevada Landscape Near Schellbourne Rest Stop

We arrive at Cave Lake Nevada State Park by mid-afternoon. It is perfect timing for us to catch the park ranger and get the Annual Nevada State Park Pass. The ranger is very nice to take the time for us since he was on his way out.

My research on the two campgrounds indicated that Elk Flat is more favorable for RVs, but since the headquarters is at Cave Lake Campground where we met the ranger, we camp here.

Our campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park Near Ely, Nevada

There is a very scenic view from the only pull-through site, but it is really tricky leveling because of the curve and slope of the land. The landscape is a juniper and opinion pine forest with views of mountains, hills, and mesas all around.

View from our Campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park

We like what we see and are treated to a beautiful sunset at the end of the day. I am grateful to be here!

Sunset from our Campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park

Friday, September 30. September comes to a close with reading Seven Spiritual Laws and sipping hot tea, as I enjoy the egg sandwich that Clifford made for breakfast. I am very happy there are showers at this campground, quite the luxury for our traveling lifestyle. I am grateful to be alive, savoring the beauty and the perfection of the moment.

Time for Tea at Cave Lake Nevada State Park

June 15, 2022May 1, 2024

Divide Bridge, Montana – June 2022

We are pleased to have arrived at Divide Bridge Campground along the Big Hole River in southwest Montana. This is one of our favorite stopping spots as we travel north and south as full-time “snow birds.” We pulled in here yesterday afternoon in time to set up before dark and for me to take photos of the river, the trees, and the rocky outcrop overlooking the campground right at sunset. Soft golden glow added to the peaceful tranquility of this place. Even though the history of this land is not so peaceful with deadly fighting between the Nez Perce Indians and the US soldiers in 1877, at this present time we feel safe and are happy to be here.

Evening Sunlight on the Outcrop Above Divide Bridge Campground

Early Evening Sunlight on the Big Hole River

The day after our arrival is a day to relax, enjoying being in one spot for a few days. The Big Hole River is full and lively, aspens and willows have leafed out, and although it is mostly overcast, it is still pleasant to sit outside with my journal, a cup of French press coffee, the river flowing along right in front of me. I love the smell and sound of the river, the happy bird songs, and the sunlight playing on leaves and water when it peeks through the clouds. I am very happy to be alive and to be right here now.

The Aspens at Divide Bridge Campground Newly leafed Out

French Press Coffee and Journal at the Big Hole River

Clifford enjoys sitting out as much as I do. One of the days here, we finish the second Mountain Man shirt.

The next morning is very cool and overcast but still peaceful.

The river flowing by so close is mesmerizing. I’d like to have my home by a river. Even though it is chilly, (the high was 53), there is enough sun peeking through the rapidly moving cumulus clouds that I am excited to be out walking and taking photos. I meet one of the neighbors walking his dog and walk to the day use area with him. It is nice to have someone to walk and chat with.

Later I walk up the hill to the tree line and get one bar of cell service. I am able to connect with my daughters for texts, which is what I hoped to accomplish. Along the way, I find several varieties of wildflowers and enjoy photographing them despite the wind .

Near one cluster of rocks, I find an old grave with a wooden marker. What a beautiful place to have a remembrance of a life lived in this valley. The rocks on this slope are covered with with lichen more colorful than any I’ve seen anywhere else.

Grave Marker for Dennis O’Boyle – Irish Angel

Brief glimpses of sunlight coax me out on many short outings during the day. Each day I notice the river getting higher and higher. A spot where I found mushrooms nestled in tree roots is totally under water the next day.

Big Hole River Higher and Getting Higher

Our last full day is again chilly and blustery, but I am grateful for the cooler temperatures compared to the heat wave across much of the nation and Europe. I am grateful that Cougar (our RV) is warm, the yerba matte tea is hot, and the view of the river is enchanting.

I finish reading The Tao of Abundance. It is good to read about and understand a much more peaceful and authentic way to live. In my journal I have a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh that supports this understanding of a harmonious way of life.

“Happiness is possible only when you stop running and cherish the present moment and who you are.”

I am grateful for the days we have had camped here at Divide Bridge and I am looking forward to seeing family soon.

June 10, 2022April 18, 2024

Pioche, Nevada, to Divide Bridge, Montana – June 2022

After spending two weeks at Meadow Valley Campground east of Pioche, Nevada, Clifford and I pack up Cougar (our RV) and head back to Pioche at the beginning of June, again finding a spot in the RV park on the edge of town. I definitely miss the scenic setting and the wild flowers at Meadow Valley, but I think an important step to inner peace is not to lament what has been left behind, but to be open to new “pieces of perfection.” I sit outside after going for a walk, appreciating the gorgeous blue sky as I enjoy a cup of french press coffee and write in my journal.

Pioche gives us a chance to get caught up with email and other internet related activities before we begin the trip north to Montana. While here, we take time to explore town a bit more, noticing old buildings including the original Lincoln County Courthouse built in 1872 at great expense to the town. The Overland Hotel and Saloon was originally a boarding house and bar, which burned to the ground in 1940 and was replaced in 1948. A few miner’s cabins still remain.

Lincoln County Courthouse, Pioche, Nevada, Built 1872

Mining Related Building in Pioche, Nevada

We have lunch at Gunslinger Subs. This building was once the blacksmith shop and its original construction is still evident. It is a bit of a museum in itself.

Gunslinger Sub Cafe with Tintype of Billy the Kid

We plot our journey to Montana and decide not to try to make it to Seeley Lake in Montana by Father’s Day. It was tentatively a destination with family, but too much of a push for us to get there in two weeks.

After just a couple of days, we begin the journey from Pioche to Ely, Nevada, mostly a straight shot north on US highway 93. Except for Connors Pass over the Schell Creek Range at nearly 8,000 feet, it is a relatively easy journey.

Nevada Landscape North of Pioche, Nevada

Ely is a one-night stand to do laundry, go to the market, and we park overnight at the Silver Sage Truck Stop. It’s very trashy on the perimeters of the parking lot but at least it is quiet.

Our next one-night stop is about 10 miles north of Wells, Nevada, at a pullout that provides some privacy from the highway behind a small stand of junipers. I pick up trash along the fence where we are going to park, and then we take advantage of the internet to catch up on email and texts.

Pullout North of Wells, Nevada off US Highway 93

View to the South from Pullout North of Wells, Nevada off US Highway 93

Our next night is spent at the Burley, Idaho, Walmart. We are happy to find a spot along the edge of the lot next to grass and a tree. This is the opportunity to get stocked up on supplies and groceries. Despite our travels, I have kept up with Duolingo this past week and rise to #1 in the Diamond League, which is especially rewarding since I lost my streak while we were two weeks without internet at Meadow Valley. I have also kept up with Qigong live classes as often as internet allows.

From Burley we travel to the rest area at Dubois, Idaho, about 50 miles north Idaho Falls, off I-15.

Dubois Rest Area is a good stopping place as the rest rooms are clean and the lot is large. The first time we stayed here, it was almost empty, but now it is a paved lot and fills with travelers and semis by evening. We are fortunate to get a spot on the outside next to the grass median. I always pick up a bag or two of trash when we are here, which makes a more pleasant place for us to spend the night and nicer for the next travelers. It is here we discover damage to our storage rack, grateful we didn’t lose anything, and it is repaired with wire and gorilla tape.

A week after leaving Meadow Valley, we arrive at Divide Bridge Campground in southwest Montana, about 40 miles north of Dillon and 15 miles south of Butte. What a relief to be here! Not only are we here, but one of the sites right alongside the Big Hole River is available. These sites are always my favorite. The river is high and I am looking forward to walking about to take photos the next few days.

Campsite Along the Big Hole River at Divide Bridge Campground, Montana

May 31, 2022March 13, 2024

Meadow Valley – part 3

Globe Mallow at Meadow Valley Campground

Some days here at Meadow Valley BLM Campground are rather breezy to windy, just as it was in Arizona. I am trying to be more at peace with the wind, seeing it as mother nature’s “wild child,” talking to it as though to soothe a petulant youngster.

One chilly morning, 34 degrees, I walk down the road where I can catch the sunlight on the vegetation on the rock face. As I wait, the chilly wind nearly drives me back inside. Brrr….

However, the daytime temperatures have been in the 70’s, so no complaints there. I enjoy sitting out with yerba matte tea, having more time to read inspirational material since I don’t have internet to distract me with texting or checking email.

And then my laptop hard drive fails, so I can’t even work on projects like editing or writing blogs. This is not a happy event, but now I have even more time for reading and journaling. I contemplate the Buddhist Eight Noble Truths, as well as dwell on my own daily intentions of mindfulness, the allowing of well-being, and surrounding myself with beauty. Well, this is certainly a place for that to be easy and joyful to accomplish. I also think about the Martha and Mary quandary I have faced for years. Here I have more opportunity to find a better balance between these two aspects of myself.

One of our projects is to make a mountain-man shirt for Clifford. I read (like reed, not red) the pattern and pin, he cuts and sews.

The shirt turns out quite well and he wears it when he and I go for a longer hike up the drainage. We see a rock cairn in the wash at the beginning of the trail.

The trail is rugged and wildflowers are abundant, including prickly pear blossoms seen for the first time in all of the walking about that I have done. Eventually we arrive at a spring where the landscape and dense vegetation force us to turn back. Great hike.

.Besides the daily hikes, I look forward to sitting outside with reading material, my journal, and French press coffee, adjusting for sun or shade as need be. Lizards and birds, butterflies and ladybugs come to visit. Life is quite delightful and our allotted two weeks passes quickly. I am sorry to leave the rugged hills with their blooming shrubs and wildflowers, but we have Montana with family to look forward to.

Saying Good-bye to the Rugged Landscape and Vegetation at Meadow Valley

May 21, 2022March 13, 2024

Meadow Valley – Part 2 – May 2022

Stansbury Cliffrose at Meadow Valley Campground

Clifford and I are camped at Meadow Valley Campground east of Pioche, Nevada. We are have only been here a few days, but we really like this scenic setting. In the early mornings, as the rising sun lights up the hillsides, evening primroses are abundant, adding to the delightfulness of my morning walkabout.

Every day I hike somewhere, sometimes through the campsites beyond us before winding through the tent sites on the other side of the wash and then further up the drainage where it deepens into an arroyo. Walking the path to the far side of the wash, I discover a pocket of claret cup, also known as king cup cacti.

Every day there are more wildflowers; such fun for me!

Indian Paint Brush and Stansbury”s Cliffrose

A project Clifford takes on is turning dirty water to much cleaner usable water via filtering through various types and layers of fabric. It looks messy, but it is surprising how well it works, as he started out with dirty water and came out with clear water.

One of our first days here, we walk up the highway to the border of the Spring Valley State Park.

State Highway 322 to Spring Valley Nevada State Park

It is a very scenic walk and a patch of red catches my attention. I am excited to find Indian Paintbrush not far off the highway,

Castilleja (Indian Paintbrush) Near the Spring Valley State Park Boundary

A Healthy Clump of Indian Paintbrush by Sagebrush

If we weren’t still hitched up, we would have driven there to further explore the state park. As it is, it is a good long walk for us and I am glad it is downhill getting back to camp.

Back at camp, we enjoy sitting in the shade of junipers, relaxing after our outing.