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On Sunday we hiked out about 4 miles into the Arizona desertinto an area known as Buckskin Gulch. This was the first of the slot canyons we would be photographing. These tight canyons are amazing with theirsmooth, red sandstone walls that have formed over the years from flash floodsrushing through them. If heavy rains areon the horizon, you don’t go into these canyons as you can be trapped by therising water and not make it out alive. It can be easily be 20 degrees cooler in the canyons so they are fun tobe in. The photographic possibilitiesseem endless. People come from all overthe world to see and photograph these canyons.
On Monday we met our guide, Charlie (originally fromGermany), at 7am and headed out for the first of two canyons that are onprivate land that his service has exclusive access to. We hiked about 100 feet down a rocky cliffarea into a slot canyon knows as Canyon X. We were immediately impressed and knew it was going to be a goodday. After several hours and lunchinside the canyon it was time to pay the big price and hike back up the rockycliff to his vehicle.
A quick trip back to town to pick up another two guys and itwas off to Secret Canyon. To get to thecanyon involves transferring into a Hummer H2 and traversing some seriousterrain. We had to go down and back up a45 degree rock climb and at one point we leaned so far over to the side goingover the rocks that the front right wheel was not on the ground. Of course, Jason thought this was great. There was a high speed high bank turn in softsand that got your attention, as well. After experiencing one in its element, I have to say that Hummers areimpressive. This canyon was even betterthan the first one. It was a one milehike from where we parked, flat ground but much of it in soft sand. A real day at the beach.
The sun was setting as we finished up a long day with ourguide. We were pooped but after dinnerit was time to talk about getting up before sunrise on Tuesday. Only one of us made it up. More on Tuesday later.
23 Haziran 2012 Cumartesi
Glacier National Park in June
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Kelly and I arrive in Calgary, Alberta last Wednesday evening and made ourway down to Montana to photograph in Glacier National Park. I knew it was going to be too early in theseason for some aspects of the park but I also felt this time of the year wouldpresent us with a different view than the normal mid-summer weather and it surehas.
We have had our share of stormy weather but it has given us great skies andclouds to work with. We have had rainbut that brings rainbows. The groundsquirrels are in all the meadows just chirping away their warnings to others ofyour approach and there is something special about sitting in a meadow offlowers and listening to them, even if you can’t see them. A few are in more habituated areas and allowtheir photo to be taken and, of course, I did.
Kelly has been a great spotter of wildlife and we have seen elk, deer, moose,brown and black bears, bald eagles and more. I have to say that photographing a scene down by a river far from anyonewith a bald eagle flying around looking for a meal is an incredible joy.
One evening as we were photographing sunset at Wild Goose Island, one ofthe young park rangers was sitting at the lookout and playing his guitar andsinging to his girlfriend some modern folk music. He plays at some of the night programs for thepark and he is an incredible talent. It wasprobably the most enjoyable sunset photography experience I have ever had.
The road to the top of the park just opened Tuesday at noon so we have awhole new area to work. I’ll get somephotos of that area posted in the next entry. We’ll rise at 4am again tomorrow and I can wait to see what it brings us.
We have had our share of stormy weather but it has given us great skies andclouds to work with. We have had rainbut that brings rainbows. The groundsquirrels are in all the meadows just chirping away their warnings to others ofyour approach and there is something special about sitting in a meadow offlowers and listening to them, even if you can’t see them. A few are in more habituated areas and allowtheir photo to be taken and, of course, I did.
Kelly has been a great spotter of wildlife and we have seen elk, deer, moose,brown and black bears, bald eagles and more. I have to say that photographing a scene down by a river far from anyonewith a bald eagle flying around looking for a meal is an incredible joy.
One evening as we were photographing sunset at Wild Goose Island, one ofthe young park rangers was sitting at the lookout and playing his guitar andsinging to his girlfriend some modern folk music. He plays at some of the night programs for thepark and he is an incredible talent. It wasprobably the most enjoyable sunset photography experience I have ever had.
The road to the top of the park just opened Tuesday at noon so we have awhole new area to work. I’ll get somephotos of that area posted in the next entry. We’ll rise at 4am again tomorrow and I can wait to see what it brings us.
Going to the Sun Road
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They began clearing the snow April 1 and finally got the road open June19. As you can see, there was some serioussnow piled up. The walkways around theLogan Pass visitor center at the top were like a snow maze. The snow from the visitor center area has tobe trucked down the mountain as there really isn’t a place to put it.
I have always heard that the Going to the Sun Road that crosses the park andgoes over the high pass is one of the most incredible drives on theplanet. I see no reason to disagree basedon the variety and large number of beautiful mountain peaks you see in everydirection. It was great to see it whenit first opens for the season and it would also be great to come back one yearin September in the fall when the look is totally different and you are able tohike to some additional views near the summit.
Kelly spotted a black bear that others nearby did not see (she still refersto it as “my bear”) and we got a great image of it. It was one of the largest black bears I haveever seen. I think it managed to eatjust fine over the winter. Since it wasspring, we were looking for some ground squirrel babies and finally found someon our last day. They are about onefourth the size of the adults and just as cute as they can be.
I hope the variety of images properly presents what we have been able toexperience and photograph here. Our nextmission is to Iceland in July, where it does get dark for about an hour aday. It’s going to be good.
I have always heard that the Going to the Sun Road that crosses the park andgoes over the high pass is one of the most incredible drives on theplanet. I see no reason to disagree basedon the variety and large number of beautiful mountain peaks you see in everydirection. It was great to see it whenit first opens for the season and it would also be great to come back one yearin September in the fall when the look is totally different and you are able tohike to some additional views near the summit.
Kelly spotted a black bear that others nearby did not see (she still refersto it as “my bear”) and we got a great image of it. It was one of the largest black bears I haveever seen. I think it managed to eatjust fine over the winter. Since it wasspring, we were looking for some ground squirrel babies and finally found someon our last day. They are about onefourth the size of the adults and just as cute as they can be.
I hope the variety of images properly presents what we have been able toexperience and photograph here. Our nextmission is to Iceland in July, where it does get dark for about an hour aday. It’s going to be good.
Junior Ranger Austin at Montezuma's Castle
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Here is Austin receiving his official certificate from the NPS Ranger. Below he is told what he needs to do at the park in order to recieve his badge.
Mother pinning the "official" badge on a proud new junior ranger! Below, the cliff-dwelling Castle.
Caught this butterfly on a cactus flower just outside the visitor center door.
Here are more pics of the Castle.
Jennifer, Nancy and Austin enjoying a beautiful, relaxing day in the park.
Austin, proudly showing his newest badge, and he is wearing his junior ranger hat from Yellowstone NP. Below he is running up the road to the motorhome, as we stopped along the way to Flagstaff/Williams. We visited Grand Canyon later and I will blog that later as well.
Looking back from where the MH was parked down at the visitor's center. Below, Jennifer, Nancy & Austin.
Sometimes, words are hard to come by in describing a moment in a young man's life.
Grandma filling in the blanks on Austin's work sheet that will be used to grade his accomplishments for his badge. Below, Mother thinking about how nice it is to get away once in a while. We were so glad to have her & Austin visit us for the week. Just wish all our grandchildren and parents could be with us sharing the precious memories.
I will always be amazed at our early Native Americans and their accomplishments in building & construction as they survived many generations in this Verde Valley of Arizona.
Austin in front of one of his items needed for identifying on his worksheet: Prickley Pear Cactus. And below, he is signing his certificate.
What a fun side trip to Montezuma's Castle. Now, on to Williams RV Park and further adventures (and more badges) to far away places. Till then and our next blog, Joe & Nancy, the RVing Beach Bums.
Here is Austin receiving his official certificate from the NPS Ranger. Below he is told what he needs to do at the park in order to recieve his badge. Mother pinning the "official" badge on a proud new junior ranger! Below, the cliff-dwelling Castle. Caught this butterfly on a cactus flower just outside the visitor center door.Here are more pics of the Castle. Jennifer, Nancy and Austin enjoying a beautiful, relaxing day in the park. Austin, proudly showing his newest badge, and he is wearing his junior ranger hat from Yellowstone NP. Below he is running up the road to the motorhome, as we stopped along the way to Flagstaff/Williams. We visited Grand Canyon later and I will blog that later as well. Looking back from where the MH was parked down at the visitor's center. Below, Jennifer, Nancy & Austin.Sometimes, words are hard to come by in describing a moment in a young man's life. Grandma filling in the blanks on Austin's work sheet that will be used to grade his accomplishments for his badge. Below, Mother thinking about how nice it is to get away once in a while. We were so glad to have her & Austin visit us for the week. Just wish all our grandchildren and parents could be with us sharing the precious memories. I will always be amazed at our early Native Americans and their accomplishments in building & construction as they survived many generations in this Verde Valley of Arizona. Austin in front of one of his items needed for identifying on his worksheet: Prickley Pear Cactus. And below, he is signing his certificate.What a fun side trip to Montezuma's Castle. Now, on to Williams RV Park and further adventures (and more badges) to far away places. Till then and our next blog, Joe & Nancy, the RVing Beach Bums.Pine Flat Lake/Island Park Near Fresno, CA
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Here is the Corps of Engineers Dam holding Pine Flat Lake, about 30 miles east of Fresno, CA. Our time at the Island Park Campground was a lot of fun. We volounteered for the Corps for a campsite with full hookups. We arrived on April 9 and checked out on June 9. 
Note how green the hills look when we first arrived. When we departed, the green turned to brown and dry. In fact a few days before we left, a brush fire broke out near the Corps HQ and just below the dam. It consumed about 100 acres of the landscape before the CALFIRE boys put the fire out with helo tankers and a large number of firemen.
There was an abundance of wildlife, especially birds and ground squirrels in the campground. Our hummingbird feeder had anywhere from 2 to 15 birds either on or trying to perch on the feeder. There were so many, that we had to fill up the feeder every other day. Bluebird above and a western Jay below.
Below, a young Jay getting some early morning nourishment from Mother.
Corps HQ pics.
Above, Nancy relaxing after putting in about three hours of weed whacking and clean up around the HQ grounds. It was very warm that day.
The boat ramp into the lake and our Jeep. We had to clean the ramp area about once week, especially after the weekends.
Near the HQ complex, there were a lot of horses (and mules too) that were "open ranged" and therefore were all over the road, so we had to be careful when driving thru. Above, we met Montzong, one of the Rangers and we chatted a bit while were checked out for any "treats" by the gang.
Above, me on the John Deere mower near our site.
The lake and surrounding foothills of the Sierra Nevada western range, was just beautiful and so relaxing, and just plain "homey". I think we'll do this again next spring.
Caught 4 of the birds here. I think the most we saw was like seven at one time. They have a hard time landing when there are birds perched, because their wings disturb the ones already there, so there is a constant movement of confusion of who's next. They had no patience for each other. Below, I was caught splitting some wood for our campfires. We had one just about every evening. Most of my wood came from campers who just left their wood after camping. Suited us just fine! We did get some from the national forrest in Sequoia. Also, note my tackle box, as I did get some fishing in.
What happened to the green hills? No rain for two months, that's what!
Well, we did have a very brief shower rush thru one evening about a week before left. It lasted about three minutes, and moved on up into the mountains. But before departing, it left us this beautiful reminder of a covenant made long ago as assisted by the sun.
Above, Tom, Jake & Sheldon. Tom is the manager of the Dam/Park. The event was a "going away party/pot luck for Jake & Sheldon. Jake, one of the rangers, was leaving to pusue his dreams of touring the country with his blues-rock band and Sheldon, the maintenace supervisor was leaving to take a new job over at Lemoore NAS.
Mike Erskine "roasting" his boss, Sheldon.
Above, most of the rangers. From left, Adam, Jake, Tom, "Bobber" (the rattlesnake killer), Todd, Jerry and Doug, the Senior Ranger. Sara, our coordinator-ranger, worked the night before and couldn't make the luncheon. We had a wonderful relationship with each of the rangers. They made their rounds several times a day thru the campgrounds, boat ramps and the roads in between all of them, a total of about 30 miles round trip each time. They would, just about every time thru, stop by and chat with us, providing info about all our questions, giving us assignments, providing resources and just making us feel at home. Thanks to Sara, Tom and all of the rangers and Sheldon's maintenance crew for the patience, support and encouragement during our stay. We hope to return in February.
Above, a few of the waterfront sites at the campground. There are about 90 sites here, some with FHUs. Below, our home on top of the hill at site #32 proudly displaying our flag.
That little red shed stored most all of our "stuff" while there. I built in a few shelves for more storage area.
Note the brown grass, so volatile!
So ends our stay for this go 'round. Hopefully they will accept our stay in the spring, as soon as we can provide them exact dates. While here, we made several journeys into the mountains and surrounding foothills/lakes. And they will be topics of other blogs, soon. So, till the next time, RVing Beach Bums, Joe & Nancy. I am writing this blog on Thursday, June 21 from the FAMCAMP at Travis AFB near Fairfield, CA.
Here is the Corps of Engineers Dam holding Pine Flat Lake, about 30 miles east of Fresno, CA. Our time at the Island Park Campground was a lot of fun. We volounteered for the Corps for a campsite with full hookups. We arrived on April 9 and checked out on June 9. Note how green the hills look when we first arrived. When we departed, the green turned to brown and dry. In fact a few days before we left, a brush fire broke out near the Corps HQ and just below the dam. It consumed about 100 acres of the landscape before the CALFIRE boys put the fire out with helo tankers and a large number of firemen. There was an abundance of wildlife, especially birds and ground squirrels in the campground. Our hummingbird feeder had anywhere from 2 to 15 birds either on or trying to perch on the feeder. There were so many, that we had to fill up the feeder every other day. Bluebird above and a western Jay below. Below, a young Jay getting some early morning nourishment from Mother. Corps HQ pics.Above, Nancy relaxing after putting in about three hours of weed whacking and clean up around the HQ grounds. It was very warm that day. The boat ramp into the lake and our Jeep. We had to clean the ramp area about once week, especially after the weekends. Near the HQ complex, there were a lot of horses (and mules too) that were "open ranged" and therefore were all over the road, so we had to be careful when driving thru. Above, we met Montzong, one of the Rangers and we chatted a bit while were checked out for any "treats" by the gang.Above, me on the John Deere mower near our site. The lake and surrounding foothills of the Sierra Nevada western range, was just beautiful and so relaxing, and just plain "homey". I think we'll do this again next spring. Caught 4 of the birds here. I think the most we saw was like seven at one time. They have a hard time landing when there are birds perched, because their wings disturb the ones already there, so there is a constant movement of confusion of who's next. They had no patience for each other. Below, I was caught splitting some wood for our campfires. We had one just about every evening. Most of my wood came from campers who just left their wood after camping. Suited us just fine! We did get some from the national forrest in Sequoia. Also, note my tackle box, as I did get some fishing in. What happened to the green hills? No rain for two months, that's what! Well, we did have a very brief shower rush thru one evening about a week before left. It lasted about three minutes, and moved on up into the mountains. But before departing, it left us this beautiful reminder of a covenant made long ago as assisted by the sun.Above, Tom, Jake & Sheldon. Tom is the manager of the Dam/Park. The event was a "going away party/pot luck for Jake & Sheldon. Jake, one of the rangers, was leaving to pusue his dreams of touring the country with his blues-rock band and Sheldon, the maintenace supervisor was leaving to take a new job over at Lemoore NAS.Mike Erskine "roasting" his boss, Sheldon.Above, most of the rangers. From left, Adam, Jake, Tom, "Bobber" (the rattlesnake killer), Todd, Jerry and Doug, the Senior Ranger. Sara, our coordinator-ranger, worked the night before and couldn't make the luncheon. We had a wonderful relationship with each of the rangers. They made their rounds several times a day thru the campgrounds, boat ramps and the roads in between all of them, a total of about 30 miles round trip each time. They would, just about every time thru, stop by and chat with us, providing info about all our questions, giving us assignments, providing resources and just making us feel at home. Thanks to Sara, Tom and all of the rangers and Sheldon's maintenance crew for the patience, support and encouragement during our stay. We hope to return in February. Above, a few of the waterfront sites at the campground. There are about 90 sites here, some with FHUs. Below, our home on top of the hill at site #32 proudly displaying our flag. That little red shed stored most all of our "stuff" while there. I built in a few shelves for more storage area.Note the brown grass, so volatile!So ends our stay for this go 'round. Hopefully they will accept our stay in the spring, as soon as we can provide them exact dates. While here, we made several journeys into the mountains and surrounding foothills/lakes. And they will be topics of other blogs, soon. So, till the next time, RVing Beach Bums, Joe & Nancy. I am writing this blog on Thursday, June 21 from the FAMCAMP at Travis AFB near Fairfield, CA.
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