Thanks to Berta’s mail forwarding my electrolytes arrived in time for the river trip (Note the beautiful new necklace Mike recently bought me. Go ahead, enlarge it. Please look at the necklace, not at me. 😉
For a change I drove and Mike took photos, documenting our drive to town through landscape diversity.
Through ponderosa pine and aspen forest…
…over meadows…
…of wildflowers.
The subtle rise in elevation introduces fir and spruce into the mix.
Reflecting on how the cycle of forest life should be,
including a five year old lightning strike fire.
Dropping off the Kaibab Plateau into the juniper/pinyon woodlands,
offers a peak at what lies below and…
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
…beyond.
From a different perspective down in the valley.
Welcome to Fredonia, Arizona
Today, a hike to Cape Final is in the plan. Oh yea, and packing for the River Trip!
Definitely recognize the scenery of a route I've driven many times. Views toward GSENM while dropping off the plateau are superb.
Simply beautifully captured shots…lovely!
What a lovely drive you have to go to town! It reminds me of our drive from the Sierra foothills down to Sacramento.
Love the photos but Mikes present is gorgeous. Best of luck on the river. Diane
Have fun on the river trip.
I find that picture of all the dead trees to be the most beautiful!
Ahh, yes, I remember Fredonia! And, the lightning strike fire zone, too! We're heading to Arizona on Friday…up to the Mogollon Rim!
Wow – how I love that drive through Kaibab and coming out onto the overlook. It's totally stunning especially if you're not expecting it.
The seventh photo of the tree skeletons is my favorite in this set! Though I am officially a sucker for all rearview mirror shots…like jumping, they never get old!
What a beautiful drive! I too like that shot of the tree skeletons.
A beautiful drive that I envy. Such variety and an ever-changing landscape. Oh, and your necklace is beautiful! Like your bracelet, too.
Beautiful pictures as usual and I am green with envy over the river trip.
Lotto, guns, ammo, beer… Life in the fast lane!!
Keep on showing us where you go! 😉
such a beautiful trip!!!
best wishes and blessings from Spain,
elena
Gorgeous! cant wait to see pics from your River trip~ Your necklace and other jewelry are very nice! Looks lovely on you..Me thinks you were or are part Native American.
I hope you are having as much fun as I am. Nice necklace too. MB
The necklace is lovely, Gaelyn, and so are you. No doubt Mike thinks so.
Great photo series of the change in terrain through the altitude changes. I love driving from desert to mountains in Utah and seeing all the diversity.
The scenery is fantastic, specially that view down the road towards the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Your photos and story make me miss the west so much! I do not know when I will return but I am feeling the strong pull of the Rockies right now!
Hi Gaelyn, somehow I've missed your posts in recent weeks and began to worry. I scrolled onto your site and thank goodness, there you were still fine and still sharing your beautiful part of the world. What a lovely trip the Wild West Town of my imagination! I LOVE that you wear bracelets and necklaces; reminds me of me, LOL. Wonderful photos of you and the landscape. Good on Mike. Hugs. Jo