January 31, 2018 partial lunar eclipse
I’ve been planning for weeks to shoot the moon, preparing as best I can, and hoping for clear skies for January 20th’s total lunar eclipse.
Almost funny how I sat around for months at home doing a whole lot of nothing except shooting my local Weaver Mountains and labeling photos taken many months ago. Then, I decided to volunteer at the local Community Center thrift store and present at Club Yarnell. Now it seems I’m busy all the time. Well not quite every day. In fact after working five hours helping with receiving, checking in donations, clean items, price and place, surprising how tired I was. It’s fun to see what is donated, from junk people should have thrown away to brand new. In fact I scored a set of new in-package flannel sheets for $6. I do love getting a deal.
Taken with phone by a friend
The presentation about Grand Canyon geology went great. About 20 people showed up and all gave positive feedback. I’ve been invited back to speak about the California Condor recovery program in Arizona. I totally loved this and almost felt like I was a Park Ranger again, but without the hat. Most of it was videoed but I haven’t had a chance to look at it yet.
Storm over the valley from Yarnell Hill SR89
Sunrise reveals snow on Antelope Peak
I’ve been driving a couple of locals to doctor appointments and shopping to help out and earn a few bucks. A trip to Wickenburg Saturday had a storm chasing us home followed by heavy rain overnight and snow on the mountains in the morning. It is winter after all, even in Arizona when living at almost 5,000 feet.
Bradshaw Mountains from Iron Springs Road to Prescott
Although I’m not much of a shopper I took a local friend to Prescott Monday and we ended up at way too many stores but didn’t have time for Costco. I’m now stocked up for a short journey.
Yet I won’t go camping without propane tanks. Sadly, the old tanks—could be original from 1998—can no longer be refitted and re-certified. I feared the time would come when nobody would fill them. Only other choice is replacement, and the damn things are not cheap being horizontal 5-gallon containers at about $150 each. They’re on order but not here yet.
I’m hoping to leave Friday. But honestly, sitting home today in front of a heater, watching pouring rain and enlarging puddles with a forecast predicting cloudy skies for Sunday, makes it difficult to get excited about this idea to go anywhere but home to shoot the moon.
June 27, 2018 full moon rise
But it’s a Super Blood Moon, and the last total lunar eclipse to grace Earth’s sky until May 26, 2021. And one of my 2019 challenges is to get out and shoot the night sky. Time will tell, it’s only Tuesday.
Well, maybe, you have launched a new career, but, get a hat and a shirt. It will give you an air of credibility and authority on your subject matter and be fun…col!
Still, there will be a lot to do to hone your presentation and kit, and find the work. Hoping it all bears fruit for you, Gaelyn.
I contribute to a few organizations whose mission is to fight and preserve our natural assets and outdoor heritage. These organizations put on programs and fundraisers, so maybe there could be some opportunity there to give fee presentations.
ONDA. Wild Earth Guardians. Sierra Club. SUWA. ETC.
Been working on some pitches for nearby RV/snowbird parks and started collecting testimonials. Nice thing about presenting as a Ranger for 30 years is having friends in the business. I will add those, and other, conservation orgs to the growing list, thanks.
So glad to hear you so upbeat. Sounds like you’ve been busy and enjoying it. Your title made me laugh and think about college jokes. Your moon shots are “super”. Can’t wait to see the next ones. I always seem to be under cloudy skies fir these events.
PS 90% chance of rain here on the 20th :((((((
Maybe if warmer I’d shoot the moon at the moon. 😉 Just about enough busyness and still need to add income. 10% chance of seeing it in FL.
Your photo from Yarnell Hill is spectacular. What a sky! So good to hear you are out giving talks. I am sure they are very informative and enjoyable. Sure hope the sky cooperates for the eclipse!
Thanks. Was glad I brought my camera along.
Very nice to see you presenting, Gaelyn. I hear you on the Florida percentages. Weather Underground has a rain spike for us on Sunday. Better chance of seeing a gator moon me.
Sure was fun and I’m pushing forward to present some more. If a gator moons you please be sure to take a picture. 😉
I just love your moon shots and I hope that you have the perfect sky for the 20th. I am quite sure here all we will see is cloud!! Glad to hear you are getting out a bit, and it sounds like you are enjoying the extra bits of help you are giving aound and about and also the talk. Keep well and take care, Diane and Nigel
Thanks. Right now I’m looking at cloud to the ground.
What a fun time you are having keeping busy and the presentations about what your know about would be wonderful . Good luck with the moon on Sunday , hopefully the weather will be clear enough for you
If the propane tanks arrive in time I’ll be down south hoping to see the moon.
Not much chance of seeing the eclipse along the coast, hope it is clear in the Kofa so you can share what we will miss.
I’m crossing fingers for propane and clear skies. Partly cloudy still in the prediction.
I’m excited to see your moon shots — and hopeful on your propane tanks ….. sounds as if you are living a productive and happy life. And at least you are volunteering on purpose and not because ‘someone’ told you you had to!
I hope I get to see the moon. I’d rather choose to work for free, just not always.
Glad to read you are back on track. Hope the shoot goes well.
Thanks. The desert will be good either way.
You sound busy, Gaelyn, and planning a trip is good. I didn’t even know about the eclipse. I like your landscape and lunar shots. Safe trip – get some good shots. It’s snowing here in Breck. (I think maybe I’m going to be able to comment finally – I haven’t been able to in awhile. Hope you get this!)
Crossing my fingers for clear skies for the eclipse. You just keep your beautiful snow. Glad you can comment again.
Good for you for keeping busy volunteering. I go out twice a week. I hope the moon works out for you!
Crossing fingers for the moon.
I’m just hoping that we have clear skies for the eclipse. Them danged propane tanks are sky high!!
Predicted partly cloudy Sunday night. $380 for two tanks. Ouch!