This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 13 readers including, no surprise Southwest rock features, some camouflaged wildlife, and me as an early Ranger.
Yogi chose #6494. Not only is the Paul Sauer bridge an icon in South Africa, it crosses the deep and narrow Storms River gorge near Tsitsikamma National Park.
Diane and Nigel chose #503. She is an amazing photographer of small life, like flowers, birds, and lizards. Sadly I am not. Look closely for the well camouflaged Short Horned Lizard not more than 3” long. Unless they’re moving often go unnoticed. Saw this creature along the two-track North Rim Lookout Tower trail at Grand Canyon’s northern border.
Sue chose #3421, “for the date of my first COVID shot.” She’s been ‘horsing around’ [SIC] for a while to get an appointment. This was my RV window view first season at Bryce Canyon through the forest to the trail-ride’s horse corral.
Jo chose #2000, the time she posted her comment. This is a view of the Drakensburg Mountains, in her backyard, from the time I backpacked into them guided by her son John.
Jodee and Bill chose #2233. When I hesitantly moved into a RV park along the railroad tracks I never thought I’d get so many awesome photos of them, especially sunset shots.
Cathy chose #0914. Looking quiet and cold at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim before the opening of summer season taken 4-27-14.
Doris chose #9851. A view of the amphitheater at Cedar Breaks National Monument from Chessmen Ridge overlook. I was there for the wildflower festival, equally glorious. BTW, it’s the same rock/hoodoos as Bryce Canyon.
Rita chose #9999, a popular choice over the years. This distant view of desert, mesas, and snow covered mountains was taken 2-19-19 northwest of Lake Pleasant Regional Park along Cow Creek Road. Joann and I took a day trip that day and loved it so much went back to camp for my birthday the end of March.
Jim and Diana chose #2158, “the time for Tuesday’s Starlink launch.” Could this sandstone rock formation at White Pocket look like the cone of a rocket?
Sherry chose #8823. She is a much better bird photographer than I, though she gets more practice. Usually birds are too quick and flighty for me. Got lucky with this well camouflaged Spotted Eagle Owl in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa.
Sallie and Bill chose #79. My first season as a Ranger, the summer of 1992, at Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument. Here giving a volcano talk at Windy Ridge overlook at the end of Forest Road 99 in the blast zone.
Lisa chose #7777. This is Navajo Bridge crossing the Colorado River. I am standing on the upriver now walking bridge. Look closely in the girders for Condor’s #01 and 30. A great place to stop along SR87 in Marble Canyon, Arizona.
Jeff chose #4599 for what he just paid for diesel fuel in California. Yikes! I paid $3.19/gal in Quartzsite, Arizona today. His price is comparable to the fuel I bought per liter in South African in 2014, when I traveled to Kruger National Park where I saw this giraffe.
From my last camp just before sunset.
Thank you for playing along with Foto Friday Fun which allows me to share these photographs and memories. For more of the story just follow the links. Please join in next week by leaving a number between 0001 and 9999 in your comment.
Do you have a favorite this week?
Condors and giraffes…so much to like this week. That is definitely an unlaunched rocket. Speaking of rockets, this week’s was a success, if a bit late. Let’s do 544 for next week, the time of Sunday’s Starlink 21 launch. They just keep coming!
I am always surprised when a ‘theme’ shows up on all these random pics, but then some weeks not so much. #544 for this week. Keep on watching.
Lots to enjoy here today and a number of great memories for us. The favourite has to be the rail road tracks, you took so many of them and each one is a delight to look at. Not sure that I have ever seen a Short Horned Lizard, but as I never had a good camera when living in RSA I would have nothing to check back on. My Brownie Box just was not good at taking photos of animals, though I think most of my Mum’s photos travelling in 1953 were taken with a box camera!!. I wish we had seen the Condors when we visited the bridge with you but it was not to be. So many memories of Storms River, firstly camping there with my Mum in 1978 and since several times with Nigel.
1203 for next week please. Enjoy your weekend and hope you have some great sunsets.
Hugs from us both. Diane and Nigel
Thanks. So fun when my memories bring back memories for you also. Never saw a lizard like this one in RSA. I too started shooting with a hand-me-down Brownie Box. Last night’s sunset at a new camp was pretty good. #1203 for next week.
Hello Gaelyn, firstly let me say how HAPPY I am to be back on this Friday post. Thank you for the awesome images. I am looking at the Central Drakensberg peaks right now It’s fall/autumn in SA and the weather is brilliant with clear blue skies. Diane is a great photographer; I am green with envy. But like her your railroad tracks are the BEST. With sunsets they are spectacular. I am taken back to a happier time on our motorbike across the Storms River bridge – many time. You take stunning landscape photos. You are GOOD my friend. My number for next week is 6110 – part of my vehicle registration number. Have a great weekend. Jo
Thanks. I’m sure glad to see you back. A little envious of your mountain view. I’m sure they are very green from all the rain you’ve had. #6110 for next week.
The condors and the photo of your 1992 interp are my two favorites this week. I love the contrast between the photo you are holding and the landscape around you. What a cool place to be a ranger! Number 6307 for next week, please.
St Helens is where it all started for me rangering. And my boss there is my boss at Bryce. #6307 for next week.
Great opportunity you had to take some GORGEOUS railroad track photos. I’ve seen some of your others and have my faves. I have yet to get a shot of the condors hanging out under Navajo Bridge- all in the timing likely. My pic this week is quite fitting. We have snow on the ground for a few days. Think I might rather be in your current neck of the woods. Great outing up the Tower and what a creative way to leave your mark on the page. Next week # 0629
Thanks. I never, and still don’t, chase RR tracks but it worked. I don’t always get lucky with Condors at the bridge but it’s a likely place. I am glad not to be looking at snow. You’re always welcome to join me in the desert. #0629 for next week.
You look so young in 1992 and to be working at Mt. St. Helens. We lived in Salem, Oregon when it occurred and Dolly collected a jar of volcanic dust from our street. Still have it.
LOL! I was young in 1992. Weren’t you? 😉 I have pumice.
I saw the Lizard in your picture. Love the spotted owl. Owls are hard to photograph. Great giraffe picture too and the railroad tracks as well as your last shot of a your campsite view. Really beautiful all, My favorite is you in what appears to be pony tails. That’s how I was wearing my hair around that time and before. I’ve gone back to it now that I have no one to cut my hair. I’ll take # 330 for next week.
Thanks. I have seen very few owls, they hide very well. My hair isn’t long enough for pony tails anymore and I feel ready for a haircut anyway. #330 for next week.
Fun photos all, I love the bridges and the railroad tracks especially. and the saguaros.
Take care, 2284 for next week.
Hi Gaelyn, What a lovely variety of photo’s this week and difficult to choose a fav .Love the one of you at your first season as a Ranger,how exciting that must have been and I wonder if you knew you were going to be a Ranger for so long,now we all know you are dedicated to your dream. My fav this week is the Horse Corral at Bryce Canyon. Take care and stay safe. Would like No 3807 for next week please.
Thanks. I knew early in my first season as a Ranger I was hooked. Because I rarely think/plan more than six months ahead, I had no idea I’d still be a Ranger 29 seasons later this summer. Back to Bryce mid-April. So, you might see more of that horse corral. #3807 for next week.
I don’t think we’ve ever been to Cedar Breaks… wonder how that could have happened. Loved seeing you as a newish Ranger not too far up the Freeway from where we are now.
I remember being awed by your train track photos before, and now it makes me yearn for travel…by any means. Maybe again someday (I get my vaccine Monday, so that’s at least a start…And if OK I’ll take that date for next week for luck. ..315 .
Cedar Breaks is a smaller, and frequently less visited, version of Bryce, at 10,000 ft. Even I want to travel. #315 for this week.
Another great group of photos. The rail road tracks is my favorite this week. #317 for this week please.
Thanks. #317 for this week.
I too like the unique ‘nose cone’ you found while exploring White pocket. Today is March 14, Pi Day. For next week I’d like 3141 in tribute of Pi Day.
Who knew? So many unusual shapes at White Pocket, including ice cream swirls for the Pi. #3141 for this week.
I drove across the old Navajo bridge many years ago; considering it a 1.5 lane bridge. With the new bridge I love that the old bridge was preserved as a foot bridge.
I too am glad the original bridge is there to walk on.