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Category: monsoon

Monsoon increases negative ions

trees Bradshaw Mts sunset clouds Skull Valley AZMonsoon magic brings delightful clouds, rainbows, crepuscular rays, and plays of light and shadows.  All the activity increases *negative ions and that’s not a bad thing.

yard tree crescent moon Skull Valley AZClear skies are usually full of positive energy, and that might sound good and happy under clear blue sky.  However, our bodies tend toward negative energy that is drawn from the Earth and stormy skies.  It’s all about balance.

grass trees mammatus clouds Skull Valley AZBoy, I needed me some of that energy as much as the parched soil needs water.  Been feeling lazy with no ambition.  It’s been hot.  Even without rain, monsoon causes an increase in humidity.  Anything over 30% feels muggy to me.  I know that’s still dry heat to many.  It’s all relevant to what we grow accustomed to.  That means, running the AC, which I’m not fond of plus shudder at the electric consumption.  Mammatus clouds hung heavy with water yet barely gave a drop.

grass bush Brushy Mt Skull Valley AZ

Years ago while working at Grand Canyon, I described the science behind monsoon here.  The summer weather predictions are repetitive to the point of boredom.  Likely rain and thunderstorm activity typically begins after 11am, comes and goes intermittently, and ends by 11pm.  Sometimes, it rains.

trees Brushy Mt storm clouds crepuscular rays Skull Valley AZThe cloud show captivates as cumulus clouds (fluffy and white with flat bottoms) gather into cumulonimbus clouds with darker bottoms that may produce thunderstorms.

grass bush Brushy Mt mushroom storm cloud Skull Valley AZMost dramatic is the isolated mushroom cloud formed from water vapor forced upward by powerful upper-air currents.

Brushy Mt sunset mammatus clouds Skull Valley AZMammatus clouds at sunset

Clouds continued to gather all around filled with distant rumbles.  Then wind dropped the temperature and gentle female rain fell for 30 minutes.  I felt the increase in negative ions and smiled.

electric poles storm clouds Skull Valley AZBy mid-week I figured the monsoon pattern had truly arrived.  I turned on the AC at 8am, already 80° and 43% humidity.  I turned it back off around noon when it started to rain.  For an hour the rain teased with light sporadic fall.  Suddenly the wind increased and lightning occurred close enough to make me jump.  Storm energy feels awesome, even when it rocks the house. The smell was intoxicating.  As the wind and rain increased in intensity I ran around closing windows to a sideways downpour.  Thank goodness for some jalousie windows to let in air and no water.  I felt exhilarated, high without drugs.  The negative ions were palpable.  The tantalizing high didn’t last long, but the feel good stuck around.  I continued to almost run in small circles from window to window.  I could only make photos with my eyes through the sheeting of water on glass.  I took a small piece of video.  For almost two hours the storm rocked and boomed, and then it moved on leaving soft rumbles and a cool breeze with barely dampened ground.  I went outside and took more video.

double rainbow Skull Valley AZWhat an incredible Wowzer day! And it ended with a touch more rain and a huge, full double rainbow.  I felt the alive of summer monsoon.

side-blotched lizard on log Skull Valley AZAfter that, the skies have mostly cleared and I haven’t felt a drop since.  I went back to my mundane ways, working on videos.  You should check out the video from 4th of July that includes so much more of this week filled with monsoon and negative ions, and maybe just a little of negative me (but no fireworks).  Plus check my Geogypsy YouTube channel later this week for a hint of what’s to come.

Gray squirrel Skull Valley AZRoadrunner bird Skull Valley AZ

Window Wildlife- gray squirrel and roadrunner (bee-beep)

*Negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase our levels of serotonin, which improves our mood and helps to alleviate depression, relieve stress and boost our energy.  This energy is absorbed through skin and comes from water, air, and all of nature.  You probably already knew that.

Sierra cat on camper bed Congress AZWANTED: house/cat sitter, or StayCATion for you, in my 36′ 5th-wheel for one week in Skull Valley Arizona only 30 minutes from Prescott.  This shot is in the small camper.

Arizona, monsoon, Places I've been, United States , , , 18 Comments

Summer Monsoon Sunset and wheelestate repairs

grass bush sunset clouds crepuscular rays Skull Valley AZWith summer officially begun, it’s a time to enjoy cotton candy clouds and famous Arizona monsoon sunset.  A perfect time to stay home and watch the skies while RV and truck repairs are going on.

Roadrunner bird Skull Valley AZRoadrunner

Although I still feel a longing to travel I am getting into a pattern staying home.  No I’m not up before the sun to get out and walk.  When the daytime highs get over 96° I usually have the AC on.  Otherwise door and all windows open plus several fans seems to be OK so far.  If I’m working playing on the computer I move from one side of the RV to the other to stay on the shady side.  Otherwise, I frequently go outside to chair hop in the shade and watch the world, with a little bit of reading thrown in.

berm trees mammatus clouds Skull Valley AZThe weekend highs actually cooled down to the low 80s and with plenty of breeze and clouds felt delightful.  Mammatus clouds looked almost heavy enough to release some precious drops but quickly retracted and moved on.  I can almost smell rain.  Only a few drops fell.  I am feeling the alive of summer, all senses receiving. Some visual greens with dancing in the breeze branches send off whiffs of summer and a tickle to the skin and nose.  Achoo! Come on monsoon!

caged yellow headlight bulldozer Skull Valley AZEven a short walk on the ranch can provide interesting objects and sometimes I find just a piece of, say a bulldozer, more intriguing than the whole machine.  Think it would fit on the hood of my truck?

grass bush Brushy Mt clouds sun rays Skull Valley AZCrepuscular rays before monsoon sunset

I actually did some yard work. Moved two Cottonwood stumps for chair hopping tables.  Plus working on placing winter rock collection on the berm below the metate.  (Photo ahead.)

grass bush Brushy Mt sunset clouds crepuscular rays Skull Valley AZMy Saturday night included a pep talk from Bob about making videos for YouTube.  We’re both learning and sharing ideas.  He encourages my “branding” in the funny black hat I wear in my profile picture.  I have lots of hats so may trade them around depending on, my mood.  I remind him to introduce himself at the beginning of his fun videos going kayaking, dirt biking, and 4x4ing.

Gaelyn intro Penguin videoA little warm for this outfit

African Jackass Penguin Boulders Table Mt NP Simon's Town Cape Peninsula South AfricaThe next day I was inspired to make a video about Jackass penguins that I saw in South Africa, and thankfully took video and still shots.  Took all afternoon to figure out each video clip had to be first trimmed and saved removing the background noise, then reopened and add softened wave sounds and saved, and then reopened again to add a recorded narration clip, and saved, before putting all the pieces together.  There’s probably an easier way.  I might have video of lions and elephants for the future.

At one point, I heard the quail fussing and looked out in time to see them chasing a coyote.  Yea!  Funniest thing ever.  I WANT a trail cam!

Raven bird against sunset clouds Skull Valley AZRaven soars

It actually felt cold that night, or at least cool enough to close the windows and sleep under a blanket.

tree hole in camper BLM Stanton Rd Congress AZcamper patch

That didn’t last and I rushed to finish and load the penguin video before the temperature reached 90°, inside.  That afternoon, the ranch handyman, worked on lots of little projects at my place and I hung around to mostly get in the way I’m sure.  He’d already patched the camper where I backed into a tree.  (Don’t ask, just read.)

solar controller repairsmounted Solar controller

12v socket repairsmounted 12v socket

He firmly mounted the solar controller and 12v socket that I jerry-rigged last winter.

door latchAnd replaced a door latch for the 5th-wheel as the old plastic one had broken and wouldn’t hold the door open in a light breeze.  The new one is metal.

trees cliffs Bradshaw Mts clouds Skull Valley AZI had overheated the previous day outside and not drinking enough water or eating so, Happy Solstice, I spent most of the day inside with the AC on.

grass trees clouds Skull Valley AZMornings offer clear blue sky but by afternoon the clouds build and threaten to drop rain, a sure sign of monsoon.

rocks berm grass trees Brushy Mt sunset clouds crepuscular rays Skull Valley AZTwo winters of rock collecting

sunset clouds Skull Valley AZBy late afternoon the windows are open once again and I am outside to enjoy a beautiful Solstice sunset on a perfect summer evening.

whiptail lizard on metate Skull Valley AZWhiptail lizard

The rest of the week’s weather forecast called for 30-40% chance of thunderstorms.  How I wish!

grass trees clouds Skull Valley AZAnother day of cloud building and racing across the sky, but no rain.

old Chevy truck Prescott AZWent to town on Thursday, an almost all day affair.  Rained just a little as I exited the store in Prescott and I danced in the parking lot as it fell.  I’m sure nobody noticed or even cared, I was at a Walmart.

grass trees boulders sunset clouds Skull Valley AZAnother night of monsoon sunset and after dark thunder and lightning followed, but very little rain.

trees mammatus clouds Skull Valley AZThe next morning felt still, and quiet, clouds skirting around the little valley where I live.  I sat outside most of the day watching the ever teasing cloud show.

grass brush Brushy Mt storm clouds Skull Valley AZ

rain drops metate Skull Valley AZJust before sunset a breeze carried the scent of rain and still only a few drops fell.

trees rainbow clouds Skull Valley AZBut to the east there must have been more rain because when the setting sun broke through clouds a rainbow gift occurred.

sunset clouds Skull Valley AZThunder rolled all evening and finally about 9pm it began to rain and kept it up most of the night.  A soft female rain, just like this parched land needs.

grass trees anticrepuscular rays storm clouds Skull Valley AZ

brush trees boulders anticrepuscular rays storm clouds Skull Valley AZIn the morning the ground was damp, not more than 1/4 inch deep and didn’t last very long.  But still.

grass trees storm clouds virga Skull Valley AZAnother day of clouds, sometimes looking as tortured as I felt after word from the Supreme Court.  I don’t want to talk politics.  But I also don’t want to go back in time 50 years.  I shall say no more.

grass trees Brushy Mt sunset clouds virga Skull Valley AZBut along with rain and summer monsoon sunset, I shall shed tears.

Sierra cat through screen door Skull Valley AZWANTED: house/cat sitter, a StayCATion for you, in my 5th-wheel for one week mid-September in Skull Valley AZ only 30 minutes from Prescott.  Mom wants to fly to Chicago for her 50th High School reunion, and says I can’t go.  Meow!

Arizona, monsoon, Places I've been, Skull Valley, solstice, United States , , , 22 Comments

Monstrous Monsoon rains bring flooding to southern Utah

Ground Squirrel at fence Sunrise Point Bryce Canyon National Park UtahOK, enough rain already!  In the last two weeks during monstrous monsoon rains Bryce Canyon received 3 inches.  And Cedar City got two inches in an hour while I shopped there last week.  I love the rain—a special gift in an arid place—and embrace monsoon, but this is ridiculous.  The hard ground—compare to a dried out sponge—takes a while to soak and soften which can cause flash flooding.  But then once saturated can soak no more and causes more flash flooding.

Last week I was praising the healing rain and now I pray for just a little less intensity.  Not like I worry about melting, I have the right gear, but I don’t want to be along the rim when lightning roars.  After Saturday’s 11am Hoodoo geology talk I was eating lunch in my truckcamper with another monstrous monsoon storm brewing and wondering about roving along the rim when a radio call from my boss said lightning was nearby and I was called back to the building.  I get bored real quick in the office, so after cleaning up in the library—my collateral duty as librarian—I went into the visitor center and stood by the topo map answering questions for four hours.

flood damage Queens Garden Trl Bryce Canyon National Park Utah NPS photoflood damage Wall St Navajo Lp Trl Bryce Canyon National Park Utah NPS photoflood damage Wall St Navajo Lp Trl Bryce Canyon National Park Utah NPS photo

National Park Service photos of trail damage Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trails

Also heard some stories from visitors hiking in the hoodoos when flash flooding occurred during the monstrous monsoon rains.  Rangers went out to assist people off the trails.  Everyone was fine, though wet and muddy.  Then all trails below the rim were closed.  This kind of flooding is a rather unusual occurrence at Bryce.  My first experience seeing water flow in any dry wash.  But these rains have come hard and fierce.

repairs Two Bridges side Navajo Loop Trail Bryce Canyon National Park Utah

repairs Two Bridges side Navajo Loop Trail Bryce Canyon National Park UtahRepairs Navajo Loop trail

Late start on Sunday and still struggling to get online after about 9/10am.  Then add a Windows update that changes my settings, again.  Was hoping for an update on trail closures before getting to work at noon.  Instead I find out after a couple hours at the information desk I’ll be roving at the Navajo Loop trailhead to keep people off the closed trail and answer questions.  “When will it open?”  “Don’t know yet, still being assessed for damage and safety.”

hoodoos Sinking Ship valley light Aquarius Plateau clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI found it eerily quiet and was thinking the rim trails and Rainbow Point must be packed.  Left for dinner at 4:30 then back to the desk from 6-8pm and when I returned the Navajo Loop trail had reopened under incomplete repairs.  That didn’t make sense.  With the possibility of more rain, and lightning, I had to make the call by 8:30pm for my 9pm outdoor evening program.  The show went on with a small group including my supervisor for observation because of mid-season evaluation.  No big deal.  And no rain.

SR20 Weat Utah

SR20 West Utah

jct SR20 West & I15 Utah

thunder clouds Parowan Valley I15 South UtahI traded another Ranger my Wednesday project day for Monday and then took that day off.  Sweet, another nine hours of sick leave used up and only two more work days to the week.  Nice drive on SR20 west under partly cloudy sky up onto a plateau, through meadows, and back down into the valley onto I15 south to Cedar City.

Storm clouds WalMart Cedar City UtahMy plan was park in the outer edges of WalMart for a short walk to lunch at the Asian Bistro, followed by some shopping, and another walk next door to the Dessert Industries Thrift Store.  Then possibly a couple other store stops.

flooded parking lot WalMart Cedar City Utah

wet legs from wading in flooded parking lot WalMart Cedar City UtahI could hear the rain so hard on the Wally’s roof I thought it might cave in.  There were wet places on the floor and people seemed to be moving slower than usual to put off going outside in the monstrous monsoon downpour, myself included.  Once it stopped raining I checked out and worked through the crowd by the door to get outside.  OMG!  A dip in the drive near the store resembled a ruddy raging river.  The only way to get to my rig was through, so I pushed the cart through almost knee-deep chilly water.  Thank goodness for dry pants and shoes onboard.  After loading groceries, I stayed put in the camper about 1 1/2 hours to wait for the water to subside.  It had pretty much quit raining.  Glad I waited as the debris along the edge of the interstate indicated a lot of water had sheeted across.

Hurricane Cliffs storm clouds Parowan Valley I15 North UtahI15 North

valley mountains clouds SR20 East UtahSR20 East

Only sprinkled on the way to Panguitch where I stopped for dinner at the Big Fish.  Then barely a sprinkle once home to unpack.  And realize I’d left my credit card at the restaurant.  I have never done that before.

people on Two bridges Navajo Loop Trail Bryce Canyon National Park UtahHikers on Two-Bridges side of Navajo Loop Trail

Tuesday morning I returned to work with the first hour at the information desk and discovered the Queen’s Garden trail with loop into Navajo trail was opened after repairs.  Work was still being done on the Peek-a-boo trail.  I figured the trails were either a little muddy if wet or lumpy if dry.  Hiking boots might start as size sevens and return size tens.

hoodoos Bryce Point clouds from rim Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI presented the 11am Hoodoo geology talk, hid in my camper for lunch, and returned to rove several hours near Sunrise Point.  While finishing the day at the information desk I’m told about the updated CDC advisory for mandatory mask wearing in federal buildings beginning the next day that includes all employees and visitors.

So that day, Wednesday on my Friday, starts with opening the visitor center and staffing two hours outside the door to limit entry to 80 visitors and provide masks as needed.  Back to this again.  Garfield county, Utah is seeing increases in COVID with the new Delta strain.

birds on branch Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI am more than happy to drive the 18 miles to the end of the scenic road and spend the afternoon outside at Yovimpa Point.  It was my short day, eight hours instead of nine, made a little shorter by a storm rolling in around 3pm with only sprinkles and no monstrous monsoon rain.

snowploy Rainbow Point Bryce Canyon National Park UtahWhat I didn’t expect to see in the parking lot was the snowplow.  It was actually clearing small debris off the side of the road.

trees pink cliffs Red Canyon Dixie National Forest SR12 West UtahRed Canyon SR12 W Dixie National Forest

Once home, made a quick clothes change and headed to Panguitch to meet work friends for dinner at the Big Fish and retrieve my credit card.

doe & fawn Mule Deer Bryce Canyon National Park UtahExcept for chores, I looked forward to three lazy days off work with intermittent rain and wildlife entertainment.  I return to work the first of August to who knows what for sure.  Prediction for more showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon so might see more monstrous monsoon rains.

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BTW, if you have a RV you want to sell, now is the time.  Seriously, used RVs are frequently listing for more than you might have paid.  My 25 year-old truckcamper is valued at $2000 more than I paid for it seven years ago.  Mine isn’t for sale.  Don’t expect this to last.  Many of the hordes of new RVers may soon discover it’s not for them.  Just sayin’.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar City, monsoon, Places I've been, United States, Utah , , , , 20 Comments

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