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Category: Places I’ve been

Pack and go to Grand Canyon

Vishnu Temple & Wotons Throne canyon clouds Lipan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaFinally, I get to travel, so I packed the camper and left to go to Grand Canyon.  Boondocked on the Kaibab National Forest near Grandview Lookout Tower and explored the eastern end of the South Rim.  It’s a Grand adventure because I’m not all that familiar with this side of the big ditch.

grass bush Brushy Mt clouds Skull Valley ArizonaI may not travel on holidays like 4th of July, but that doesn’t stop me from making a plan to go to Grand Canyon this month.  And I like to pack slowly so started off with filling water bottles and loading them into the truck.  Eight gallons will ride on the passenger seat floor and five more inside the camper.  That’s over a week’s worth of water and I can refill in the park.

hat pins on curtain in camperAnother project was to move my hatpin collection from one curtain to another…

new curtains…because, I made a new curtain for the camper.  Bought a Pier One lap-blanket at a thrift store that is just the right green (unlike the photo) and size when cut in half.  I don’t sew but a glue gun worked just fine to hold a casing and hem.  Three “C” hooks reinforce the tension rod.  I’m happy with how it turned out.  Nice and heavy to keep out the winter cold and bright morning light.  I know, it’s summer.  But the job had to be done.

Sierra cat Skull Valley ArizonaIn order to go to the Grand Canyon I needed to create and schedule blog posts and videos.  So I spent more than a day at the computer with my assistant staying close by.  She seems to know we’re going to travel.  I packed a few more things but really had to wait until morning for most of the food stuff.

metal sculptures Valle ArizonaSeen in Valle

Finished packing and hit the road Thursday morning about nine.  Shopping and diesel fuel at $5.53/gallon on the way.  I really wasn’t rushing as I didn’t want to arrive at the park entrance during the busiest time mid-day.

arch Gateway to Grand Canyon Williams Arizona

RT66 store Williams ArizonaDrove through historic Williams then headed north on SR64.  Took video almost the whole way and will create a Rambling Road Trip for my YouTube channel.

Red Butte SR64 North ArizonaRed Butte

Pulled up to the park entrance at 4pm and after three rigs in front of me I was ready to go to Grand Canyon, but not the main Village area.  Instead I headed east towards Desert View Watchtower.

canyon Duck on a Rock overlook South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaMy first stop to actually see the canyon, Duck on a rock, is just wide parking along the north side of the road.

canyon Grandview Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaI also stopped at Grandview Point but didn’t stay long as I wanted to find a boondock camp for the night.

About one mile out of the park on a rather rutted gravel road I entered the Kaibab National Forest, parked at the first obvious camp, and made a 360° video.  I knew this wasn’t going to be a private site so wasn’t surprised when a motorhome arrived and parked nearby.  Sadly, this German family had three tiny yet noisy children.  Thankfully, they pulled out in the morning.

pink Pincushion cactus flowers bee Kaibab National Forest ArizonaAfter a late breakfast, I walked the road about 3/4 mile to Grandview Lookout Tower.  Along the way I saw several other nice campsites and thought I would choose one another day.  Bright pink cactus flowers beckoned me into the forest and a cell tower was a total surprise.  No wonder I had a decent signal in camp.

Grandview lookout tower Kaibab National Forest Arizona

looking up tower Kaibab National Forest ArizonaAs I approached the parking below the fire tower, four side-by-sides on tour roared up.  Some of the group climbed and others did not.  They didn’t stay long and I had the place to myself.

up stairs Grandview Lookout Tower Kaibab National Forest ArizonaSo I climbed, the first set of stairs.  Even though I am not afraid of heights it’s a little disconcerting to look down through a gridded step.  I tried mostly to look straight ahead.

looking down thru Grandview lookout tower Kaibab National Forest ArizonaI stopped at the first landing, fascinated by the lines and patterns of the structure.  Then I climbed the second set of stairs.

looking up Grandview lookout tower Kaibab National Forest ArizonaBuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, the steel Grandview tower is 80 feet tall with a 7×7 foot cab on top that wasn’t currently staffed so I couldn’t get inside.  Yet I decided to climb the third set of steps to get a view above the trees.

view North from tower Kaibab National Forest ArizonaThe two-room cabin accommodates the fire lookout person.

canyon view N from tower Kaibab National Forest Arizona

canyon view North from tower Kaibab National Forest ArizonaI could barely see the Walhalla Plateau on the North Rim to the left and that’s Echo Cliff between the trees on the right.  At 40 feet up I could tell this wasn’t going to be an exemplary place to shoot the upcoming full moon, even with clear skies.  So that was far enough for me.

going down Grandview lookout tower Kaibab National Forest ArizonaI took a bunch of video but had to hold both rails on the way down.  Maybe I’d come back if I moved camp closer for a chance at sunset, if not the moon.

Nuthatch bird Kaibab National Forest ArizonaNuthatch

grass trees Kaibab National Forest ArizonaThe next day after choosing photos to process from the tower, I spent most of the day sitting outside, watching birds, breathing deep the rich smell of a Ponderosa Pine forest, and even a short walk about camp.  A new neighbor came over and we chatted for a while.

trees sunset from camp Kaibab National Forest ArizonaThe evening ended under an orange glow.

A partly cloudy morning called me to get out and go to Grand Canyon.  So I slowly bounced my way out of the National Forest and back to pavement.  I drove east thinking I’d be at the Desert View Watchtower for sunset.  But there were several overlooks to explore along the way.

light & shadow canyon Colorado River Moran Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

light & shadow canyon walls Moran Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaMoran Point, named for famous artist Thomas Moran who joined John Wesley Powell in 1873 on an expedition to go to Grand Canyon.  He later used sketches and photographs to paint the 7×12 foot “Chasm of the Colorado” that hangs in Congress to this day.  Sadly, his depiction is not an actual location but a composite of imagination.

view West canyon river clouds Lipan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaNext stop Lipan Point offering some of the most expansive views with the longest perspective of the Colorado River.  To the west can be seen the oldest rock, 1.75 billion years, carved by the river within the inner gorge.

Colorado River Unkar Delta shadows Lipan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaBelow, the “S” curves of the Colorado carve through the rare red tilted layers of the 1255-1100 million years old Supergroup.  The lower left sandbar, called Unkar Delta, is where ancient Puebloan people lived and grew crops between 850 to 1200AD.

view East & Northeast canyon river clouds Lipan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaLooking upstream the river appears around a bend coming from the north, and the Marble Plateau can be seen with Echo Cliffs on the eastern horizon.

canyon Colorado River clouds Desert View Watchtower South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaI next stopped at Navajo Point mostly for the exceptional view of the stone built Desert View Watchtower, where I planned to be for sunset.

It was hot that afternoon so I found a shady place to park in the oversized vehicle lot for the tower and after a reconnaissance walk to the rim returned to the camper for a nap followed by dinner.

canyon river sunrays clouds Desert View South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

sunset rays clouds temples Desert View South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

canyon sunburst sunset clouds Desert View South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSunset was Grand, and lasted for about an hour as I stood in awe watching rays beam down highlighting the temples and topography.

Sadly, the first-come first-serve Desert View campground had been full at noon.  I really didn’t want to drive back into the forest after dark.  So, I opted to stay put and figured if anybody came by to kick me out I’d tell them I wasn’t camping but was hoping the clouds would clear so I could photograph the night sky, and then be there for sunrise.  All good reasons to go to Grand Canyon.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, Places I've been, United States , , , , , , 31 Comments

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.

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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

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