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Foto Friday Fun 459: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 14 readers including many animals from South Africa and western USA, nice landscapes, and more of my birthday celebrations.

Lioness Kruger National Park South AfricaJo chose #5197.  Living in southern Africa she’s probably seen lions more than once.  Always a thrill, never gets old.  This lioness may have been out hunting—yes she looks pretty lean—in Kruger National Park, but maybe for a mate instead of food.

Late light Kelso Dunes Mojave National Park CaliforniaJennifer chose #2000.  She may still be looking at snow piles instead of sand like seen here from camp under late light at the Kelso Dunes in Mojave National Preserve, California.

Late light truck camper Kelso Dunes Mojave National Preserve CaliforniaCathy chose #2008.  Minutes later from the above shot, the truckcamper glows from a reflected sunset.

Dassie on limestone at Indian Ocean Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South AfricaSherry chose #3303.  South African Dassie—looks like a hamster on steroids—play in the rocks along the Indian Ocean in Tsitsikamma National Park.  They are just as pesty as small mammals in the US national parks.

Cows on Hwy 67 S Kaibab National Forest ArizonaDiane and Nigel chose #1103.  Not all animals are wild yet may wander on public lands, and roads.  Theses cows were hanging out on SR67 in the Kaibab National Forest.  That’s the drive into the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park.

San Juanquin Kit Fox CALM Bakersfield CaliforniaSallie and Bill received #71 for the number of words in their last comment.  I was a volunteer animal keeper in 1989 at the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield.  The San Juaquin Kit Fox was an endangered species and this injured male couldn’t be rehabilitated and released.  How ironic that Bob saw, and photographed, a Kit Fox in camp Kofa last week.

Wind carved sandstone SR89 & Hancock Rd Kanab UtahAlan chose #9809.  Gorgeous sandstone cliffs surround Kanab in southern Utah.  This shot was taken near Best Friends Animal Sanctuary during August 2015.

Snake Gulch Kaibab National Forest ArizonaLiberalwarrior (aka TreDuece) chose #1367.  Just one of many places to explore in the Kaibab National Forest.  Snake Gulch, don’t let the name scare you away, accesses several native petroglyphs.

Water Monitor Pilanesberg Game Reserve South AfricaDoris chose #9688.  A beautifully colored Water Monitor seen in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa.

Colorado River downstream from Navajo Bridge Marble Canyon ArizonaRita chose #1115.  The Colorado River flows under the Navajo Bridges through Marble Canyon on its way to Grand Canyon.  Nice rest stop along SR89A with a possibility of seeing California Condors.

Echo Cliffs Hwy 89A South Arizona
Keith chose #1727.  An infinite view looking south on SR89A below Echo Cliffs on the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona.  You know I’m a street photographer because I take pictures while driving, safely.

Lion Kruger National Park South AfricaSue chose #4508.  Three days before the first photo, caught this big guy lounging along the road during a morning safari ride in Kruger National Park.

Larabee State Park WashingtonJeff chose #1991, “the year Ukraine became an independent nation.”  The same year I left my husband and became an independent womyn attending Western Washington University and spending outdoor time in Larabee State Park where this selfie was taken, March 1991.

Crow Monks Cowl camp Drakensburg KwaZulu-Natal South AfricaJodee and Bill chose #1711.  South African Crows look different than the States, yet are just as raucous and devious as ours.  This crow hung out in Monks Cowl camp in the Drakensburg Mountains near where Jo lives.

Dad my birthday in San Benito Texas

Grand Canyon 26 Berta, Gaelyn & DarleneMore shots of celebrating March birthdays.  In 2005 I celebrated with my parents in Texas and the next year Berta and Darlene gave me the Grand Canyon as a present.

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?

Thanks for the memories

New video published https://youtu.be/67XIrowWdqA   If you haven’t already, and thank you to those who have, please check out the Geogypsytraveler video channel and LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE, please.  Reaching 1000 subscribers means monetization to help this ole gypsy stay on the road.  Thanks.

Foto Friday Fun 20 Comments

Bye-bye Kofa camp and Hello Ajo

desert Kofa Mts sunrays Queen Canyon oaRd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaOnce Bob arrived to Kofa camp the days flew by with busyness every day.  We explored the desert on the ground and in the air, walking and driving for new perspectives on a familiar landscape.

Bob's van BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBlogging as Bob’s Eyes, Bob hails from northern California where he has water to actually use that kayak on the roof.  His classic Chevy van conversion has seen a few rebuilds including adding 4×4.  It’s a great ride and makes a cozy home on wheels.  He offered to take the van on back roads I can’t/won’t drive, and I am all in for that.  Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been ready to go bye-bye.

Cholla desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThankfully, Bob is not an early morning person because neither am I.  I may be out of bed by 7 or 8 am but my preference is not to be mobile until at least 9 or 10am.  Yet there’s no rush on these lazy days in Kofa camp.  We spent some time chatting just to catch up, and we’re both yackers.

desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWe’re also both photographers, so waited until about 4pm to leave camp and drive the Queen Canyon Road to Skull Rock.  We traveled this road two years ago and I haven’t been back since.

van road desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaJust a little too rough for my rig.

desert Kofa Mts arch Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWatched for Bighorns along the way but no luck.  Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 to protect the desert bighorn sheep.

balancing rock desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWe parked near Skull Rock that sits below a huge balancing rock.

desert wash Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Bighorn Sheep scat Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDesert Bighorn Sheep scat

desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBob lead the way up a wash to a water tank, Cereus Tank.

USFWS benchmark Cereus Tank Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Cereus Tank Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

wildlife cam desert Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI’d say this water collection point started off as a natural tank but has been enhanced by humans.  A US Fish and Wildlife trail cam is pointed towards the water.  Bet that captures a lot of cool shots, and why I want a trail camera.  After 20 years of drought, many natural tanks have gone dry.

Balancing rock desert Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBalanced rock

Bob Skull Rock Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

looking out Skull Rock Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLooking out

Had to check out the popular Skull Rock.

desert Kofa Mts sunset Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe return drive at twilight was gorgeous.  Finding the turnoff to camp in the dark proved to be a challenge until I recognized the creosote bushes.  Went inside for a late dinner and listened to the coyotes sing.

Bob flying kite BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBefore noon the next day a light wind prompted Bob to get his kite out.  He had to make a few adjustments and did finally get it off the ground.  Dare I call the low slow kite a senior dance with rests, much like its owner.

dead tree BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLater in the day we took a couple hour walk from Kofa camp, mostly just moseying along and of course taking photos.  We lost site of camp briefly, but made it back.

red Barrel cactus BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBecause Bob pushed encouraged me to take video to post on YouTube I added that to my repertoire using my phone.  What a learning curve.  I made short videos and put them together for a test using the video editor in the Photos app on Windows 10.  I also made a video tour of the truckcamper in one shot.  I like the shorts better because if I don’t like the take, I can easily do it again.  I will have to practice a lot more and post them as I go on my new YouTube channel, Geogypsytraveler.  Hope you’ll check them out, like, share, and PLEASE subscribe.  If I can get to 1000 followers, YouTube will monetize the channel and I would love to augment my income to keep on traveling and sharing.  Thanks in advance.

DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0162 drone shot of RVs desert Kofa Mts Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona.JPGBob sent his drone up the next day.  He says it’s all practice.  Isn’t everything?

drone in sky BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

drone shot Gaelyn at truckcamper door BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona by BobI spent most of the day figuring out how to move videos from phone to laptop by either Bluetooth, very slow, or just tethering which is much better.  Then I put together another video walking around Kofa camp.  Bob is getting used to his phone because at home he doesn’t have enough signal to use it regularly.  So we’re  teaching each other all kinds of things.  See, you can teach old dogs new tricks.

in Bob's van Palm Canyon Rd Kofa Mts National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaIn the afternoon we took a ride in Bob’s van to the end of Palm Canyon Road.  We’ve both been there, but mostly the van batteries needed charging.

Palm Canyon trailhead Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert S of Palm Canyon Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDidn’t walk up the Palm Canyon trail and instead walked a short ways south in an adjacent dry wash.

Bob Palm Canyon wash Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

into the sun Palo Verde tree Palm Canyon wash Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaMostly hung out for the evening light and did get back to camp before dark.

rock & cactus Kofa Mts Palm Canyon Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

bumper collection Bob with kite desert BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI took more photos and more videos so spent the evening putting together another YouTube video saying bye-bye to Kofa camp.

desert mts SR95 South Arizona

orchard mts near Yuma Arizona

crops near Yuma ArizonaLots of agriculture surrounding Yuma

Because the next morning we left Kofa camp.  Actually got on the road by 10am and drove south to Yuma to shop.  How I hate towns and traffic.  Always takes me too long in any store.  The energy is so weird I have to work extra hard to stay focused.  Of course it had been two weeks since my last shopping.

I8 underpass SR85 south to Ajo ArizonaFinally got on I8 east to Gila Bend.  Oh yuck, so much truck traffic and everybody going over 80mph, except us.  Paid $5.55/gallon for diesel along the interstate.  Ouch!  I was going to dump and fill in Gila Bend but after getting turned around in town changed my mind and instead just headed south to Ajo and a few miles beyond.  Had enough propane and water for at least a couple more days.

Truckcamper view Black Mt BLM Darby Well Rd Ajo ArizonaMy usual go to places along Darby Well Road were full so continued further on the road and took the first feasible opportunity.  Darby camp was next to an old abandoned corral area with a windmill and water tank. Some interesting artifacts around.  But at 4:30 after a full day, exploration was put off until the next day.

desert truckcamper windmill reverse sunset clouds BLM Darby Well Rd Ajo Arizona

Saguaro desert mts sunset clouds sunrays BLM Darby Well Rd Ajo ArizonaExcept for the exceptional sunset.

Ajo, Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, Sonoran desert, United States, Yuma , , , 21 Comments

Foto Friday Fun 458: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 13 readers including big and small, Grand Canyon, Kanab cemetery, and naked me.

Smolt release Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery Underwood Washington May 1996TreDuece received #16 for the number of words in his comment.  This release of smolt (baby salmon) into the Columbia River from the Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery where I worked in 1996.

Grand Staircase from LeFevre overlook SR89A North ArizonaDiane and NIgel chose #403.  When driving north on SR89A from the Kaibab Plateau, Jacob Lake, or the North Rim Grand Canyon stop at the LeFevre overlook for this magnificent view (better than the image) of the Grand Staircase.

Hopi House South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaCathy chose #4921.  The iconic Hopi House designed by Mary Colter on the South Rim Grand Canyon National Park.

Bugatti in parking lot North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDoris chose #1898.  Always a treat when a classic car club came to the North Rim, and I saw their classy rides.

Last light on trees from RV North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJo chose #4372, the day she was married.  This day I got lucky to catch the last light on the trees, and weather station, I saw from my RV window the 2015 season at the North Rim Grand Canyon.

View NE from Vista Encantada overlook Walhalla Plateau North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSue chose #1206.  The stone temple middle of photo is called Mount Hayden.  Most commonly it is seen from the Pt. Imperial overlook which would be to the far left out of sight.  This angle is from Vista Encantada overlook, a stop on the scenic road to Cape Royal on the North Rim Grand Canyon.

Snowy cemetery view from RV Kanab UtahAlan and random dot org chose #7157.  Another RV window view, this time while living in Kanab, Utah the winter of 2015/16.

Tiny moss near North Rim Lookout Tower North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaGypsy chose #529, “for meeting my brother off the Arizona Trail at Vermillion Cliffs.”  This tiny world of moss was seen near the North Rim Lookout Tower along the Arizona Trail.

Sunset from RV Kanab UtahRita chose #9002.  Same cemetery as above in Kanab, slightly different angle of view.

Bushbuck Letaba Rest Camp Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South AfricaSherry chose #1207.  This Bushbuck stands about three foot, grazing in the Letaba Rest Camp in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

unidentified little pink flowers Drakensberg hike KwaZulu-Natal South AfricaSusan chose #1904, “the year my dad was born.”  Saw these sweet little unidentified flowers the day I hiked in the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa.

Desert Gold Wildflowers Amargosa Range Badwater Road Death Valley National Park CaliforniaJennifer chose #0932.  Desert Gold carpeted the land during the 2016 Superbloom at Death Valley National Park, California.

Golden aspen along Hwy 67 North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSallie and Bill chose #2762, “for the date in March of their middle son’s birthday.”  Also the day after my birthday, eight years later.  Later is what I think of looking at the lovely rich colors of Autumn Aspen here seen along Hwy67 into the North Rim Grand Canyon.

Gaelyn by Outdoor shower at Tim's cabin Twisp Washington March 1991My choice, sticking with my birthday month theme, from March 1991.  I spent a week with a friend who shares my birth day at another friend’s off-grid cabin in Twisp, Washington and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor shower with solar heated water.

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?

Thanks for the memories

New project:  Geogypsytraveler now has a YouTube channel were I can share my journey by video.  Not planning to stop blogging.  It’s a learning curve.  I sincerely need your help because after 1000 people subscribe to the new channel I can monetize.  Just looking for a way to augment my income and keep on traveling.  Click this link  https://youtu.be/SkItZHl7Xm4 then Like and Subscribe please.

Foto Friday Fun 29 Comments

Lijit

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