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Foto Friday Fun 457: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 14 readers including Grand Canyon like most don’t see, elephants, and the beginning of my birthday month.

Truck & RV North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDoris chose #8951.  The 2014 location where I lived while working at the North Rim Grand Canyon provided a view from my back windows overlooking Transept Canyon.

Bent Aspen Arizona trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaGypsy chose #2017, a “trip to Patagonia and Velvet Elvis.”  The later turns out to be a restaurant with a bent towards gourmet pizza.  This Aspen also shows a bent, trunk that is.  This growth pattern is often caused by the weight of heavy snow on a young sapling.  Saw this particular tree along the Arizona Trail during August 2010.

Gail & Hal Olmsted Sept 1956 Spring Rd Hinsdale IllinoisSallie and Bill get #70 for the number of words in their last comment.  Me at 2 1/2 and my brother almost ten in 1956, Hinsdale, Illinois.

Eye of the needle Drakensburg hike KwaZulu-Natal South AfricaJennifer chose #1925.  The Eye of the Needle as seen on my overnight hike in the Drakensburg Mountains of South Africa with Jo’s son as my guide.

Fog in canyon Cape Royal North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaCathy chose #6290.  Being she lives kind of close to the North Rim Grand Canyon I’m hoping she’s been there during an inversion.  When the clouds drift below the rim and swirl around temples creating a magical scene I call the breath of the dragon.  Rangers get paid in sunsets, this is overtime.

Elephant trees sunset clouds Kruger National Park South AfricaWanda chose #4675.  An elephant isn’t always easy to see in the vast landscapes of Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Eroded Boulder House Hovenweep National Monument UtahSherry chose #2262.  I’ve always liked rock built houses, old or new, but this might be extreme.  At Hovenweep National Monument this native ruin is called Eroded Boulder House.

Clouds around Vishnu Temple Cape Royal North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSusan chose #2932.  Yet another look at inversion in Grand Canyon seen from Cape Royal overlook on the North Rim.

Elephants Addo Elephant National Park South AfricaSue chose #8240, “for Mo’s birthday this week.”  My birthday’s this month, and this photo was taken in March, 2014 at Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.  Ok, that was a stretch.  Winking smile

SR95 East UtahDiane and Nigel chose #2602.  Pretty sure I took this shot because of the yellow flowers lining the road, SR95 East sort of towards Bryce Canyon.  August 2015 I would have been a passenger with Bill driving.  They actually met him during their visit to Grand Canyon.

Clouds around Sky Island Walhalla overlook North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJo chose #2698 the reservation number of arriving guests.  Another example of inversion on the same day as Susan’s choice above, this time from the Walhalla overlook.  I am reminded of the low clouds dancing around her nearby Drakensburg Mountains.

Slot canyon Anza-Borrego Desert State Park CaliforniaAlan and random dot org chose #5410.  Looking up like a tiny creature moving through a drip sand castle.  That’s how I felt in the slot canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California.

trees across from Harvey Meadow North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJodee and Bill chose #1533.  Just a tease of fall color on the Aspen against the darker evergreens.  Along the road to the Widforss trail on the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park.

Sunset from camp off House Rock Valley Rd Five Mile Mountains UtahJeff chose #529, “to reflect the local diesel price” in Southern California.  Guess I won’t be heading that way soon.  In May 2009, when this shot was taken, diesel averaged 2.227/gal.  I was camped along House Rock Valley Road in southern Utah.

Grandma Bea & Grandpa Butch May 1958Gail Lyn Olmsted hours old 3-26-1954Grandma Francis Loomis birthday Downers Grove IL March 1975

March is my birthday month!  I was born between the grandma’s birthdays, Bea Olmsted and Francis Loomis.  One the 25th and the other 27th.  Mom said she planned it that way.

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

For those new to the blog and/or Foto Friday Fun I want to explain how I do this.  I have always been diligent about labeling my photos.  When I scanned prints and started shooting digital I added numbers to the descriptive labels (usually starting over daily or monthly)  Eventually I started using the camera default number along with my label.  That means that a lot of old photos have very low numbers.  Anyway, when you leave a comment with a number, I start with my oldest photos stored on external drives and run a search with your number.  I usually choose the oldest on file that hasn’t been published on the blog already.  Guess I don’t have to explain my complicated system any further.  Needles to say, I am OCD about labeling my photos, amongst other things.

16 Birthday month

Foto Friday Fun 31 Comments

Company blown into camp Kofa

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAfter weeks of camping solo, only talking to myself and Sierra, with barely neighbors in sight, several friends contacted me about coming to camp Kofa for at least one or two nights along their travels.  I felt happy for the company and had several days to prepare.

new neighbor Liam too close BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaNot sure if someone parking too close is considered company.  Saturday afternoon a small SUV drove by, turned around, and parked what I call too close at about 50-75 feet.  Still there in the morning, a young man camping out of his vehicle.  He walked past into the desert and when returning I stepped outside and told him about Palm Canyon trail two miles up the road.  He was interested so we chatted.  Turned out that Liam, from Oregon, was on his second day out and first experience boondocking.  I told him he was too close but had done the right thing by not driving over vegetation and parking by a rock fire ring.  He thought it was a “campsite” so I filled him in on BLM public land camping.

After chatting for at least an hour I went back inside for my camera and when I came back out, he was gone.  Actually, he’d moved much further away.  I was reminded of my first road trip 45 years ago at 22 years old in a hatch-back Vega.  I mostly stayed in forest campgrounds with at least a picnic table and outhouse.  Don’t know if anybody was boondocking in the 1970s like we do now.  But we all were newbies at some time.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThat Sunday morning sunrise lasted at least 15 minutes.  Starting out with rather soft pink swirls of cirrus clouds.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs the sun rose still behind the Kofa Mountains rays of light slipped through.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen beacons of light reached across the desert floor.  Of course I took way too many photos.

desert Kofa Mts late light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts last light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts last light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLight clouds danced across the sky all day along with shadows across the land.

desert Kofa Mts reverse sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Ocotillo desert Chocolate Mts sunet clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset was pretty but not over exceptional.

window view hazy Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

dusty sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe next two days were predicted for strong Southwest wind.  Pretty steady 30mph with gusts up to 50mph kept me indoors.  In fact, there were times I couldn’t have opened my south facing door.  The rocking eventually got old, like being in a rocking chair and can’t get up.  Even the Saguaros were rocking.  I watched a Prairie Falcon soar for several minutes.

window view flag BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI think the wind may have blown some people away.  Most of the vehicles within sight left so there were no landmarks to guide in my first company to camp Kofa.  Doris worked at the North Rim several of the same summers as I yet we hadn’t seen each other in many years.  Originally from Germany, she has lived in the US over 20 years working many different mostly seasonal jobs, traveling around and currently living in a van.  Following my directions she pulled into camp Kofa about 4pm and we spent the evening catching up inside my camper and out of the still brutal wind.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDoris left in the morning and I considered leaving as well.  It was just a little past the usual two-week mark for needing propane, a necessity for refrigerator, stove, and heat.   Weather was deteriorating with prediction of rain and overnight low of 34°.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut the clouds kept me intrigued, in and out of the camper for yet more photos.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaTom called to say he and Tracy would arrive late the next afternoon and while talking I watched a Prairie Falcon soar and play on the wind.  Trish called to say she’d be there also.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaA light dusting of snow fell on the top of the Kofa Mountains quickly obscured by clouds and when revealed minutes later, gone.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAll day the clouds danced.  The 50° day had me running heat and watching the propane level drop until it was precariously low and I knew I had to go.

desert Chocolate Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaCalled Shady Lane RV Park about 3:15pm to make sure there was a site and told them I’d try to make it before the office closed at 4pm.

driving into storm SR95 North ArizonaPacked and on the road while the storm rolled towards me from the north.

sunset clouds Shady Lane RV Park Quartzsite ArizonaMade it to the park in 30 minutes.  My usual space was taken so parked on the opposite side of the park, conveniently near a newly renovated bathroom with awesome shower, and the laundry room.  Very nice to be plugged into electricity for a heater and the fridge and stop stressing about running out of propane.

Driving out from camp Kofa I measured the distances in hopes of better directions to my next company.  1.2 miles from pavement, including .4 from the gas line road, to the left turn followed by right, left, and right, left, right .4 miles.  Then I just hoped nobody was in my preferred camp Kofa location when I returned.  Before leaving Shady Lane, I did laundry plus the bi-monthly dump and fill.  Then filled the propane tanks before shopping in Blythe 30 minutes away.  Returned to camp Kofa and pulled in to the same tire tracks by 3:30pm.  At 5pm Trish called from where I could see her parked along Palm Canyon Road, beyond her first turn.  She managed to turn around and I talked her in to camp Kofa without having to physically lead her in.  She’s been traveling extensively for five months towing her little trailer, staying with friends and state park campgrounds.  But this was only her second boondock, her first last year with me.  We chatted for a bit and went in after dark.  Tom didn’t arrive until about 7pm and after making the first turn off Palm Canyon Road I told him to park and I’d see them in the morning.  No way I was going out into the cold wind to guide him in under the dark sky.

I’d seen Tom’s headlights so knew he was on the right track.  In the morning he could see me in the distance and drove right in to camp Kofa.  First question was did he plan to run a generator, and if so he couldn’t park close to Trish or me.  He’d planned to bake a pre-made lasagna in his microwave/convection oven that would require the generator.  I volunteered to bake it in my quiet propane oven instead.  Problem solved.  I met Tom many years ago while working on the North Rim Grand Canyon.  He’s a well-traveled photographer who sometimes travels in his RV.  We’ve met in other places before.  I had not met his most recent travel companion Tracy.

Tom & Tracy vendor Quartzsite ArizonaAfter some visiting and lunch, all but Trish loaded into Tom’s toad-car for a tourist trip to Quartzsite, Tracy’s first visit.  The end of February is not particularly “prime” Quartzsite but there’s still a few vendors at Tyson Wells.  Besides, Tracy is recovering from a broken leg and wearing a brace so walking needed to be easy and limited.  We made another stop at the historic Hi Jolly memorial and cemetery in town.

historic closed fuel station The Camel Stop Quartzsite ArizonaTom’s sharp eye caught sight of an old car half hidden behind a building, so he pulled off the main street and parked in front of the pumps.  Sort of like a museum but not open and nobody around.

Edsel The Camel Stop Quartzsite Arizona

front of old Ford truck The Camel Stop Quartzsite Arizona

old Cadillac The Camel Stop Quartzsite ArizonaHe and I wandered enough to spot the Edsel, Ford, Cadillac, Plymouth, Corvair, and a few others.  The renovated classics were hidden in a garage and barely visible through dirty windows.

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBack to camp briefly then out for a drive on Palm Canyon Road for the pre-sunset golden light on the glowing Cholla cactus.  More of them grow on the rocky slope at the foot of the Kofa Mountains.  Gorgeous to look at but nasty to be around.  Once back to camp I baked the lasagna and we all ate in Tom’s rig with the biggest table.

incomplete coloring pageIn the morning Trish pulled out at ten on her way to Palm Springs.  Tom and Tracy left 30 minutes later on their way to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  I settled in for a quiet day at camp Kofa knowing more company was coming the next day.

Gayle drove right past the turn off and me before calling.  I advised to continue no more than a mile to the refuge boundary for an easy turn around then directed her in towing a car behind her motor home.  At 82, this fiddle-playing lady is an inspiration.  Been a couple years since we’d seen each other at the Fiddle Festival in Ajo.  Time seems to slip away when visiting with friends and I never remember to take photos.

She managed to get out of camp Kofa before noon only going an hour away near Yuma.  If I continue to expect company to remote places like camp Kofa, maybe I should carry a bag of brightly painted, fist-sized, rocks to set out, and retrieve, guiding them in.  You know, all this coming and going has got me to thinking maybe I should go somewhere too.

Sierra cat eating tuna from can

Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, Sonoran desert, United States , , , , 18 Comments

Foto Friday Fun 456: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 15 readers including Southwest forests and red rock, mud, South African wildlife and fossils.

Dark sky & rainbow FR271 Kaibab National Forest ArizonaSherry chose #8367.  Always dicey when going for a forest drive during monsoon season but oh so worth the rainbow reward.  Seen in the Kaibab National Forest 9-26-14.

Corral at Lookout Canyon staging area Kaibab National Forest ArizonaJeff chose #4136 for the acres burned in the CalFire/Airport Fire when he posted last week.  Don’t think was a “forest” fire, but California has seen plenty of those.  Thinning occurs on the Kaibab National Forest in an attempt to return the Ponderosa Pine forest to the open like environment it should be.  When out for a drive in Lookout Canyon I found a horse-camp with this wonderful old rail fence.

Cliff above River walk trail Zion National Park UtahSusan chose #1914, “the year my Mom was born.”  Summer of 2014 was the year Pat visited from Serbia via Seattle.  When folks come to the North Rim, where I was working, I try to show them other places as well and Zion is another nearby national park.

Hand & toe holes Banshee Canyon Rings Loop Trl Hole in the Wall Mojave Natonal Preserve CaliforniaSue chose #2224, “for our home arrival.”  That’s today as I type.  My home tends to be wherever I park it, like when staying at Mojave National Preserve in February 2016.  Glad I didn’t have to use these human chipped hand and toe holes to get home.  Saw these on the equally daring Banshee Canyon Rings Loop Trail near Hole in the Wall camp.

red gall on AZ White Oak tree Yarnell ArizonaDiane and Nigel chose #1802.  A most unusual gall growing on an Arizona White Oak tree in Yarnell.

Farview Pt bridge & hoodoos Bryce Canyon National Park UtahKeith chose #1209, “the date we closed on the land.”  That being near one of my old stomping grounds Tonasket, Washington.  This shot from another of my old stomping grounds, Bryce Canyon National Park in 2010 long before I worked there.  Look closely to see the natural rock bridge visible from Farview lookout.

Dry cracked mud along trail-road to Tuweep overlook Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaCathy chose #1939.  When camped at Toroweap Grand Canyon National Park, one needs to walk carefully to the rim so as not to disturb the cryptobiotic soil.  Instead it’s best to follow the well beaten road one mile to the rim.

Setting up telescopes Lodge veranda Star Party North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSallie and Bill chose #2263, “My daughter’s birthday and age.”  Not as old as the stars that were seen at the Star Party on the North Rim Grand Canyon.  Here, setting up one of the many telescopes.

Canyon view BA Canyon from Mather Pt South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaGypsy chose #8012.  Visited the South Rim Grand Canyon with a friend the day before my birthday in 2015.  Seemed strange looking across canyon to my North Rim summer home at the time.  Bright Angel Canyon is where one hikes on the North Kaibab trail and the green at bottom left is Phantom Ranch.  Hmmm, where should I celebrate my birthday this year and will you join me?

Valley of Fire State Park NevadaWanda chose #8930.  So much beauty in the Southwest and Valley of Fire is only an hour from Las Vegas.

Zebras at salt lick Pilanesberg Game Reserve South AfricaRita chose #0391.  A restaurant dinning deck provides opportunity to see wildlife pretty darn close in the private Pilanesberg Game Reserve.  Caption please.

Crinoid trace fossil rock against wood Walhalla Plateau North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJennifer chose #2498.  She likes rocks so I presume that includes fossils.  Look closely for the impression, or trace fossil, of a crinoid in this piece of limestone on a fallen Juniper seen at the North Rim Grand Canyon.

Elephant Kruger National Park South AfricaAlan and random dot org chose #3598.  One of the big “tuskers” seen at Kruger National Park.

Waves & lighthouse Indian Ocean Scottburgh Caravan Park Scottburgh South AfricaJodee and Bill chose #5421.  They see ocean way more frequently than I.  Imagine my excitement to wake in camp and walk down to the shore of the Indian Ocean.  More shots coming of the sunrise at the end of the post.

House Rock Valley Rd Vermilion Cliffs National Monument ArizonaJo chose #4218.  After taking friends to visit White Pocket in northern Arizona this is the House Rock Valley Road drive north into Utah in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

Sunrise over Indian Ocean Scottburgh Caravan Park Scottburgh South Africa

Sunrise over Indian Ocean Scottburgh Caravan Park Scottburgh South Africa

Beach view Wild Coast Sun Port Edward South Africa

Ammonite fossil Wild Coast Sun Port Edward South Africa

Frankie's Ginger Beer Mac Banana near Port Edward South AfricaAs I was search for photos on 2-22-22 and found Jodee’s photo along the coast taken 2-22-14 it seemed like a no brainer to share a few more shots of that amazing day starting with sunrise, then a privately guided beach walk to the fabulous Mzamba fossil site, and ended with dinner and a beer at MacBanana’s.  All in a day in South Africa.

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

For those new to the blog and/or Foto Friday Fun I want to explain how I do this.  I have always been diligent about labeling my photos.  When I scanned prints and started shooting digital I added numbers to the descriptive labels (usually starting over daily or monthly) instead of using the camera default number, which I finally accepted many years later.  That means that a lot of old photos have very low numbers.  Anyway, when you leave a comment with a number, I start with my oldest photos stored on external drives and run a search with your number.  I usually choose the oldest on file that hasn’t been published on the blog already.  Bonus, for years I’ve added a code to my label that identifies where pics have been posted.  Guess I don’t have to explain my complicated system any further.  Needles to say, I am OCD about labeling my photos, amongst other things.

Foto Friday Fun 28 Comments

Lijit

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