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Foto Friday Fun 447: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 10 readers including the Colorado River Grand Canyon, wildlife large and small, and little ole me.

Morning light at Diamond Creek Colorado River Grand Canyon Walapai Reservation ArizonaRita chose #899.  The last morning along the Colorado River after five days of rafting.  Woke up on the beach at Diamond Creek.

Misty morning & hot air balloon Pilanesberg Game Reserve South AfricaCathy chose #0440.  A rather misty morning watching the hot air balloon at Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa.

Colorado River up stream from Tuweep Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJo chose #2412.  A late light shot looking upstream on the Colorado River from Toroweap.

Harmony Borax Works Hwy 190 Death Valley National Park CaliforniaAlan and random dot org chose #1056.  Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley National Park, California.

Vermilion Cliffs Hwy 89A East ArizonaDiane and Nigel chose #1712.  The Vermilion Cliffs parallels SR89A.  We saw this view traveling to Lee’s Ferry from the North Rim and back when they visited.

Trancept & Bright Angel Canyons North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaGypsy chose #1313.  A look down to the junction of Transcept Canyon to the right and Bright Angel canyon to the top taken from the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park taken the end of April 2009, before the park was open.

Rafts on Colorado River Toroweap Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJeff chose #1225.  Another look down, about 3000 feet down, at rafts on the Colorado River from Toroweap, Grand Canyon National Park.

Mule deer from RV North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSallie and Bill chose #1222, “my oldest granddaughter’s birthday” now a mother of four.  A happy birthday view with a lone Mule Deer too, from my RV window living on the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park.

Baby water monitor Pilanesberg Game Reserve South AfricaJodee and Bill chose #9913.  This baby Water Monitor was about 8” long, seen in Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa.

Gail 7mos & Hal 7 yrs Olmsted October 1954Sherry chose #21.  Me at seven months old with my brother at seven years old taken October 1954.

Tamale Christmas Eve dinner by candle light Anza-Borrego Desert State Park CaliforniaMy choice, Christmas eve dinner 2014 in the camper, tamales bought at the Christmas Circle Market in Borrego Springs, California.

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

Kofa Mts moon rise Kofa NWR AZNo corresponding post links today as I am just hoping for enough signal to get this post out at all.

Merry Christmas
Foto Friday Fun 24 Comments

Join a Geogypsy Journey–Sharing the Kofa Light

Sonoran Desert Kofa Mts last light clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI may have retired as a Park Ranger, however I’ll never stop loving the chance to share a place with others.  I’ve been wracking my brain how to do that and came up with Geogypsy Journey, at least for now.  Tell me what you think.  The idea is to join with others in nature, immerse in the environment, and share a landscape experience.  Honestly, this could be done all over the world.  However, I’d like to start with a place dear to me during winter months when I’m boondocking in my truck-camper.  The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 665,400 acres of wild and wonderful Sonoran Desert at least partially surrounded by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) managed public lands.

cholla sunburst desert mts last light Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaOnly light dares to touch the Cholla cactus

Right now, holidays are keeping people busy yet many are thinking of a vacation getaway after the first of the year. I love to see people traveling safely and would like to suggest a winter camping runaway to the apricity—warmth of the sun in winter—in the southern Arizona desert. Time to connect with nature. As the temperatures drop in the north, that’s where I’ll be and you should join me for a Geogypsy Journey.

Kofa Mts sunrise sun rays clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunrise over the Kofa Mountains

The rugged Kofa Mountains provide an amazing backdrop to the Sonoran Desert plus comfortable winter temperatures (60/40° averages), and amazing light from sunrise to after sunset, plus under the moon. Sometimes clouds enhance the mid-day shadows in this unique environment and even the tiniest life in the desert holds intrigue. After many years of exploration, I’d like to share this piece of desert and what I know about the cultural history, geology/rockhounding, ecology, wildlife, birdwatching, and light for photography.

California Palms light Palm Canyon Trail Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaArizona Palms, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

I propose meeting in the BLM desert south of Quartzsite, Arizona, Sharing the Kofa Light with a landscape immersion over 3-5 days using our senses and creative juices to experience the awe of this place.  A campout, desert walkabout, Palm Canyon hike, and other possible local attractions. We will enjoy a safe place to camp* on public lands under dark skies.  Donation $100/day/person, refundable up to $100, for coordinating this experience over no more than five days. Group size will be limited to six people. Cell signal is not reliable in camp.

Saguaro cactus Kofa Mts BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaParticipants are responsible for their own food and beverage, transportation, and accommodation onsite or offsite (tent, RV, Quartzsite 30 minutes north, Yuma 60 minutes south, Blythe 45 minutes west, Phoenix 2 ½ hours east). Camp will be free off-grid *boondocking on public lands, show respect and Leave No Trace. You will need to provide a contact’s information and sign a waiver as I am not responsible for accident, injury, or theft.  I do encourage you to be careful.

Sunset from Palm Canyon Road KOFA National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset over the Sonoran Desert

Bring your stories, camera, paints, journal, musical instrument, dancing shoes and hiking boots, imagination, or whatever you choose. Mostly, bring yourself with an open fresh perspective on life, eager to learn and share.

Kofa Mts moon rise Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFull moon rise over the Kofa Mountains

If you are interested, please let me know, and pass the word. I will answer questions and provide more information. I am currently thinking mid-January (full moon 17th) and mid-February (full moon 16th), but am open to additional dates and suggestions.

08 DSL_2394le Jumping Cholla & Saguaro cactus Kofa Mts MST&T Rd Kofa NWR AZ fb as g g-1Beware the Jumping Cholla cactus

Be aware: The Big Tent RV Show Quartzsite, January 22-30 draws a crowd.  Plus there are many activities going on in Quartzsite.

Saguaro Ocotillo Sonoran Desert Chocolate Mts W view clouds reverse sunrise King Valley Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaReverse sunrise Sonoran Desert and Chocolate Mountains

I’d also like to take Geogypsy Journey further when I camp in other places along my travels and include presentations about a variety of topics, mostly nature, national parks, or RVing, because that’s my thing as you know.  I might travel in your neighborhood and would love to see your favorite natural places.  I am working on a plan for summer travels north and east.  Some of you are already on my list and hopefully more will be added.

Sonoran Desert New Water Mts light & shadow sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLight and shadows on the New Water Mountains

In the meantime, think about joining a Geogypsy Journey in the Sonoran Desert Sharing the Kofa Light in January or February 2022.  Let’s go camping and explore the land and the light.

*Boondocking – defined as camping off the grid without being plugged into city water, sewer, and electricity, however, that does not necessarily mean going without those things and instead using propane, holding tanks, solar power, and conservation. Also known as “dispersed camping” on public land means up to 14 days in the same location. This gives you a bit of time to get to know a place.

I have no affiliation to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, or any other public lands agency.  This is just me sharing with you as I dearly love to do.

Happy Solstice!
Yea the days get longer and there will be more light!

 

Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR , , , , , , 22 Comments

Foto Friday Fun 446: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 13 readers including the North Kaibab Plateau, Grand Canyon, birds and other wildlife.

Bison hybrids on meadows Hwy 67 North Kaibab National Forest ArizonaRita chose #731.  Visitors are happily surprised to see “buffalo” when driving past meadows to the North Rim of Grand Canyon.  They are actually an intentional bison/cattle hybrid descending from the early 1900s.  They are prolific and destroying habits for the native species.

Beaver dam on overflow Upper Peninsula Michigan Sept 1974Lisa gets #27 for the number of words in her last comment.  A 1974 print later scanned from canoeing above a beaver dam somewhere in the Upper Peninsula Michigan.

trees Colorado River mountains sunset clouds reflection Ox Bow Road Ehrenberg ArizonaSue chose #2021 from looking at my calendar.  Though a brilliant sunset not a calendar worthy shot taken along the Colorado River near Ehrenberg, Arizona February 2020.

Stormy sky Point Imperial North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Stormy sky Point Imperial North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDiane and Nigel chose #1012, one of two in a panorama.  A stormy view from Point Imperial overlook on the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.

Male lion Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South AfricaAlan and random dot org chose 1009.  A good place to spot lion in the morning while on safari, the warm roadway.  Kruger National Park South Africa, first visit in 2010.

BLM Cottonwood Springs Road Joshua Tree National Park CaliforniaCathy chose #6087.  Nice view camping on BLM just outside of Joshua Tree National Park.

Crocodile skull Elephant Museum Letaba Rest Camp Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South AfricaGypsy chose #1234, “One step at a time.”  Which is what you’d want to do around one of these crocodiles in the wilds on safari.  This skull was on display at the Elephant Museum in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Sunset from Jumpup Point Kaibab National Forest ArizonaJodee and Bill chose #4021.  This sunset over Grand Canyon from the most remote place I ever drove to, Jumpup Point.

Five Turkey Vultures in tree top Hwy 67 North Kaibab National Forest ArizonaDoris chose #2063.  Five Turkey Vultures sharing a tree on the Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona.  They are social animals and watch out for each other.  Or, there was a carcass nearby.

View leaving Tuweep Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJo chose #2548.  A view up canyon from Toroweap campground.

Fall aspen along FR610 Kaibab National Forest ArizonaSallie and Bill chose #7453.  September colors starting to change the Aspen in the Kaibab National Forest, Arizona.

Bald eagle Padilla Bay Washington March 1990Sherry chose #10.  During 1990 I went to school at Western Washington University and spent some of my outdoor time at Padilla Bay where occasionally I’d see a Bald Eagle.

Raven at Swamp Canyon parking lot Bryce Canyon National Park UtahJeff chose #1222, “the James Webb Telescope is to launch that day.”  Ravens launch every day.  (Did you see how I did that?)  Seriously, at Bryce Canyon there seems to be an over familiar pair of Ravens at every overlook.  This one I saw at the Swamp Canyon parking lot during a 2010 visit.  But it might have still been there while I worked at Bryce many years later.

Christmas Downers Grove Illinois 1969Tis the season.  A 1969 version of tree decorating in my parents livingroom.

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

Foto Friday Fun 20 Comments

Lijit

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