• Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact
Geogypsy
Menu
  • Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact
12 November 2021

Foto Friday Fun 441: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 12 readers including a lot of desert and a little bit of rivers, who are you a Kudu, 1965 class, and 1980s glass.

Kudu Mt Zebra National Park South AfricaCathy chose #8506.  A proud looking Kudu seen at Mountain Zebra National Park in South Africa where there is so much more than zebras.

Lake PowellSherry chose #973.  Lake Powell had more water when I visited September 2011 than today at over 150 feet below full pool.  Glad I went on the water but will not return to this travesty of a reservoir that is slowly returning to a river.

Madison School 5th grade class 1964-1965 Hinsdale IllinoisTreDeuce chose #1965, the year he got out of high school and went sailing with a friend.  This shot from 1965 when I was in the 5th grade.  Can you find me?

Hairpin curve before Cape Royal North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJodee and Bill chose #1623.  Approaching the hairpin curve to Cape Royal overlook at the end of the scenic road on the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park.  Not recommended for vehicles over 30 feet.

Rain drops on Pinyon Pine along Cape Royal trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Cholla cactus garden Pinto Basin Road Joshua Tree National Park CaliforniaGypsy chose #6166, close to the date she left Oregon after living along the Rogue River both on the coast and inland.  There’s a bit of contrast there, and with these two shots starting with drips on a Pinyon Pine at the Grand Canyon compared to the almost always dry Cholla cactus garden at Joshua Tree National Park.

Large Native rug hanging in Lodge main lobby North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaRita chose #1723.  This huge Navajo hand woven rug is folded in half to display in the Lodge at the North Rim Grand Canyon.

Box Canyon Dwelling Wupatki National Monument ArizonaJennifer chose #611.  Stone built ruin is all that remains of a Native dwelling seen at Wupatki National Monument.

Jumping cholla Anza-Borrego Desert State Park CaliforniaJo chose #2810.  Another Cholla cactus this time seen at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California.

Olifants River Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South AfricaJeff chose #1198, “the flight number of my brother arriving today.”  Wish I had a flight number returning to South Africa where the Olifants River flows through Kruger National Park.

Buckskin Gulch slot canyon trail UtahDiane and Nigel chose #611.  Perfect choice as they are super intrigued by the Southwest slot canyons like this view looking up in Buckskin Gulch.

Flowering yucca Toroweap Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaAlan chose #1211.  The flowers and fruit of the Yucca are edible and also pretty, here seen at Toroweap on the North Rim of Grand Canyon.

Grandpa Loomis' wedding present Hanover Park Illinois 1980Sue chose #1980, “for the year the Mountain [Mt St Helens] blew.”  Also the year I got married and my artistic grandfather sent the stained glass clock as a wedding gift.

Suncatchers Hanover Park Illinois 1980Yellow Taninger Suncatchers Hanover Park Illinois 1980

Dog suncatchers Hanover Park Illinois 1980Cat Suncatchers Hanover Park Illinois 1980

He motivated me to try this craft and advised starting with suncatchers, saying, never make just one.

First project ever Glen Ellen Illinois 1980

However, my first design and project, 11×17”, was a nightmare with pattern pieces smaller than a dime and huge gaps between pieces filled with brass rod before adding pounds of solder.

Unicorn under the quarter moon Hanover Park Illinois 1980I got better over time.

trees last light cliffs FR525 Coconino National Forest ArizonaAnd here’s a shot from near my current Coconino National Forest camp with very little signal so I’m hoping this post goes out by Friday.

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

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Foto Friday Fun photographs & memories 22 Comments
09 November 2021

Planning November travel, before the holidays

bushes trees clouds Skull Valley ArizonaI’m hoping chores and repairs don’t put off early November travel.  Hmmm, not happy about that though I’m still comfortable and enjoying my home views.  Just putting travel on hold doesn’t mean forever but I don’t travel on holidays.

boulders bushes trees clouds Skull Valley ArizonaHappy to say I have a Post Office Box and am officially a resident of Skull Valley, Arizona.  I liked the sound of that from the get-go.  It’s been a few years since I felt settled enough to call a place home.  Super bonus is having a handyman on site.

trees sunrise clouds Skull Valley Arizona

trees sunrise clouds Skull Valley ArizonaSo it was worth getting up early enough to see sunrise and greet said handy-person around 8am.

shadow Ken on RV roof Skull Valley Arizona

new roof vent cover RVLong overdue RV maintenance, the list is long.  He replaced the cracked skylight over the shower and all four dry and aged roof vent covers.  Once apart I should have replaced the entire roof vent as other plastic is old.  Might just put Maxi vents over them next time.  Also scrubbed all three slide roofs and re-taped seams.  Ah the joys of having a charged screwgun (and operator) to put the closet-rod support screws into solid wood instead of the manufacturer missing that block of wood, and attaching a wall panel that the staples into nothing had popped out.  There’s always something, I always have a list.  Got into some interesting conversation including the idea of being happy all the time versus being comfortable.  I don’t think constant happy is possible, and would be exhausting, and maybe not even recognizable without some unhappy.  I am mostly good with comfortable, not like getting in a rut I hope.  A smile often brings happy juice to my brain throughout the day.

And making November travel plans makes me happy.  I figured to shop in Prescott on my way to Dewey where I’d stay the weekend visiting Vicki.  Then meet with Joann and give her camper a shake-down on some public land outside of Sedona we scoped out last week.  It’s comfortable to travel with someone on a maiden voyage.  Plus we always have fun wherever we go and that makes me happy.

Joe & Tom's van RR underpass Skull Valley ArizonaIn the meantime, I hear from a long-time Facebook friend I hadn’t met yet who was in my neighborhood on the way home to southern Utah after three weeks on the road.  Please remember, my neighborhood is in the middle of nowhere.  I invited them to boondock in my “yard” at the ranch and met them at the gate.  Of course we greeted like the old friends we are, sharing stories old and new.  They showed off their van conversion with a popup to standing height.  I opened the door to the truckcamper and was greeted with, the smell of propane.  Not good.  The fridge was cold but I turned off the propane and then plugged in to maintain the fridge temperature.  I had planned to leave in the morning and happily begin a little November travel.

window view grasses Brushy Mt clouds Skull Valley ArizonaI did go out in the morning, with no propane on, and after a few-mile drive to the landfill/dump went shopping in Prescott, which I don’t include in November travel fun.  I seem to go to town more often now that it’s nearer and I don’t necessarily see that as a good thing.  However, I dropped off a bag of clothes at Goodwill then after a quick wander inside realized I can no longer afford to shop there with $25 pants and $13 purses. Yes, prices are going up everywhere, but really the thrift store should do better unless they suddenly started paying their employees more.  Enjoyed a reasonably priced breakfast and because she was nearby, Joann joined me.  She also brought out a donation bag of new clothes from her granddaughter that I ended up happily taking, and everything fit both size and style.  From there I spent way too much time in a Wally’s returning some of last week’s purchases I was unhappy with.  Lots of empty shelves and no grocery bags makes me wonder if their products are sitting offshore.  Bought an external DVD/CD player (made in Malaysia) to USB to my laptop so I can watch the few movies I have.  $100 worth of diesel at almost $4/gal and finished with a few groceries.  Home felt exceedingly comfortable after a 6 1/2 hour day.  I really don’t like to shop.  Besides I had been hoping to continue down the road for my first November travel to a new place.

bushes boulders clouds Skull Valley ArizonaThe next day I checked all the propane connections at hoses and tanks.  Everything seemed tight yet I could smell propane when the tank was open.  I put dish-soap on the connections and didn’t see any bubbles.  Of course there are more connections I can’t easily get to.  So I turned off the propane again and will call a pro after the weekend.  I am not currently a happy camper.  But I am safely comfortable until the problem is fixed.  And with that fixed I can begin November travel camping south of Sedona this week with temps 70/40s. Then catch Vicki on the way home to the calendars delivered.

trees sunset clouds Skull Valley ArizonaIn the meantime, I’m not going out for walks on the ranch right now as it’s hunting season and I can hear gunshots not too far away.  I don’t own orange, it’s not my color (other than sunsets).  I’d rather not be mistaken for a deer.  Four does trotted up the hill northward and I prayed for their safety.

What do you think of the idea of being happy and/or comfortable?

lizard skull Skull Valley ArizonaHerp nerd friend says Horned Lizard, most other friends agree it’s a tiny dragon (1” skull found in my yard)

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Arizona, Places I've been, Prescott, RV life, Skull Valley, United States RV problems, RV repairs, travel plans 31 Comments
05 November 2021

Foto Friday Fun 440: every picture tells a story

This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by 10 readers including far views, a unique phenomenon, and a trip down the Pacific Northwest coast.

White Pocket Vermilion Cliffs National Monument ArizonaJo chose #1302, her birthday.  I would love to spend my birthday at White Pocket where the ancient dunes turned to stone show diverse colors and patterns.  Driving there requires a 4×4 to cross soft sand along the way.

Old locomotive South Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaCathy chose #8120.  I did spend my 2015 birthday at the South Rim Grand Canyon where I spotted this old locomotive parked by the train station.  Not sure if it’s still used to haul visitors on the rails between Williams and the canyon.

Glory Cape Royal North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDiane and Nigel chose #2910.  When they visited me at Grand Canyon we went to Cape Royal but sadly didn’t get to see this optical phenomenon called a Glory or brocken spectre.

Kaibab Plateau Hwy 89A South ArizonaJennifer chose #234.  It’s a long straight road across Sage Flats from Kanab, Utah to the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona.  A drive I made numerous times.

Lees Ferry Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ArizonaTreDeuce gets #147 for the number of words in his last comment.  I’m betting with his extensive SW travels he’s been to Lee’s Ferry where this old structure remains from the era of ferrying across the Colorado River instead of the Navajo Bridge.

Fall aspen FR22 Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Fall aspen FR22 Kaibab National Forest ArizonaSherry chose #8133, one of five in a panorama.  The lovely Autumn colors on Aspen seen on the Kaibab National Forest.

Elephant Kruger National Park South AfricaAlan chose #3871.  An elephant almost hidden in the bush at Kruger National Park in South Africa.

View SE-SW from Brian Head overlook Dixie National Forest UtahGypsy chose #1115, “date of Rosetta landing on comet’s shady side.  A mid-day visit to Brian Head brought no shade at all but even in July wasn’t terribly hot at 11,000 feet.  Love that panoramic view of the high meadows to the Pink Cliffs of Cedar Breaks National Monument and beyond.

Canyon from Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaRita chose #4374.  Looking down on the temples and across Grand Canyon from North to South with the San Francisco Peaks on the horizon.

Hummocks from Truman trail Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument Washington summer 1992Sue got #90 for the number of words in her last comment.  Being a “soil” gal I’ll bet she’d love to shovel into this hummock, a piece of Mt St Helens, seen along the Truman trail during a 1992 hike while working at the National Volcanic Monument.

My choices from November 1996, after my season with USFWS along the Columbia River when I took a road trip, with a new-to-me camper that leaked, west to the coast and south in stormy weather with stops along the way.  That road trip took a month to travel the west coast from Edmunds, Washington to Los Angeles.

Edmunds ferry WashingtonFerry boat Edmunds Washington

Keko the killer whale at Oregon coast aquarium Newport Beach Oregon Nov 1996Keko the Killer Whale Oregon Aquarium

Coast OregonOregon coast

Redwood National Park CaliforniaRedwood National and State Park California

Mattole Beach Hidden Coast King Mts CaliforniaMattole Beach, Hidden Coast, King Mts, California (and had the place all to myself)

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.  I especially love when the images evoke your memories.  Please feel free to share those stories.

Do you have a favorite this week?

Thanks for the memories

To order the 2022 Geogypsy calendar just drop me a line either here or through contact tab above. This 17×11” calendar on heavy matt finish stock will allow easy viewing and plenty of room to make notes. Cost is $25 each including shipping in the USA (talk to me about overseas shipping). Buy five or more at the reduced rate of $20 each including shipping in the USA. Payment through Zelle https://www.zellepay.com/, first sign up, then it’s a direct payment to my bank through my email address, geogypsy2 @ gmail.com (without the spaces).  If that doesn’t work for you, let me know. I will need your full name and mailing address plus email to confirm receipt.

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Foto Friday Fun photographs & memories 31 Comments
← Older posts
Newer posts →

Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

Let’s share our stories.  Here’s more of mine…

My wheeleastate

I am currently…

…boondocking somewhere in southern Arizona.  In the area, give a shout.

Geogypsytraveler on YouTube

Follow my journey on YouTube. Just click the pic. Hope you’ll like, share, and subscribe.

Click image for 7 minute documentary (Password “geogypsy” lowercase)

Making the Gypsy documentary is a story of its own.  Click below for the rest of the story.

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Photos available for sale include prints, greeting cards, coffee mugs, tote bags, phone cases and more

Reflected Wave 24X16 metal print under $100

Custom Coffee Mugs

Many items to choose from including prints

The Last Blast 24 x 16″ metal print under $100

Need a signal boost? When I boondock on public lands sometimes signal is weak or intermittent and a booster helps. Click the pic to visit WeBoost.

Connecting to nature and the rest of the world too.

Please contact me for photo purchases not seen at GLOlmsted Photography

Order fulfillment is by Fine Art America. If you’re not happy with your purchase, for any reason, simply return it within 30 days, and you’ll receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Why read Geogypsy?

The gypsy life spring-summer 1998 - "You were a real pioneer. RV'ing before it was cool." ...Yogi

How do you process photos? - “Your photographs create an Emotional feeling in the viewer...that they become One with You.” …Cindy

Life’s transitions between travel and work play - "I know you love your job as much as you love travel -- it shines through all your posts." ...Sallie

Lions at Kruger National Park - “Wonderful post, thank you. I was hooked start to finish!” … Peter B

11 lessons looking back 2013 - “A great post -- made me think, made me smile, made me want to cry." ...Sallie

Wildlife video Kruger National Park - “Gorgeous, this makes me want to go straight to South Africa now.” … Ayngelina

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary - “What an experience you had and gave to the "crew." Sometimes I think you don't realize how unique and inspiring you are.” …Alan

Search

Popular Posts

1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. 2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph. 3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions. 4. Use discretion if sharing locations. 5. Know and follow rules and regulations. 6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them. 7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles

Categories

Archives

Sites I follow, read & recommend

  • A Full-time Life
  • A Yankee in Belgrade
  • Bob's Eyes
  • Box Canyon Blog
  • Camels and Chocolate
  • Dawns bloggy blog
  • In the Direction of Our Dreams
  • Jane in her infinite wisdom
  • Janie and Steve, Utah Trails
  • Kathie's Birds
  • Las Adventuras
  • Memorable Meanders
  • Oh, The Places They Go
  • On the Road Abode
  • Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
  • Stillhowlyntravels
  • Take to the Highway
  • Technomadia
  • the good luck Duck
  • Travel with the Bayfield Bunch
  • Wandering Earl
  • Wheeling It
  • Yogi's Den

Caught in a Slot 9×12 canvas print under $50

If you don’t like what’s going on in your government, contact your Congress

Directory of Senators

Directory of Representatives

Lijit

© Copyright 2008-2024. Geogypsytraveler.com
%d