Canyonlands 2016
Part One: Land and Rocks

I've been dreaming of faraway landscapes lately, and this one jumps to mind as one of the most enchanting I've experienced.  Five years ago, in Spring of 2016, Dad, Dave and I did a 4 (?) day backpack trip in Canyonlands, Utah.  I had my film camera then and took some of my favorite pictures with it on this trip.
The weather was decent, not too killer hot yet, however water was not omnipresent, and so keeping ourselves supplied was one of our main concerns.  We had a few challenges of the height-fear variety as well.  Otherwise, it was a beautiful landscape to be in, with a surprising green lushness and many wildflowers (which will be shared at a later date in Pt. 2).

Everything is so picturesque there.  I feel like it is a blessing I didn't have a digital camera then, or I would have taken 100 million pictures.

Rivulets, becoming canyons, penetrate the earth's hard crust, enabling life to take root in the crevices.

I had some fun with double exposures.  Many of the rocks here resemble human heads and human figures...

More figures... these ones remind me of my aunt Freda's abstract ceramic figures she'd portray in clay and also in her paintings:

Surprisingly green:

And at night (achieved by holding button on camera near-perfectly still for around 6 minutes or so):

Another double exposure experiment.  This one is more subtle, almost redundant... rock on rock.  But strangely intriguing?

Just passing through

That crevice in the picture on the right was more intimidating in person, trust me.  Dad happy to be alive in this picture 😂

Another fun double exposure:

Very different when viewed this way:

Somehow this one has a fish-eye effect to me, even though there's no special effects at play:

Well, that about wraps up picture story time here.  Thanks for coming along on a blast from the past!

Wisdom of the Turkey

The last few months have been very challenging for us.  Since noticing some stomach discomfort around Thanksgiving (about 6 months ago now), and then by the new year experiencing pretty debilitating pain, we found out by February that what Charlotte was dealing with was a gastric cancer that had metastasized.  There is a mass pushing on the esophagus, and another pushing on the colon area -- what the doctor called a very cruel case, because of the strategically torturous points of pressure thus created.  So, it has been far far too many days spent in pain and discomfort, but the situation became much more optimistic once we found our way into the care of the right doctors.  Charlotte has gotten to be seen by some of the best in the world.  They have done everything in their power not only to analyze and consider her case meticulously, giving her the best possible treatment, but to expedite her appointments, to be available to answer questions, even checking in with her on their days off.  We are amazingly thankful for their care.  Charlotte, for her part, has been incredibly strong dealing with everything.  We have wonderful friends and family (and pets) at our sides too.  All these factors make us optimistic for a successful treatment.  And now that chemotherapy has begun (April 2nd) we eagerly await some shrinkage of the masses and alleviation of discomfort.

In the meantime, we may not be embarking on any grand adventures in the outside world (nor are many people at this time, quite yet) but we always get comfort and joy from the nature and comedy close to home.

Just the other day, an unexpected guest dropped by...

Theodore, Bubba, Boobies, Twinkletoes, Winky... No matter what you call him, he's cute as a button.  A real charmer.

Demonstrating a couple of his favorite "chill spots":

                           

He'll often spend half an hour embracing his water dish every evening, he loves it.

                                       

Close encounters of the sweet potato kind

                                       

After a long day:

                                                          

Speaking of goofy postures, Kronos was getting some hang time during a recent nap.  Check out that hind leg just dangling!

In the yard, I was excited to find the first bloom on one of the California Columbines I started from seed.  They are much more micro in stature compared to the colossal yellow Columbines I have growing in the same area.  Interesting flower shapes...

And here is an intriguingly-odd salvia I planted last year called Salvia africana-leutea, from the coasts of South Africa.  I love the unusual brown color of the flowers.  It grew quickly to about 3 feet all around, so far.  It looks pretty awesome with the calendula blooming all around it.

So that is about it for now.  Just some snapshots of what has been brightening our days.  I'll just share one final video of another unexpected occurrence:

It was a drizzly day like any other.  I was out doing some minor chore on a day off of work, heading home on Kansas St. when--what's that up ahead?

Determined birds, marching onwards!

Ever since this past Fall, these turkeys have been making themselves at home in the neighborhood, even stopping by to peck around our own yard a few times.  I couldn't believe how they were just B-lining it down the center of the road, totally unfazed by me in my car.  I admire their spirit!

💛💚💙So long until next time💙💚💛

                                                               💙💚💛💜💛💚💙

Rest in Peace, Bellaboo

Big, sweet Earth Pig.  You gave so much love to Charlotte and her family, and melted the hearts of many more, including my own mom, despite her hesitancy around large animals.  You were a gentle giant, and you related to us with so many emotions we recognized in ourselves.

I know that you will forever be riding shotgun with Charlotte, Selene, and Hal as they drive around town on a warm, breezy day, enjoying the sights and smells of life, reminding us to do the same.

I will remember your spontaneous barrel rolls in soggy lawns.  Your determination in chomping obscenely large fallen tree limbs into smithereens.  Your warm greetings at the door.  Your sweet personality, your love of back scratches, your cuddles, and your loyalty.

💜

💜

 

Stories of Rebirth

Bothe State Park
January 10, 2021

Following the Glass Fire which burned much of the area last fall. . .

Fire may have consumed the above-ground portion of this Sequoia sempervirens, but she is all the more determined to race back up towards that flaming orb in the distance.

Madrone wood

Many trees, like this Madrone, were in this stage of basal resprouting, sending up all new growth from the roots.

A fern returns to life

Many "Redwood Rooter" mushrooms to be seen.  Apparently one of few species of mushrooms of a considerable size to grow in redwood habitats, and with a distinct "umbonate" cap shape.

I love the branching structure of manzanitas and madrones. . .

The "Traverso Homestead" according to the park map.  A dilapidated residence, already ruins before the Glass Fire.  Many bottles and cans litter the area.

Olympia beer can

I believe this is Calycanthus occidentalis (aka Spice Bush) resprouting.

This little redwood could be in a Smokey the Bear PSA.  Redwoods are renowned for their fire resistance, but I wonder if this little one will make it?  The green is still green after 3 months.  That seems promising!

No Return

It's the Water

A type of oak tree, it looks like?  Another

Perhaps some sort of lily or bulb emerging into a desolate-looking terrain

Heuchera and friend

See ya next time!