Along Hwy 40
Lots of cows in Texas, or are they steer? I am busting along the freeways at top speeds trying to get across this fabulous county of mine, so my knowledge of flora and fauna is limited. But I see a field of cattle and immediately go “Awww, HI COWS!” and then just as automatically I continue… “I’m sorry. I’m sorry you will be eaten.” Continue reading
My room at Taos Inn
This was my first foray into New Mexico. I love firsts. I stayed in Taos at a darling, old remodeled inn that had live music every night in the lobby/bar which I could hear clearly from my room, and they served one of the best chile rellenos I have ever had. Continue reading
Spruce Tree House and Me!
If I had a kid in the back seat driving into Mesa Verde National Park she would have said “are we there yet?” about ten times. It was deceptive because I pulled up to the kiosk and showed my annual park pass and got my map from the yogi-bear-hatted ranger, and then drove for half an hour before seeing any signs of life. Continue reading
Oh I’m depressed at the thought of driving east and leaving Colorado further behind me. I love the mountains. I think this is a huge discovery. I never really realized that a part of me feels incomplete without being in their heights. I have never lived in the mountains and I wonder Continue reading
Telluride Village
I have just spent two glorious days in Telluride, Colorado. A beautiful little gem of a ski village, that used to be a mining town, in what reminds me of the Swiss Alps. It is off-season and the Aspen’s are blooming with bright green leaves to contrast with the darker powerful evergreens, waterfalls are bursting over cliffs, and everywhere there is the feeling of enchantment. Continue reading
Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, CO
So…how to explain this. Simply, the eclipse in Telluride was magic. Here I am in this amazingly gorgeous scenery, alone and feeling a bit lonely wishing I had a loved one along, and then I head to the roof of my hotel to watch the eclipse. In the elevator I meet a man that is heading to the roof as well and he is meeting friends with a bottle of champagne and it turns into a laughter-filled event of friendship. Continue reading
OK, so I adore Bryce Canyon National Park; fairytale rock formations, beautiful night skies, and a chance meeting with a man of peace. I went to a ranger talk about the stars last night at 9pm and being there reminded me of my childhood and camping at Van Damme State Park, CA and going to the Ranger Rick talks at the campground. As a kid I loved the whole idea of staying up late, walking with a flashlight, the eeriness of the sounds at night, and the way people look in the moonlight. Continue reading
Zion National Park views
I went to Zion National Park yesterday. Beautiful, but a hard act to follow after the Grand Canyon. It felt so small. It just isn’t fair to compare it, but unfortunately I can’t help it! I am still so weary from the Phantom Ranch hike. My calves are stiff and sore, my feet worn, so hiking around Zion was a bit trying. Continue reading
Phantom Ranch
Phantom Ranch is a little oasis along Phantom Creek at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Designed by Mary Colter in 1922 as a resort to welcome weary hikers, they serve up great food, supplies and clean beds to the intrepid wanderers fortunate enough to get a reservation. Guests eat at crowded tables in shifts in a cute lodge house. Continue reading
My self portrait on the Canyon wall
I have been slow to write about my hike into the depths of Grand Canyon National Park. Partly because it’s difficult to describe the beauty and my emotional state of accomplishment, partly because I’m exhausted, but also because I worry that trying to describe it will make the magic disappear. From the moment I drove into the park, I was under a spell. Continue reading
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