Back East and Out West Again
What a month this has been. From the west coast of Oregon back to the east coast to Pennsylvania, up north to New York, down south to Virginia, back north to Pennsylvania then back out to the west coast again. It has been a month filled with activity and fun. I am not sure how we did all that we did and in fact it is hard to remember all we did. It was great seeing the people I was able to see but a little sad not to see many others. But I am back on the road again and making plans for my next adventures!
All the way to the Ocean
The Oregon coast is windy. I arrived on Sunday evening but haven’t made it out play on the sand dunes because work has taken all my time this week. Not far from where I am staying are sections of dunes where people jump on what look like small snowboards and cruise down the steep sandy slopes. As I stood watching a group of teenagers skimming down the hill I saw a woman well into her senior years sit down on a sand sled and careen down the hill, her laughter could be heard echoing throughout the place. I was impressed. Seriously though, it looks like a lot of fun! Tomorrow I hop on a plane and head back east for a bit, but when I return I am going to have to find a sandboard and hit the slopes.
More Beautiful Mountains
I kept hearing about the beauty of the Cascade Mountain Highway so on Sunday I took the drive. There is something incredibly peaceful about being in the mountains. Something that reminds me just how vast and unique our country is. The turquoise waters at the base of the snow capped mountains took my breath away one after the other.
Of course Crater lake was beyond words. Most of the area was closed because the snow was still too deep, but they had cleared out a parking area so those of us brave enough to make the drive could still take in the view. I would like to go back again when I have more time and when the trails are open.
A Little Town Called Sisters
Oregon is so beautiful! Over the weekend I stayed in a small town called Sisters, it reminded me of Kimberley, BC – the town I consider my hometown. The people were super friendly and the surrounding area was absolutely gorgeous! I took a ride up to Peterson Ridge to find a stunning view of the mountains in the distance.
A Spring of Hot Water
This week I found myself at a natural hot springs in Oregon and today after a violent thunderstorm shook the world, I found myself winding down the night in the pond. The water felt great and the sky was so amazing I had to share.
Good Morning Beautiful
It is a beautiful morning. It’s impossible to describe how happy my heart feels to be in the mountains. Today I have to head back to where I can get a cell signal so I can work. But I will be back to share more from the Grand Teton’s and Yellowstone National Park.
Beauty in the Mountains
I only had a short time in the Grand Teton’s – a day and a half to be exact, but every moment was filled with awe and wonder. There is something so calming and peaceful about being up in the mountains where the air is thin and cool, people talk a little quieter, and everywhere you look there is beauty. Even though I was only here a short time I was able to get in a little more than 12 miles of hiking. I will go back when I can stay longer – but alas work was beckoning.
Leaving the Canyons Behind
I think this will be the last Canyon I see for a little while. Bryce Canyon it was pretty cool, there are so many different rock formations and unique sights. This was definitely a good time of year to go, I went on a couple of different hikes where I didn’t more than 5 people. If you are ever in Utah stop in Bryce Canyon, it is worth it!
Out of This World
I went to a little place called White Pocket today. It is Way Way Way off the beaten path in northern Arizona. The drive out there was pretty sketchy with mud slides, wash outs, and massive puddles to meander through for about 20 miles before turning off onto a 12 mile single lane sandy trek through the wilderness during which time I did not see one single other soul. (At one point I got out to see how deep the sand was in the middle of the lane and it was midway up my calf.) I guess they mean it when they say 4×4 high clearance vehicles. The jeep did awesome and I learned a thing or two about four wheeling.
Once I arrived the unique landscape was …well unique. White Pocket is part of the coyote bluffs which is where the famed WAVE is located. White pocket’s features are similar to the wave with swirling, thin-layered strata, adjacent layers of contrasting color, and curious erosive features. The pictures don’t quite do it justice.
Angel’s Rest
Just outside of Kanab Utah you will find 3,700 acres (with an additional 33,000 leased acres) of land that is home to the Best Friends Animal Society and houses over 1,500 animals. You can learn more about the Society here @bestfriendsanimalsociety #bestfriendsanimalsociety
I took a drive down one of the roads in search of a good vantage point for the sunset and instead came across the Angels Rest. A place where those who have lost a beloved pet can lay them to rest in this beautiful quiet and serene location. I stopped to take a few photos of the grounds and of the surrounding scenery, but was struck by the sheer number of families who have chosen to bury their pets here at Angels Rest.
The Sun Shining Through
The incredible beauty found in the cracks and crevasses of this Earth is amazing. Today I visited Antelope Canyon in Page AZ, I had heard many things about this canyon and the unreal beauty that can be found in it’s depths. But nothing prepared me fore the breathtaking unreal looking views that my camera captured in stunning color.
Onward to Page
It was a beautiful campsite, a beautiful place. But I am finally putting the Phoenix area behind me and heading north! Onward to Page.
Thank You is Not Enough
This is something I truly wanted to see and due to a wrong turn I stumbled across it!
The Anthem Veterans memorial. Dedicated November 11th 2011. Every year on Veterans Day the five pillars of the memorial will align perfectly to cast one long Shadow across the circle of pavers at precisely 11:11 am. At the exact same time sunlight projecting through the elliptical openings in the pillars will pour through and perfectly a encompass and illuminate perfectly the Mosaic of the great seal of the United States. Forever reminding us of the courageous US military veterans who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation.
America the Beautiful
America is beautiful! Not just the landscape but the people. The more I travel the more people I am meeting. And let me tell you, there are some awesome people out here in the real world! The folks I have met, spoken with, gotten to know, and formed friendships with are a true picture of who we as a country. And I am thankful to have the opportunity to see first hand the beauty in the people of America.
A Gorgeous Sunset
I have found myself drawn to sunsets lately. They remind me to reflect on the day and all it’s goodness. It is tough to look at a beautiful sunset and think of anything but good. Tonight I leaned out of the door to my RV and snapped a photo, unintentionally capturing the reflection of the sunset in the photo for an incredibly gorgeous effect.
It was Destiny
By that I mean the name of the park I stayed in for the month of April plus the first 10 days in May. I didn’t expect to stay anywhere that long, but it was a great place to be. Destiny RV Resort in Goodyear Arizona. Probably the nicest and most accommodating RV park in the area. At least from what I could see. If you are ever in the area, this is the place to go!
It had a Rattle
I knew there were rattle snakes in Phoenix AZ but as yet I hadn’t seen one. Today while hiking at Lake Bartlett just west of Carefree we suddenly came across a HUGE diamond back rattle snake sunning itself across the trail. As we are two sensible people we stopped short and took a few steps back. The snake began to move and coiled the top 1/8th of his body so he could get a better look at us. He lay there flicking his tongue tasting the air and feeling the vibrations trying to determine if we were a threat or not. Eventually he got tired of us standing there disturbing his relaxation and slithered up the hill and out of sight giving us safe passage. What a moment! What a memory!
Arizona, hiking, rattle snake, scottsdale, wanderwomansadventures
Just West of Phoenix
What a beautiful day at Saguaro Lake just west of Phoenix. The weather was perfect for hiking and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. After peacefully watching the sun set behind the mountains I was struck by how different my life has become, how less busy, less stressful, and frequently I find myself in quiet connection with the Lord as I marvel at His wonderful creation.
The Poppies are Blooming
It’s been 32 years since the California poppy fields have bloomed like this. The picture doesn’t capture the beauty but it gives an idea.
Only a Few Miles Away
It is amazing how different things look from one state, or one area to the next. A quick run to the California coast, warm weather, salt water, fun times, and sea slugs.
