Winter Sunset

Ice Follies

Winter is ebbing and flowing.  

The creek was frozen, then we got a warm spell with 3 inches of rain,

causing flooding and then a cold snap.

The freeze-up begins again.

As the water falls, icicles form along the creek bank.

Rocks, once again, become emtombed.

An ice pendulum hangs from a branch.

Nature's wind chimes hang over the creek.

Frosty curlicues.

Merry Christmas!

Winter Ride

Our 6 inches of snow is melting,

so we decided to ride again, before it melted away.

Ready to ride

Looking down over the creek

We spotted Thumper

And Bambi

And a deteriorating hornets' nest

It was a fine day for a ride in the snow.

Bo, the Snow Dog

Winter Wonderland

Snow Angel

Rocky's version of a snow angel.

Snow Ride

Every year, I try to get in at least one ride in the snow.

This year, now that Apollo has joined our herd,

his owner, Janette, was anxious to experience the snowy woods with us.

It was a cold day, 23°, but the sun was shining.

We chuckled at our snow shadows.
Looks like a medieval knight's horse!

Bundled up in Carharts,

We stayed warm and dry.
And the horses seemed to enjoy getting out too.

Snow

We got our first measurable snow last night.

Looking down at the pasture.

Snowy Hinkle Creek

The dogs always enjoy the snow.

Walking in a winter wonderland

Foggy Morning

Tilly's Tree

The Christmas tree is up and ex-barn cat, Tilly has claimed it.

You can take the cat out of the barn, 

but they never forget their past.

Winter Nest

Winter bare branches expose nests.

Winter Begins

The leaves are off the trees

and the temps are dropping.

Ice is forming on the creek.

The ice-up begins.

November Storm

We had a severe weather day yesterday.

After starting the day in the 60's, a cold front came through with ensuing storms.

Several towns near us were ravaged by tornados.

We were spared and just had a few high winds and rain.

The storm approaches

Angry clouds

Looking north where a tornado passed just minutes earlier

After the storm

Autumn Milkweed

Frost is on the Pumpkin

Red Rock Canyon

Just 15 miles west of Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Who knew this gem was so close to a huge city?

 The entrance fee is $7, however if you've purchased 

an America the Beautiful pass for national parks, that will get you in as well.

There are nineteen hikes listed, from easy to strenuous and 

the area has over 2000 climbing routes for rock climbers.

There is also a 13 mile scenic route if you want to enjoy the sights from the comfort of your car.

And, if you are lucky, you'll spot some wild horses or burros.

If you need to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city,

check out the Red Rock Canyon!

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is in Southern California and includes portions of the Mojave & Colorado Deserts.

 This is a stand of the namesake Joshua trees, not really a tree at all, but a species of yucca.

The rocks appear to be haphazardly piled up, but have actually eroded into these unusual stacks.

 The desert iguana is right at home in the cracks of the boulders.

Joshua Tree is a mecca for climbers.

Can you spot the 3 climbers ?

This is skull rock.

Camping among the boulders looks fun.

There are petroglyphs on the rocks too.

 This desert bird is called a Phainopepla.

 A cactus wren nest in a cholla.

 The sun sets on another wonderful national park visit.