Day 5, Sequoia National Park

I was so excited about this day. When I came out west a number of years ago it was in my theoretical plans to make it to Sequoia and to the Redwoods. However I didn't make it to either. So, needless to say I just couldn't wait to get into the park and be with these old, fantastic trees.

Here we are in front of the General Sherman, billed as the largest living thing on the planet. Let me tell you that these trees are so breath taking. I mean standing next to them, I was completely in awe.

If ever there was a tree that could make an amazing home, a sequoia would be it. After a burn there can be huse holes in them and yet they are still as sturdy as ever and alive. After they fall, it could be hundreds of years before they break down becasue the tannins are so strong that bacteria, fungus, and insects do not break them down easily. Also, they can be totally hollow inside and even tall enough when laying down for a 6'5" man to walk through without ducking.

We walked along the Alta trail starting from the General Sherman tree. It was a really nice, seemingly less traveled trail that meandered througha creek area and into a really beautiful rock shelf area. Also we saw some sort of ground animal as well as many kinds of flowers and trees.

Above you can see these way cool Native American Indian mortar holes. Maybe used to ground nuts.

I thought this root end looked a lot like a Greenman face, it was so cool!

Tree hugging along the Big Tree trail which we caught after we finished the Alta trail.

Camping out at the Lodgepole campground in Sequoia National Park. The campground was right near the Kaweah river adn the sound was simply amazing.

day 4, Kingman, AZ to Three Rivers, CA

Oh my oh my crossing the Mohave desert was something else. I guess I just had no idea how hot it actually was and what sorts of dangers could be awaiting your vehicle. Luckily we made it through unscathed and better for the ware.

We woke up on Kingman and headed out to our destination which was Sequoia and King's canyon national Park. I had never seen the giant sequoias before and was so excited to finally meet them. I didn't quite realize that our trip through the desert would mean temperatures of 116 for a good part of our day or an agricultural stop on the CA border.

Of course the desert really does have it's own beauty. I was blown away by the views of large craggy mountains, scattered lava rock, and the overwhelming heat. I was also shocked at the amount of cars we saw pulled over on the shoulder of the interstate for some reason or another. We took the day slow and steady and that even included a picnic in the desert under the shade of a tree. Also, it was really cool to see all of the wind farms and solar farms as we we were driving.


After a long hot day of driving we finally made it to the park at 8pm. Unfortunately they have a lot of road work going and were closing the road at 9pm with only one pass through at 11:30. So since we were totally beat we just popped quickly in to try and catch a glimps and then came back out to Three Rivers. We found a cute little lodge with a good price and spent the night looking forward to the next day when we could enter and commune with the trees.

day 3, part 2

pictures of some of the beautiful plants we saw in the Cococino Nat'l Forest and in Grand Canyon Nat'l Park.

the Grand Canyon- or Day 3

So, we headed out of Flagstaff and made for the Grand Canyon. Our road took us through the Cococino National forest whcih was just in hte shadow of the San Francisco Peaks which are pictured below.

We found the pnderosa pine and scattered aspen forest so beautiful that we had to stop and walk around.

Finally we made it to our destination. We got there in the mid afternoon and so didn't have enough time to do a very long hike. But we took the time to walk along the South Rim trail from the lodge near the Bright Angel trail and out to Maricopa Point overlook.

I was (and so was ian for that matter) totally blown away by the spectacle that is the Grand Canyon.

On our way back to the lodge area we got caught in a quick, cold rain. The wind was whipping through the trees and creating a wide array of sounds. The rain itself was cold and stung my skin but I also felt invigorated from the energy of the storm.

After a little break and a bite to eat we decided to take a short hike down the Bright Angel trail. we only hiked for about 20 minutes but it was awesome. We were treated to a mountain goat sighting complete with mated pair and kids. In fact I was almost hit in the head by a falling rock that was set in motion by their movements.

When we got back up to the rim the moon was up and shining bright.

The last thing we saw before leaving the park was this male elk grazing right near the exit signs.

Day 2, Albuquerque to Flagstaff

sweet,

sassy flavor

bursts on my tongue

in sun soaked neighborhood

we walk together

his memories

coming to life before us

sharing his childhood

with our child

in the shadow of the Sandias

we delight

in the treat

of ripe mulberries

Day 2 started about 5 miles east of Albuquerque. We were greeted with a beautiful view of the Sandias Mountains. They loomed big over the city. These mountains are ingrained in Jim's memory. The plan of the morning consisted of finding the old house his family lived in when he was in 2-4 grades, as well as the elementary school. Both of which we did.


Here you can see Jim and Ian in the ditch where Jim played with his friends. I'm assuming that Jeanne had no idea he was down in the roadside ditch collecting pieces of iron with a magnet and jumping off the side into the ditch, although maybe she knew and secretly spied on his friends and him while it was happening. Either way, according to Jim the ditch has seen some attention over the last 20 years as has the neighborhood. We walked down the block, found the house (we think) viewed the Sandias which could not possibly be ignored, admired all of the beautiful desert gardens and were treated to a wonderful surprise of ripe mulberries that were being completely ignored by their owner.

Here you can see Ian having a blast on the playground equipment that now exists where before there was only rock and tractor tires, a four square court and a tether ball.

As true nature lovers and plant geeks must, we gather green things from all over. Jim thought it apprppriate for him to gather sage from this place in his childhood.

After the walk down memory lane we headed over to the Old Town. Here is the Catholic Church, San Felipe De Neri which is the oldest church in Albuquerque. The church is the center of the Old Town.

We ate lunch at a restaurant in Old Town called la Hacienda. The chili relleno was spicy, the margarita was strong and the sopapilla was delicious. Although, the whole idea of the sopapilla nags me to leatn more about where it came from, how it became such a part of the American-Mexican food tradition and why it so like Indian fry bread which seems to be a pan-American Indian fair food. Some folks might lambast me for this opinion but as a foodie I think I might look further into the bringing of the friend bread dough as a staple...

Me and my boy at the entrance to the Old Town square.

When we finished our tourist duties in Albuquerque we packed into the car and headed west. Our destination, Flagstaff. Along the way we were attacked by roadside dinosaurs and I just happened to have my camera ready for taking this shot. Who says dinosaurs are extinct?

As we approached Flagstaff, I was amazed at the greeting given to travelers by the San Francisco Peaks. They just rise magically out of the landscape and make their presence known. To the Hopi these are sacred mountains. This is where the Kachinas live and the way of life is directly tied to ceremony calling on the spirits to send rain as well as to take the rain home. A number of years ago Jim and I were lucky enough to have happened on a traditional Hopi Home Going dance. This was the ceremoiny in which the Hopi give thanks to the kachinas and the spirits and send them back to the peaks at th eend of the harvest season. I can still hear the chanting and see the dancing.

We finally arrived in Flagstaff and headed to the DuBeau Inn Hostel. Let me tell you, I had no idea that Flagstaff was such a happening city. The Historic square was packed with families who had been watching a free movie and there were folks everywhere just enjoying life. We walked around enjoying the festivities and tried a local brew at a pub across the street.

Today we're headed to the Grand Canyon and Ian is so excited. Neither he nor I have been there and so I'm excited too. Catch you next time.

Moving in and Day 1, heading west

Well, about a week ago we moved into our new place. It was a long day of placing boxes and trying to be organized in the midst of chaos. At the end of the day we were all totally exhausted. Luckily we had brought a six pack with us from Hot Springs and were able to cool off and sip on a cold one before heading out to dinner. Here you can see Jim making sure he gets every advantage a cold beer has to offer.

Then after settling in a bit we packed up and headed off for our trip westward that will take us to Oregon and my friend Anna's wedding.


Yesterday we drove. It was a long drive and yet so awesome. The way the landscape changes from from dry prairie to gorgeous mesas is so awe inspiring. There really is something amazing about traversing the land. I can't imagine having done it with horses and covered wagon. It would be an adventure to really connect you to the land since you would constanlty have to be on the lookout for fresh water, good eating for the horses, and places where you might be safe for the night.

Anyway, our initial plan was to head to Santa Fe, but we were unable to find a place to stay so we headed onto Alburquerque. On our way through eastern New Mexico, we were greeted with beautiful mesas. On our left side there was a fantastic lightening storm all gray and ominous and yet on our right, the sun was shining bright under the billowing clouds. After a while the two came together to create the lovely rainbow you see pictured.

Awesome. Today on to Flagstaff.