images of nature

Spread Your Wings and Fly Away

2012-02-26T18:20:00.000-06:00

Back in the Saddle Again....

Snowy Evening

2012-02-24T17:24:00.002-06:00

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sounds the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
~Robert Frost

'Wouldn't it be Loverly'

2012-02-23T23:19:00.003-06:00

A late winter evening snow provided a beautiful heavy white canopy and at least one more opportunity to cross country ski. However, with temperatures of 50 degrees predicted for Sunday we should be back on the water before March roars in next week.

Strange Seasons

2012-02-16T17:17:00.002-06:00

'Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.' ~Thoreau

Perhaps it's global warning, or just time for a mild winter but winter in Iowa this year has been more like a prolonged spring. The lake already has patches of open water; I'm curious when the wildflowers will bloom....and, I'm thankful I'm cleared to kayak.

Sunrise

2012-02-12T17:06:00.001-06:00

February Sunrise at Lake Red Rock

Kayakers Breakfast at EXPO 2012

Big Sky

2012-02-09T11:30:00.000-06:00

Soft Fog in Winter Woods

2012-02-06T19:18:00.000-06:00

'Sometimes we need the fog to remind ourselves
that not all of life is black and white.'
~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Afternoon Reflections

2012-02-05T19:07:00.000-06:00

Solitude - Near Peterson Pitts, Story County

Cedar Waxwing

2012-02-04T13:18:00.001-06:00

'God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.'
~Jacques Deval, Afin de vivre bel et bien.

[HD]Sheep Herding Dog

2012-02-02T13:43:00.002-06:00

This is funny.....it figures that the dog is a Portuguese Water Dog. Everyday is a party when you're a PWD; this sheep is pretty funny too. I didn't know they could run that fast!

Warm Winter Winds

2012-01-30T21:00:00.009-06:00

Perhaps it is because the wind can be my nemesis or myfriend when I am kayaking I am ever aware of the wind. Wind is uncontainable and follows no one’srules…..admirable characteristics to my way of thinking. So, Iam perplexed with the magnitude, grandeur and grace of the wind turbine. There are three that I acknowledge on mydaily journeys; the newest are Chinese in design and tapered and exquisite inform. I’ve been inquiring about theopportunity to experience viewing the world from the top of one. Imagine being 400 feet in the air with a 200foot propeller rotating next to you! Imagine the view! Imagine the experience if it were especiallywindy! Many questions come to mind. How long does it take to climb that far? Another question has come to merecently: What happens if a wind turbineis hit by a tornado……it can’t be good……

I am mesmerized by these behemothic, yet elegant structures.

End of the Day

2012-01-29T20:01:00.002-06:00

"May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder." ~ John O'Donohue, Celtic Poetic

Church on the Hill

2012-01-28T20:29:00.003-06:00

Sunset Hill

Wind Power

2012-01-25T18:52:00.001-06:00

Clean Power - and Pretty too!

Three Chimney Barn

2012-01-20T19:07:00.003-06:00

An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
~Henry David Thoreau

Morning Light

2012-01-20T18:25:00.000-06:00

Blogspot Photos...

2012-01-20T16:18:00.004-06:00

Country Sunrise

Party Boats

White Ibis

Peace Tree - Sunset Magic

Iceboat

2012-01-15T17:38:00.000-06:00

'Iceboat' - A boat, similar to a sail boat but fitted with skis, is designed to sail over the hard ice.

Certain factions of the Skunk River Paddlers designed, built, and - today - launched their own version.

It worked pretty well despite the warming temperatures.

Sands Of Time

2012-01-14T14:12:00.005-06:00

“We can never turn back the pages of time, though we may wish to relive a happy moment, or say good-bye just one last time, we never can, because the sands of time continue to fall, and we can't turn the hourglass over.” ~Anonymous

Baby Hummingbird Story

2012-01-12T19:27:00.002-06:00

A good story. Be sure to listen to the music:
http://www.wimp.com/babyhummingbird/

Video was forwarded to me from the Vermin Whisperer....

Red Rock Armada Singing Ice Kayakers !!!

2012-01-09T11:15:00.006-06:00

http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m149/JoPears5/Red%20Rock%20January%207%202012/?action=view&current=035.mp4

(videos by Dr. John Pearson).

http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m149/JoPears5/Red%20Rock%20January%207%202012/?action=view&current=028.mp4

8th Annual New Year's Day CIP Paddle

2012-01-01T20:15:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year! 2012 is going to be a great year!

There are two excellent write-ups about today's exhilarating paddle...so I will refer you to Todd Robertson's blog and let you look forward to Steve's write up in the CIP newsletter.
http://streamdreamer.net/2012/01/01/new-years-day-paddle-windy-edition/?mid=56

Christmas Portrait Photography

2011-12-31T08:52:00.003-06:00

Christmas Portrait Photography was fun this year; so many interesting expressions in costume!

Cinematic History

2011-12-29T22:31:00.004-06:00

The current holiday films are finding their place in 'reel time'. Our family traditions find us sharing at least one movie during the Christmas season. It's not the shows, of course, but time together - making memories. As for the movies: The re-make of 'Footloose' is fun, but Robert Downey Jr. and George Clooney are always interesting: 'Game of Shadows'; 'Descendants'.

2011-12-23T21:19:00.001-06:00

Snowflakes

2011-12-21T00:05:00.000-06:00

A Christmas Tree.
With dark green needled memories.
Of time that's gone so fleetingly,
Yet lives for always deep in me.

Blue Ridge Mountain Berries

2011-12-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

If you've been to Virginia in the past 30 years you are likely familiar with Robbin Thompson and Steve Bassett's ' Sweet Virginia Breeze', perhaps the unofficial state song. The tune and lyrics often dance in my head and put a spring in my step; so last week I was not surprised to hear 'the Blue Ridge Mountains Tend to Set Me Free' singing sweetly in my ears as I hiked the mountain trails in the rain and fog. Yes, they do set me free...

Winter Sun - Virginia

2011-12-16T19:53:00.002-06:00

Lindsay Lane, Virginia - December 2011

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-16T15:58:00.002-06:00

Go Get'em, Tiger.....

2011-12-15T16:32:00.001-06:00

Friendship

2011-12-12T22:00:00.002-06:00

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.
Albert Camus

Chasing The Wind

2011-12-06T14:22:00.000-06:00

Cold and Windy

2011-12-04T17:20:00.000-06:00

With sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast the lake will be frozen soon.
Despite the cold and wind we decided to take advantage of open water....and freezing fingers.

Rain and Fog

2011-12-03T19:39:00.001-06:00

Paddlers came from as far away as Minnesota and Wisconsin for the annual Skunk River Paddlers Holiday 'Waffle Paddle' despite rain, cold and fog. Eleven paddlers stuffed ourselves with 'Dad's Waffles' at the Ames Arboretum, then bundled up like Abominal Snowmen and headed out in the gray fog for a 6 mile paddle down the Des Moines River. We ended our afternoon at the Flat Tire Cafe - along the High Trestle Bicycle Trail, where Dave and Travis kept us laughing with their crazy (but true) tales.

O Tannenbaum

2011-11-29T19:30:00.000-06:00

Thankful

Yule Tunes

2011-11-28T20:45:00.004-06:00

In No Particular Order, Some of the Best:

1. Ave Marie - Josh Groban
2. Thankful - Josh Groban
3. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - John Mellencamp
4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Sister Hazel
5. Joy - George Winston
6. Where Are You Christmas - Faith Hill
7. Elf's Lament - Barenaked Ladies
8. Mary, Did You Know? - Kimberley Locke
9. Run Rudolph Run - Sister Hazel
10. Angels We Have Heard on High - Josh Groban
11. Jesus Child - Cambridge Singers (John Rutter)
12. Sleigh Ride - Boston Pops Orchestra

Lionize the Lion's Eyes

2011-11-23T21:57:00.002-06:00

Balloons

2011-11-13T14:55:00.003-06:00

River Rock photo by John Pearson.

Many Names

2011-11-10T13:06:00.001-06:00

Puma, Cougar, Panther,Mountain Lion ~ whatever name you choose, she's just another animal trying to survive in a world with fewer and fewer resources....

Eye of the Tiger

2011-11-07T23:05:00.003-06:00

Majesty

2011-11-07T08:28:00.000-06:00

Rock Art

2011-11-03T09:49:00.002-05:00

Petroglyphs in Valley of Fire were created by ancient Pueblo farmers - Anasazi - from the nearby Moapa Valley. These art drawings are plentiful and intriguing, but the 'rock art' sculpted by Nature with wind and water is even more spectacular.

Valley of Fire

2011-10-30T13:51:00.001-05:00

Red Rock Canyon Nevada

2011-10-30T12:47:00.000-05:00

California Dreamin'

2011-10-25T20:44:00.001-05:00

Just Having Fun

2011-10-23T22:21:00.003-05:00

Everywhere I went this weekend people were out enjoying our unusual warm weather. I was able to put in 25 miles on my bike and almost 20 miles in my kayak; although a full wet suit was required for paddling, the warm sun and gusty winds felt wonderful. Soon the snow will fall and we can get out our skis and ice skates, but for now I will treasure every warm day that comes our way.

I read something at Starbucks the other day that made me think of winter with a new perspective:

'With shorter days come longer nights'

....hmmm, that doesn't sound too bad.

This red Current Designs kayak isn't mine, but the camera liked the brilliant red. I'm still plotting and researching my next kayak.....maybe it will be red.

2011-10-23T07:33:00.001-05:00

Let There Be Peace On Earth

2011-10-20T22:46:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU0DOgFSci4

The 'Peace Tree' - Lake Red Rock, Knoxville, Iowa

Potpourri, Music, Photography, Fun and Friends

2011-10-17T20:23:00.005-05:00

West End Architectural Salvage and The Cherry Street Market

Nature's Music

2011-10-09T19:28:00.000-05:00

Last evening was unusual for October in Iowa, but the breeze was welcome on the water in the warm night air. Sounds of music from an anchored sailboat wafted in the wind....and then, what sounded like thunder growing increasingly louder erupted from a dark place on the lake off to our right. Hundreds of gulls, terns and pelicans who had been resting undetected suddenly took to the sky, their wings beating with a pulse that overwhelmed the soft jazz coming from the sailboat. Nature's music is always interesting, and often surprising.

Moonlight Magic

2011-10-09T11:33:00.002-05:00

Sing - Off

2011-10-06T10:16:00.000-05:00

With all it's bells and whistles I'm not always sure how my big TV works, but there are times when I do make an effort to get through the buttons to watch/listen to the big screen. Another 'Sing-Off' season has started and is worth the effort.....come to think of it 'Glee' has probably started again too....

http://www.hulu.com/watch/285365/the-sing-off-week-3-vocal-point-sings-the-way-you-look-tonight

Critters

2011-10-03T00:08:00.002-05:00

With the 'VerminWhisperer' (see gitcheegumeeguy.blogspot.com) out of town this weekend things got a little out of control at the Lake. Dejected that I was unable to convince an injured beaver to paddle back to the parking lot in my front hatch, I was somewhat pleased later in the day to have an opportunity to rescue a very large corn snake from oncoming traffic. Unfortunately the ingrate tried to bite me as I attempted to hurry him off the highway!

In general, it was a great day to be on the Lake for all of God's strange creatures.

Earth, Wind, and Fire

2011-10-01T21:55:00.001-05:00

                           Autumn's glory - the weaver's colors unfold in patterns of red and gold.
                                           Like flames of fire whispering of things untold...

Welcome October! It's been a good week on the water. The recreational paddlers are putting their boats away for the season. I will miss them, and look forward to their return in the spring. They bring gaiety and diversity to the waters. This morning was cool and the pogies would have been welcome - had I not left them in the car. The evenings this week have entertained with brilliant skies that look like wild fires - except Thursday which brought brisk winds instead. Fun to play in the waves, but requiring assistance to load the boat. The promise of winter is in the air though; the birds and squirrels are making their winter plans. Perhaps I'd better get my skiis over to Ron for waxing now......

Montana Moon

2011-09-30T08:05:00.001-05:00

                                                                 Blues and Yellows -
                          Crisp Autumn mornings remind us another Summer has come to an end....

Red Rock Kayak Skunk Rescue

2011-09-29T18:12:00.000-05:00

On Rich McKnight's 65th birthday he rescued a skunk from certain death. It was a delicate operation involving four kayakers and three hikers. Two other kayakers felt the need to paddle west; I can't wait to hear Dave's version of this story.....while several motor boats and a sailboat watched from a distance.

Rich adds this to his list of previous rescues including a turkey vulture and a field mouse!

PeaceTree Paddlers

2011-09-29T17:37:00.007-05:00

Deb's Delicious Birthday Brunch

Cairns and Cowboys

2011-09-27T12:13:00.001-05:00

Peter Irnig, a member of the native people of the Arctic region of Canada, is building three Inuksuits or 'signposts' in Ames this month. This one is located in Emma McCarthy Lee Park.

Deb M is a great friend, kayaker, and teacher. She's also a great photographer with a sense of humor. Here's her rendition of the Red Rock Kayak Rodeo.

Knoxville Cornfield

2011-09-26T21:37:00.005-05:00

Dramatic Sunrise Over Knoxville, Iowa Cornfield

Yellowstone Lake Reflections

2011-09-22T11:42:00.001-05:00

View of Yellowstone Lake north of the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Beautiful blue skies and white clouds reflected in the calm water. Later in the day the winds kicked up creating more interesting paddling conditions, but the gentle breezes made for better photograhy in the early morning.

Full Moon Over Yellowstone

2011-09-22T11:40:00.014-05:00

Full moon over Yellowstone. I spied a baby elk with her mother alongside a stream not far from the road on my way back to Big Sky one evening on my own before my Rocky Mountain School of Photography classes began. Several of us stopped and the elk were starting to draw a crowd. I'd spent 20 minutes or so with the elk and was anxious to depart the congregating mob when I turned to go back to my little rental car. Ka-pow! Awesome large luminous moon over the mountains! How many times have I heard "turn around - the photo is often behind you"? Sure enough!

So, the rest of the story.....I'd done the same thing the night before - stayed out too late taking photos and enjoying being outside on a warm, late summer night. I knew it was about an hour back to Big Sky, and I'd intended to leave early enough to avoid traveling the dark mountain roads in the night.....but some wolves showed up, and a brilliant rainbow after a lovely light rain, and some bison, and then the baby elk...and, did I mention a moon? The second night alone in the mountains wasn't as bad as the first. As it turns out the Department of Transportation operates somewhat differently in Montana/Wyoming than it does in Iowa. They remove entire sections (read - miles) of the highway - down to just dirt during times of road repair. This isn't well marked (read - you're driving along on a highway, then it disappears....in the dark), and there are no lights. The moon had gone behind clouds. To make it more interesting I discovered that there wasn't cell phone coverage in the area. No other people on the road (do you call it that when it's just dirt?). I sort of expected to hear banjos playing in the distance.

But, of course, the paved highway eventually returned and I climbed my way up the mountain top. Once again, I discovered that the locals prefered not to clutter the environment with a bunch of directional signs.

It takes awhile to figure my way around in new places. This time it was a wonderful adventure.

Western Bluebird

2011-09-22T11:40:00.013-05:00

2011-09-22T11:39:00.002-05:00

2011-09-22T11:38:00.007-05:00

2011-09-22T11:34:00.003-05:00

2011-09-05T23:51:00.002-05:00

I got in the first 100 miles on my new boat this week, and managed another 25 on the Force 3. The wind was a lot of fun on Sunday - surfing in Iowa! All this - with a little help from my friends.

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Kahlil Gibran

Inuit

2011-09-04T20:11:00.002-05:00

I love the stone landmarks called Inuksuk. It seems they are popping up everywhere, but this 'Inuit', as they are popularly called, at Hickory Ridge is especially well constructed. The top piece is an interesting shape, but I am intrigued by it's unusual color. This stone structure is still standing at Hickory Ridge despite strong winds on Lake Red Rock this weekend. I also spied the remnants of several of my old attempts at these stone structures.....I will have to try harder.

Inuit artist and cultural teacher, Peter Irniq, will be in Ames, Iowa this month to discuss and build three of these wonderful rock landmarks. Inuksuit designate good hunting or fishing, mark trails, and serve as reference points for travelers.....and they are pretty.

Happy Birthday!!!

2011-09-04T19:51:00.000-05:00

Dog Days Of Summer

2011-09-04T18:45:00.003-05:00

2011-08-26T08:45:00.002-05:00

'Could a Greater Miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?' - Henry David Thoreau

Sea of Humanity

2011-08-21T16:15:00.001-05:00

Street Corner Symphony

2011-08-21T15:06:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Jen. Hope you'll remember this one as the birthday you sang with 'The Street Corner Symphony' - and did a great job!....when you stopped laughing. :)

Anas Acuta

2011-08-20T09:01:00.001-05:00

Anas Acuta. In a word: playful. It's got lots of rocker and a lot of the boat is out of the water. Translation: I've got to work a lot harder to track straight and get up to the speeds I'm used to. Flip side: If I even think about turning, edging, changing lanes - it's there. First day out I dropped it from the roof of my SUV; second day out I capsized alone on the lake. Looks like we're going to get along just fine!

For those who might be wondering - the Force 3 will always be regarded as the lead boat in my fleet. It's going in for repair and restoration and will be on the water again soon.

The Lake Effect...

2011-08-14T15:22:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the moon is so low over the lake that you can touch it! :)

And sometimes the 'God Rays' look like Rainbows.....

Apostle Islands Sea Caves

2011-08-12T15:22:00.004-05:00

Jen had no problems - even as the winds kicked up and the storms approached.

Lydia was doing cowboy re-entries and two-person rescues in no time.

Old and New :)

Ben's Maiden Voyage - Lake Superior.

Faithful Friend.

GAAR 2011

2011-08-10T18:34:00.000-05:00

Final Poster - Don't look too closely at my poster mistakes, but DO check out the website and plan to participate in this year's GAAR. (This includes you Galyn :) Hope to see you all there!

2011-08-08T18:26:00.003-05:00

Photo by Lydia South Lowry

Wood Nymph

2011-07-31T11:08:00.003-05:00

The World's A Nicer Place In A Beautiful Balloon

2011-07-31T10:58:00.002-05:00

Chasing Dreams Across The Sky....

Splish Splash I Was Takin' A Bath

2011-07-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

Notice everything and appreciate the treasures that you find along the way.....for we are given special gifts everyday. Don't let them pass you by....

Then All At Once I Saw A Crowd...

2011-07-28T21:42:00.001-05:00

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

~William Wordsworth, "I Wandered Lonely as aCloud," 1804

Flying Colors

2011-07-27T08:37:00.005-05:00

Flying Color! Color! Color! Cool Morning Breeze and Palpable Adrenaline!

What a way to start a day!

Twin Fawns

2011-07-20T22:41:00.005-05:00

The early evening heat and lack of water convinced me that it was acceptable to walk my bike at least a few yards up a steep hill last night. There's a reason for everything, and because I'd slowed down I was able to notice two fawns in the grass. Their mother was nowhere in sight. They observed me for awhile and then apparently satisfied that I was harmless started to play little fawn games - prancing around and dancing in the meadow.

I went back today to the area where I'd seen them. Yes, they were still there - intermittently content and resting and then suddenly up and playing again. They are well developed and alert; it is evident that they are cared for - their mother must be near.....although I do wonder where she spends her days. What is she doing? Out shopping......?

"It's double the giggles and double the grins...And double the trouble if you're blessed with twins."

25th Annual Iowa Summer Games

2011-07-17T18:10:00.001-05:00

Kayak and Canoe Races....and SUPs and Surf Skis and Outriggers Too.....

Red Rock Balloon Festival

2011-07-15T23:32:00.006-05:00

2011 Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest

Captain of The Ship

2011-07-14T21:08:00.001-05:00

Seems Everyone Is Getting Into Paddling This Summer...

Montana Wedding

2011-07-12T21:51:00.006-05:00

Beautiful Bride

Happy Feet...

Proud Parents...(and my beautiful friend, Penny)

Family and Friends

Happy Trails.....

Castles In The Sky

2011-07-08T21:10:00.001-05:00

The calm water this week created reflecting mirrors for everything on and near the water -

I especially like the clouds and had fun playing in them today.

Nature's Mirrors

Seashore

2011-07-07T19:19:00.001-05:00

To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me. - Isaac Newton

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jordan Creek Music Night Abstract

2011-07-03T22:40:00.002-05:00

Dog Days Of Summer...

2011-07-03T14:02:00.009-05:00

Time Well Spent - It Goes By So Fast. - Congratulations to Rich!

As for me, my heart finds peace on a summer evening with my friends together once again...

Fun

2011-07-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

Lydia and Kent went Skydiving Friday....

It's going to be fun having Kent as part of this family!

Night Rider.......High Trestle Bridge

2011-06-27T23:32:00.005-05:00

Biker speeds by on the Madrid High Trestle Bridge - Summer Evening June 2011

Colors Blowing In the Wind

2011-06-27T18:37:00.003-05:00

Kinetic Structures - Colorful and Fascinating. Des Moines Art Festival June 2011.

Red Fox - Coat Color Variant

2011-06-26T10:28:00.002-05:00

More Foxy Stories -

As it turns out facial expressions are easier to capture on light colored animals, so the tendency is to come home with dozens of photos of light-colored critters. But this strangely patterned fox kit had me mesmerized. This is a Red Fox and it's siblings were 'red'; this fox is clearly a 'cross'. We were told it's father was a silver/black fox. This type of color variation does not usually occur in the wild; when it does it is often in cold climates.

Let's hope some zealous hunter doesn't consider this colorful little fellow a trophy...

"A mutant "arctic marble" was born in a silver fox litter at Sverre
Ombers farm in Norway in 1945. When a red or silver fox gene is added
to a marble fox, the mix is calico patterns in red, brown, black and
gray."

Adult Red Fox from a different den.

Flat Tire Saga

2011-06-23T12:43:00.002-05:00

The folks at Hell's A-Roarin' Ranch told our friends Scott and Dale where a secluded fox den was located off a dirt road high on a mountain above Gardiner, Montana. They'd seen the parents and a group of baby fox playing in the area earlier that day. They also offered information and directions on places where we were likely to find extraordinary wildlife in the early morning hours. The plan was to be on the mountain top before sunrise with our cameras ready for action. Indeed, we discovered wolf, bison, deer, pronghorn, elk, eagles, and even a 'grave yard' where bear had left the remains of their prey. But, we were really interested in photographing the baby animals. So, farther up the mountain we went past an old mining town and over a questionably stable bridge. We actually made this trip up the mountain twice as we didn't find the fox den on our first excursion....it was during the second trip that I noticed a warning on the dashboard panel 'your right front tire is low - add air'. Okay. Sure, I'll look at it - when we get to the top of the mountain. I knew it wasn't good when Linda got out and her first reaction was 'Oh, No!' Yes - flat.

Hmmm. How were we going to tell someone our location? We didn't know our location.

Fortunately, our cell phones worked, at least intermittently, and we were able to contact Scott and Dale who did know the location and were kind enough to change the tire. And, guess what? Just as they arrived so did the baby foxes! Thanks!

We owe these guys dinner.

Investigating the Options

Object of Our Attention

Lone Wolf

Dramatic Light at the End of the Day

Crazy On the Dance Floor

2011-06-23T10:59:00.001-05:00

I wasn't sure if the folks in Montana were going to throw us out of the state or invite us back for all of their parties...it seems, Penny has assured us, that it is the later... :)

I think I like dancing better than kayaking - and that's saying a lot.

A great time with great friends.

Time to start the dance song request list for Lydia's wedding next year...

Meadow Flowers

2011-06-23T09:51:00.001-05:00

Little things seem nothing, but they give peace, like those meadow flowers which individually seem odorless but all together perfume the air.~ Georges Bernanos

2011-06-21T08:21:00.003-05:00

Funny how all children seem to play the same way.....

American Bison

2011-06-20T08:20:00.004-05:00

One advantage of curious friends is that we are always asking questions...did you know that this is not a 'Buffalo'? We discovered, through extensive research (cell phone Google :), that this is a 'Bison'. Often called the 'American Buffalo', but not a buffalo at all.

This fellow was enjoying some (very) early morning slumber when a group of ernest photographers accidently found him along the trail. All was okay until he abruptly stood up...we kept our distance. Bison can be dangerous and should never be approached. They attack more people in Yellowstone each year than any other animal. A bull bison can stand six feet tall, weigh up to 2,000 pounds, and run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.