Category: **States We Explored

Rain, Rain, Rain . . .

Posted on by Joy

Colorado Springs, high desert with average elevation about 6,000 feet and average annual rainfall of about 7.5 inches. We have had showers nearly every day since early May, some days raining much of the day. We set a daily rainfall record on June 12 and from January 1 to June 13 our rainfall total is 14.71 inches setting an all-time record. Along with the rain we experience hail, lightening, tornado warnings, and flash flooding. Thank goodness I live on a hill–except for the lightening and tornado warnings 😉 . Pikes Peak experienced an unprecedented blizzard on Tuesday with snow drifts as high as three feet and ice layers up to half an inch thick on the roads. Yes, there were people up there but all survived the ordeal. It has been a very long and cooler than usual spring.

Now for the good news.

Green, my favorite color

Upheaval Dome: Hold On To Your Hat!

Posted on by Joy

It is really windy as we start our hike to the overlook of Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands National Park. Watch your step as we head to this incredible geologic wonder!

We are still dealing with blowing sand and high winds which is blotting out any chance of blue sky. No worries, we’ll get our “blue” in other places–just wait. For now, though, we have only a 1/2 mile walk uphill to Upheaval Dome’s overlook so let’s go.

Not to mention, hold on to your hat!

SNAP*Shot: Mesa Arch–Island in the Sky, Canyonlands

Posted on by Joy

Mesa Arch at sunrise, one of the most visited and most photographed places in Utah if not the world. Just Google it and you will see beautiful sun stars and landscapes through the 27-foot arch. No worries, we are not going out that early, too much sand in the air from the 24-hours of sandstorms across Utah. No sun stars today, but let’s not miss the arch, up close and personal in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park.

First peek, but much more . . .

Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky

Posted on by Joy

So what to do with your one day in Canyonlands National Park when the entire eastern side of Utah is experiencing sandstorms with sustained winds from 30-60mph? You take pictures anyway and enjoy the day! Maybe protection from breathing in the sand is a much better use for face masks. Never mind. Let’s go my friend–just hold onto your hat.

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