Slowing Down to Consider Perspective

Posted on by Joy

Perspective, the way we see the world. Making meaningful interrelationships that gives depth to our understandings. If we have a difficult decision to make, it can help to ask others for their points of view. You might go for a walk, clear your head, and look at the facts again from a different angle. How you view events, people, and life is your perspective, but I challenge you to see different views from different angles that give new possibilities to your perspective.  As my friend Paul says, “If you are willing to do that, you might just find something beautiful in a mud puddle!”

In photography . . .

Pinnacles–Our Newest National Park

Posted on by Joy

Hi everyone! We have a lot of catching up to do so let’s get started.  Last December a friend and I visited Pinnacles National Park, California, our newest National Park. Pinnacles is the fifth smallest park encompassing approximately 26,606 acres. It is about 50 miles inland from the coast and 80 miles south of San Jose in the Gabilan Mountain Range. It is also only a few miles west of the San Andreas Fault which we’ll talk of later.

In 2003 Pinnacles joined the California Condor Recovery Program when the bird was close to extinction. The park currently co-manages 86 wild condors in central California. It is also home to a number of threatened species including bats, amphibians, and reptiles. I sure hope we see a condor today on our walk to the pinnacles! Check out the green rock used to make the welcome sign.  We’ll discuss geology as we go and, of course, the famous fault.

Entrance

Let’s go, lots to see . . .

Slickrock, Arches, and Sentinels–Utah’s Red Rocks

Posted on by Joy

Last May 1st I hiked in Utah’s amazing Kodachrome Basin State Park. It’s time I shared this beautiful walk with you. The national parks in Utah are fantastic, but I was awed by the less crowded state parks. They offer such beauty with an up-close-and-personal feel. Today we’ll walk the 1.7 mile loop called Shakespeare Arch-Sentinel Trail. Come along into red rock country!

Watch your step . . .

Back At You! Walking Along the Missouri River

Posted on by Joy

Hello everyone! It has been a hectic four plus months and I’ve missed you! Yes, I’m still alive, still taking pictures, and still heading into the wilderness. The biggest change is I’ve gone back to school working toward a second Master’s degree. OK, this is a lot of work, and since I’m retired I sometimes ask: WHY? Well, because I’m a life-long learner and can’t help myself.

So in my crazy, busy, demanding new school life, I “escaped” one morning to visit a place I love close by. We have walked here before, Missouri River Headwaters State Park. This day I arrived before sunrise to soak in the pre-dawn beauty, the glorious sun coming over the mountains, and the autumn landscape.

Come on along . . .