tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65512685332590205542024-03-13T10:09:57.999-07:00Ivan's RoadtripIvanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-78672926742995033742016-02-22T12:39:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.039-08:00The balloon burst and Nightmare at the ATM!<span style="font-size: small;">Call off the search parties. We haven’t gotten lost in the desert.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We moved back into California for a while – back on Ogilby Rd again. Not too much was happening, except FINALLY the warm weather arrived with a vengeance! They’ve been setting records down here for the earliest time of the year where they have broken 90F.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">At last no heat is needed at night and windows can be left open without risk of frostbite <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_kkbd9sdEY/VsttEYnHfpI/AAAAAAAAoWo/ClJWxraO_8A/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">There is usually some sort of air show going on out here. This time it was some big ‘V’s of geese warming up for the long flight north. Too high for photos. The next craft were easy to see, and a lot easier to hear. Too easy in fact.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vy7s1mJyPVw/VsttHJRJYZI/AAAAAAAAoWs/p_-xw7qMC8M/s1600-h/IMG_0719%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0719" border="0" height="570" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lH7CKfcdgJA/VsttLjJnTuI/AAAAAAAAoWw/ERKcMTI-f_k/IMG_0719_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0719" width="596" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GXhF_72g8mI/VsttOwTzEKI/AAAAAAAAoW4/I6-mfTUw5Ow/s1600-h/IMG_0716%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0716" border="0" height="205" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7BGBWXyk-U/VsttRtZdj6I/AAAAAAAAoW8/jzrZf02fb_A/IMG_0716_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0716" width="287" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQ_mqvvkpfo/VsttVpRh2-I/AAAAAAAAoXA/SuYCbXy-cg0/s1600-h/IMG_0721%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0721" border="0" height="205" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcrvdIK7KvM/VsttZIeDKHI/AAAAAAAAoXI/R9afu6KI5OU/IMG_0721_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0721" width="305" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AHlzGiOub2Y/VstteCUWGxI/AAAAAAAAoXM/ZiAnl3FlQOQ/s1600-h/IMG_0720%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0720" border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LuOYKDhP86I/VstthAdoh0I/AAAAAAAAoXQ/pzjpEm5PidM/IMG_0720_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0720" width="298" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n-JnssZMZ6A/Vsttj4c_-UI/AAAAAAAAoXU/Ght4fwX9TcE/s1600-h/IMG_0718%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0718" border="0" height="201" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Btm9MVBqvFA/VsttnOzIfII/AAAAAAAAoXY/mVkhEd5oiQA/IMG_0718_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0718" width="299" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NS2hn3bVEfk/Vsttp98fcGI/AAAAAAAAoXc/wD8f2IjXIlw/s1600-h/IMG_0717%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0717" border="0" height="403" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8NxxUf7d5ao/Vstts6aQMzI/AAAAAAAAoXg/K6KiB_9cqVE/IMG_0717_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0717" width="602" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--S6uzhG6B3k/VsttybONfHI/AAAAAAAAoXk/ckr4Tm4zbmk/s1600-h/IMG_0735%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0735" border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ev0B0_D5Q6s/Vstt1UzkELI/AAAAAAAAoXo/yFeJJSCVlDw/IMG_0735_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0735" width="298" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AM_03n_uW_A/Vstt43pmq8I/AAAAAAAAoXw/vP8Tlt-SoIs/s1600-h/IMG_0732%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0732" border="0" height="199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JqGKcdJmlqE/Vstt8LGQb9I/AAAAAAAAoX0/_Jb-bSaNHls/IMG_0732_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0732" width="297" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">There were some night time visitors to camp. I suspected as much when I found some signs of fresh digging in the morning. This little fox is the main suspect.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vHQ96ENzHU0/Vstt_AxxyEI/AAAAAAAAoX4/q0anECw-9Ww/s1600-h/IM000005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IM000005" border="0" height="211" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tu1uk8yeeCU/VstuCLMW-gI/AAAAAAAAoX8/tC9hF4CrR48/IM000005_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IM000005" width="293" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ndPQkeV9zDo/VstuEUBkXoI/AAAAAAAAoYA/rnb9z83s0YM/s1600-h/IM000006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IM000006" border="0" height="208" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n0RAffF5Dcw/VstuH4bQhHI/AAAAAAAAoYE/F7iQ6_JCptU/IM000006_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IM000006" width="300" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I wondered if </span><a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">Wandering Willy</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> might still be in the area, but he and his friends were gone. Turns out, he has already finished the long drive home to BC. </span><a href="http://travelwithjeanskip.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">Jean & Skip</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> recently paid a visit to the </span><a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">Bayfield Bunch</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, and are now on their northward migration to Vancouver Island. </span><a href="http://wheelingit.us/"><span style="font-size: small;">Wheeling It</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> made a one night stop here on their way from their long layover in SanDiego headed for points eastward, but they were gone before I realized it ;-(</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It was so hot and sunny that I even pulled out my awning for the first time in months. Good thing, since it was still wet from the last rains in December. It’ very dry now! There were even a couple of trees perfectly spaced for hanging up my hammock.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I wanted to be a bit closer to Yuma to enable some visiting with relatives, so after a few more enjoyable days at Ogilby, we cruised back through Yuma. It was time to visit an ATM to replenish the funds a bit. I love it how in addition to the horrible exchange rate for Canadian dollars, the dang machines politely ask you if you would like to donate another $3. to their profits to get your own money!! Well, of course I said ‘yes’, but what happened next was straight out of nightmare! The ATM was outdoors in a small strip mall. Much to my surprise and horror, the machine began flinging the money right out onto the ground where the breeze was doing it’s best to blow it away – one after another, as I stood there shell shocked and immobile! At least the silly machine was only flipping out 20’s, not a hundred ($140.Can) dollar bill like the atm at the casino did. Luckily for me, there were a couple of nice Border Patrol members behind me who helped me corral the runaways, just like they were undocumented aliens! If the wind would have been stronger, much of that money would have been wafting through traffic on Foothills, border patrol or not.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I am a rather inactive Ham (amateur) radio operator, but when I found out there was a <a href="http://www.yumahamfest.org/">Hamfest</a> going on at the country fairgrounds, I knew I had to attend and check out all the cool equipment etc.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hrGteYvZAt4/VstuL7fMD7I/AAAAAAAAoYI/kv_r5bVYwwk/s1600-h/IMG_0777%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0777" border="0" height="399" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C-5D_88MGhA/VstuPU2APsI/AAAAAAAAoYQ/scLCld3asIU/IMG_0777_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0777" width="596" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I had to do a quick check of my clothing to make sure I followed the dress code!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Come to thnk of it, there were lots of dogs inside, but not a single street gang. Just the opposite in fact; just a whole bunch of polite, well-mannered young folks in uniform from the Civil Air Patrol.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyhRf8_YqFo/VstuW91CkwI/AAAAAAAAoYU/wHs2ChXNYGY/s1600-h/IMG_2764%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2764" border="0" height="198" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NFTZHLJka34/Vstua3h3EmI/AAAAAAAAoYY/GiKoR5glPcE/IMG_2764_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2764" width="263" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ahHUMSh0WNM/VstudDWLZ0I/AAAAAAAAoYc/L9Baq5bvNkU/s1600-h/IMG_2789%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2789" border="0" height="197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eGOJ0RjbK0/Vstuf3T0hmI/AAAAAAAAoYg/_4a9_kykbCc/IMG_2789_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2789" width="324" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I attended a few of the seminars – most of which were WAY over my head, but I did end up building an antenna, and buying another one to use with my scanner. There was enough shiny stuff there to have any radio person drooling!</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e9x8FkZWZSA/VstumIZt7tI/AAAAAAAAoYo/TpzzIDUGv50/s1600-h/IMG_2758%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2758" border="0" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tEfXU5yZuFk/VstupM94pNI/AAAAAAAAoYw/mQupQhLoc1w/IMG_2758_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2758" width="298" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cYadHDgm1M0/VstuuORon1I/AAAAAAAAoY0/Nb1I6L6fGgA/s1600-h/IMG_2757%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2757" border="0" height="224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Dq6ZPTo1fs/Vstuxf0pWKI/AAAAAAAAoY4/zwkiJk7YDVY/IMG_2757_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2757" width="298" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cd07ycTADYM/Vstu1XbxiBI/AAAAAAAAoY8/3gu670HyW5c/s1600-h/IMG_2756%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2756" border="0" height="361" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GDltSvHdzuA/Vstu5DvV9iI/AAAAAAAAoZA/ebVW677dqw8/IMG_2756_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2756" width="596" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">One interesting sideshow was put on by the </span><a href="http://www.ansr.org/"><span style="font-size: small;">Arizona Near Space Research</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> people. They launched a large weather balloon right from the fairgrounds on Saturday morning. Hanging beneath it was a large array of research and test equipment that they were sending aloft.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N2PcdBX2D-o/Vstu-5nTIkI/AAAAAAAAoZE/t6awc1XJ4Yo/s1600-h/IMG_2773%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2773" border="0" height="454" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NKrLXt-5ZrQ/VstvDlHPO0I/AAAAAAAAoZI/lsuUTknum0E/IMG_2773_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2773" width="604" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YRjOkJVwIpU/VstvIZGEJvI/AAAAAAAAoZQ/ZUKRt-WNF2I/s1600-h/IMG_2777%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2777" border="0" height="501" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ct__MIQWQM8/VstvM8PH6ZI/AAAAAAAAoZU/0mkPbb8mSmM/IMG_2777_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2777" width="376" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ul6eqQtdbOg/VstvPJoxbRI/AAAAAAAAoZY/hUbwZsTI_4Y/s1600-h/IMG_2778%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2778" border="0" height="505" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A2yY0y7BPds/VstvSYc3JxI/AAAAAAAAoZc/9v86Qo3ZxqE/IMG_2778_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2778" width="219" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">They had some high tech tracking equipment they used to follow the flight and receive data, including a live video feed that could be seen by the assembled crowd.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZnRjzXIjoH4/VstvZeToGfI/AAAAAAAAoZg/uc1ebrhd5ng/s1600-h/IMG_2788%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2788" border="0" height="456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9j7dW6r9LfU/VstveJo6-cI/AAAAAAAAoZk/qD9m6M-8zEg/IMG_2788_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2788" width="607" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HQgl8wGK1-0/VstvkDekyHI/AAAAAAAAoZs/9HBdJ8lLF_c/s1600-h/IMG_2787%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2787" border="0" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5AWQVIys3Kw/VstvnZmcpoI/AAAAAAAAoZw/zD9rCrtN9yE/IMG_2787_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2787" width="298" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crEFdsmIqAk/VstvunHJOwI/AAAAAAAAoZ0/ZrqYOLKuQTI/s1600-h/IMG_2784%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2784" border="0" height="222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mMj2-SCRsKU/Vstvx4gHlXI/AAAAAAAAoZ4/5bTlB1rETxg/IMG_2784_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2784" width="295" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--WVCcp-8EtA/Vstv3_n6M_I/AAAAAAAAoZ8/eVENCzlfBk8/s1600-h/IMG_2783%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2783" border="0" height="223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Da-0d9Lmd20/Vstv6y3CyBI/AAAAAAAAoaA/far9P1vAcxA/IMG_2783_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2783" width="296" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X4PDcUuv69o/VstwCOYJ1WI/AAAAAAAAoaI/22Z7xui4yzg/s1600-h/IMG_2782%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2782" border="0" height="224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3a8AXi_mKVE/VstwFlVHbLI/AAAAAAAAoaM/Vlflt8yhErY/IMG_2782_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2782" width="298" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The balloon made it to almost 100,000’ before finally bursting and drifting back down to earth on it’s parachute – out near Tacna, east of Yuma. Unfortunately, it landed on military reserve land, so would not be recovered till the following Monday.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The other sideshow – and frequent conversation stopper – is the fact that the Marine Corps Air Station’s active runway takes off right across the fairgrounds.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lIBlwj2WeCg/VstwLc8xfWI/AAAAAAAAoaQ/M7OkeMvdJEE/s1600-h/IMG_0775%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0775" border="0" height="199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5RAu05DUUUQ/VstwPI9twrI/AAAAAAAAoaU/P_aW3a67GgA/IMG_0775_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0775" width="296" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TBnI1R3jmjM/VstwU7RGsAI/AAAAAAAAoac/h64Y75oRDYs/s1600-h/IMG_0774%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0774" border="0" height="202" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b1-Kl5HEtF0/VstwYhoj7UI/AAAAAAAAoag/pmqjdEGR0Us/IMG_0774_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0774" width="301" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">There was regular activity from a whole variety of aircraft. “What’s that”? I can’t HEAR you!!<img alt="IMG_0771" border="0" height="403" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nDtUtwWybC8/VstwbZ3E_MI/AAAAAAAAoak/vuamUCZmUdY/IMG_0771_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0771" width="603" /></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N3fwCi3EbwI/Vstwea2Ar5I/AAAAAAAAoao/NaghAtHb_Zk/s1600-h/IMG_0763%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0763" border="0" height="204" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DqGrKDzJjw/VstwhvmhPjI/AAAAAAAAoas/fXF6hkdV-MU/IMG_0763_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0763" width="302" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7TyRrUXY9FY/VstwkaOAUUI/AAAAAAAAoaw/Di3NgTZEUJk/s1600-h/IMG_0752%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0752" border="0" height="204" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ND2MiBti1Y/VstwoWml4cI/AAAAAAAAoa0/pm7CWnrcrSk/IMG_0752_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0752" width="293" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F9Fit6lQVXQ/VstwrYf1cUI/AAAAAAAAoa8/xN4vvxtZ-6c/s1600-h/IMG_0766%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0766" border="0" height="399" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NioEF4qNMsM/Vstwuth46BI/AAAAAAAAobA/OQZ0yGocm4Q/IMG_0766_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0766" width="596" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bR7rQkpe0Ls/VstwyX3nxZI/AAAAAAAAobE/mTO2KhUAdw8/s1600-h/IMG_0762%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0762" border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QnApZf7MySM/Vstw1jNnkTI/AAAAAAAAobI/AAekJnHD06I/IMG_0762_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0762" width="598" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, back in camp …</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FumPcFriQ7M/Vstw6nOoLfI/AAAAAAAAobM/MngX9ci2liA/s1600-h/IMG_0819%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0819" border="0" height="202" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ltB_Bb8YJY4/Vstw-E0uGWI/AAAAAAAAobQ/Muy3sAgdPKA/IMG_0819_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0819" width="301" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HLuqE61A0j0/VstxDxe8xMI/AAAAAAAAobY/wW2p0-bHhYQ/s1600-h/IMG_0818%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0818" border="0" height="199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O1yAOXpYxG4/VstxHfjymsI/AAAAAAAAobc/2Xj1zj5ZDeY/IMG_0818_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0818" width="296" /></a><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SO9fbsgiW7c/VstxM6AVtqI/AAAAAAAAobg/Zvht89BeIzA/s1600-h/IMG_0808%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0808" border="0" height="403" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZ2bGpkvaTM/VstxR4Qq3dI/AAAAAAAAobk/aaCbET7JzNo/IMG_0808_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0808" width="602" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8hQvKeTqnl8/VstxWCX_fAI/AAAAAAAAobo/bDYrSBA658Q/s1600-h/IMG_0803%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0803" border="0" height="404" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6CHJd0Ze18c/VstxZAKyrQI/AAAAAAAAobs/-306EKW1bBQ/IMG_0803_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0803" width="604" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5kxZAe_E114/Vstxdm1Or5I/AAAAAAAAobw/xX24KGz5pl8/s1600-h/IMG_0784%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0784" border="0" height="402" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fHy8lEWojGg/VstxhFrWvwI/AAAAAAAAob4/O8v2_Iw4wrA/IMG_0784_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0784" width="601" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b8zuWUl8x-s/VstxkrHA7GI/AAAAAAAAob8/KLr1NoVJt3Q/s1600-h/IMG_0802%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0802" border="0" height="399" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QayoD_oeAek/VstxoSSi7fI/AAAAAAAAocA/A3hktnT2XPs/IMG_0802_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0802" width="596" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vIyjnCc6dPI/VstxtBL0KWI/AAAAAAAAocE/uX6lUdesPIk/s1600-h/IMG_2770%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2770" border="0" height="450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NGwBHzb8Xts/VstxwxAw1dI/AAAAAAAAocI/mqLKBvkJBn4/IMG_2770_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2770" width="599" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D23fkhASPoo/Vstx3yW4iiI/AAAAAAAAocQ/u2DQK4KhJ_w/s1600-h/IMG_2768%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2768" border="0" height="812" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vU9IoCLyZzg/Vstx9-Bx27I/AAAAAAAAocU/Fhgn9O6Rzyo/IMG_2768_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2768" width="610" /></a>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-39598760276673271722016-02-08T10:47:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.065-08:00Mittry Lake Superbowl<p><font size="3">Apparently (!) there was a big game on Sunday? </font></p> <p><font size="3">I watched it at Mittry lake wildlife area. The opening anthem was by a coot couple, backed up by an entire chorus of red-winged blackbirds. A hercules from the nearby base provided the required fly past.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRmNCYuQPpE/VrjXk1RmiCI/AAAAAAAAoPk/0r_mBAp8Les/s1600-h/IMG_0660%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0660" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0660" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBEBu0OP-Q4/VrjXsP5ooUI/AAAAAAAAoPo/BCwX369tMkI/IMG_0660_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="577" height="386"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Spectators lined the seats, err … branches.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuoqLQ4_cFo/VrjXu7A-tXI/AAAAAAAAoPs/K7JkeGZoRG8/s1600-h/IMG_0675%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0675" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0675" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIy9vbn0s-E/VrjXxq-hdRI/AAAAAAAAoPw/wBTFleFJV40/IMG_0675_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="262"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zymTn-DBsY/VrjX07pU5pI/AAAAAAAAoP0/v-gy6KioizE/s1600-h/IMG_0668%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0668" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0668" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t28XEDCS4c4/VrjX4J7vW6I/AAAAAAAAoP4/TSrIDjHtpJE/IMG_0668_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="262"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TXdj5vHlrqA/VrjX8Ia7sOI/AAAAAAAAoP8/WdsZroSPR74/s1600-h/IMG_0667%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0667" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0667" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9rA3UXK-zHo/VrjYKLuj62I/AAAAAAAAoQA/CFt0a07FLN0/IMG_0667_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="726"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Game time snacks were provided and devoured with gusto.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u5l6-2qSX2w/VrjYO2LEjdI/AAAAAAAAoQE/bt3JQKwTuD4/s1600-h/IMG_0582%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0582" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0582" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RevkCABBEs8/VrjYV_HNEnI/AAAAAAAAoQI/FR68HxXjosM/IMG_0582_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="399"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VkmvrZhgKYA/VrjZbxLKDGI/AAAAAAAAoQQ/ylzJo31C5JI/s1600-h/IMG_0680%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0680" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0680" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tIN16PKq_8A/VrjZf0INCsI/AAAAAAAAoQU/mpXis3hjSDw/IMG_0680_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="399"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nzGD7_1Pmo/VrjZn8SsthI/AAAAAAAAoQY/9v8TC5UOhHk/s1600-h/IMG_0566%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0566" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0566" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HLBL_Vty3NU/VrjfI9o-PPI/AAAAAAAAoQs/jhdE0vpCt7c/IMG_0566_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="407"></font></a><font size="3">From the sidelines, the head official watched intently – for any out of bounds fish or frog. </font></p> <p><font size="3">In the opening half, it was all about defense. The one boss defensive back hummingbird did his best to prevent any scoring at the feeder by the other side. They got close a few times and tried various tactics, but they were amazed by the lightning speed of the defence!</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2oHTGzpqIM/VrjfOVTIqmI/AAAAAAAAoQw/vZ6yo-zh1eo/s1600-h/IMG_0653%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0653" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0653" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ie9FO_fC47I/VrjfSSgxw7I/AAAAAAAAoQ0/vQ4wE1X4z6k/IMG_0653_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">At half-time, entertainment was provided by Wile E Coyote and a few of his friends providing backup. </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QiIjFCu4RSo/VrjfrLO6ZQI/AAAAAAAAoQ4/9gG200VjmNM/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><font size="3"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gKITKYgbsJ8/Vrjf-BJ6wMI/AAAAAAAAoQ8/HUUFS8jHFlw/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="594" height="446"></font></a><font size="3">Roadrunner did not show.</font></p> <p><font size="3">In the second half, as darkness fell, the offence took over. The offensive line swooped and dived, and were so fast they were hard to see. It was the little brown bat line that really took it to the flying insects ineffective defence.</font></p> <p><font size="3">When I finally went inside and turned on the TV, there was some sort of celebration going on, and a trophy presentation. I guess there must have been some sporting event on TV as well?</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zW2UAjltnnk/VrjgEYha4JI/AAAAAAAAoRA/gzQhhfp4Xvo/s1600-h/IMG_0612%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0612" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0612" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-foTnqyYIW4w/VrjgJ4wg76I/AAAAAAAAoRE/WrT93g3livA/IMG_0612_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="402"></font></a><font size="3">I had heard about Mittry Lake area for years from fellow RV bloggers, and pretty much knew where it was, but never quite firgured out how to get there. This year was different. As I cruised by on my way to/from the Imperial dam area, I finally spotted the small sign at the turnoff. Since it was still early in the day, I decided to head in to Mittry just to check it out for future reference. The five miles of gravel road along the canal was rough, dusty, and had some decent washboard sections, so I was tempted to turn around, since I was towing the rig at the time. But since I knew that I was unlikely to pass this way again, I decided to grit my teeth and just check it out anyway. The area is co-managed by BLM and Az Fish & Wildlife, and has a couple of boat launches and some fishing piers. When I finally reached the lake shore, I found that most of the nicer water-front spots were already taken. There were lots of gravel areas up to the rear, but they did not appeal to me that much. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8rRYNY8yXHk/VrjgRS_DR8I/AAAAAAAAoRI/gDfJzqXyCNc/s1600-h/IMG_0605%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0605" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0605" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-plMf7WgGCQo/VrjgV0L0ktI/AAAAAAAAoRM/2qOVWAtSCw8/IMG_0605_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="274"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rT_K-8c2E00/Vrjgd8okxDI/AAAAAAAAoRQ/Gfhe7fbqWpg/s1600-h/IMG_0567%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0567" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0567" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Os9f62H7zgU/VrjghWgu7GI/AAAAAAAAoRU/3LMOTl8KYdU/IMG_0567_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" height="277"></font></a></font></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">I drove right through to the south end where the road exits into agriculture areas, then turned around and came back. There was one spot near the water and possibly recently vacated that looked like it just might be adequate for a single night. After a quick chat with the next door neighbours, I was soon set up no more than 10 feet from the water! After only a few minutes at happy hour under the palm trees, it became evident that this was not going to be just an overnight stop!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qjhgEUjiPT8/VrjgmwyOpuI/AAAAAAAAoRY/HLzbDp-oBAU/s1600-h/IMG_2722%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2722" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2722" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGM6La6Hhcw/Vrjgr8tZSaI/AAAAAAAAoRc/pRbFlOzUcV0/IMG_2722_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="448"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dsP1AXofr4o/Vrjgy_NaqvI/AAAAAAAAoRg/VeDEeQHRh3A/s1600-h/IMG_2718%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2718" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2718" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Il5AfEa1ukY/Vrjg4YGWubI/AAAAAAAAoRk/bv_dHXfTzp8/IMG_2718_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="452"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">The neighbours were a bit closer than I usually prefer, and there were a few more generators running at night, and the road was closer and dustier than it could have been, but being on the water, among the palms, and having lots of wildlife around made up for it.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Being situated between the Marine Corps station at Yuma and within sight of the airfield at the Proving Ground, there were a fair number of aircraft in the area. Paratroops made regular drops to the north, and I could hear all sorts of shooting and missiles and target information on my radio scanner! </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AqDpMHpf5xk/Vrjg7x1gsNI/AAAAAAAAoRo/MW8wOmnoYOk/s1600-h/IMG_0663%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0663" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0663" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aS32mOImjuk/Vrjg_WbtNsI/AAAAAAAAoRs/bV0J9EW72fA/IMG_0663_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="196"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FJ4lagCFMU/VrjhDbRoYwI/AAAAAAAAoRw/N2DC_d3AawM/s1600-h/IMG_0660%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0660" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0660" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZEJKfQn46ss/VrjhGn5Y3iI/AAAAAAAAoR0/JEBuOMttOQk/IMG_0660_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="203"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I discovered that it was only 20 km north of Yuma through more intensely farmed and irrigated land, and there is decent hiking back up in the hills, so I took advantage of both, several times.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Recent rains have inspired the ocotillo cactus to sprout their leaves and a few blossoms.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0krlVIkhFIY/VrjhLu_YbRI/AAAAAAAAoR4/Iv26BsJxi3Y/s1600-h/IMG_0610%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0610" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0610" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YciSjRW5YjQ/VrjhPsiIK1I/AAAAAAAAoR8/DcuAqqo3Wlg/IMG_0610_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="212"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMVgn6Gyd5Q/VrjhVBQowQI/AAAAAAAAoSE/j5AbKWrNma8/s1600-h/IMG_2734%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2734" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2734" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hVetNts33zc/VrjhYeGb6fI/AAAAAAAAoSI/XM2jaLJNKtw/IMG_2734_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="211"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l35ZJngczx0/Vrjhc-b3YFI/AAAAAAAAoSM/l2iQlnrNh2M/s1600-h/IMG_0556%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0556" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0556" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3V3DnNmjFx4/VrjhgodbGtI/AAAAAAAAoSQ/WJaqZkqshC4/IMG_0556_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="202"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mEx9J5TU50g/Vrjhmn6-LoI/AAAAAAAAoSU/9Rk2I-nSGyE/s1600-h/IMG_0549%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0549" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0549" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IGxAlTAqtmU/Vrjhp_cZ0AI/AAAAAAAAoSY/b9juKJ-fNLY/IMG_0549_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="198"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6MzM2COUJLk/Vrjhw40NF6I/AAAAAAAAoSc/nwW1ti8LhP8/s1600-h/IMG_2713%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2713" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2713" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mN3QekpjSg4/Vrjh1RSlo8I/AAAAAAAAoSg/Lz2-V5Fqm-U/IMG_2713_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="450"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hailey had full time scenery and wildlfe to watch right out her window, and she of course enjoyed hunting out in the tall grass along the shoreline – but only when it wasn’t too windy.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-75g3wF75-UY/Vrjh6djNmII/AAAAAAAAoSk/FbBnZ7HjeCI/s1600-h/IMG_0686%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0686" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0686" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QeeswOoKCUk/Vrjh91g6pZI/AAAAAAAAoSo/COMfF2mXZC0/IMG_0686_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="195"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iX3R2yWFKPY/VrjiDeUL5lI/AAAAAAAAoSs/dIhhOBFydXY/s1600-h/IMG_0589%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0589" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0589" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PbCoQU_73s4/VrjiHCVwCWI/AAAAAAAAoSw/Ms2cVrClqAw/IMG_0589_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VFZX4QRoOAY/VrjiNea-ULI/AAAAAAAAoS0/cCv86DIjVEk/s1600-h/IMG_2736%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2736" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2736" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-428d7kawFmE/VrjiQXnON2I/AAAAAAAAoS4/98tixDEWTPA/IMG_2736_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="226"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p1w8XAsjIEA/VrjiWRmkN7I/AAAAAAAAoS8/ZsMVOs--yuM/s1600-h/IMG_2732%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2732" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2732" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aU6uBx8_faM/VrjiZPmJlWI/AAAAAAAAoTA/rcmcAIO7IVg/IMG_2732_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="223"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OFt0ZtoMLrI/VrjiddNx5eI/AAAAAAAAoTE/o76Ufz_WG1Y/s1600-h/IMG_2726%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2726" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2726" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwZ8bn4fQI8/Vrjigm690_I/AAAAAAAAoTI/6LDHAlqPbtw/IMG_2726_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="284"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vb2_imyWc3s/VrjikuIN5EI/AAAAAAAAoTM/6SdPVlAtuPA/s1600-h/IMG_2725%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2725" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2725" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lXIW5NUcxKc/VrjiohVcXWI/AAAAAAAAoTQ/9SNv3WdkXDM/IMG_2725_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" height="283"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And of course, there was a sunset, every single night!</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMsONjkwVI8/Vrjitq0e6YI/AAAAAAAAoTU/Oe1v32iyGMo/s1600-h/P2061216%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P2061216" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P2061216" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xwlwg3N0mjc/VrjiyalArZI/AAAAAAAAoTY/Zs6CQPilzLc/P2061216_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"></font></a></p> <p>Where to next? Anyone’s guess. I’ll let you know when I get there.</p>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-18516895698648231952016-02-02T23:05:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.099-08:00Yuma Proving Grounds and Cibola National Wildlife Refuge<p> </p> <p><font size="3">After Ernie and Debbie packed up their dog Moki and headed for the cold northern wilderness (or at least Vegas for starters!), I had to come up with a plan. After spending a while on the maps and Google earth, I decided to try the 45 miles of gravel connecting Hwy 95 with the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge over on the Colorado River. This passes directly through the northern area of the military’s Yuma Proving Ground where they test high and low tech weapons and machinery.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t01RYjrxw3I/Vq16UuxJp2I/AAAAAAAAoGo/2-ejUw0sfjo/s1600-h/ProvingGroundEntrance%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="ProvingGroundEntrance" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="ProvingGroundEntrance" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DN95R4wgXRk/Vq16ZU4djCI/AAAAAAAAoGw/vHU7MxEomnw/ProvingGroundEntrance_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="338"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1aLxb7ACZQo/Vq16i8sFJpI/AAAAAAAAoG4/OmiAxVhJ1nQ/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qASv6pmlLi8/Vq16w62jhDI/AAAAAAAAoHA/3qROV_-t3Bk/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="599" height="432"></a><font size="3">A sign at the entrance said that you must phone for permission and be prepared to provide information on your vehicle, persons, and intentions. I did so, but the person answering sounded disinterested and said that as long as I stayed on the road and went straight through, nothing else was required. And they didn’t say I couldn’t take photos …</font></p> <p><font size="3">Everywhere were warning signs.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GYsVSMz81As/Vq1648DKMTI/AAAAAAAAoHI/OgpGRhRvwqw/s1600-h/IMG_04675.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0467" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0467" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wPhQtwDoXlA/Vq16_IBuxrI/AAAAAAAAoHQ/pNHAa5bb9fo/IMG_0467_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="403"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There were white trucks on many of the small hilltops.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dG9aOT_1VlQ/Vq17EHWu3vI/AAAAAAAAoHY/9JzMH9BNqfU/s1600-h/IMG_04684.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0468" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0468" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tJnW6_ue0Og/Vq17HtRbMnI/AAAAAAAAoHg/1cFfJu7zXaY/IMG_0468_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VINFY3i1WN0/Vq17N1RAQsI/AAAAAAAAoHo/uOFoFzaYsno/s1600-h/IMG_04664.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0466" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0466" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HheWAaiecQU/Vq17RiaoxMI/AAAAAAAAoHw/oyzNxohn6QY/IMG_0466_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="199"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I’m guessing they were laser equipped, but I didn’t hang around long enough to get targeted!</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIxGuHaRfnY/Vq17Wix372I/AAAAAAAAoH4/Ap-z42eE9BE/s1600-h/IMG_04725.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0472" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0472" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lerrUjFT1kE/Vq17bxdIcWI/AAAAAAAAoIA/j4ZRCC4ef1Q/IMG_0472_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="402"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There were villages straight out of Afganistan or Iraq.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_dJH4CqaDPs/Vq17iGYT7HI/AAAAAAAAoII/ymKSqvCKgOA/s1600-h/IMG_04714.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0471" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0471" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WHgQrhmmfjg/Vq17nNMBJAI/AAAAAAAAoIQ/q-dVKKBatX8/IMG_0471_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I looked for Osama’s house, but didn’t see it!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ipANbsWZg4/Vq17tY9lbGI/AAAAAAAAoIY/jTuzC3h2_9Q/s1600-h/IMG_04696.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0469" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0469" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNgA76vC2Lk/Vq170A_pC4I/AAAAAAAAoIg/n-bzKSE50DI/IMG_0469_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The road varies a lot on the way across, from fairly wide and fairly well maintained, to well, rather rustic. Several sections of prime washboard made it interesting and it was dusty throughout, but traffic was very minimal. Nice country; been there, done that, don’t have to do it again!</font></p> <p><font size="3">The ‘entry’ sign on the west side says nothing about phoning, and permits, etc …!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oQXjzr4QI-o/Vq175si30vI/AAAAAAAAoIo/B_7RJV8NFCw/s1600-h/IMG_04754.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0475" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0475" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--w2GtJo0uJI/Vq17-jGtC5I/AAAAAAAAoIw/v0K9KjMllxo/IMG_0475_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="404"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I thought I was seeing wild burro poop along the road – till I spotted these horses hiding in a draw.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOnbwIMI4U0/Vq18Fvc4NOI/AAAAAAAAoI4/GapKpzvP0eY/s1600-h/IMG_04745.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0474" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0474" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QjYv5biBqQ0/Vq18KuzbLXI/AAAAAAAAoJA/JbB5zdbwUHU/IMG_0474_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="404"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Eventually made it out to pavement again (!), and very shortly found the HQ of the Wildlife Refuge. Checks for armed militants proved negative, so we carried on to the wildlife areas. </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fHDNg5IOKfE/Vq18PEB9PaI/AAAAAAAAoJI/RSBCJzb6QsU/s1600-h/IMG_05165.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0516" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0516" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ix5MoUgDR3g/Vq18S-mhe7I/AAAAAAAAoJQ/ShLIgbWyvdc/IMG_0516_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="402"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGa-DlBjyCw/Vq18XNvtmDI/AAAAAAAAoJY/8888xQhSKbw/s1600-h/IMG_05154.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0515" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0515" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mR_8G116_SM/Vq18ajRlTZI/AAAAAAAAoJg/ONt8iHyP1wA/IMG_0515_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="403"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">First, there were many gooses.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PVOWbBTRsMU/Vq18f-ykzgI/AAAAAAAAoJo/UdbckUe0SAU/s1600-h/IMG_04775.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0477" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0477" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g7OWz5NqHyw/Vq18lP7kvwI/AAAAAAAAoJw/BcMwBo5l0L0/IMG_0477_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="402"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And ducks.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W8Qfi_Ih0hQ/Vq18rHYqZiI/AAAAAAAAoJ4/qBRMPzr6vU0/s1600-h/IMG_04795.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0479" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0479" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t7vxpyJGdkI/Vq18vCjyerI/AAAAAAAAoKA/BC8VibgNXes/IMG_0479_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="404"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1AIGRDBpgVE/Vq181C8Ih9I/AAAAAAAAoKI/jOswe-dR7FA/s1600-h/IMG_04785.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0478" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0478" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-euvVe4BuFHw/Vq185OHPB4I/AAAAAAAAoKQ/TN3XYqdDlVU/IMG_0478_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="198"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2GuDTxA4kFU/Vq18-YqUQzI/AAAAAAAAoKY/U2HrTM1KsHc/s1600-h/IMG_04764.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0476" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0476" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PGEFpFqrcvk/Vq19Bk7CXmI/AAAAAAAAoKg/R1DoNWcqD5k/IMG_0476_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="201"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v6WSDc74VPo/Vq19KMIdFsI/AAAAAAAAoKo/A7mVDm7OV4I/s1600-h/IMG_27055.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2705" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2705" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1zX5gyUScnI/Vq19PsIv1sI/AAAAAAAAoKw/c5wQqKrcylA/IMG_2705_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="455"></font></a><font size="3">Leaves were falling along the trail – as in a beautiful ‘fall’ day – in mid January!</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwT4Vzq0lNc/Vq19X_31jwI/AAAAAAAAoK4/OL0_P-I0SIM/s1600-h/IMG_27044.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2704" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2704" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MlNsvR6wHo0/Vq19c-IRv4I/AAAAAAAAoLA/9naq5LCl7zo/IMG_2704_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="462"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Then, out to the fields.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rwlBj4HJrMc/Vq19gluQVyI/AAAAAAAAoLI/fHyrN_y0tbQ/s1600-h/IMG_04817.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0481" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0481" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ufvbdArOR0/Vq19k6rCb3I/AAAAAAAAoLQ/F5flX2emc5k/IMG_0481_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="665"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I3b5g1SKZ8U/Vq19nQFR94I/AAAAAAAAoLY/3BgO1My_LYg/s1600-h/IMG_04875.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0487" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0487" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dr4EODzzKjo/Vq19qo9SWPI/AAAAAAAAoLg/wjHC0KPBWbg/IMG_0487_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="242"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S2mdYbYq1Rs/Vq19s3gnJOI/AAAAAAAAoLo/HpXYp3_KCcw/s1600-h/IMG_04864.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0486" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PsDit07Hi_w/Vq19wKpyjhI/AAAAAAAAoLw/NZ9ijQ1oouo/IMG_0486_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="244"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCEkgEZg-2U/Vq195gEYBeI/AAAAAAAAoL4/eW0EpHzeHBY/s1600-h/IMG_04844.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0484" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0484" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z84ufosyASc/Vq19-uqxu3I/AAAAAAAAoMA/kUhD3VMVvDo/IMG_0484_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="412"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f9vFEgwK8Eg/Vq1-CbS4BXI/AAAAAAAAoMI/HRtHwxOvmbY/s1600-h/IMG_04885.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0488" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0488" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xwixb68Lk3E/Vq1-GJwFhVI/AAAAAAAAoMQ/9Ate7QXdPAs/IMG_0488_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="194"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RD0jlxM1ZvQ/Vq1-JaohuyI/AAAAAAAAoMY/NnManA4q5Og/s1600-h/IMG_04894.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0489" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0489" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICD_AXh7Bc8/Vq1-M83GcWI/AAAAAAAAoMg/6aQn8p7iga8/IMG_0489_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="203"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Sandhill cranes were out.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wms5Er07uaI/Vq1-Q-omcJI/AAAAAAAAoMo/Gu817uP4HE8/s1600-h/IMG_04906.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0490" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0490" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u0R2ed3VP68/Vq1-VaRPM1I/AAAAAAAAoMw/BnQ6kIhjgLk/IMG_0490_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="403"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y9nalUrLZ3Y/Vq1-bOm0H5I/AAAAAAAAoM4/dyVZA-bOH7Y/s1600-h/IMG_04975.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0497" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0497" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qiPNiIywhcc/Vq1-erypFdI/AAAAAAAAoNA/WKgsTdUNDds/IMG_0497_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="197"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sUvcMZZRjcs/Vq1-kWIsqpI/AAAAAAAAoNI/V4rrZ2HygpI/s1600-h/IMG_04964.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0496" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0496" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9GKGgNMKb0Y/Vq1-n4weoVI/AAAAAAAAoNQ/87rHEKe9_DE/IMG_0496_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="202"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">An egret.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m0n2VGyoc5s/Vq1-rK8JhSI/AAAAAAAAoNY/nVNcSrCCRbs/s1600-h/IMG_05066.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0506" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0506" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5AUhpFUYtc/Vq1-vqYkVpI/AAAAAAAAoNg/0m1Ug05Befk/IMG_0506_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="399"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxT7i3BYzlY/Vq1-zIDIXWI/AAAAAAAAoNo/UdlyHvHqv5c/s1600-h/IMG_05125.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0512" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0512" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_UTzwp_8OlI/Vq1-2m9AZgI/AAAAAAAAoNw/SuGI41iDpAY/IMG_0512_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="403"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And another yodel dog.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5lEwRgTkhVQ/Vq1-6CNM1TI/AAAAAAAAoN4/j13UWN1_SB0/s1600-h/IMG_05146.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0514" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0514" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PhUaDHRijNQ/Vq1--HaubBI/AAAAAAAAoOA/zrz1wT5PCWw/IMG_0514_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="329"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">We crossed the Colorado again into California, and returned the long way to camp via Blythe.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MW4zuhTYZC0/Vq1_C6-DuQI/AAAAAAAAoOI/x_l36zLkihM/s1600-h/IMG_27085.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2708" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2708" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IkKZrvA_-XQ/Vq1_GmIerSI/AAAAAAAAoOQ/_j-Lf2aXkZ0/IMG_2708_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJCxzqwKQOc/Vq1_L3WhslI/AAAAAAAAoOY/uwmJHQk6BNY/s1600-h/IMG_27075.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2707" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2707" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hDqT8c0IR4Y/Vq1_P1qT0PI/AAAAAAAAoOg/B-AuMfFk9aY/IMG_2707_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="223"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhgYQ_i_7rs/Vq1_VGb7NZI/AAAAAAAAoOo/h8E58eRKXBc/s1600-h/IMG_27064.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2706" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2706" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9qdeI9SogNc/Vq1_Zo77PMI/AAAAAAAAoOw/gerUONq_5Go/IMG_2706_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="223"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Next post: My first visit to Mittry Lake.</font></p>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-34009779029501134202016-01-30T18:33:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.117-08:00Life after Quartzsite<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ax68IlQygx4/Vq1oa7q6RmI/AAAAAAAAn_Y/js3gTOJQIIU/s1600-h/IMG_04525.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0452" border="0" height="568" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GobKzS5tHw/Vq1ofnTImAI/AAAAAAAAn_g/dEzTTBaMnU8/IMG_0452_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0452" width="601" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Attending the 2nd annual Bloggerfest in Quartzsite reminded me that I have now been blogging for the 11th year. Seems like only 20! Deadlines, deadlines. Missed again!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Always seem to be behind and playing catch-up! O well, I don’t think anyone is marking my assignments?</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">A few things down south are different this year. First is the price of fuel. I paid a dollar more per gallon back in October up in Idaho, than I’m paying now down in Arizona. Gotta like that for sure. To bad the Canadian dollar sucks so badly right now, which sort of limits the advantage. At least price of fuel back home is way down as well.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Another development down here at the pumps – five zeros has served me well in the past for a zip code at the pump, but this year I’ve struck out. But a trick that has never worked for ‘me’ in the past is the numerals from our postal code with 2 zeros added on. For some reason it has worked for me this year. And finally, a few of the southern merchants are starting to get the chip readers in their terminals! </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">OK, so what have we been up to? Well, when in Quartzsite, one must check out some of the goods – and lots of junk offered for sale.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rjJsQFVKQ4A/Vq1olSfJ_iI/AAAAAAAAn_o/tul7TeooTv8/s1600-h/IMG_59016.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5901" border="0" height="385" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7-xiDSu29gE/Vq1opbvx3BI/AAAAAAAAn_w/gBY1aYT7Scw/IMG_5901_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5901" width="288" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BLr0dJNcvs/Vq1otrRSj-I/AAAAAAAAn_4/1o03F__ZuLs/s1600-h/IMG_59074.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5907" border="0" height="388" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_-R_-BZYPc/Vq1tgYamObI/AAAAAAAAoAI/yJFrUdOaFuc/IMG_5907_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5907" width="292" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Antique door knobs, anyone?</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8o-lwS2AnwA/Vq1tnytmQsI/AAAAAAAAoAQ/27THv7WPrCQ/s1600-h/IMG_27035.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2703" border="0" height="451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RThhQBObr3s/Vq1ttn18JNI/AAAAAAAAoAY/vpXScdkoPeQ/IMG_2703_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2703" width="600" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">How about a nice CB radio!</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-69d5zAPXx5w/Vq1t3_airqI/AAAAAAAAoAg/1VTpaISD_M0/s1600-h/IMG_27025.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2702" border="0" height="449" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3kuwiy7wsqc/Vq1t9CzlD4I/AAAAAAAAoAo/rkIB9oVfOr4/IMG_2702_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2702" width="597" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The finest cutlery was on offer. Likely at a good price too!</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DVmBEXneeZs/Vq1uD4SHegI/AAAAAAAAoAw/RXEuTdm8wWs/s1600-h/IMG_26985.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2698" border="0" height="454" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLcKi9cBL08/Vq1uKBsxLzI/AAAAAAAAoA4/QiVw0H2NTVE/IMG_2698_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2698" width="604" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DGYZWfYIt2A/Vq1uTIlcStI/AAAAAAAAoBA/DBBgRj3Cdio/s1600-h/IMG_27014.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2701" border="0" height="224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f-0kj6PU3t0/Vq1uXbMTGZI/AAAAAAAAoBI/dj2wbe7wxg0/IMG_2701_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2701" width="298" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H78D0pR28Sw/Vq1ueDoBfLI/AAAAAAAAoBQ/wqZqT_af958/s1600-h/IMG_27004.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2700" border="0" height="221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0GKretvBop8/Vq1ulnYSwaI/AAAAAAAAoBY/dHuc4vqbw-g/IMG_2700_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2700" width="293" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SATMBBW9rzg/Vq1us9QTUkI/AAAAAAAAoBg/JGVAi78sKXw/s1600-h/IMG_26994.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2699" border="0" height="224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-shROY3cI568/Vq1uwz1wT6I/AAAAAAAAoBo/OSHeHvVOiFI/IMG_2699_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2699" width="297" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K6xmFNA7TMo/Vq1u380gnXI/AAAAAAAAoBw/11K3hZE3NLw/s1600-h/IMG_26974.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2697" border="0" height="223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UT_BbG2-WoY/Vq1u8CDJSoI/AAAAAAAAoB4/G4I516HhdQ8/IMG_2697_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2697" width="296" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vdgu0f2eLM0/Vq1vENiMmwI/AAAAAAAAoCA/wI1k-re8x0I/s1600-h/IMG_59065.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5906" border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDL0S4ia9aU/Vq1vJ8eLhmI/AAAAAAAAoCI/fUVG5QKAlKs/IMG_5906_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5906" width="299" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EfiRHSro9cM/Vq1vRfzQ36I/AAAAAAAAoCQ/pU4TI-EZj-M/s1600-h/IMG_59025.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5902" border="0" height="396" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G_sPJuBv3ZA/Vq1vYxJqDfI/AAAAAAAAoCY/UzDdvKylPxk/IMG_5902_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5902" width="296" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I went all out and paid $3. for a new HDMI cord, and they threw in a free flashlight! But I actually came out ahead this year by selling stuff TO one of the vendors! While out at Borrego Springs boondocking area I picked up a ‘shade canopy cover’ that had escaped from someone or been abandoned and was trying to fly away across the Clark dry lake bed. When I found a vendor with a tattered cover, I actually sold him the one I had. Profit! I hope the town doesn’t come after me for a business licence, or the IRS!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Once again, Ernie and Debbie joined me in camp for a few more days before they had to head home to the snowbanks.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zt-B6JA5ERM/Vq1vd_IRdjI/AAAAAAAAoCg/Z4VQNvkRnTk/s1600-h/P12112054.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="P1211205" border="0" height="223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sghuXAcEG-s/Vq1virumqwI/AAAAAAAAoCo/A7PqXHBhQRc/P1211205_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1211205" width="296" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ImqY_3_svsE/Vq1vtx6hfAI/AAAAAAAAoCw/Uv4brIOuD-0/s1600-h/P12112044.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="P1211204" border="0" height="224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cUT4NX66ee8/Vq1vxlmBklI/AAAAAAAAoC4/s1poNdxAT1I/P1211204_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1211204" width="297" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I took the opportunity to try a few more night time-exposure photographs. These are both 30 second exposures, with only the light of the nearly full moon.</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g7gF1zS4gs8/Vq1v5K1ONsI/AAAAAAAAoDA/2aZzMplny2g/s1600-h/G03571916.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="G0357191" border="0" height="450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZc7EjzUsiI/Vq1wAlU3wbI/AAAAAAAAoDI/ys50lt-H9qc/G0357191_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="G0357191" width="597" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">In the one below, I moved to two different locations during the exposure, thus my two ghostly images in front of the fire!</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3yyVeR55RNI/Vq1wH2sOwyI/AAAAAAAAoDQ/MpMLFzkyaXI/s1600-h/G03671925.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="G0367192" border="0" height="451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tsEh9JYqdsQ/Vq1wOJN_U1I/AAAAAAAAoDY/Dsyc4v-7bgM/G0367192_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="G0367192" width="599" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I took them up to Palm Canyon one day …</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HymuOZMRdrE/Vq1wU5BYswI/AAAAAAAAoDg/UpaI6CEGlAg/s1600-h/IMG_26925.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2692" border="0" height="312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Ws5kHQdd_M/Vq1wZka0XDI/AAAAAAAAoDo/gGLmLqaOiYE/IMG_2692_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2692" width="235" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VktAqr_zsBA/Vq1wgdbGmqI/AAAAAAAAoDw/MwvybOxxfqE/s1600-h/IMG_26915.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2691" border="0" height="271" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynYFCkWYiYE/Vq1wnh-nTTI/AAAAAAAAoD4/ounxfQv6xzM/IMG_2691_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2691" width="360" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Cd14MTzcCs/Vq1wt9hsF4I/AAAAAAAAoEA/cStK2Wdabnw/s1600-h/IMG_26905.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2690" border="0" height="282" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j6SkNfvpm40/Vq1wyEceoEI/AAAAAAAAoEI/sJPRAbna7qI/IMG_2690_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2690" width="375" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nptyykgYrVQ/Vq1w3k3Qi2I/AAAAAAAAoEQ/NbE9UIGIZmg/s1600-h/IMG_26894.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2689" border="0" height="292" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QJL8s0Deaqw/Vq1w7Y63onI/AAAAAAAAoEY/1b5BMsT6Wok/IMG_2689_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2689" width="220" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile back in camp, their dog Moki kept all the coyotes out of the area.</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHtSMhER-ic/Vq1w-diLwaI/AAAAAAAAoEg/XSETOofrmlU/s1600-h/IM0002045.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IM000204" border="0" height="390" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UO-dv048ZzA/Vq1xENdmuKI/AAAAAAAAoEo/G69wtEHEcNQ/IM000204_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IM000204" width="596" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Or perhaps it was the desert tiger that they were scared of!</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pHBcoxrxJZI/Vq1xIB1dJ3I/AAAAAAAAoEw/8iLt-rEoL_8/s1600-h/IM0000234.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IM000023" border="0" height="420" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WtFPT7dOTQI/Vq1xM39_UAI/AAAAAAAAoE4/fa6RaKnFgtM/IM000023_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IM000023" width="609" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7a78qjHBz-c/Vq1xQMYOcAI/AAAAAAAAoFA/OMXDp7A1IgU/s1600-h/HummerMSTT3.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="HummerMST&T" border="0" height="344" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpdOqetHxw8/Vq1xU4eQWpI/AAAAAAAAoFI/hEweACxpZZM/HummerMSTT_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HummerMST&T" width="608" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Other wildlife sightings in Quartzsite included a herd of mountain goats and a pack of grizzly bears.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GOtCjKL1-4I/Vq1xbWnlGVI/AAAAAAAAoFQ/akyfobq8BVo/s1600-h/IMG_59047.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5904" border="0" height="375" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uoiUXaAl-LQ/Vq1xgt2iryI/AAAAAAAAoFY/aIBk0raB0k4/IMG_5904_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5904" width="281" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lk9pQ6mIkEo/Vq1xlUf9IlI/AAAAAAAAoFg/uerezj4vyH4/s1600-h/IMG_59056.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5905" border="0" height="377" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lsGrvZ6fs80/Vq1xqlLimwI/AAAAAAAAoFo/KfkB40jczCQ/IMG_5905_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5905" width="315" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CIMs7xHtT-M/Vq1x0Pc7a6I/AAAAAAAAoFw/hkz0mN2YkYQ/s1600-h/IMG_26875.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2687" border="0" height="217" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SC9dKrYLbHI/Vq1x6AULNnI/AAAAAAAAoF4/HKJsaXfmdLo/IMG_2687_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2687" width="288" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JlSBfhSBYVs/Vq1yBEpV_pI/AAAAAAAAoGA/UFQubhq_MpE/s1600-h/IMG_59034.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5903" border="0" height="230" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jj7kAV4J89w/Vq1yGadx1OI/AAAAAAAAoGI/oKB6I2AAJso/IMG_5903_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5903" width="306" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Zg2kBIjhb0/Vq1yOBu-tQI/AAAAAAAAoGQ/muNZZKt2XV8/s1600-h/IMG_26885.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2688" border="0" height="455" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vpXXsOSiyDg/Vq1yWl_-PpI/AAAAAAAAoGY/TDMhgfLR14w/IMG_2688_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2688" width="605" /></a><br />Next post: We cross the Yuma proving ground and visit Cibola National Wildlife Refuge!Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-73176946259903063632016-01-19T09:57:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.152-08:00Leaving Why<p> </p> <p><font size="3">We got some really good rainfalls when we were down in Why, so I imagine that the desert will be greening up a lot in short order. There were fewer campers around than when I have been there in past years, but that makes for less dust, noise and traffic.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uB826zs2Qnw/Vp53SDePpxI/AAAAAAAAn7U/YpnMPuOZwA0/s1600-h/IMG_0455%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0455" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0455" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SGPlv5YSm-g/Vp53Wivrc5I/AAAAAAAAn7c/H-kYxC3Fz5s/IMG_0455_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="404"></font></a><font size="3">The hummingbirds were not long in finding the feeder, and beginning to battle over it. No takers for the bird seed feeder yet this year. </font></p> <p><font size="3"> I had a couple of short term issues with my satellite internet system, so in the meantime I discovered that the library in Ajo had great, free high speed service – even accessible from the street when they are closed (Sunday).</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sE88kgL2BTo/Vp53b3vzHII/AAAAAAAAn7k/j2OO8lzyp_s/s1600-h/IMG_2678%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2678" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2678" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TZuWsGGS-ic/Vp53f5FlBrI/AAAAAAAAn7s/oNp6vdbxb0c/IMG_2678_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="456"></font></a><font size="3">I was waiting for a delivery from Amazon, which I was able to pick up from the Post Office first thing Monday morning.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rBurA11saXI/Vp53ilQ-NXI/AAAAAAAAn70/Yn75T6fHBI0/s1600-h/IMG_0458%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0458" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0458" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lXUdqIsqv68/Vp53m4ljcEI/AAAAAAAAn78/0-vuP4Xg5SM/IMG_0458_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="382"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">A litle bird told me that I might just find the elusive </font><a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Wandering Willy</font></a><font size="3"> way over in California, so we headed that direction. Unfortunately, I was already on the road when I learned that </font><a href="http://travelwithjeanskip.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Jean & Skip</font></a><font size="3"> were camped just a bit to the south of me down at Why <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Sad smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZaSftPCtRSw/Vp53owlEj_I/AAAAAAAAn8E/K_ltq4A_PLo/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">. So we missed them this time. Like me, they tend to blog sporadically, so it is hard to keep up to date on each others locations!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Once again we got ‘reverse racially profiled’ at the Border Patrol checkpoint, and were just waved through. Even with Hailey wearing her sombrero!</font></p> <p><font size="3">We stopped at the Shell at the east end of Gila Bend for fuel and a dump/fill. And I noted that they also had free wi-fi thoughout their parking lot! Residents of the RV park directly behind sure do like their satellite TV!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GxgJkBAV0j8/Vp53unkD7GI/AAAAAAAAn8M/aTEuMz0mCAM/s1600-h/IMG_2679%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2679" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2679" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F36rA_NLy6U/Vp53y5LJ2VI/AAAAAAAAn8U/yCSIS-I-RQI/IMG_2679_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="452"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hailey does her best to assist with route planning and destination finding – usually in a subtle manner …</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EPNsH0pAcXU/Vp533ABxqUI/AAAAAAAAn8c/sMPuWKVNK9Q/s1600-h/IMG_5890%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5890" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5890" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XBx8wVxuSDM/Vp538mrb9eI/AAAAAAAAn8k/ROp7bKw5q3E/IMG_5890_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="591" height="787"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Sometime last year I attached some brackets under the windows of the rig where a removable shelf could be attached – a perfect spot for a cat to sit and keep an eye on things outside. Problem is, there is NO WAY she would actually sit on it! I tried baiting it with blankets, and treats – which would be ignored for long periods. Eventually, she would drag them off one by one and eat them. But she refused to check out the great views!</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t9YOLvn2qx4/Vp54CHlY2rI/AAAAAAAAn8s/P2xZ5U1Ihoc/s1600-h/IMG_2639%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2639" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2639" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LsErdKNOSX4/Vp54GAH3CsI/AAAAAAAAn80/jbP5FEQFWLY/IMG_2639_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="454"></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Finally I stumbled upon the secret. NEWSPAPERS! A weekend edition of the Arizona Republic was all it took to lure her to the spot! Now she is up there all the time. Soon I’ll try it without newspaper! Sorry no pics yet.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PR2Zur-I8B0/Vp54J-juENI/AAAAAAAAn88/j90VeEdLzqA/s1600-h/IMG_0453%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0453" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0453" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A6yhq9JSQSA/Vp54NVi-tII/AAAAAAAAn9E/wKKuOxC97-k/IMG_0453_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="405"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOBanoFVF3g/Vp54RevPFDI/AAAAAAAAn9M/XNtDKsTWL9c/s1600-h/IMG_0450%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0450" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UiTRiZQfld0/Vp54VJGNMvI/AAAAAAAAn9U/GT5CNtjr7io/IMG_0450_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="411"></font></a><font size="3">Meanwhile, we discovered </font><a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Wandering Willy</font></a><font size="3"> in his usual spot off Ogilby Road with friends Frank and Alison, and their cat Diva. Both cats feined indiference to each other, but I think they both would become friends, given time. Sorry, no pics (I see a trend here). Soon, my Saskatchewan friends Ernie and Debbie showed up with their dog Moki to add to the mix. (no pics) I took them for their first ever visit to Algodones, and got my teeth cleaned while there. We also did a tour up to the Imperial Dam area and had a date shake on the way back through the intensely farmed agricultural areas along the Colorado river – or what’s left of it at this point.</font></p> <p><font size="3"> After a couple days, they took off for Palm Springs, with an interesting visit at Slab City and Salton Sea along the way.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I had planned to stay a bt longer, but my plans got changed by a new neighbour who had arrived with one of those obnoxious, loud, industrial generators and set up not far enough away. After more than a few beverages, I managed to get to sleep in spite of it’s constant roar, but when I awoke at around 0400, it was roaring away full trottle. What does anyone need that kind of power for at 4AM? If you’ve got a required medical device or need your A/C on, then go to an RV park or park a mile away for crying out loud! It was still going at 0830 when I was hooked up and pulling out. Some people have no clue. Or are deaf. Or both!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3e-LZQ3iEz0/Vp54aO8mPVI/AAAAAAAAn9c/urak8pH1ZSo/s1600-h/IMG_0431%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0431" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1s5eY1om6qA/Vp54d8DDRqI/AAAAAAAAn9k/RAmrpg9ajs8/IMG_0431_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fWu1NRtt5GM/Vp54jl0ghGI/AAAAAAAAn9s/IbSooknuMfk/s1600-h/IMG_0430%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0430" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0430" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fBb6RkfN55c/Vp54nK7efmI/AAAAAAAAn90/AWqJzoXDe7w/IMG_0430_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="201"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-riLzffzUPJQ/Vp54phEBKrI/AAAAAAAAn98/fj1ZIw5KjuE/s1600-h/IMG_0367%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0367" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0367" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOtPNpUqVAA/Vp54tP1JTZI/AAAAAAAAn-E/mC1FBoLUyi4/IMG_0367_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="611" height="565"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mmE_13Fq8pk/Vp54xoKRrPI/AAAAAAAAn-M/ffMir2CruvM/s1600-h/IMG_0363%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0363" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0363" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEWz882cYyQ/Vp542AupNmI/AAAAAAAAn-U/qdEQblspgc8/IMG_0363_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="408"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The good news is … when we arrived at our latest favourite spot off MST&T road south of Quartzsite, it was occupied by about 12 rigs! How is that good news? Well, because we then found an even better spot nearby. Further from the dusty access road, and closer to the highway, and no (noisy) neighbours within a mile!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GImudX_6a3M/Vp545pRN3NI/AAAAAAAAn-c/8v7w1H4CmHo/s1600-h/IM000009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IM000009" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IM000009" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yUnPTALdhu0/Vp549U3QAfI/AAAAAAAAn-k/-Ek_0-NUW-Q/IM000009_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="617" height="331"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vF09DU7ZKSo/Vp55AqNFVRI/AAAAAAAAn-s/Qjk_Gn7HQm4/s1600-h/IM000049%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IM000049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IM000049" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3OtvFKMNEdU/Vp55EbdDSGI/AAAAAAAAn-0/jzzED7b39n0/IM000049_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="409"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Only been in to the traffic-jam zoo that is Quartzsite during the big show so far. But I don’t really mind the traffic and the crowds in town – as long as I have a quiet place to retreat to at days end. And this is one of those spots. Expecting Ernie and Debbie and Moki to show up any day, and maybe even Wandering Willy, but there is space for all here. </font></p>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-54761984975973302012016-01-10T11:47:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.175-08:00Why - Ajo ;-)<span style="font-size: small;">A quick check of the calendar seems to indicate that I haven’t blogged since last year?</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Where has the time gone, and what have I been up to all this time? Well, it appears that we were still camped at Saddle mountain blm area near Tonopah, Az. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqRJXupgIkw/VpK0uQZZBwI/AAAAAAAAn0U/0rU-Ywv6MO0/s1600-h/IMG_26345.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2634" border="0" height="453" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SVf1IQ0foJI/VpK0u66xx3I/AAAAAAAAn0Y/7Q3J13dS6J0/IMG_2634_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2634" width="603" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We spent Christmas in almost the same spot as last year. There was a lot of wind at times and some dust storms to make being outside not that pleasant. Then on the nice days, there were enough bees or wasps buzzing around the door to make that less than enjoyable as well.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">But, it was time to move on anyway. The weather looked slightly better to the south, so it was decided to head for Tucson and beyond. It was Sunday when we pulled out, but the thought of downtown traffic through Phoenix was enough to turn us south for the route through Gila Bend and I-8. The great Shell station on the corner provided the dump, fill, and propane, so we were set to travel. We blasted on through Tucson, and were surprised to see all the overhead signs warning of blizzards in New Mexico!</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKC8ZZhEWo8/VpK0vfT29jI/AAAAAAAAn0g/I_PodozAe8o/s1600-h/BlizzWarningNM24.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="BlizzWarningNM2" border="0" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GPJZGjRy0ZQ/VpK0v3AJ9lI/AAAAAAAAn0o/mf1DOi3VQ1c/BlizzWarningNM2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BlizzWarningNM2" width="586" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1OUqfSibQc0/VpK0wP0CdQI/AAAAAAAAn0w/I0a-BpX-p84/s1600-h/BlizzWarningNM4.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="BlizzWarningNM" border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5pV5e9o1AK8/VpK0wktbmLI/AAAAAAAAn08/QWygdMR3680/BlizzWarningNM_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BlizzWarningNM" width="585" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">There must have been a carpenter’s convention in the area too?</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b2_dQGTo0Z8/VpK0xKJwplI/AAAAAAAAn1A/toBIozGNo5U/s1600-h/DriveHammered4.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="DriveHammered" border="0" height="283" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1UcOZCgUU5c/VpK0xXsUHlI/AAAAAAAAn1I/N7XX0pOtHzc/DriveHammered_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DriveHammered" width="591" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">At the same time, friends of mine who were down in Big Bend NP, Texas were sitting under 6” of fresh snow!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I was able to make contact with a friend down in Sierra Vista, so we street-camped and spent a couple days visiting and catching up on news. While there, I visited a tire shop to get a couple of my trailer wheels swapped around to even out the tire wear on them. As happened to me a long time ago in the same situation in California, when it was time to pay the bill, there wasn’t one! Fortunately, having my fridge parked on their lot, I was able to contribute a bunch of cold canned beverages for the staff at the end of the day!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After a couple of cool days in Sierra Vista, my snowbound friends from Texas were able to make good their escape, so we arranged a meeting at Bowie on the I-8. From there it was only a short drive to a cute, tiny little rec area called Indian Bread Rocks.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Dc8gA9GY4E/VpK0yAaBclI/AAAAAAAAn1U/FG_0GIrOr70/s1600-h/IMG_26504.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2650" border="0" height="453" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93OG5xNkVrQ/VpK0yq5g_PI/AAAAAAAAn1Y/vR6kX1AoFgs/IMG_2650_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2650" width="603" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ud2boHx6mS4/VpK0zJf58-I/AAAAAAAAn1g/G-j2UESioKs/s1600-h/IMG_26475.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2647" border="0" height="222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0B5aUsDX_3s/VpK0zm8YphI/AAAAAAAAn1o/H0HGtIcrdIY/IMG_2647_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2647" width="295" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Ayobp8hadE/VpK00IH2MiI/AAAAAAAAn1w/NbCBaqYc2PI/s1600-h/IMG_26465.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2646" border="0" height="222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I2OIEJEJzXE/VpK00s2Zd0I/AAAAAAAAn14/7VyJQk16pR8/IMG_2646_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2646" width="294" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-phRtjd9aSfw/VpK01LavQeI/AAAAAAAAn2E/4DYx0_qNf_E/s1600-h/IMG_26454.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2645" border="0" height="224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4-3UHUkMr8M/VpK01kyP-nI/AAAAAAAAn2M/RfSVd1kwoTI/IMG_2645_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2645" width="297" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5uNq9DZTfY/VpK02UAAMuI/AAAAAAAAn2Q/kJ5K1FVj0TQ/s1600-h/IMG_26444.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2644" border="0" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--9uYfXG2O04/VpK022wL-rI/AAAAAAAAn2Y/srllaGhI248/IMG_2644_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2644" width="299" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We headed off to hike into Fort Bowie historic site one day, but found a rather large Class A stuck in the ditch along the road on the way there. After piling rocks and planks under his wheels, my tow strap was put to good use, and the big GM had him back on pavement in no time! Too busy towing for photos! And it seems that the only photo I took along the hike to the fort ruins was a shot of the cemetery.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q3O8DJxyvr4/VpK03Z0HnTI/AAAAAAAAn2g/i4Ud_NKV9ds/s1600-h/IMG_26534.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2653" border="0" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3O-tbGSl11o/VpK04HwDWvI/AAAAAAAAn2s/eoQwccPE780/IMG_2653_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2653" width="354" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Back around camp, we hiked up into the hills and found numerous holes in the rock that had been used for grinding nuts and grain by earlier civilizations. We also found many of the rocks were precariously balanced and in need of some additional support!</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Xfpwef-NDg/VpK0893VI7I/AAAAAAAAn20/0hOMJsHqICo/s1600-h/IMG_26545.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2654" border="0" height="456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rBtKm0fjrPQ/VpK0-Niac0I/AAAAAAAAn28/WGliP7zgoBE/IMG_2654_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2654" width="607" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--4npo3TAhMY/VpK1AvJeihI/AAAAAAAAn3E/VUEW1aR86uM/s1600-h/IMG_26626.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2662" border="0" height="456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JHJAv6pVg6o/VpK1BIgvw1I/AAAAAAAAn3I/NbGmfBW6huY/IMG_2662_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2662" width="607" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nGEbNyVBst8/VpK1BpeeBDI/AAAAAAAAn3Q/GFYJPUmpDqs/s1600-h/IMG_26565.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2656" border="0" height="453" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fw4BYwk8MsM/VpK1CNUrQ3I/AAAAAAAAn3Y/F_D20GxCdF8/IMG_2656_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2656" width="603" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FgvaHntNDGM/VpK1C76aJvI/AAAAAAAAn3k/MYXykeceIrA/s1600-h/IMG_26555.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2655" border="0" height="223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AWSgwPy-S40/VpK1DSVIh9I/AAAAAAAAn3o/TAPAIiGXCYo/IMG_2655_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2655" width="296" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bAoz1CEX5rg/VpK1EHnbxpI/AAAAAAAAn30/tXJMXIkxh0I/s1600-h/IMG_264710.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2647" border="0" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ejCNJyzhwno/VpK1EpxSmrI/AAAAAAAAn34/JVBzA333M14/IMG_2647_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2647" width="299" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It was Sunday again when we parted, and I headed up to Hot Well Dunes, hoping that most of the ATV’s would be leaving for home. I met a lot of toy haulers on the road, but there were still a few there till late in the day. Finally, they were all gone, and I think I may have been the only one in the campground that night. In the morning it was cold and overcast, so my camping costs for this season were kept to $3. as we pulled out and drove in some rain on the way over to Tucson. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I met up with the same friends again for a night at Snyder Hill, just west of Tucson.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mgZu98uYQZY/VpK1FFdPuBI/AAAAAAAAn4A/xuW9vHyEzjo/s1600-h/IMG_26675.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2667" border="0" height="451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5eSQwZZcJKA/VpK1Fz1o4HI/AAAAAAAAn4I/VQZ0QJUo-3c/IMG_2667_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2667" width="600" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">They headed for the Desert Museum, and I took off west in the morning for Why, and ended up on Bates Well Road just south of Ajo.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-neRHlDot4sw/VpK1GjgvF_I/AAAAAAAAn4U/saONP5OV6KE/s1600-h/IMG_26724.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2672" border="0" height="450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nc8fkseTPro/VpK1HCsgVMI/AAAAAAAAn4Y/u9CM5QAMjgM/IMG_2672_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2672" width="599" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The usual air show was on with the military, the border patrol, and the local hunters.</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASiy927wtfU/VpK1HuzTemI/AAAAAAAAn4g/hAt1tA-cwyQ/s1600-h/IMG_04446.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0444" border="0" height="443" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LAvM-oXVuhI/VpK1IaQchII/AAAAAAAAn4s/maNmXoOPijs/IMG_0444_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0444" width="597" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwSo68iut3I/VpK1JKZfqeI/AAAAAAAAn40/Hm6-0D_P9i4/s1600-h/IMG_04385.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0438" border="0" height="282" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F65ZC4kqo4s/VpK1Jx4g0jI/AAAAAAAAn44/5lxpZR9xi90/IMG_0438_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0438" width="284" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zHdATShmvUk/VpK1KUUngFI/AAAAAAAAn5A/GlNdl4uI0TI/s1600-h/IMG_04346.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0434" border="0" height="284" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JmleAEHyAkk/VpK1K-UY_uI/AAAAAAAAn5I/fBqRjggR-l8/IMG_0434_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0434" width="300" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">There were some good soaking rainfalls as well as some decent thunder and lightning, and I’m sure the desert will appreciate the moisture and will no doubt soon transform into a green jungle.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LL3XgxHO2b4/VpK1LTYZBTI/AAAAAAAAn5U/zADJlwAnD2E/s1600-h/IMG_04314.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0431" border="0" height="195" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YruaWY08tA4/VpK1MFRCxLI/AAAAAAAAn5Y/71W3-YZDHE4/IMG_0431_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0431" width="290" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NVupa3_n8rY/VpK1MyJhwpI/AAAAAAAAn5k/HgaKzyzO08M/s1600-h/IMG_04304.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0430" border="0" height="199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xqlc3rLIv1Q/VpK1NSLxs6I/AAAAAAAAn5o/zkLRZkJ0ft8/IMG_0430_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0430" width="296" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyAKRzspmCE/VpK1OBKCPVI/AAAAAAAAn50/HjQrBkYlMG0/s1600-h/IMG_04295.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0429" border="0" height="396" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wyeK-QK620/VpK1O5XHwzI/AAAAAAAAn58/RwDTQuKbN0U/IMG_0429_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0429" width="592" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And of course there were some great sunsets!</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MPnvX1Cw5zg/VpK1PVX65XI/AAAAAAAAn6A/T2ZX9ZGZkQ8/s1600-h/P10811965.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="P1081196" border="0" height="455" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZ__dmVBTD4/VpK1P0Ov4cI/AAAAAAAAn6I/JDhZWpESSZM/P1081196_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1081196" width="605" /></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwa1C4h6h-Y/VpK1QhzAiBI/AAAAAAAAn6Q/qUARxOLyd50/s1600-h/P10811955.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="P1081195" border="0" height="456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5zTRr8nls4w/VpK1Q3TjhVI/AAAAAAAAn6Y/ySaTCdHiOMI/P1081195_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1081195" width="607" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After this, I think the next destination will be Yuma for a while, before heading up to Quartzsite for the big show later in the month.</span><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p6akRttN0gM/VpK1RVM5uAI/AAAAAAAAn6g/P58cBJmH4iw/s1600-h/IMG_26733.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2673" border="0" height="184" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FqBjdDui8fM/VpK1R70PezI/AAAAAAAAn6o/RAcqT8cD47E/IMG_2673_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2673" width="244" /></span></a>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-75312713075995723062015-12-28T16:26:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.209-08:00Borrego to Buckeye<p> </p> <p><font size="3">Well, we’d been at Borrego Springs for about a week, and the restlessness was building, so we decided to pull out. Now, if we’d known the </font><a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/"><font size="3">Bayfield Bunch</font></a><font size="3"> was going to arrive in a couple of days we might have stayed, but their decision to head this way was spur of the moment as well.</font></p> <p><font size="3">After a dump and a fill and some fuel at the Arco on the corner, we cut through Mecca onto the Box Canyon route. On the way there are some ‘computer generated’ fields of intense agriculture as well as lots of groves of various fruit.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bfy1yj2xLiM/VoHSE52it5I/AAAAAAAAnro/b76XmBhytvE/s1600-h/IMG_26166.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2616" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2616" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nuMx2TZVJWg/VoHSFoAV-mI/AAAAAAAAnrw/ph-8UTT4YIM/IMG_2616_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6VNKl176iBA/VoHSG0yW_gI/AAAAAAAAnr4/SEqWbNSGQMU/s1600-h/IMG_26144.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2614" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2614" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--qPqRRuGhQE/VoHSHvkxDXI/AAAAAAAAnsA/3i87XEWiyPM/IMG_2614_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="222"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zOlmte-ntQ/VoHSI61Xm4I/AAAAAAAAnsI/NKWJkRjIjl0/s1600-h/IMG_26124.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2612" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2612" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fv2MWrkxHa8/VoHSJjiU2cI/AAAAAAAAnsQ/FgaDAXr-ql4/IMG_2612_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="456"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">After a short trip we crossed over I-10 and picked out a scenic spot just on the south boundary of Joshua Tree National Park. We’ve camped there a few times in the past and find it a handy spot, close to the park and the interstate, but far enough away to avoid most of the noise.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VehX5mRdVv0/VoHSKiNjl5I/AAAAAAAAnsY/ET2qU6yI_rU/s1600-h/IMG_26275.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2627" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2627" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-06JjM23qXnA/VoHSLkdquiI/AAAAAAAAnsg/QclT1criSIY/IMG_2627_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="448"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Of course it was mandatory at that point to spend at least one day touring around in the park, and that is likely the day that the Bayfield Bunch cruised by on the interstate and took the Box Canyon shortcut!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EDMVtV9-K_Y/VoHSMLZmbJI/AAAAAAAAnso/KP0_iFdMe3g/s1600-h/IMG_03336.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0333" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0333" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DiRJXJRWhzU/VoHSM7oGGOI/AAAAAAAAnsw/dYIC6D2Snaw/IMG_0333_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="393"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_BTJic_hww/VoHSNg4DlHI/AAAAAAAAns4/d5ud00k_msE/s1600-h/IMG_03325.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0332" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0332" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNLbZ_ePlW4/VoHSObeCsFI/AAAAAAAAntA/Nn9PUWGo3gc/IMG_0332_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="392"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">It’s a popular climbing location and most of the campsites close to the popular routes were full.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tUzq5W6t5hY/VoHSP99FnJI/AAAAAAAAntI/x3GgAatjn8g/s1600-h/IMG_03315.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0331" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0331" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eD3kZOcWtk/VoHSQ4p1P5I/AAAAAAAAntQ/V3IvsmryIv0/IMG_0331_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="272"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NbBx8a35aLs/VoHSSZVhMPI/AAAAAAAAntY/tOd73NqZ9k0/s1600-h/IMG_03306.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0330" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0330" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fc8doMXgNX0/VoHSTrAnK-I/AAAAAAAAntg/75yPAgPCUTU/IMG_0330_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="283"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0xJ8xPw_f4/VoHSVohxW3I/AAAAAAAAnto/aKBmpMjeWyA/s1600-h/IMG_03295.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0329" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0329" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkU-a09zZ3M/VoHSWwZ-j4I/AAAAAAAAntw/oJZra_ReldQ/IMG_0329_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="404"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The scenery and rock formations are spectacular of course, although with the higher elevations, it was noticeably cooler.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GOIN_yOd0PQ/VoHSYazTO2I/AAAAAAAAnt4/hAYxkSPHPGU/s1600-h/IMG_03285.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0328" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0328" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OZeRGDyDTUU/VoHSZrFIDjI/AAAAAAAAnuA/2WbpuAoiDp8/IMG_0328_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="210"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3yhlhPc6jk/VoHSa5PX8SI/AAAAAAAAnuI/37GfKOoCxAU/s1600-h/IMG_26264.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2626" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2626" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwomyAfw-Ac/VoHSbjw04II/AAAAAAAAnuQ/BgwvHfA6Ehw/IMG_2626_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="210"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">A group of climbers carrying large pads headed off to their climbing routes of choice.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y0fwIt628hs/VoHSc347MzI/AAAAAAAAnuY/G7xpuz4Fyhs/s1600-h/IMG_03275.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0327" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0327" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-anj-f0mgslA/VoHSd0a0YQI/AAAAAAAAnug/f3sutqYYsrA/IMG_0327_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="401"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--TPvqofmrt0/VoHSfScpXwI/AAAAAAAAnuo/D-FLgvDO3UQ/s1600-h/IMG_26255.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2625" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2625" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1LMM60Z6nhw/VoHSgGEQD5I/AAAAAAAAnuw/3HQfSFlhLJw/IMG_2625_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="263"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hF8L-UKSBfg/VoHShanxsTI/AAAAAAAAnu4/70dhfGaSlnU/s1600-h/IMG_03265.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0326" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0326" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nq4IjErW0ro/VoHSiUSZ83I/AAAAAAAAnvA/EcXncfkr8y8/IMG_0326_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="264"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hailey thought she would try her hand (err, paws) at this rock climbing thing, so she summited a few boulder routes while I belayed her from the bottom!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QSIx5wtjbO4/VoHSk_oYOFI/AAAAAAAAnvI/El3XC-S50tI/s1600-h/IMG_26205.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2620" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2620" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-47yXeINNv4M/VoHSlkD5LqI/AAAAAAAAnvQ/UD5_iECyf8Y/IMG_2620_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="284"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OziD7gyRTPI/VoHSm_FCxAI/AAAAAAAAnvY/mNpMtl4gQiU/s1600-h/IMG_26235.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2623" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2623" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pl_VTW4rc6c/VoHSn6yMk9I/AAAAAAAAnvg/xBjmdJgXQhQ/IMG_2623_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="286"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MN1mhZzIkwU/VoHSpCVKgJI/AAAAAAAAnvo/xigB0ef4MGo/s1600-h/IMG_26225.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2622" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2622" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WahNQa4t31A/VoHSp-N7RII/AAAAAAAAnvw/6pJSR5OduDg/IMG_2622_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-38yucu2kyiA/VoHSqihM_VI/AAAAAAAAnv4/Axe9DBhye9g/s1600-h/IMG_03215.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0321" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0321" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N4VgSsj3JGY/VoHSrTuzLII/AAAAAAAAnwA/qce2RodLE0w/IMG_0321_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="404"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">After that we moved east along I-10, appreciated the much cheaper fuel just across the line into Arizona, and set up a camp in the Saddle Mountain area near Tonopah. One of the main reasons for this is so that I could take in the Leafs vs Coyotes game in nearby Glendale. It was a good game, but the home team managed to squeak out a victory. A had several (!) good seats all over the arena, including right behind the Leafs bench, and right on the glass at the blue line.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KzyKt8MyIPo/VoHSsAa3A6I/AAAAAAAAnwI/YAAdHybz8lM/s1600-h/IMG_58588.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5858" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5858" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l5vUYqUQRRI/VoHStMk2vbI/AAAAAAAAnwQ/2rE9JJQeLjU/IMG_5858_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="393"></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QQNZ_2WaOs/VoHStx0IAnI/AAAAAAAAnwY/AAFj9GdRpYU/s1600-h/IMG_58707.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5870" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5870" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nmn2p5Y5_IQ/VoHSuvKYSWI/AAAAAAAAnwg/SXfSZmC-SOU/IMG_5870_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="391"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We ended up staying in the area over Christmas like last year, but unlike last year, this year there were no murders in area – that we heard about. Weather was a mixed bag, not usually too bad, but a few days of wind and dust, and on the nice days a swarm of bees or wasps seemed to like hanging around the rig. Had a couple of hummers at the feeder, but no seed eaters helped themselves to the seed I put out. A tiny but brave fox visited the camp a couple times, but I was never ready with the camera. But I did get the camera out a few times for some more moonlight night time exposures. There were also burro tracks, but none were seen.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IBqD6SeL0Dc/VoHSv5lkHlI/AAAAAAAAnwo/MU795A6QKxM/s1600-h/IMG_03135.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0313" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0313" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8qwGQb3XLEg/VoHSw4zogNI/AAAAAAAAnww/16OEXHwSqBQ/IMG_0313_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="403"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Most of them, you would never know that it was night, or a time exposure except that the clouds are all blurred because they were moving during the 30 second exposure!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DgYIuRDmRM0/VoHSyBlSghI/AAAAAAAAnw4/PX5214AIgc4/s1600-h/IMG_58776.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5877" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5877" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YjRj_LJ1rvM/VoHSyxMs1RI/AAAAAAAAnxA/SS6j8FD6sEg/IMG_5877_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="446"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QgplcTG_kn0/VoHSzwKA3sI/AAAAAAAAnxI/ZWUw2S9TAo0/s1600-h/IMG_58794.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5879" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5879" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8WmoXi6IJCs/VoHS0ZPS3cI/AAAAAAAAnxQ/I358o390BOo/IMG_5879_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="221"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rY1jSZwVZtc/VoHS1adsqZI/AAAAAAAAnxY/d9ZWFs6up0k/s1600-h/IMG_58804.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5880" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5880" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mI6LosH6cqA/VoHS2dJqh3I/AAAAAAAAnxg/uZ9IaYAHqbI/IMG_5880_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W_6mc_rEXQY/VoHS38mZ4iI/AAAAAAAAnxo/02D4FlLJP8k/s1600-h/IMG_58814.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5881" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5881" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EMhbXRAkKlc/VoHS4iMcVII/AAAAAAAAnxw/ZOuTyoXeDUo/IMG_5881_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="450"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The rest were just standard sunset shots.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OVQPJXrHidw/VoHS5gS1upI/AAAAAAAAnx4/WgkLgj4Vw0s/s1600-h/PC2111925.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PC211192" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC211192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_MVLsG9kQEo/VoHS69CZrxI/AAAAAAAAnyA/--AHJi8yyu8/PC211192_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="448"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BOMSYb6V-AU/VoHS7uZRl1I/AAAAAAAAnyI/3QzkXRwqsNU/s1600-h/PC2111915.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PC211191" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC211191" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cJ4DAkZbXjY/VoHS8YpX8KI/AAAAAAAAnyQ/JV6-ulVb29E/PC211191_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GSwnPEsgQjw/VoHS9rDWozI/AAAAAAAAnyY/c0ABeJImnLE/s1600-h/PC2111904.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PC211190" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC211190" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOMAkvM9hH8/VoHS-Dp1XcI/AAAAAAAAnyg/9gaJVO7LY7M/PC211190_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KiPL2fMmb2Y/VoHS-1syQVI/AAAAAAAAnyo/x5rRlnYPodE/s1600-h/PC2111885.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PC211188" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC211188" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJZ7HvGQd14/VoHS_hVqYQI/AAAAAAAAnyw/IVTYu5AAkEY/PC211188_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="453"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R96eCclY5og/VoHTAoqdwRI/AAAAAAAAny4/A0i_-_Baetw/s1600-h/PC2111875.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PC211187" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC211187" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LyhNtuJRnoE/VoHTBJ4cKWI/AAAAAAAAnzA/kyCVUrn_jUk/PC211187_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="222"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fGjrGeC16fY/VoHTCo4I12I/AAAAAAAAnzI/Orjogh3DRPQ/s1600-h/PC2111864.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PC211186" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC211186" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PwdaRb9dX9M/VoHTDYc9vvI/AAAAAAAAnzQ/ZUyhrwsEkU8/PC211186_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="222"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eyN3hEOSdEc/VoHTEXberrI/AAAAAAAAnzY/qck1AAI7B_U/s1600-h/PC2111854.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PC211185" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC211185" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cxYRsG3S6u8/VoHTE5E8RRI/AAAAAAAAnzg/x_swglz1krk/PC211185_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="458"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">One of the advantages of being a professional blogging procrastinator, is that I haven’t had to suffer through as much Live Writer vs. Blogger adversity as the dedicated bloggers. For me, this will be just my second attempt at publishing, since this whole issue arose.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K7HJhgZPrwA/VoHTFg-MnLI/AAAAAAAAnzo/hzPaWuJJS-o/s1600-h/11230841_1063478160352835_3432190395%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="11230841_1063478160352835_3432190395476754588_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11230841_1063478160352835_3432190395476754588_n" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tEt1RCjTZIY/VoHTGUZo5vI/AAAAAAAAnzw/z6aiFrlPGTk/11230841_1063478160352835_3432190395%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="334"></a></p>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-79634245509841496172015-12-16T09:55:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.229-08:00<span style="font-size: small;">Well, here goes the test to see if Live Writer will publish on Blogger – for me. Everyone seems to have been having problems with it, but I haven’t attempted to post since issues began to show up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Nope. It didn't work for me either. Cut and pasted it into Blogger, then had to find and re-load all the photos. Too much hassle. Won't likely be blogging again unless they get this problem fixed :-(</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">But first, going back a week or two, to the area north west of Barstow at Harper Lake where all the new solar power installations are … Just stumbled on to the photos I’d forgotten about..</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">To begin with, I have to say that I am totally in favour of ‘green’ energy sources such as solar, but what I lot of people may not know is that these large installations can have a lot of negative environmental effects as well. I really prefer the standard photovoltaic panels that can be mounted on rooftops, or backyards, or RV’s (!) that have negligible effects on surroundings, other than creating shade and perhaps appearance issues. In fact, for about 10 months a year, I live in my RV and my only source of power is one solar panel. My generator gathers dust, and I’m almost never plugged in to shore power. The sun is powering my computer and satellite system as we speak!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6sXmYUc9Os/VnGhu2oEBWI/AAAAAAAAnn8/X_efsPHRFvo/s1600/PB271171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6sXmYUc9Os/VnGhu2oEBWI/AAAAAAAAnn8/X_efsPHRFvo/s640/PB271171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a>Unfortunately, other types of solar are deemed more efficient or cost effective than photovoltaic panels for large commercial applications. One of these consists of thousands of mirrors that all concentrate the suns rays on a single tower in a central area. These can kill any birds that fly near the focus point. Another type consists of rows of reflectors that heat oil in a tube that runs through the system – to eventually create steam and power. That is the type that have been constructed in this area. Unfortunately, to install these systems, thousands and thousands of acres of desert (endangered tortoise habitat) is bulldozed clear of any vegetation, and graded perfectly flat. I’m not sure why this is required, other than to facilitate access for maintenance. In addition, the sites I observed were completely surrounded by fencing, so that not a hare, tortoise, deer, or coyote could access the area any longer! Even 24hr security patrols were in effect, lest a rabbit breach the perimeter?</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAPqyI0sQmg/VnGiZNOMwbI/AAAAAAAAnoU/80LrNHXvQy0/s1600/PB271168.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAPqyI0sQmg/VnGiZNOMwbI/AAAAAAAAnoU/80LrNHXvQy0/s320/PB271168.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCEg3lFi-Rk/VnGidpGYAzI/AAAAAAAAnog/M1XmkcGZT0w/s1600/PB271167.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCEg3lFi-Rk/VnGidpGYAzI/AAAAAAAAnog/M1XmkcGZT0w/s320/PB271167.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrv1aJnJaSE/VnGiLroNXAI/AAAAAAAAnoI/sFCHNk-0LMk/s1600/PB271169.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrv1aJnJaSE/VnGiLroNXAI/AAAAAAAAnoI/sFCHNk-0LMk/s320/PB271169.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8YV719rR0k/VnGi3wIwjkI/AAAAAAAAnos/8orRYX6DQAU/s1600/PB271166.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8YV719rR0k/VnGi3wIwjkI/AAAAAAAAnos/8orRYX6DQAU/s320/PB271166.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAunleTJRCA/VnGi-mHUzsI/AAAAAAAAno4/pEliwclB2Tg/s1600/PB271163.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAunleTJRCA/VnGi-mHUzsI/AAAAAAAAno4/pEliwclB2Tg/s320/PB271163.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">When I visited the area several years ago, before hardly any infrastructure had been built, I saw crews hard at work putting up short little fencing along the access road – designed I assume to keep tortoises from getting killed on the road, and no doubt one of the mitigation measures to allow destruction of so much of their habitat. Unfortunately, much of that fence has now fallen into disrepair and there appears to be no ongoing maintenance.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">I did find a couple of these structures, which I can only assume are designed to let a tortoise cross the road safely.</span><br /> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75Hn2VIQFkU/VnGjIhgcAOI/AAAAAAAAnpE/GUwRsINoLM8/s1600/PB271174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75Hn2VIQFkU/VnGjIhgcAOI/AAAAAAAAnpE/GUwRsINoLM8/s320/PB271174.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">That’s all I have to say about that!</span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile back at Borrego Springs, camping in the desert has been swell, complete with coyotes, hares, and a couple days of wind.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5fPLrGT_50/VnGjTRbKDsI/AAAAAAAAnpc/4XW-aLByFPI/s1600/PC101179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5fPLrGT_50/VnGjTRbKDsI/AAAAAAAAnpc/4XW-aLByFPI/s320/PC101179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4aD_lD55qc/VnGjSNWQD9I/AAAAAAAAnpQ/aVBrlbXCx8E/s1600/PC101182.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4aD_lD55qc/VnGjSNWQD9I/AAAAAAAAnpQ/aVBrlbXCx8E/s320/PC101182.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Nothing much to write about, and I’ve taken lots of photos of it in the past. There are occasional visits from military aircraft, including these helicopters, and a few Osprey whose large tilting blades allow them to take off like a helicopter, but fly like a regular fixed wing.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YEnLH0KX-4/VnGkHVMDEEI/AAAAAAAAnpo/22BI0ItHNX4/s1600/IMG_0299.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YEnLH0KX-4/VnGkHVMDEEI/AAAAAAAAnpo/22BI0ItHNX4/s320/IMG_0299.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDWseh2wp7g/VnGkIR4rtHI/AAAAAAAAnp0/UtXXXDEPCRI/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDWseh2wp7g/VnGkIR4rtHI/AAAAAAAAnp0/UtXXXDEPCRI/s320/IMG_0296.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7-2s7BsE6A/VnGkPhuG3RI/AAAAAAAAnqA/jTL0I13JNFo/s1600/IMG_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7-2s7BsE6A/VnGkPhuG3RI/AAAAAAAAnqA/jTL0I13JNFo/s320/IMG_0294.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">In spite of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park taking over control of some previously private lands that boondockers utilized, in my opinion the results have not been as bad as I previously thought. Although it has significantly reduced the areas open to random camping in the Rockhouse Rd area, neither the remaining open area close to the highway nor the Peg leg area were crowded at all. Not needing cell service, I went a bit further up Rockhouse past the newly restricted area, and found ample space all to myself with no one camped within a mile most of the time. After a week of work with my magnet, my collection of rusty nails, screws, staples, as well as broken glass from the immediate area has now reached an estimated 8 or 10 pounds!</span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Watched some interesting film action down on the lake a few days ago. I don’t know if it was for a movie or a commercial or what. The scene they were shooting involved a young lady, initially dressed head to foot in a long dark, hooded robe. She would begin running across the dry lake bed with the cameraman running backwards or beside her with his steady-cam. She would then, while still running, rip off the robe and throw it away, followed by a dark long-sleeved top, leaving only a dark bikini covered with sparkles that would glint in the sun. There were many ‘takes’ of the same scene with the camera taking a different angle each time. Sorry, it was a ‘way’ too far distant for any photos! Let me know if anyone sees a commercial or a movie scene that looks like that!</span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Since I was not totally confident that I was not in the newly ‘restricted’ camping area with the new rules, I picked up a new legal ‘fire pan’.</span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8zpWISOCJ8/VnGkdbKvTGI/AAAAAAAAnqM/hW0jJBhLubU/s1600/IMG_2606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8zpWISOCJ8/VnGkdbKvTGI/AAAAAAAAnqM/hW0jJBhLubU/s320/IMG_2606.jpg" width="320" /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drove into town on one of the windy days, and at times the road was almost obscured by blowing sand. Of course, the camera was not ready for the best shots. Interestingly, as this shot of the mirror shows, behind the truck, the accumulated sand on the road went swirling off much like snow. </span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HqHFwgKuCQ/VnGkj-o_ctI/AAAAAAAAnqY/fNaXEio40ok/s1600/IMG_2610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HqHFwgKuCQ/VnGkj-o_ctI/AAAAAAAAnqY/fNaXEio40ok/s320/IMG_2610.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-G2aCHm-t0/VnGkmoliZyI/AAAAAAAAnqk/cDZy4KFO_EM/s1600/IMG_2611.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-G2aCHm-t0/VnGkmoliZyI/AAAAAAAAnqk/cDZy4KFO_EM/s320/IMG_2611.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> Without the cold.</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Speaking of cold … here’s a shot of my indoor thermometer, during the day with all the windows open.</span><br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkpEFtGFX0k/VnGko-nFUAI/AAAAAAAAnqw/386Yskl2Xp4/s1600/IMG_2603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkpEFtGFX0k/VnGko-nFUAI/AAAAAAAAnqw/386Yskl2Xp4/s320/IMG_2603.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, back near Lake Louise, Ab it looks like a nice day – but a bit on the chilly side.</span><br /><br />Sorry for all the poor editing - you can thank blogger for that.<img src="http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/cameras/557.jpg" />Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-85118263551293311082015-12-09T09:59:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.263-08:00Buying Pot in California!<br /><span style="font-size: small;">First, a couple of photos from the Alabama Hills that I found on the cutting room floor ...</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z4SDwcNJZgQ/Vmhp4SZy_dI/AAAAAAAAnjE/DPWa6TRMz5k/s1600-h/IMG_0288%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0288" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5kQl1Qa4HD0/Vmhp8YTg2YI/AAAAAAAAnjM/YmPVONXsDt0/IMG_0288_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="198" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0288" width="295" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5uZupriGSpo/VmhqCZ25f3I/AAAAAAAAnjU/emBlfbvId54/s1600-h/IMG_0287.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0287" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lE6lmtDGlUI/VmhqF43YyzI/AAAAAAAAnjc/46X6mx0sJtA/IMG_0287_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="201" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0287" width="299" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I know that this one should be saved for Valentines day, however …</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h86GmW2luiU/VmhqIOSJFmI/AAAAAAAAnjk/udN2x_aq0Ig/s1600-h/IMG_0286%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0286" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v82dGE50W1o/VmhqKxN9kWI/AAAAAAAAnjs/_f96Bzglg28/IMG_0286_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="216" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0286" width="278" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jy0f9IyHfhI/VmhqPTIi66I/AAAAAAAAnj0/QfRPr7lsstc/s1600-h/IMG_0285%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0285" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9kvrs2SvC9E/VmhqR25iv7I/AAAAAAAAnj8/FArkMvjtHPI/IMG_0285_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="211" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0285" width="314" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And, a couple more or Mt Whitney.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_7aPn1vUHkI/VmhqYG5irgI/AAAAAAAAnkE/xoisvMt6GBg/s1600-h/IMG_0284.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0284" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lnfbiMC6gzA/Vmhqa2LgL9I/AAAAAAAAnkM/4xknuGaggxE/IMG_0284_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="199" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0284" width="297" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qDLBBlDAObQ/VmhqhprAnnI/AAAAAAAAnkU/SllCyLwa4wg/s1600-h/IMG_0283.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0283" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IwMnqpIgpqc/VmhqkRkfu2I/AAAAAAAAnkc/dQSVpYDi_lI/IMG_0283_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="201" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0283" width="300" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J1v4ZB4WES4/VmhqpdDjhjI/AAAAAAAAnkk/94AzmtDEa7w/s1600-h/IMG_0282%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0282" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xwhg7cRDJ6s/Vmhqs_PI39I/AAAAAAAAnks/DAiCIbNg_Ro/IMG_0282_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="405" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0282" width="605" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">As detailed in the last post, we moved on down from the Lone Pine area on 395 to Sawtooth Canyon BLM campsite south of Barstow. I’ve taken lots of photos there before, but apparently, hardly any new ones.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qN6xRtnRd1I/VmhqyNDdwvI/AAAAAAAAnk0/eFCmCSTIIGE/s1600-h/IMG_2581%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2581" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-huHSxBZ1jxA/Vmhq1NQ-TvI/AAAAAAAAnk8/aJ3Kk26SqEI/IMG_2581_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="287" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2581" width="381" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cpqBUyubkSI/Vmhq68n54fI/AAAAAAAAnlE/hjnTY2sknxE/s1600-h/IMG_5834%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img align="left" alt="IMG_5834" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOptidIz7ZY/Vmhq9TjXysI/AAAAAAAAnlM/1xpC52tFzFk/IMG_5834_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="285" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5834" width="215" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">But while camped here, it provides a good opportunity to visit Deep Creek hot springs, in the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s still quite a drive and a hike of some 900’ vertical, but well worth the effort. Coincidentally, about 20 miles across the canyons as the buzzard flies, things were not going so well in the city of San Bernardino that day <img alt="Sad smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mPhqiJmszSk/Vmhq_ZihXZI/AAAAAAAAnlU/m3Hmnk9pFMA/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" />.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_pXdalM1EY/VmhrEAF9XiI/AAAAAAAAnlY/eu7ZnjcCChs/s1600-h/IMG_5833%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5833" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R20y33kRy9M/VmhrG_kysSI/AAAAAAAAnlg/b53f33okI3Y/IMG_5833_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="501" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5833" width="377" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After that it was a few days of driveway boondocking at a friends house in Desert Hot Springs. We did the garage sale circuit and I picked up some good bargains. I got a PVR for $3. two radio scanners for about the same price, and two cheap walkie talkies that work for $1.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">From there we continued on south to check out what was going on with all the rumours about Borrego Springs and changes to the old boondocking areas. But first it was a dump and fill at the Arco station at the junction of 86 and S22 out by Salton City. Last time I was here the dump station was posted at $8., but this time there were no such signs! But when we got down to the entrance to one of the boondocking areas near Clark dry lake, there were signs. Lots of them.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qoHoBx0KTeI/VmhrKv4KsrI/AAAAAAAAnlo/YE2ZeXCvBGg/s1600-h/IMG_2584%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2584" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uz03hiYctHk/VmhrO3wv1KI/AAAAAAAAnlw/fGCdWA8Ykik/IMG_2584_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="814" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2584" width="596" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">At the entrance I have preferred for the last few years, east of Rockhouse rd, there was the sign above, and signs banning vehicles just about 100 yds in. There were a couple rigs camped there along the highway. So I continued along the highway and turned up Rockhouse. For the first 4/5 of a mile, there appeared to be no change from the past. Rigs all over on both sides of the road in the usual haphazard fashion. Dogs were loose, and happy hour was under way. After about the 4/5 mile mark however, there were signs on both sides of the road saying that only ‘Foot Access’ was permitted – meaning no vehicles and no camping. These signs continued for the next half mile or so, but then it appears to me that the road leaves the new state park controlled area, and is once again the same as it has always been. I pulled off down a side road and found a huge, flat, spacious spot all to myself, with only one other camper in view about a mile away. Perfect. Traffic on Rockhouse has been almost nil, the weather is perfect, and the coyotes provide vocal entertainment each evening! Of course it appears that the majority of campers are constrained near the road by the available cell coverage, but not so with me on satellite!</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rcGddCDNFw8/VmhrUa_DK3I/AAAAAAAAnl4/WtkdHw2i7rs/s1600-h/IMG_2596%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2596" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vFRn0n-BaIU/VmhrXqceaPI/AAAAAAAAnmA/IObzCefK7GY/IMG_2596_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="458" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2596" width="609" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Out came my big magnet and I soon had collected about 5 lbs of rusty nails, screws, and other metal from years of burning pallets in the past, as well as some broken glass and some shell casings.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QR5qbxoNn0k/VmhrdRZFHgI/AAAAAAAAnmI/3TJP14VErVc/s1600-h/IMG_2595.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2595" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4WGGPOPh44s/VmhrftBbnTI/AAAAAAAAnmQ/K_3uG9Z0_cw/IMG_2595_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="226" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2595" width="300" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z30sODwSsWQ/VmhrlPGDk8I/AAAAAAAAnmY/KnINabsKsCE/s1600-h/IMG_2594.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2594" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggnyS4xd3Dw/Vmhrn5SqkTI/AAAAAAAAnmg/zFCYDE1d7I8/IMG_2594_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2594" width="297" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">A drive into town found the Christmas circle and it’s green grass was just waiting for a visit from Al and the </span><a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">Bayfield Bunch</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">!</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oh73Hd7fecE/Vmhrtc8Kc1I/AAAAAAAAnmo/Uchsy92yG-c/s1600-h/IMG_2593.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2593" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T05WZ4Asr4A/Vmhrw3nEgkI/AAAAAAAAnmw/5pAXaA_d83Q/IMG_2593_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="456" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2593" width="606" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Out in the desert by my camp, one of my furry neighbours came visiting …</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BnuOwxJ8wIE/Vmhr0ZbG68I/AAAAAAAAnm0/vV6Z6MdhA2I/s1600-h/IMG_2586%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2586" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D19MBCesB-0/Vmhr3WKhpzI/AAAAAAAAnm8/XHQrazHvnLk/IMG_2586_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="223" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2586" width="296" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZtaWL6gInA/Vmhr7ZdCWBI/AAAAAAAAnnI/FX8QY5LZ5QU/s1600-h/IMG_2585%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2585" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZ0zPOnNFlc/Vmhr90snqGI/AAAAAAAAnnQ/WiJ6RUh0klI/IMG_2585_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="226" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2585" width="300" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Now it was time for a big Pot purchase! For the first part of my trip, I was on the road a lot, thus a lot of fast food places, and other things to throw in the oven. But after a while it became clear to me that I must have moved my cooking pots (what were you thinking!) into the truck camper for my tour of Vancouver Island back in the fall. Finally, I had to venture into a Fred Meyers and buy a deluxe new cooking pot. Shortly after, I was looking for a convenient spot to store it, as there was not really room in the kitchen cupboards. How about under the sink? Of course, when I went to put it in there, I discovered all the pots I thought I had left behind!!</span>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-86851421925890557412015-11-30T09:23:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.279-08:00The Desert is Thankful<p><font size="3">The desert is thankful - thankful that the long weekend is over and all the Atv’s quads, motorbikes, side-by-sides have gone home. Dust everywhere, and the desert creatures hiding out wherever they could. </font></p> <p><font size="3">But while still in the Alabama Hills, I discovered the road up to Whitney Portal, which is the trailhead for Mt Whitney, and sits at about 8000 feet, well above the valley below. The campground at the end of the road is closed for the season as are all other facilities, but the trailhead is still accessible for those hardy climbers and hikers willing to endure winter conditions.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3fAUFas5mr0/Vlx2zVXYMtI/AAAAAAAAnY0/heRXzTUX8gs/s1600-h/G0036099%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="G0036099" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="G0036099" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9UCUElE2V60/Vlx24MvPHLI/AAAAAAAAnY4/KHfwXPbDHpQ/G0036099_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="455"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FeA-VQfzr2E/Vlx2_tlGi6I/AAAAAAAAnY8/O8kTBo4tlnI/s1600-h/IMG_0261%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0261" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0261" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abboue9afJc/Vlx3EMyBc3I/AAAAAAAAnZA/e5SD-be6hKY/IMG_0261_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="407"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There are a number of summer cottages clinging to the mountainside at the end of the road.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TG9eGj4XXF4/Vlx3J_UjF_I/AAAAAAAAnZE/dXKiROUc0F0/s1600-h/IMG_0270%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0270" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0270" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OMWGOv8rlAo/Vlx3MfjRZpI/AAAAAAAAnZI/v5DdKT9_gKE/IMG_0270_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="192"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-siofQdTCakE/Vlx3R2BVWpI/AAAAAAAAnZM/eyWLqp0SdO8/s1600-h/IMG_0271%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0271" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0271" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ew019isOtjM/Vlx3UuuwWNI/AAAAAAAAnZU/zYKFt5Zi8t4/IMG_0271_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="203"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-10h2i2r0RAg/Vlx3cL-vcfI/AAAAAAAAnZY/43z3Gx4aXmg/s1600-h/IMG_0272%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0272" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0272" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gbvjRK6t8TA/Vlx5YC8J5HI/AAAAAAAAnaA/c5SV0ozoxjA/IMG_0272_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="195"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ajo6OOEcaQg/Vlx6kaxuPbI/AAAAAAAAnaM/ZCKNBog7tVA/s1600-h/IMG_0269%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0269" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0269" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rn9vtF3UACA/Vlx6o_zjwEI/AAAAAAAAnaQ/fR5c1NA4Spc/IMG_0269_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="205"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And some great views out over the valley, looking back down towards Lone Pine.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnXNRwMPUlI/Vlx60TjYlTI/AAAAAAAAncs/-682yN1bOq0/s1600-h/IMG_0280%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnXNRwMPUlI/Vlx60TjYlTI/AAAAAAAAncw/QYXgkUQoX_o/s1600-h/IMG_0280%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0280" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0280" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4osd2rhpGtM/Vlx7FGS4J-I/AAAAAAAAnao/4NNz8pD9vK8/IMG_0280_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="406"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1rGPXt1ROA/Vlx7L8Sc_7I/AAAAAAAAnc4/5el4UVM6Gk8/s1600-h/IMG_0279%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1rGPXt1ROA/Vlx7L8Sc_7I/AAAAAAAAnc8/vKBT4Mkzz8w/s1600-h/IMG_0279%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0279" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0279" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iCGfrKdjf_8/Vlx7Wre-CwI/AAAAAAAAnbA/VAo-Un9dDBo/IMG_0279_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fy1TNdNiu7U/Vlx7dNlYe0I/AAAAAAAAndA/bsSuJnVmoJU/s1600-h/IMG_0278%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fy1TNdNiu7U/Vlx7dNlYe0I/AAAAAAAAndE/6eyb_mqkaKY/s1600-h/IMG_0278%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0278" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0278" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ya7TE-LYOX0/Vlx7riGFMyI/AAAAAAAAnbU/y_jK7Mnc7bA/IMG_0278_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_8YkRn5CTtU/Vlx7xQH_NEI/AAAAAAAAndQ/4jjRLZjFs0Q/s1600-h/IMG_0277%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-pMJfTtc5E/Vlx757_e0mI/AAAAAAAAndc/D6TOxL7jcTI/s1600-h/PB251159%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-pMJfTtc5E/Vlx757_e0mI/AAAAAAAAndg/HQcC1XjDp3o/s1600-h/PB251159%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="PB251159" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="PB251159" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrRlfuLxsao/Vlx8FuRtO5I/AAAAAAAAnbs/c_mEy4gHGoE/PB251159_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="455"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_8YkRn5CTtU/Vlx7xQH_NEI/AAAAAAAAndk/mCUHV8DOPRI/s1600-h/IMG_0277%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0277" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0277" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mMvbqN-cXl4/Vlx8SrViXcI/AAAAAAAAnb0/e4mVB_803sM/IMG_0277_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7JLrCM8zF6A/Vlx8aJwgLyI/AAAAAAAAndw/gJlS_EvZOKc/s1600-h/IMG_0276%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7JLrCM8zF6A/Vlx8aJwgLyI/AAAAAAAAnd0/OZcrEi5ucaE/s1600-h/IMG_0276%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0276" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0276" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UIUrvBjFhGk/Vlx8nokFLjI/AAAAAAAAncA/fd2-95ZfqMk/IMG_0276_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FprDI28ujq4/Vlx8vxrheTI/AAAAAAAAnd8/2ae8-J5JlD8/s1600-h/PB251158%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FprDI28ujq4/Vlx8vxrheTI/AAAAAAAAneA/SYHtgRutuRI/s1600-h/PB251158%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PB251158" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="PB251158" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cS9h99Oxj1Q/VlyCuOXQtlI/AAAAAAAAneI/4rQqQVOu1RU/PB251158_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="223"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ipnQ_eLnFs/VlyC0ye6JfI/AAAAAAAAneM/09jSHFhwOgY/s1600-h/PB251156%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ipnQ_eLnFs/VlyC0ye6JfI/AAAAAAAAneY/hZBmBLdLH2U/s1600-h/PB251156%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PB251156" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="PB251156" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-acPTncDaLYM/VlyDC78QtJI/AAAAAAAAneg/ARF5g0RDpyA/PB251156_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="226"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gn7E-dKT5EE/VlyDJdU2mKI/AAAAAAAAnek/nui5rf9e9Is/s1600-h/PB251155%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gn7E-dKT5EE/VlyDJdU2mKI/AAAAAAAAneo/rTMjtTS4zGs/s1600-h/PB251155%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="PB251155" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="PB251155" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z6E2Usy0Iho/VlyDRWq6InI/AAAAAAAAnew/sSU9ALrLjzg/PB251155_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="452"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We also did a bit of 4x4ing up some of the old roads leading to countless old mine works in the area.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qMEq5mUtCQ4/VlyDXl9CUeI/AAAAAAAAne4/ipK1Y9vFRqg/s1600-h/IMG_5676%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qMEq5mUtCQ4/VlyDXl9CUeI/AAAAAAAAnfE/PO3lLhGoizg/s1600-h/IMG_5676%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5676" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5676" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INnIPu4myEg/VlyDr3dmR0I/AAAAAAAAnfM/AcVIYZNAvK0/IMG_5676_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="453"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZE6A3XH35c/VlyD0TWHS-I/AAAAAAAAnfY/C2e-Rmhf0FU/s1600-h/IMG_0268%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZE6A3XH35c/VlyD0TWHS-I/AAAAAAAAnfg/JI1qTZHvlQQ/s1600-h/IMG_0268%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0268" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0268" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-weyjbtpHlAo/VlyEGvvFeeI/AAAAAAAAnfk/fwEFv8L5Y5E/IMG_0268_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NaOIuKyvkWA/VlyENmiXePI/AAAAAAAAnfo/9MZPe0rsjKU/s1600-h/IMG_0267%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NaOIuKyvkWA/VlyENmiXePI/AAAAAAAAnfw/nDfVIsAYhw8/s1600-h/IMG_0267%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0267" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0267" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TkLB6xHboos/VlyEcyLTucI/AAAAAAAAnf4/YXQT2EmdUdc/IMG_0267_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p3XTz5AWZjA/VlyEjNrBYcI/AAAAAAAAnf8/bQH_D2jZhKA/s1600-h/IMG_0265%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0265" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0265" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_BOxjU4_tE/VlyEnzl4D8I/AAAAAAAAngI/DPo4_F0MW7o/IMG_0265_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">I was not really watching the calendar and did not realize that US Thanksgiving was upon us when I pulled out of the Alabama Hills at Lone Pine, Ca. That is, not until I started to see the large circles of rigs out in the desert, with atvs roaring around in all directions.Once out of the Lone Pine area on highway 395, I began to wonder if finding a spot not over-run by weekenders and atv’ers would be possible. We had a bit of a late start as well, so our possible intended destination at Sawtooth Canyon was not looking good, and I was not sure if it would be full as well. But no worries, the memory was still working and reminded me of a small BLM wildlife viewing area at Harper Lake, off of hwy 58 not too far west of Barstow where I had spent the occasional night. I don’t think the lake has had water in it for years now, but the spot was quiet and basically consists of a small gravel parking lot and an outhouse and a short hiking trail. It’s 8 miles off the highway and they have turned the road into a very nice washboard. When last I was there, I noticed a solar farm off in the distance, but that has changed. A lot. By now it was dark, but what should have been dark desert and scrubby farmland with only a few scattered houses was now pretty much an industrial complex with thousands and thousands of acres of solar arrays and large glittering generating stations. At one point I ended up at a security guard shack before being directed to ignore the detour signs (!), and I eventually found my spot. The rough road had shaken loose one of the rigs wheel covers as well as the fireplace now needed to be re-fastened! At least it was quiet, but I will scratch that place off my list of possible overnight spots.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Next morning early back on the road into Barstow we were glad to find that the cheapest fuel around was at a nice Arco station on the west end of main street, and better yet the low price was not just the cash price, and the pump took my credit card without asking for a zip code! Then off we went south to Sawtooth Canyon, a very nice little secret BLM campground, that does not allow off road vehicles! There is absolutely no signs on the highway, and it is completely hidden from sight. I even asked at the big BLM office on the edge of town a few years back and they didn’t seem to know where it was either! Don’t tell anyone, but the turnoff is to the west at the MP 63. It is a free campground, is pack-in, pack-out with several outhouses, no water, power or dump. There is a spot for a host, but it was empty this time. Better yet, there was only one other small rig there and a couple of tents. It popular with rock climbers, so there were quite a few scaling the cliffs. But climbers tend to be clean and quiet, and they don’t make dust or rip up the desert, so we get along just fine. They have vans, small tents, and no generators – </font><a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Wandering Willy</font></a><font size="3">!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AP3LCegQZ18/VlyEt3v4jbI/AAAAAAAAngQ/RI8BIkYj6ck/s1600-h/IMG_2560%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2560" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2560" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YlgUPLhGqTE/VlyEz54g03I/AAAAAAAAngY/pVYf_y0pPPo/IMG_2560_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="455"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hailey really seems to have taken a liking to rock climbing in this area and is getting pretty proficient at scaling the heights. Here, she scouts a new route. Looks like about a 5.12c to me …</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uoN-GdEfiMc/VlyE3GuHOSI/AAAAAAAAngg/RAv5DTzv68o/s1600-h/IMG_2577%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2577" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2577" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OE56zB2LVX4/VlyE6l0OGVI/AAAAAAAAngw/3i6OmERIx3k/IMG_2577_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="801"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zdo2WOzDLDU/VlyE_fCejoI/AAAAAAAAng4/rZ1Y0X7U6bg/s1600-h/IMG_2578%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zdo2WOzDLDU/VlyE_fCejoI/AAAAAAAAng8/-0guy6y363k/s1600-h/IMG_2578%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2578" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2578" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dblQbagZsvU/VlyFGYcWkrI/AAAAAAAAnhA/ii5_bMEdl3M/IMG_2578_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="637"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jH9eV30OIhU/VlyFOEpdX8I/AAAAAAAAnhI/Kcp_kW_Zmzk/s1600-h/IMG_2565%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2565" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2565" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7ck2MuLIws/VlyFSgtgwhI/AAAAAAAAnhU/umUVQBJ8trU/IMG_2565_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="457"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Taking a break with a relaxing roll and rest at the summit!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ArDv3XfMku4/VlyFZD04wQI/AAAAAAAAnhY/7Ggb2j3kbPA/s1600-h/IMG_2572%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2572" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2572" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--0_AYuLsyEk/VlyFePoeM8I/AAAAAAAAnhg/Alma9psm03s/IMG_2572_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="458"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">The biggest problem is to convince her to come down again. I can climb up most of the areas where she is climbing, but if she does not want to be caught, she is a bit faster than I, and can squeeze through many of the little crevices where I won’t fit.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7G9Q51FW7RU/VlyFkwTkKbI/AAAAAAAAnhk/KYk6gmVgbIo/s1600-h/IMG_2571%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2571" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2571" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5e7sZUuP1b0/VlyFpNekPtI/AAAAAAAAnho/jipHr_ceylA/IMG_2571_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="453"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ApFB382j1N4/VlyFxt3MX1I/AAAAAAAAnhw/xL_YxXB31Bo/s1600-h/IMG_2569%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2569" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2569" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZOogoKI-tx8/VlyF2las6QI/AAAAAAAAnh4/6bKHXm_DS5I/IMG_2569_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="458"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">It’s a fun game that at least one of us enjoys!</font></p> <p><font size="3">To round out the weekend I managed to meet up with a retired wildlife officer from back home who I used to work with on a few investigations. He’s from British Columbia, but was disguising himself and his wife in a red jeep with New Mexico plates – driving from California to Nevada! We sampled some of the finest breakfast fare that Barstow has to offer.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z9ETfni2yXw/VlyF9oBGo4I/AAAAAAAAniE/AC0YicE-mPE/s1600-h/IMG_2580%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2580" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2580" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vm52SPaNK8o/VlyGBgmDe3I/AAAAAAAAniQ/-lf41SapwTw/IMG_2580_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="401"></a></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-39980701843249349552015-11-25T09:36:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.313-08:00Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, Ca<span style="font-size: small;">The weather forecast for the Mammoth area of the east Sierras was for much colder temperatures, high winds, and considerable snow. The red skies in the morning provided another warning!</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuVdTSk9yIY/VlXschiciXI/AAAAAAAAnTY/BWsu-fzzeWs/s1600-h/PB231136%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PB231136" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9qR61S80CVE/VlXsoXt3mQI/AAAAAAAAnTc/8Ujph8wMnQo/PB231136_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="220" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PB231136" width="292" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SE5DvXyRs4/VlXsuGfaoTI/AAAAAAAAnTk/ZZnPHdzNO9I/s1600-h/PB231135%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PB231135" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0WD28munnp8/VlXszWgWpGI/AAAAAAAAnTo/Y5kmwtpzDA0/PB231135_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="222" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PB231135" width="295" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">For that reason, we vacated our excellent spot amongst the scattered hot springs, and headed for lower elevations. We were also getting a bit low on propane fending off the very cool night time temps. So we trundled down the big hill and ended up in Bishop where the Shell station took care of most of the requirements. Took on fuel there and enquired where I could get my propane, and it turned out they had a propane facility just behind their large truck style wash bays. Almost needed a mortgage for the propane that must have been over $4/gallon! Then took advantage of the car wash to slosh some of the accumulated dust off the truck and rig. After a quick stop at Von’s to refresh the grocery supply, we headed off south down 395 at a leisurely pace with no destination in mind.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The sun was starting to get a bit low as we were passing through Lone Pine, so what the heck, it was as good a place as any for an overnighter. I’ve stopped here in the past and know that many RV bloggers have written about it’s virtues and scenery. By the time we actually looked for a camp spot it was getting a bit dark, so we ended up in a rough, boulder strewn spot just off the edge of Movie road. I’ve been experimenting with night time-exposure photos, so took this one at 30 seconds. Believe it or not, it was dark outside notwithstanding the almost full moon. You can see the stars if you look closely.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H2pLn_cSZZw/VlXs5lqVWfI/AAAAAAAAnTw/B8LIbbsPDdE/s1600-h/G0016085%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="G0016085" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cjBjE-m4IVQ/VlXs9zx2ErI/AAAAAAAAnT0/0xzUaB2V0dA/G0016085_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="453" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="G0016085" width="603" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">In the morning, the ‘plan’ was to go into Lone Pine and perhaps see if there was a convenient laundromat, and then carry on southbound. Hailey was glad to get out and explore some of the rocks first though.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6eAGI_INKCw/VlXuavuIayI/AAAAAAAAnUM/hdXQRJ0i9v4/s1600-h/IMG_5613%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5613" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ck8nEMNBnw/VlXuh9PO-xI/AAAAAAAAnUQ/d0eoLnWdFdU/IMG_5613_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="788" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5613" width="592" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gLqU6-61hQ/VlXurcHq7bI/AAAAAAAAnUU/iJItdjW8xAw/s1600-h/IMG_5623%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5623" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1agLcKBi4po/VlXutwkkNSI/AAAAAAAAnUY/KlnKCXPTZy8/IMG_5623_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5623" width="194" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OySR_dFu0m4/VlXvGq2l9wI/AAAAAAAAnUg/UWE8b2eZpJk/s1600-h/IMG_5612%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5612" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhr91yi9pH0/VlXvyyo88wI/AAAAAAAAnU0/o22wN3XGoz0/IMG_5612_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="256" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5612" width="193" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-77StHbmEaRM/VlXv5j3y_HI/AAAAAAAAnU4/b8IfgwhaCI4/s1600-h/IMG_5609%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5609" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NmB-F348UwM/VlXv-4akLvI/AAAAAAAAnU8/liN-bRlxkBo/IMG_5609_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="254" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5609" width="192" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It took some convincing, but I finally got her into the truck. It seemed a shame to leave without looking around a bit more in the light of day, so instead of heading back down for town, we turned further up Movie road, where the pavement soon turned to gravel, with the usual washboard and a bit of dust. After a mile or so, the plans changed again when an excellent spot came into view. That’s Mt. Whitney in the background – highest peak south of Alaska at 14,505’. Before breakfast things were set up, blocked and levelled, slides out, solar and dish set up. Well, that was a long day on the road <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDzxHmNSZek/VlXwCisyGZI/AAAAAAAAnVA/Ees56gT1_78/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" />.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIfygDulpHw/VlXwKdXug6I/AAAAAAAAnVI/HAtlRGbP8v4/s1600-h/PB241145%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PB241145" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVQD479lCs0/VlXwOXWM0WI/AAAAAAAAnVM/r97gVnW2WYU/PB241145_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="444" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PB241145" width="590" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">That left some time for exploring the new location. A short stroll across the road turned into a bit longer of a hike.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bYboKahOhMs/VlXwTA2WsEI/AAAAAAAAnVQ/S39IqpcMiP4/s1600-h/IMG_5662%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5662" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LsDLMuMVXPE/VlXwV2afFrI/AAAAAAAAnVY/F_CX6kDRylc/IMG_5662_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="264" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5662" width="199" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4-HlWQbk5WY/VlXwaSQtYQI/AAAAAAAAnVg/xXMt-ftG3sM/s1600-h/IMG_5637%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5637" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-05BhixY-nco/VlXwcoV-arI/AAAAAAAAnVk/bJF0eGS3rRE/IMG_5637_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="264" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5637" width="199" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cdG2rYmdreo/VlXwg1-J0fI/AAAAAAAAnVo/t2Vrdd6t_KU/s1600-h/IMG_5634%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5634" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6PsnhzP-VEA/VlXwjGipQLI/AAAAAAAAnVw/rntBnw5Ulgg/IMG_5634_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="264" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5634" width="199" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BiVdxepSuMA/VlXwonNuBmI/AAAAAAAAnV4/PuurP5YtCEY/s1600-h/IMG_0253%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0253" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ans3knL1FEQ/VlXwrKxlsgI/AAAAAAAAnWE/BxyXw8UG5OQ/IMG_0253_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="198" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0253" width="295" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X9Z1uJfqQv8/VlXwwL-ZQOI/AAAAAAAAnWU/v60bmGOF1K8/s1600-h/IMG_0259%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0259" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LykKMrnPxbc/VlXwyZpPmII/AAAAAAAAnWc/paNUoUJ_-7U/IMG_0259_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="201" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0259" width="300" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XkwDLW5e33g/VlXw5R_l2XI/AAAAAAAAnWk/xAyjP-E2LAk/s1600-h/IMG_0251%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0251" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n1V7nrx-e8g/VlXw77zMUwI/AAAAAAAAnWo/fBgYNEkBnCM/IMG_0251_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="198" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0251" width="295" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-haO4a3keQgw/VlXxBtdFTxI/AAAAAAAAnW4/UBfpy8PqyFk/s1600-h/IMG_0260%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0260" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QXj3QyIwFA0/VlXxERRZ9NI/AAAAAAAAnW8/NkGOZWRP-JI/IMG_0260_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="202" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0260" width="301" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VSVP24HV04Y/VlXxLZsvETI/AAAAAAAAnXI/ezVtLNTwmpg/s1600-h/IMG_0255%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0255" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRsHfQmMBRU/VlXxPZYnwBI/AAAAAAAAnXM/VOB7nfY3wfs/IMG_0255_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="403" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0255" width="602" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">During the afternoon, some ‘movie’ folks showed up, scouting locations for a beer commercial. They told me that my exact spot was in a key scene in Iron Man.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The sun dipped down behind Whitney rather early, at about 3:40PM, and before long it was dark and the full moon was up. So I tried a few more night time exposures, that turned out rather well. These were all taken in the DARK. You can hardly tell, except that stars are visible, as are lights shining on the ground from the lights that are on in the rig.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jvwBfYSUSyc/VlXxUFdz1KI/AAAAAAAAnXU/OA-j9E3cpl0/s1600-h/G0066106%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="G0066106" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y3ORapyZLgg/VlXxXyFDk3I/AAAAAAAAnXc/FMOZojPnpA8/G0066106_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="455" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="G0066106" width="604" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">That’s Mt Whitney in the background again.In this one, you can even see my ‘moon shadow’!</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YO4mCVOj7v8/VlXxb9IpISI/AAAAAAAAnXk/ICyjt_J6iPA/s1600-h/G0056104%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="G0056104" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U2WqxeUo_FY/VlXxd9KTnHI/AAAAAAAAnXw/ueVdQR0_QQQ/G0056104_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="G0056104" width="297" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6eVCKQqPcFw/VlXxiuqWmII/AAAAAAAAnX0/mTWW5VRlKTY/s1600-h/G0046101%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="G0046101" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7OEr6-mqjI/VlXxkwTPv8I/AAAAAAAAnX8/8gkQVNeQVsY/G0046101_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="225" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="G0046101" width="298" /></span></a><br />We’ll be here till we decide to leave!Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-17767453347433580762015-11-22T16:12:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.330-08:00Hot Springs Break<p><font size="3">Coming down some of the long grades on 395 is a good way to save on fuel. I checked at one point to see how the big diesel was doing.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hqsaslv1iAA/VlJVRLOR-8I/AAAAAAAAnNY/iSfeDZvqV68/s1600-h/IMG_2544%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2544" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2544" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zjqpjvu7YQw/VlJVV5LMg8I/AAAAAAAAnNg/MVb1rDH3Hf0/IMG_2544_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="287"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Turns out, it wasn’t using any fuel at all. Zero fuel / 100km, or in US terms unlimited mpg! Of course, all good things come to an end, and on flat ground there was measureable fuel being consumed. Luckily it was cheaper fuel from our brief foray into Nevada and not the expensive California type. It was sunny and warm when we pulled in to the hot springs area, even though it is at around 6500’ elevation. We pulled into the same spot we left in March.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jykV3EYKzj4/VlJVdgx0seI/AAAAAAAAnNo/Oxvrsbj67mo/s1600-h/IMG_0230%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0230" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0230" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HrSOpkw-W8/VlJVjV635EI/AAAAAAAAnNw/Nw20CpEngKs/IMG_0230_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="559" height="836"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Lots of snow up there in the mountains, and nearby Mammoth is open for skiing. Lights from snow cats and groomers can be seen at night from our camp.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ql5nWT0sjB8/VlJVu7JdwWI/AAAAAAAAnN4/WKGyL352BGs/s1600-h/IMG_0228%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0228" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0228" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YX7F5ye7mtQ/VlJV0e_U3vI/AAAAAAAAnN8/OvtfTaQVjLo/IMG_0228_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KLlX4mccJ8c/VlJV_bzy08I/AAAAAAAAnOI/OHqb-7hx38k/s1600-h/IMG_0227%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0227" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0227" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGNkJfjDeWE/VlJWDJ0k58I/AAAAAAAAnOQ/0BCfhq_9NeM/IMG_0227_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="202"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TB-B1zT5N2w/VlJWUDjgBZI/AAAAAAAAnOY/ubCCiO_nqQk/s1600-h/IMG_5181%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5181" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5181" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSfAbzdtMt4/VlJWeKIiAAI/AAAAAAAAnOg/Qllf0l14ET4/IMG_5181_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="450"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Speaking of cats; it wasn’t long before the grey mountain lion was out prowling among the rocks and sage.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MkxAq32KqCs/VlJWosXn_4I/AAAAAAAAnOo/KWHizl-Vqto/s1600-h/IMG_0245%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0245" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0245" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aKh9q5i4vUs/VlJW5RLXMSI/AAAAAAAAnOw/Gkk0SI80RuM/IMG_0245_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GGaakiESm-g/VlJXD060ghI/AAAAAAAAnO4/6sR4vIqn0qk/s1600-h/IMG_0244%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0244" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0244" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vQN_FbXP-rA/VlJXIkJcvZI/AAAAAAAAnO8/5BcsOWSOwpY/IMG_0244_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="202"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dML4hJjdydc/VlJXSDC-90I/AAAAAAAAnPI/uEff2l8ZNOw/s1600-h/IMG_0243%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0243" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0243" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9sKfKD_5pZQ/VlJXu8iQPCI/AAAAAAAAnPQ/azRI2h2wMvE/IMG_0243_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="402"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Some her furry and feathered friends watched from their rocky lookouts.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s1lpqudXhcU/VlJXymobnCI/AAAAAAAAnPU/MgKwuHaSRds/s1600-h/IMG_2552%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2552" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2552" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_XVAqoWcw64/VlJX1RjGgeI/AAAAAAAAnPc/uNnREvDDfK0/IMG_2552_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="183"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDhfRQRkNnU/VlJX6dvRUDI/AAAAAAAAnPk/DnQnS10YjwQ/s1600-h/IMG_2551%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2551" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2551" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xcuy_c5J8h4/VlJX-YOJnPI/AAAAAAAAnPs/vw-cksexTVw/IMG_2551_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ExG2Gr6HT_I/VlJYK8n8PEI/AAAAAAAAnP0/ZJ_bqSzANFQ/s1600-h/IMG_2554%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2554" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2554" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_KFEpMz9Wq0/VlJYNQvx2WI/AAAAAAAAnP4/qfry2lZNhvk/IMG_2554_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="209"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ecImXe5Eyuk/VlJYURiuIdI/AAAAAAAAnQE/GhgXj2xmGV0/s1600-h/IMG_0235%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0235" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0235" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lt-hZrGi9cQ/VlJYWyGsQXI/AAAAAAAAnQI/x8zBE-zL47o/IMG_0235_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="215"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rTaWQeXyuO8/VlJYd-rzqLI/AAAAAAAAnQQ/0duBJk3EDUQ/s1600-h/IMG_0234%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0234" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0234" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrD_9WOoINA/VlJYgcRYVtI/AAAAAAAAnQU/nDsAsRAmfEA/IMG_0234_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L56ANjcTqUk/VlJYnJj5nQI/AAAAAAAAnQg/Kg9GcRjaZv4/s1600-h/IMG_0233%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0233" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0233" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_HzFklG6Ksw/VlJYp99yOLI/AAAAAAAAnQs/KrJnQUbmV1g/IMG_0233_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="202"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ybIweEbyOo/VlJYwJoOAII/AAAAAAAAnQw/z0LvpTKaBgg/s1600-h/IMG_5179%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5179" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5179" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BTHaV8prZKc/VlJY3MDvP7I/AAAAAAAAnQ4/1B9_E19ytGg/IMG_5179_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="746"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Further out, some of the ducks and coots were finding it a bit chilly at night. The pond they are in is clearly not fed from the hot springs and mostly freezes over every night, only to clear off again in the warmth of the day.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fO19BWuRL6U/VlJY8v5CSwI/AAAAAAAAnRE/XWozKzfSk2c/s1600-h/IMG_0236%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0236" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0236" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlCrYdEOgsA/VlJZACL0fYI/AAAAAAAAnRM/ywIAvJMg49A/IMG_0236_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="397"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">It got down to –20C last night (about –4F), which sounds pretty cool for camping, but other than one morning when the tap dispensed ice cubes, it has been snug and comfortable. Last thing at night I turn on both the furnace and water heater for about 10 minutes which keeps it somewhat warmer in the enclosed spaces and in the basement. Bedroom heat is supplied by my Kozyworld heater, which does not use any electricity.</font></p> <p><font size="3">With ample sunlight all day long, the solar system keeps the batteries fully charged so I can watch hockey and the weather reports from home on satellite TV. And of course it keeps the satellite internet running as well.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Daytime temps have been very nice all things considered around 18C or 65F. Of course the native Californians show up in parkas and down vests and winter boots because they think it is cold, while I’m happy in a T-shirt.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aY1YQU-jPfY/VlJZFRD2SqI/AAAAAAAAnRU/RkHAlgd9-pI/s1600-h/IMG_0241%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0241" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0241" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_RTYu_-hV4/VlJZI-vV81I/AAAAAAAAnRc/-3TV-SHj81c/IMG_0241_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="407"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XNt284p_T8g/VlJZNlQ3pbI/AAAAAAAAnRk/xL63aC05CLs/s1600-h/IMG_0240%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0240" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RZ4yv_5sjhI/VlJZQbD8pTI/AAAAAAAAnRs/YBNam-hrp9o/IMG_0240_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wu1hP3FJyyY/VlJZVd3Dn2I/AAAAAAAAnR0/tmHwlaMndTo/s1600-h/IMG_0239%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0239" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0239" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fyC1oaCX5vE/VlJZXwD6gPI/AAAAAAAAnR4/MZU9mzjBStk/IMG_0239_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-InAyja_3hwM/VlJZcpjaCzI/AAAAAAAAnSA/eCIEPzVoIbE/s1600-h/IMG_0238%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0238" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0238" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FgnOHsQmrfE/VlJZfRxzVcI/AAAAAAAAnSE/UqKBcTQCOrk/IMG_0238_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0FXuAzbZ7DM/VlJZkVfcazI/AAAAAAAAnSM/jWjANhTcx04/s1600-h/IMG_0237%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0237" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0237" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ibzYqCIqqg/VlJZnDOttLI/AAAAAAAAnSY/XqewVEtq5Pk/IMG_0237_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICWqCPiBHnU/VlJZtNjmc7I/AAAAAAAAnSk/ojAKEJW0nQc/s1600-h/IMG_5170%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5170" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5170" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xgue9T8pO0/VlJZv6RXXVI/AAAAAAAAnSw/L9a2ajO4x50/IMG_5170_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="287"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_1JCQ2LZ9Zg/VlJZ1D3HiTI/AAAAAAAAnS0/gebXGnau5YE/s1600-h/IMG_2549%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2549" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2549" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TZbNjJ5o52g/VlJZ4R2At6I/AAAAAAAAnS4/MXrD9jXy7IU/IMG_2549_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285"></a></p> <p><font size="3">It looks like the weather is due to turn really cold here this week, so I guess that will be our cue to find some lower locations to hang out.</font></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-39454779947507187622015-11-21T11:12:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.364-08:00Quebe Sisters - Southbound Again!<p><font size="3">The weather in the north west corner of Oregon had pretty much turned to rain and wind, and more of the same. Between squalls, we did manage to take a 360 degree photosphere from the top of the Astoria Column. </font><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hpWzN4Fyq4J2"><font size="3">Check it out here!</font></a></p> <p><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hpWzN4Fyq4J2"><font size="3"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YSlOix1rte0/VlDAi8DUSpI/AAAAAAAAnKk/L07_E71H00c/image4.png?imgmax=800" width="606" height="247"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The main reason for spending all the time here instead of heading to the warmer weather to the south right away, was to take in a performance of the </font><a href="http://quebesisters.com/"><font size="3">Quebe Sisters</font></a><font size="3"> Band in Forest Grove, OR. You may recall that my first introduction to them live was last spring in Apache Junction when they played at the Mining Camp restaurant. Since then, I have been watching their itinerary for a chance to see them again. And since my route and timing going south was pretty close, it was a good chance to see them again and pick up their latest CD!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><img src="http://3almhu17bzfk2q554s4enmow.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/quebe-cover-.jpg" width="597" height="434"></font></p> <p><font size="3">So, from Astoria we followed the south bank of the Columbia down towards Portland, and then cut off to Forest Grove, which is a small college city just to the west. We got in a bit of a jam when pulling into the local McDonalds when it became clear that there was no exit, except the drive-thru, which is not really that fifth wheel friendly. Turns out, it was a very small parking lot as well, and we were now at the far end of it! Time to get creative. First thing was to initiate the sliding hitch which I rarely use. Then, by quickly jackknifing into a vacant parking spot, and a few extra wiggles, we were able to escape, almost unscathed. I say almost unscathed, because it seemed that the sliding hitch was unwilling to slide back into it’s proper driving position. But it was getting close to ‘show time’ so with a slightly longer than usual unit, we found a parking spot at the performing arts center on campus. Since I had purchased a ticket online, and didn’t know the venue, I went to check out the building, and see if I could pick up my ticket. Well, it was a bit early for that, but much to my surprise and pleasure, I ran into the Quebe sisters themselves after they had just completed their sound check and rehearsal. We had a nice little chat before I went back outside to fight with my hitch! It seems that a chunk of 2x6 had jammed under the hitch and was preventing it from returning to the correct position. After unhitching in the parking lot, and hammering a few pins out to release the hitch, everything got straightened out in time for the show. </font><font size="3">Because of the location on campus, I had assumed the crowd would be mostly college kids, but it turned out to be the opposite.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Luck was on my side again, as my seat turned out to be front row, dead center, between season ticket holders who had had the same seats for years!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L4fBvRKHG_Y/VlDAvHvvt0I/AAAAAAAAnKs/SrKKXGjzK4Y/s1600-h/IMG_25345.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2534" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2534" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-81NYQR_16X0/VlDA0NETmiI/AAAAAAAAnKw/8cqgyv3TzXY/IMG_2534_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="449"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">They put on a great show of course, and I had the best seat in the house!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MiSCPLceb0Y/VlDA5zM-ZBI/AAAAAAAAnK0/z_qRbCmcYLE/s1600-h/Quebe-14.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Quebe 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Quebe 1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JyOPxsY4VkE/VlDA8pd6XrI/AAAAAAAAnK8/QEMOwV2xIQs/Quebe-1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="380"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">You can watch some of their performances on their Youtube channel!</font></p> <p><a title="https://www.youtube.com/user/QuebeSistersBand" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/QuebeSistersBand"><font size="3">https://www.youtube.com/user/QuebeSistersBand</font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Once that was taken care of, there was no reason to dally any longer – now it was southbound for real. The weather was a mixed bag with a fair bit of rain, so the next few days were mostly just driving, with few photos taken.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tH44QPGXxpw/VlDBBS0gaAI/AAAAAAAAnLA/yYsosPAxjik/s1600-h/IMG_25365.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2536" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2536" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5wBt0Pf2R28/VlDBEo7mm1I/AAAAAAAAnLI/q5WyoFqHaQY/IMG_2536_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="452"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yfAvqyi-u5s/VlDBJpxBPcI/AAAAAAAAnLM/DcPTDumZUTg/s1600-h/IMG_25355.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2535" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2535" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TTVKqOlmmdQ/VlDBNZ91WHI/AAAAAAAAnLQ/tJPAldCxkW0/IMG_2535_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="688"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There must have been a ‘homeless’ convention in the region because it was hard not to notice the small groups on many street corners in places like Eureka and Garberville, Ca. Most appeared to be young folks looking for alternate lifestyle, as opposed to those just down on their luck.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4K8QrZRex00/VlDBWa9JWJI/AAAAAAAAnLU/H1QHqSUVBZs/s1600-h/IMG_25056.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2505" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2505" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DzjoTL7Kcnw/VlDBY_zZa5I/AAAAAAAAnLY/_EMTRqmboBY/IMG_2505_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="223"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C3QHf7UzfM0/VlDBe7WFE1I/AAAAAAAAnLk/mADX3crOtnE/s1600-h/IMG_25034.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2503" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2503" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SYcwmPbkAs4/VlDBh7JULBI/AAAAAAAAnLs/GuJwtgexE0s/IMG_2503_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="227"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Watched these guys try out some sort of mechanical stilts in a parking lot along the way …</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ge4X8p7-1PA/VlDBn6SmGTI/AAAAAAAAnLw/_vKDFsRObcg/s1600-h/IMG_25025.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2502" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2502" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JcPdMcGEUTU/VlDBsO7DoBI/AAAAAAAAnL0/SfzVmrweAfY/IMG_2502_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="226"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1E-2fSLs2Dg/VlDBzN942fI/AAAAAAAAnL8/nSZnZMI5Yj8/s1600-h/IMG_25014.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2501" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2501" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_KIIqDGRZRE/VlDB1cY_8qI/AAAAAAAAnMA/Vkjpk5awoRc/IMG_2501_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="222"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We said ‘so long’ to the coastal 101 route at Ukiah, and began the trek across California. The next thing on our possible agenda was to visit the hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area – where we had been in the spring before having to head directly north for ‘work’! The weather forecasts for the area had me worried and for a while it appeared that it would be much too cold to allow for comfortable camping there, but as we came down the coast, it didn’t look too bad, so what the heck, let’s give it a try.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We zipped over the I-5 at Williams, and continued to Yuba City, then to Auburn. In hindsight, it may have been a better choice to go through Sacramento…</font></p> <p><font size="3">From Auburn the route that looks flat on the map – is Not. Highway 49 plunges down into the narrow canyon where it crosses the north fork of the American river, before winding steeply up the far side. Traffic was very heavy, it was dark by this time, and the switchbacks were all 15-25mph, and all the bmw’s were in some sort of panic to get home. Note to Al and the </font><a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/"><font size="3">Bayfield Bunch</font></a><font size="3">, you will not like this route with the Damon! Perhaps the jeep! Eventually the route took us out to ‘civilization’ again at Placerville, where we got to join another mountain road race on highway 50, heading east up into the mountain high country. At least this section started out with several lanes for a while. After climbing to around 4000’, and missing what must have been some great scenery in the dark, we pulled off in a roadside Forest Service campground, which was closed, but open! Closed, meaning no fees or water, but open for free dry camping.</font></p> <p><font size="3">The next morning we cruised on through South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, and Minden, NV in beautiful sunny warm conditions. The passes were over 7000 feet and there was certainly lots of snow in the ditches, so it was an easy choice to avoid some more shortcuts through some mountain roads that were winding and shaded, and in fact some of them were already closed for the winter.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Eventually, we pulled in to the hotsprings, and parked in the same exact spot we had vacated in March!</font></p> <p><font size="3"> March November</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WgHx5dzI2BM/VlDB63a-pQI/AAAAAAAAnME/hRJx0Cn5coA/s1600-h/IMG_20095.jpg"><img title="IMG_2009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2009" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kvYbP_7rtlg/VlDB-D6fgMI/AAAAAAAAnMM/rd-KygjRq0c/IMG_2009_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="222"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hz4xiai0kY8/VlDCBa8cHyI/AAAAAAAAnMQ/F81pVt7diFU/s1600-h/PB1811324.jpg"><img title="PB181132" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB181132" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eycwD5IIYuU/VlDCHCMV4DI/AAAAAAAAnMc/2_Nv_AN8rm0/PB181132_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="222"></a></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-62414667642852060752015-11-17T14:51:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.382-08:00Back to the mouth of the Columbia River<p> </p> <p><font size="3">Before we headed north from Tillamook, Oregon, Hailey had to have one last look at the ‘guppy’ plane outside the Air Museum located in the remaining blimp hangar at Naval Air Station Tillamook.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mu0CY0H-9ZQ/Vkt1JvvbyiI/AAAAAAAAnAQ/jrCtxB-eFu4/s1600-h/IMG_2488%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2488" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2488" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rF1h69T4aBA/Vkt1LSpFNsI/AAAAAAAAnAY/40feOQOvsZw/IMG_2488_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="448"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">If any of my Canadian friends are running low on magazines for their AK-47’s, I found a source that sells them!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nOzGluJdqZ0/Vkt1QJ1VRwI/AAAAAAAAnAg/8cDjMCAafbE/s1600-h/IMG_2485%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2485" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2485" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hty3sqiTHCc/Vkt1RuuBaUI/AAAAAAAAnAo/WWVEyVStklY/IMG_2485_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="287"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yoKeT0xaiEc/Vkt1UNR3UzI/AAAAAAAAnAw/tA3BoUPQCAQ/s1600-h/IMG_5113%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5113" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5113" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AZHHcm517a4/Vkt1VYpE78I/AAAAAAAAnA4/ayI81V8-eus/IMG_5113_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="288"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">From Tillamook we headed north up the coast as far as we could, till the Columbia River blocked our way. Looking across at Washington state, we watched as a number of large bulk carriers arrived and departed the Astoria port area.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_fTxqRPUgo/Vkt1X_zsRGI/AAAAAAAAnBA/HCqjayeX8ac/s1600-h/IMG_2500%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2500" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2500" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mvE7b9Lbd9Y/Vkt1ZZuG48I/AAAAAAAAnBI/r-TYcTmWRA4/IMG_2500_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="457"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">They were passing by so close, it took three photos to get the whole ship!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-esunzngDBIA/Vkt1bR4rJ5I/AAAAAAAAnBQ/Vgrwj1bbSCc/s1600-h/IMG_0184%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0184" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0184" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IGjKEJFcaas/Vkt1cqmevOI/AAAAAAAAnBY/WQqnkAKYh60/IMG_0184_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4TVJY2WuD44/Vkt1fUJXh1I/AAAAAAAAnBg/eBaYtSYZtxM/s1600-h/IMG_0185%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0185" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0185" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMeS6JZSRi4/Vkt1gzXVo6I/AAAAAAAAnBo/Opm7vy6l7cM/IMG_0185_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Di34cCAQoLc/Vkt1ih3hEUI/AAAAAAAAnBw/fV916j4mS8s/s1600-h/IMG_0183%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0183" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0183" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XtjwhKHsGKw/Vkt1kYpkvFI/AAAAAAAAnB4/mfWXHd8yMF0/IMG_0183_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="612" height="407"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">To guard the Columbia River, three historical forts were constructed at the mouth of the river, Fort Canby and Fort Columbia on the Washington side and Fort Stevens on the Oregon side. I imagine they were ‘state of the art’ at the time, but at least now, they are historical ‘'<img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h2ANXJ1Km-I/Vkt1mmd2rtI/AAAAAAAAnCA/15ZXK8EPDpk/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pl5Y_N_CCBI/Vkt1qGvSc2I/AAAAAAAAnCI/xloRLwY2i7M/s1600-h/IMG_2516%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2516" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2516" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BXzDMCpYJHQ/Vkt1rtUfgYI/AAAAAAAAnCQ/sxdi4r-l7k4/IMG_2516_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="456"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">At Fort Stevens, several huge guns were mounted to guard the river mouth, designed so that they could retract out of sight when being reloaded.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-phQWR2MGTN8/Vkt1xtyMs-I/AAAAAAAAnCY/fA6FxIuYaO8/s1600-h/IMG_2508%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2508" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2508" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0bsiOFK27TU/Vkt13s2_H4I/AAAAAAAAnCg/_o96HzwQo2A/IMG_2508_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="458"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The fort was used up until the second world war and was the only mainland US base fired upon by the enemy when a Japanese submarine opened fire. The rounds caused minimal damage, and the fort did not return fire either because they believed the sub was out of range, or because they did not want to disclose the exact location of their guns, or what type of armaments they had in place.</font></p> <p><font size="3">At the extreme ends of the fort were these bunkers, used to assist in aiming the big guns. When an enemy was sighted, the coordinates were relayed to the guns to enable accurate aiming.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nOREvFQKTf8/Vkt17rX89EI/AAAAAAAAnCo/6FKMpnzSV4M/s1600-h/IMG_2514%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2514" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2514" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JW9gnpoglTw/Vkt19NPe0CI/AAAAAAAAnCw/s9SdJ3S8n54/IMG_2514_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="223"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0VOm0GHWHPI/Vkt2BEXDpGI/AAAAAAAAnC4/jpBCGPOsq8E/s1600-h/IMG_2512%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2512" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2512" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tBR7HZXks9g/Vkt2CeEmMgI/AAAAAAAAnDA/-Azq5bNFv1o/IMG_2512_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="225"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAs2pwFCk1M/Vkt2F-rH3YI/AAAAAAAAnDI/XTe28_vmo-w/s1600-h/IMG_2511%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2511" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2511" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lLAI9mkJHkY/Vkt2HGruGYI/AAAAAAAAnDQ/RprF8yDsxh8/IMG_2511_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="226"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eF6kFFta_Zg/Vkt2KZ6SV9I/AAAAAAAAnDU/S0SFC34cTTk/s1600-h/IMG_2510%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2510" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2510" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vajCdT5EkBI/Vkt2LpZOHeI/AAAAAAAAnDc/fNh5uGFcM_w/IMG_2510_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="221"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjtX0NfZWhY/Vkt2PcBt0YI/AAAAAAAAnDk/Wqx6nbB3lWc/s1600-h/IMG_2509%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2509" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2509" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q3cg0gFxJ-0/Vkt2REr1jEI/AAAAAAAAnDs/DFWZXBUSnyU/IMG_2509_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="226"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MoFxYitAZ5c/Vkt2k8Qw_TI/AAAAAAAAnEA/8OtQFVoEyr4/s1600-h/IMG_2507%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2507" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2507" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Nye8gTQ1cc/Vkt2ma3fb0I/AAAAAAAAnEI/tMHWpjFRqmA/IMG_2507_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="222"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">When the weather was decent, a check of the ‘Astoria Column’ was in order. From a distance, I had thought this was just a communications tower, but discovered otherwise.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I think it is about 100 feet tall, and I was surprised to see that there were stairs inside, and that it was totally open to the public ($2. parking fee).</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YebpDkB2I3U/Vkt2oszHLNI/AAAAAAAAnEQ/lov1HYu6L-Y/s1600-h/IMG_0206%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0206" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0206" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TSJq-LDsPV8/Vkt2rFP23nI/AAAAAAAAnEY/ZVxkKnJm7mc/IMG_0206_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="884"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The outside was completely covered in historical murals.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6RDPD-ZmKAc/Vkt2uP0hFVI/AAAAAAAAnEg/LjyMyZQC4vc/s1600-h/IMG_2525%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2525" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2525" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TMV99R7zufw/Vkt82FxBGLI/AAAAAAAAnEw/KewcVdWzI9Y/IMG_2525_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="268"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SSE6R3s3SSo/VkutBWpGbBI/AAAAAAAAnFA/mqUk-C7V6WQ/s1600-h/IMG_0203%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0203" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0203" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oKPHoFiWF0Y/VkutDZNB7eI/AAAAAAAAnFI/MtOvYMOUmCg/IMG_0203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="264"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gxp7NHe8ELQ/VkutEqo2LHI/AAAAAAAAnFQ/pkPxQ5AARwg/s1600-h/IMG_0195%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0195" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0195" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z-XvO731l08/VkutGWmKfLI/AAAAAAAAnFY/Ifty2aHfiqc/IMG_0195_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="195"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EFZHETVAPdo/VkutgCq-JVI/AAAAAAAAnFg/kh5ECm2Z9TA/s1600-h/IMG_0202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0202" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0202" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hBY9JKpgEYA/VkutgnXWpbI/AAAAAAAAnFk/wTGa1WGiMS4/IMG_0202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QpfW1rPZ48/VkutinRqomI/AAAAAAAAnFw/sWtvzzRHMxM/s1600-h/IMG_0201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0201" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0201" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MpQL2h1_WBc/VkutjIeiJsI/AAAAAAAAnF0/EwC5uzKDnHU/IMG_0201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n_2WC2V4zkI/VkutlS3G4vI/AAAAAAAAnGA/odIFBBoZsIg/s1600-h/IMG_0200%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0200" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0200" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rVfGQQCEioI/VkutoCaSXQI/AAAAAAAAnGI/f_DpQAF7AKE/IMG_0200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Of course, there was good views from the top, as it is also located on the highest land in the area.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UBtUMOlxshI/Vkutsv3TdxI/AAAAAAAAnGQ/IXUz6hhZrb4/s1600-h/IMG_2518%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2518" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2518" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kruAatB_1GY/VkutuAUh1cI/AAAAAAAAnGY/h2p3R1ctGQk/IMG_2518_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="449"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I watched as this ship came in the rivers mouth, and under the big bridge leading to Washington, to the mooring area just offshore.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZubcykCAYM/VkutvLTcq0I/AAAAAAAAnGg/yIdEGAzPtZM/s1600-h/IMG_0189%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0189" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0189" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VRP6dWaA5EA/VkutvrcsyfI/AAAAAAAAnGk/b1-PkrUNGN4/IMG_0189_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AigarL9Afg0/VkutwE62qDI/AAAAAAAAnGw/AsajFuTvlF8/s1600-h/IMG_0208%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0208" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0208" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzX47s6AmVU/Vkut1vUrkuI/AAAAAAAAnG4/2LDreKBrnmk/IMG_0208_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Di4ylolm1Fw/Vkut3BKJY3I/AAAAAAAAnHA/KR1OGnT2faE/s1600-h/IMG_0215%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0215" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0215" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IV54yiVgIc0/VkuuDaWDLkI/AAAAAAAAnHI/C8wQHfW96mU/IMG_0215_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-13jrkRZQyxM/VkuuD1eek5I/AAAAAAAAnHM/li9gMkK5YVU/s1600-h/IMG_0214%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0214" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0214" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sxWsPUHICBQ/VkuuF-qifRI/AAAAAAAAnHY/Vt_Ifs6tD2s/IMG_0214_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">As it came by, a pilot boat approached, and in the photo below, the pilot is climbing a ladder on the side of the ship. Since this ship had no cranes on deck or obvious piping that would indicate a bulk carrier or a tanker, I think it must have been a car-hauler as there appeared to be ramps at the stern and on the starboard side of the ship.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pBZn_FqoVOw/VkuuOzwx0PI/AAAAAAAAnHg/rRAmPSjKR2o/s1600-h/IMG_0212%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0212" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0212" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JVta3Xkt2rE/VkuuPsYZilI/AAAAAAAAnHk/bzDhr46oqmU/IMG_0212_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">This ship we had seen coming in the river mouth several days previously was now laying at anchor.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yq2JMoT2oBE/VkuuUpa5XXI/AAAAAAAAnHw/NhUS5XO4ez4/s1600-h/IMG_0192%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0192" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0192" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-10P_YAg1nz8/VkuuWgIIOBI/AAAAAAAAnH4/h98J356ZwBQ/IMG_0192_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="408"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And, there were several other vessels moored just offshore along the river bank. All photos taken from the top of the Astoria Column.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWXyHFnSqpo/VkuuYH84moI/AAAAAAAAnIA/-PtUuey4nAo/s1600-h/IMG_0194%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0194" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0194" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KaBB2jtk6NM/VkuuZmBDSUI/AAAAAAAAnII/bhjozotkmQ0/IMG_0194_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ElejylKEuDU/VkuuaCsZ_-I/AAAAAAAAnIM/zU0pampg480/s1600-h/IMG_0193%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0193" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0193" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GJBUHcHQzh0/VkuudDtBWqI/AAAAAAAAnIY/bS10-5n75Mg/IMG_0193_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="197"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Next, we took the four mile long bridge north over the Columbia to the Washington side, to check out the lighthouses and forts on that side. Park entry was free – as it was Veteran’s Day.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wosk5_EP58g/VkuueiUIhPI/AAAAAAAAnIc/89gLTvG_n7s/s1600-h/IMG_0222%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0222" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--5BU29vslGY/VkuugIWGSAI/AAAAAAAAnIk/_vcYiui1vnE/IMG_0222_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="205"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There are actually two lighthouses on this side at the mouth of the Columbia, only two miles apart. The first one was Cape Disappointment, which was somewhat within the mouth of the river. As shipping traffic increased from the Puget sound area to the north, the original light was not visible enough, so North Head light was installed further out on the point. Below is North Head light.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WUZ0dFJxJ9g/VkuuiTMt5EI/AAAAAAAAnIs/neWh0H5Qyf4/s1600-h/IMG_2527%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2527" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2527" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H7hcPrQr690/Vkuuo3bDulI/AAAAAAAAnI0/KFpGjXI31w0/IMG_2527_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="611" height="813"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">As this plaque attests, none of the 600 acres of land that exists today in this location was there in 1917 when the north jetty was completed. The jetty caused the increased deposition of sand in this area, and the present day campground was built where there was only ocean in the past!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RVVweEzWQ2s/VkuurrjBVYI/AAAAAAAAnI8/qXsCE4RD79Y/s1600-h/IMG_2529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2529" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2529" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GWyYePd7XW8/VkuusYPp00I/AAAAAAAAnJE/zAkr81uJn6o/IMG_2529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" height="461"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-URKKhUYewBc/Vkuut9yMcSI/AAAAAAAAnJM/HMPMuz8SiEE/s1600-h/IMG_2530%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2530" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2530" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rhbU9V6bhCw/Vkuu1DyAq9I/AAAAAAAAnJU/EPmAVpGyjbA/IMG_2530_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" height="461"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">On the return we made a brief stop at Fort Columbia, which has a commanding view over the river at this point.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZAsWjwEyt4/Vkuu10Za2DI/AAAAAAAAnJY/9iS9fHRBUFE/s1600-h/IMG_2532%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2532" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2532" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hcPAk6NvYTo/Vkuu2xH3d2I/AAAAAAAAnJg/v8sLeLXcxAk/IMG_2532_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="231"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5zgif1U1mk0/Vkuu7xS8jeI/AAAAAAAAnJs/h5DzWWSH2_s/s1600-h/IMG_2531%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2531" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2531" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ErMUqqFwMqs/VkuvF8iRkpI/AAAAAAAAnJ4/OQCGM-oJGrE/IMG_2531_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="217"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Interestingly, the present highway goes through a tunnel, directly under the original fort’s location.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">As a part time fire lookout, it’s hard to resist reporting such a nice smoke as this one!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I5znkidIPKg/VkuvJVyWJTI/AAAAAAAAnKA/TDTgCHP36bg/s1600-h/IMG_0224%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0224" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0224" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QjC_hi_KhZ8/VkuvbuJNAOI/AAAAAAAAnKI/NujOUhfIegg/IMG_0224_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="405"></a>.</p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-84245655774200339222015-11-14T10:05:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.416-08:00North Oregon Coast<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-fja77kK1Q/Vkd2Hkl7ujI/AAAAAAAAm6o/iL5XqKX55m0/s1600-h/IMG_0164%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img align="left" alt="IMG_0164" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jsAYLFktyFc/Vkd2JDpt-vI/AAAAAAAAm6w/uqZnVwpkDrQ/IMG_0164_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="239" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0164" width="225" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">After arriving on the north coast of Oregon, we spent the next few days exploring around the Tillamook area. We ‘random camped’ in several different spots over the next few days. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This heron looked like he’d waited too long on the incoming tide. Finally, he decided it was getting a bit too deep!</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfLhq2Vou5Y/Vkd2J14_MKI/AAAAAAAAm64/A2AsZsPaxKc/s1600-h/IMG_0166%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0166" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pkph0eenrm4/Vkd2NiWvMZI/AAAAAAAAm7A/sgbt4Aj6hSc/IMG_0166_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="286" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0166" width="427" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R638vthuv34/Vkd2PJ4gGBI/AAAAAAAAm7I/7XWqBVLwU3Q/s1600-h/IMG_0165%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0165" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WtbbN6Yt2os/Vkd2RS9hgVI/AAAAAAAAm7Q/h4eOk_TfhiQ/IMG_0165_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0165" width="604" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3M_uB8TGitw/Vkd2XFG3A9I/AAAAAAAAm7U/EiztxQeSQo0/s1600-h/IMG_0167%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0167" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C9pZxl_5sSQ/Vkd2dJyJYHI/AAAAAAAAm7Y/jYa2a22ycUE/IMG_0167_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0167" width="606" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Weather was great for a hike of about 3.5 miles down the beach to the south jetty, with not a soul to be seen, and surprisingly not a scrap of garbage till the very end when a bit had accumulated by the jetty. </span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JhCLpr2sWdQ/Vkd2f6z_AgI/AAAAAAAAm7g/LsQxr2NOMSY/s1600-h/IMG_5102%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5102" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-extrw0f8yA8/Vkd2klk2zQI/AAAAAAAAm7k/B-k0Gcf2zdU/IMG_5102_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5102" width="298" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DM3Uke8e6u4/Vkd2nnWnSUI/AAAAAAAAm7o/B8Fo3zmD750/s1600-h/IMG_5103%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5103" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwyx0w9trNk/Vkd2qlJ6VlI/AAAAAAAAm7s/Y51WW2_PoFA/IMG_5103_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="222" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5103" width="295" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_fC5ZPFehFA/Vkd2wOz6w7I/AAAAAAAAm74/1bxZKo1Gi8Q/s1600-h/IMG_0138%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0138" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O1d53Bhj0z8/Vkd2zhSnQJI/AAAAAAAAm8A/HG66_WGKlV0/IMG_0138_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="198" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0138" width="295" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8iPsnQaakw/Vkd27ZFYLWI/AAAAAAAAm8I/7ens-wtYVHo/s1600-h/IMG_0137%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0137" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lhi0V2cVdsY/Vkd28qynQ3I/AAAAAAAAm8Q/MD2U9ijOnp8/IMG_0137_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="199" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0137" width="297" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OjA58A3mq_k/Vkd2_b62yqI/AAAAAAAAm8c/0tKWFGkdY7Y/s1600-h/IMG_0154%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0154" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SodzTS8adew/Vkd3BL35eEI/AAAAAAAAm8g/8Um5Afk1LLQ/IMG_0154_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="197" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0154" width="294" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XEXDgjErUS4/Vkd3DDoDKsI/AAAAAAAAm8k/ULWlv3ANJpE/s1600-h/IMG_0152%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0152" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WpeGjPFbA74/Vkd3D2ALKQI/AAAAAAAAm8o/WHOVG41JeAo/IMG_0152_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="201" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0152" width="299" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The route back was along the other side of the spit facing the estuary. These three guys were hard at work harvesting something out of the mud at low tide. They had a pump running in their boat anchored in slightly deeper water, and another pump on the mud beside them, and then were probing into the mud with a long nozzle. Whatever it was they collected went into the red buckets.</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zuf28mOMt4g/Vkd3F7d79oI/AAAAAAAAm8w/60anZjhYq7U/s1600-h/IMG_0175%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0175" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--eLWVPy2YU4/Vkd3IkgeD6I/AAAAAAAAm84/0TMj05ioXEQ/IMG_0175_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="402" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0175" width="601" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L8YXe71mHMw/Vkd3KhskN7I/AAAAAAAAm9A/S4X05nItli8/s1600-h/IMG_0177%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0177" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rnB4ykklFGE/Vkd3L55i4xI/AAAAAAAAm9I/JCzmqrj_ZWU/IMG_0177_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="406" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0177" width="606" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VX54nWTFmlQ/Vkd3NFUPxlI/AAAAAAAAm9M/0EbSoANFvUQ/s1600-h/IMG_0173%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0173" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Y_SByyNdBE/Vkd3QDpSW1I/AAAAAAAAm9U/qAZAzWEY5a0/IMG_0173_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="200" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0173" width="298" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JeAOuguIVHE/Vkd3Srrhw0I/AAAAAAAAm9g/38kXWetbkEU/s1600-h/IMG_0172%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0172" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0wvgT3q0rnU/Vkd3T9ukN0I/AAAAAAAAm9o/VNDLzLJdUoE/IMG_0172_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="198" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0172" width="295" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Another boat moored in deeper water was displaying dive flags, so it must have been harvesting something from the sea floor as well …</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S2hMPV8z-7A/Vkd3bDjDexI/AAAAAAAAm90/vbs3WEK6jn4/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="image" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i0GdgWIMjEY/Vkd3e5orXBI/AAAAAAAAm98/trZyL9EzlAs/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="420" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="595" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After giving the Tillamook area a good going over, we headed a bit further north up the coast! I know one should be headed south at this time of year, but there was a need to hang out in the general vicinity for another week before doing so. So, … as we made our way a bit further to the north around ‘camping time’ <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIOOQKKATVc/Vkd3f2TOzWI/AAAAAAAAm-A/_rbp-3ZWSF0/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" />, a sign for the Neahkahanie Mountain trailhead caught our attention. This is clearly NOT a place to drag your fifth wheel. But we like a challenge, so we did! The road goes a mile or so before dead ending at a gate with a very small parking area. If empty, and if the sliding hitch feature was utilized, the turning around manoeuver might have been possible. But the lot was not empty. So after backing down the narrow road for a couple hundred yards, there was a driveway that made a turn possible. Once turned around, did we head down for the safety and space of the highway? Nope. Instead we then backed <i>back</i> up the road we had just backed down, till we got to the parking area again facing the other direction. It was a bit slanted, but that did nothing to spoil a good nights rest.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Since we were there, in the morning, the natural thing to do was to hike up the trail to check out Neahakanie mountain! In the Google Earth view below, the top of the mountain trail is right where the little green tree symbol is in the centre of the photo. The trailhead is hidden in the trees down below it, but above the highway. The mountain is apparently one of the highest on the Oregon coast.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-ulQvV9vE0/Vkd3hponvAI/AAAAAAAAm-E/NOtgKS-7GcQ/s1600-h/Untitled%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="Untitled" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6W1KuHI-up8/Vkd3ixFzvWI/AAAAAAAAm-M/SijzmV_NAWA/Untitled_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="362" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Untitled" width="604" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrjZ-aXSESs/Vkd3lfroswI/AAAAAAAAm-U/oh4lasAaA_s/s1600-h/IMG_2496%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2496" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hlZNrN-7fxA/Vkd3mfBMMKI/AAAAAAAAm-c/nwWL1YY6_BU/IMG_2496_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="222" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2496" width="294" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-71jUHowPeCg/Vkd3oOPv0rI/AAAAAAAAm-g/9GD3zLd_sbY/s1600-h/IMG_2495%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2495" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s-vkXw-SV-U/Vkd3pOs6yNI/AAAAAAAAm-s/Z36lG5NgdU8/IMG_2495_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2495" width="298" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pkNZsgoAR6M/Vkd3rddBnKI/AAAAAAAAm-w/8kS6kc1GN8A/s1600-h/IMG_2494%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2494" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YyemMPqeifw/Vkd3s8BefJI/AAAAAAAAm-8/G_UtvL7y-5Q/IMG_2494_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="222" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2494" width="294" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8t7shsqswbs/Vkd3vE6nJ2I/AAAAAAAAm_E/5DMFIFhBBKE/s1600-h/IMG_2493%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2493" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkku7UhwPxY/Vkd3wXEQ09I/AAAAAAAAm_M/sI9G2YfY93E/IMG_2493_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="228" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2493" width="302" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">From the top, the view south is over the town of Manzanita below.</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79kc2dst490/Vkd3x1FAvwI/AAAAAAAAm_Q/kdJh0EtpXfQ/s1600-h/IMG_2492%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2492" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s1HBDv-poq8/Vkd3y_xCkFI/AAAAAAAAm_c/MwsWWW-Pb-8/IMG_2492_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="452" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2492" width="601" /></a><br />After this … all the way back up to Washington – again!Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-4777182760095888662015-11-09T15:24:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.432-08:00Tunnels along the Gorge<p><font size="3">Our camp spot at the John Day dam provided some natural light shows …</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Br1mIGmOPg/VkEqu6eg2xI/AAAAAAAAm0M/OFl-GRPEZ48/s1600-h/PB0310945.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB031094" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB031094" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yCsVQANnK-0/VkEqvacJY2I/AAAAAAAAm0Q/0RHOdZW-3LI/PB031094_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="453"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">As well as red, white, and blue lights on the dam itself.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6SRainW0J0/VkEqv0WVDbI/AAAAAAAAm0c/fnkDsrxmSes/s1600-h/PB0310955.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB031095" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB031095" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cyxDZg693OI/VkEqwiaRx0I/AAAAAAAAm0g/7YENBh5ophE/PB031095_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="456"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Here’s a photosphere I did from right on the river bank – underneath a power pylon! <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ynVX7X9ByBt">Check it out!</a></font></p> <p><font size="3">And, here’s another one I did – from on top of one of these fishing platforms. Click the pic below!<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ynVX7X9ByBt"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kC-ZOd77aDc/VkEqxWXTiAI/AAAAAAAAm0s/ozyS6bFrTeM/image4.png?imgmax=800" width="598" height="264"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Just downstream, we crossed over into Oregon briefly, to fill up on Oregon diesel and propane. Then, it was back across the river to the much slower pace of the north shore route as we headed west.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_obnn-knKp8/VkEqx7sninI/AAAAAAAAm0w/KgKPoHSZ0mo/s1600-h/IMG_24674.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2467" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2467" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zPdIiY9OW4I/VkEqyULEINI/AAAAAAAAm04/BRU-tu3Gbio/IMG_2467_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NL-nVpZ46Tc/VkEqy3rzHcI/AAAAAAAAm08/hFifWyOfkG0/s1600-h/IMG_24684.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2468" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2468" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtKXx9VJQEQ/VkEqzjrAvII/AAAAAAAAm1I/8ycD08PNkEQ/IMG_2468_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="225"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There were trains, and there were tunnels.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4FlsaZYrXkY/VkEq0HJVvOI/AAAAAAAAm1M/8prpapcE0bA/s1600-h/IMG_01305.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0130" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0130" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9vtBK_czzcc/VkEq0vKfIVI/AAAAAAAAm1U/oR3CjN0s5YE/IMG_0130_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="217"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RHNyERbDr3g/VkEq1CBb3JI/AAAAAAAAm1c/LEXQl5pKUUo/s1600-h/PB0410995.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041099" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041099" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hyLMw4tgkpw/VkEq1_Vr9aI/AAAAAAAAm1k/sKfar7FmiJs/PB041099_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="205"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And more tunnels.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MzMepHsY9R0/VkEq2ZNMtOI/AAAAAAAAm1w/Et9pxnWTy4E/s1600-h/PB0411006.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041100" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041100" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RvFiTkPr7V4/VkEq3BrWQEI/AAAAAAAAm10/GgZteFmCRMs/PB041100_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-axu9iwOwurg/VkEq3juOKtI/AAAAAAAAm18/PNlRRHz4xVg/s1600-h/PB0411019.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041101" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041101" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FFwmRJrcIDA/VkEq4MqHaNI/AAAAAAAAm2E/wUaz6jm_L7M/PB041101_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="225"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And MORE tunnels!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t4hsq6X1Zg0/VkEq4lqdKdI/AAAAAAAAm2Q/6LYKGTzkzyg/s1600-h/PB0411155.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041115" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041115" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQDNZfCjIG8/VkEq5eWrldI/AAAAAAAAm2U/ugsZu1QlCGI/PB041115_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="222"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PE0x-ilc-ec/VkEq500ZNWI/AAAAAAAAm2c/vF1piEeSKFI/s1600-h/PB0411194.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041119" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041119" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V9_WEVV25hs/VkEq6RpRntI/AAAAAAAAm2k/z8-tacNr7-E/PB041119_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And EVEN MORE TUNNELS!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jd73x8STf4s/VkEq6xOWfDI/AAAAAAAAm2w/vW0N5VOeoPU/s1600-h/PB0411225.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041122" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041122" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QwqOcA1PUKQ/VkEq7iAhTsI/AAAAAAAAm20/ikNotm1lVaQ/PB041122_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="217"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hbtpxbz0cJw/VkEq8XeKAzI/AAAAAAAAm3A/xttcEp0erFg/s1600-h/PB0411237.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041123" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041123" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cY8Ct4cWcfc/VkEq87nqqmI/AAAAAAAAm3E/PmZr8SqFptE/PB041123_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="228"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And still more!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n71f2vJYydg/VkEq9iJlCNI/AAAAAAAAm3Q/tBy7chCYkFM/s1600-h/PB0411254.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041125" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041125" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r3NM1Hxkfks/VkEq-QhwWmI/AAAAAAAAm3Y/shalqrI7Dj8/PB041125_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="225"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wZ47YDLmL30/VkEq-8XRofI/AAAAAAAAm3g/S0uKCVUMcGs/s1600-h/PB0411264.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PB041126" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PB041126" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvXOEHzswak/VkEq_diVlAI/AAAAAAAAm3o/-DLKp0m2Apw/PB041126_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The GPS took us west through Portland without incident, but one idiot driver tried his best to ruin a lot of days. You see, we were cruising along the interstate westbound in the right lane, and there was an on-ramp merging with our lane. There were three vehicles in line, getting ready to merge. For some reason, the idiot in the first vehicle came to a virtual stop, instead of speeding up to fit in with the traffic. The next vehicle behind him noticed this manoeuvre and slowed as well. Unfortunately, the third vehicle in that procession did not notice that her lane had stopped – till the very last minute! When she did realize what those brake lights were telling her, it was too late for her to stop – so she swerved violently pretty much into the lane occupied by a big GMC pulling a fifth wheel! Of course, I was watching this all play out and had slowed enough to avoid her. And I had my gopro looking out the front at the time (a la </font><a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Wandering Willy</font></a><font size="3">!), but alas it was not turned on <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-58zJ6jlrZbQ/VkEq_9pRzwI/AAAAAAAAm3w/wVJT3FZT5ZU/wlEmoticon-sadsmile2.png?imgmax=800"> The video could have gone viral!</font></p> <p><font size="3">After that we just headed straight west till we ran out of roads – in Tillamook, Oregon.</font></p> <p><font size="3">And there was the ocean – just like when we left it. Nice to be back.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHJwu7fr_-g/VkErAXszipI/AAAAAAAAm34/bAvdjBDBs6Y/s1600-h/IMG_01425.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0142" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0142" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uqARNJvN0w/VkErA-fDA-I/AAAAAAAAm4A/2IXByZXboeM/IMG_0142_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="233"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wJ67l2xBmMg/VkErBnvIduI/AAAAAAAAm4I/m0D6TqnK2V0/s1600-h/IMG_01405.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0140" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0140" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6MFjCiDfp8s/VkErCBfEoXI/AAAAAAAAm4Q/TnaX9NdXZes/IMG_0140_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="230"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q4TEcNhH8zs/VkErCmHrowI/AAAAAAAAm4Y/rPxup1GEz7I/s1600-h/IMG_51035.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5103" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5103" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-dgPgaxHn0/VkErDENnPNI/AAAAAAAAm4g/3Lervq-ZBJ4/IMG_5103_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-062CMX0C9h8/VkErD7aIvEI/AAAAAAAAm4s/AbyFw1DGvak/s1600-h/IMG_51024.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5102" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5102" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxw_1ExafUA/VkErEbh0LxI/AAAAAAAAm40/JUSrChBS-B4/IMG_5102_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="222"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Normally Hailey isn’t much for walking in a straight line, like on a trail. But on some of the trails out here she has just trotted along beside me like a little dog.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5QfcoOa0Kpc/VkErFPi-4GI/AAAAAAAAm48/zUQEkV9vbuc/s1600-h/IMG_24725.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2472" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2472" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M_vR1pERdNQ/VkErFmsscaI/AAAAAAAAm5A/VqYlYqcnyw0/IMG_2472_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="225"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SpzjtEfr_0/VkErGHiHzrI/AAAAAAAAm5I/F9jjwU8Ewh0/s1600-h/IMG_24715.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2471" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2471" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-koD9sjtbkCQ/VkErGrfz9eI/AAAAAAAAm5Q/QI9qS66NP2w/IMG_2471_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="223"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">It was a fairly long hike down the the beach, but she made it most of the way on her own. She did leap on an unlucky frog or toad, but came back spitting and shaking her head to get rid of the taste. It must be a good defence, as I don’t think the frog was even hurt in the encounter.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-em31ol8ZWRE/VkErHYrlV7I/AAAAAAAAm5U/5NMFlQrqcBY/s1600-h/IMG_24805.jpg"><img title="IMG_2480" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2480" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tMmQ5hECtvI/VkErItczIII/AAAAAAAAm5k/1nT8hSVJOhQ/IMG_2480_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="223"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3_vSiHJJGgQ/VkErJNjpqTI/AAAAAAAAm5o/Wrom_jHZFpc/s1600-h/IMG_24774.jpg"><img title="IMG_2477" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2477" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gNVATsR9pk/VkErJir9yBI/AAAAAAAAm5w/-j9-SCpbeJ8/IMG_2477_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></a></p> <p><font size="3">There were a few whale spouts to be seen offshore. Stick around as we explore more of the north Oregon coast before heading south.</font></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-79603947519988693152015-11-05T08:17:00.000-08:002016-02-22T19:16:26.467-08:00Columbia River and the Washington–Oregon line<p><font size="3">After winding our way across some of the hinterlands of southern Washington, we reached the Columbia river, and an expansive view. It was only a couple miles down the steep grade to Roosevelt right on the river bank, and a few more to our intended stopover spot at John Day dam. But, right at the top of the hill, with an unobstructed view was a bleak, windy, gravel pull-off. We passed it the first time and were half way down the hill before finding a spot to turn around, but turn we did and were blown back up the hill! The winds were really howling on top, and it took most of my strength to get the truck door open and both hands to prevent the door from being detached. I parked briefly broadside to the gale to enable me to move Hailey to her quarters without losing her to the wind. Then I parked the truck directly into the wind, and put the front jacks down in an attempt to provide some stability. Hats or sunglasses were not an option, neither were any photos possible. Once inside, it was not too bad once everything outside had been tightly lashed down.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WcZHVXqAgxk/Vjt_Cs8qhHI/AAAAAAAAmvA/hiBDoyCdQ_U/s1600-h/IMG_012510.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0125" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0125" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dXnEpg3cPpo/Vjt_DoXxJBI/AAAAAAAAmvE/6MsHSskbrCo/IMG_0125_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="201"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bA_rDHbn7-o/Vjt_Eb72R3I/AAAAAAAAmvM/Gk2THgP3QzM/s1600-h/IMG_01249.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0124" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0124" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLN7MTY70vA/Vjt_FJZpL0I/AAAAAAAAmvY/14e6Hf6a3Hk/IMG_0124_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Surprisingly, the gale ended abruptly at sundown, and after it was very close to calm outside. That gave a chance for some night photos with the gopro on a tripod – that would not have been possible an hour previous. Looking to the east, this 30 second time exposure shows on the left a white streak that is the traffic on highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia. All the rest of the photo is showing the Oregon side, with Interstate 84 in the center. The back, which appears to be city lights is not. These are all red lights on the wind turbine towers, that flash off and on in unison!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6pr4OfnKUY/Vjt_GLHljmI/AAAAAAAAmvg/QsaAgSP6dQE/s1600-h/G00159215.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="G0015921" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="G0015921" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-25L8my17GoE/Vjt_HoIvmoI/AAAAAAAAmvo/u-mWIAm0P84/G0015921_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="456"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I shone some lights on the back of the rig …</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xk0ReafXUyg/Vjt_NpfF7jI/AAAAAAAAmvw/zCYZ-xz8Mmo/s1600-h/G00959676.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="G0095967" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="G0095967" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ui5yOjPzEDU/Vjt_Q1DdDlI/AAAAAAAAmv4/YlSNEdBfCvE/G0095967_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="436"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And the side …</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZAV61dQYrM/Vjt_ShQ_ErI/AAAAAAAAmwA/YkAIn37HVik/s1600-h/G01059738.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="G0105973" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="G0105973" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6I2tT4cTmPI/Vjt_W6B2ybI/AAAAAAAAmwI/ZsP0P_VJgQ8/G0105973_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="295"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And waved my light around a bit …</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HmdO3K-F6Oc/Vjt_aEhwW6I/AAAAAAAAmwQ/jtKsHqzvWxQ/s1600-h/G00959686.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="G0095968" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="G0095968" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uzEZAgXhEOU/Vjt_b-f1axI/AAAAAAAAmwY/jusXFXyL6zw/G0095968_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="291"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And even though it was no longer Halloween, some ghosts were spotted.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7wY0PqL5KA/Vjt_g_4QM1I/AAAAAAAAmwg/3KiBABUuZuY/s1600-h/G01059775.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="G0105977" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="G0105977" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UaXf1lld7lE/Vjt_vzyFq1I/AAAAAAAAmwo/WxN1weIdskI/G0105977_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KS5IvKDmGjA/Vjt_wz1ifhI/AAAAAAAAmww/6s20nKvEEAo/s1600-h/G01059754.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="G0105975" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="G0105975" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3YXuTsNKWCU/Vjt_yuq2m8I/AAAAAAAAmw4/PwvoVEj9vWk/G0105975_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="225"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">In the morning, I did a quick count of the wind turbines visible across the river in Oregon. I stopped counting at 550! While a lot better than coal fired power plants, I wonder about the effects of thousands of acres of synchronized flashing lights on wildlife and wonder how many birds and bats are killed by the rotors?</font></p> <p><font size="3">The last few miles across the table lands approaching the river, as well as miles of country along the river on the Washington side had clearly been burned over very recently. A quick check on Google indicated that the fire occurred on August 5th and resulted in the entire town of Roosevelt being evacuated. The size of the fire was 37.5 square miles. Some news <a href="http://www.kgw.com/story/news/2015/08/04/wash-town-under-evacuation-order-due-wildfire/31140629/">reports and video of the fire HERE</a>.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Next day, we moved down to our waterfront camp spot right below the John Day dam at the entrance to the locks. That’s Rufus, Oregon across the river.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_w81pXZWFY/Vjt_0d_E9xI/AAAAAAAAmxA/841zAU6_oHo/s1600-h/IMG_01295.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0129" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0129" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EiPKRblMAVo/Vjt_2hHi-DI/AAAAAAAAmxI/wI9vXMCeNu8/IMG_0129_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="394"></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HN9Cqw6G2FA/Vjt_5KUynGI/AAAAAAAAmxQ/WpaPV-4nUew/s1600-h/IMG_01115.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0111" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0111" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6PAWBAwujf4/Vjt_5uvFJ8I/AAAAAAAAmxY/5JGkCOSB6xk/IMG_0111_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-96qBsrO8Xkw/Vjt_6sr5QFI/AAAAAAAAmxg/WY7_Ll-spJw/s1600-h/IMG_01104.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0110" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0110" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VMJaQQeepoQ/VjuAAR0cgOI/AAAAAAAAmxo/uhuFaNTm5yY/IMG_0110_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="202"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WIU_gIuuheE/VjuAIFYTTdI/AAAAAAAAmxw/zbqooRPzKvM/s1600-h/IMG_01134.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0113" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0113" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDIFWtvv5Q4/VjuAJfXS0FI/AAAAAAAAmx4/3gKFPJXnp9o/IMG_0113_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B7pvTG5ETLM/VjuAKuuwwEI/AAAAAAAAmx8/7N32oFxggaE/s1600-h/IMG_01234.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0123" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0123" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SN9V7otED8g/VjuALesFExI/AAAAAAAAmyI/maerl_Uow2Q/IMG_0123_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LbAK3SzbJfg/VjuASDMKosI/AAAAAAAAmyQ/O1UNs-2g9xE/s1600-h/IMG_01204.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0120" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0120" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SfNTqF59TPA/VjuATfS-jXI/AAAAAAAAmyY/mhsciQjfT4E/IMG_0120_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxNVcZtumv8/VjuAZlAlPqI/AAAAAAAAmyg/5BgOibw8CCA/s1600-h/IMG_01154.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0115" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0115" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kz48XtjwtFs/VjuAcbq0xNI/AAAAAAAAmyo/udEOI_1WDS4/IMG_0115_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The lock seems pretty quiet right now, but eventually a group of empty looking barges came by on their way upstream.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-omD28X6yOLU/VjuAfvnqlDI/AAAAAAAAmyw/_-6SxTaf6T4/s1600-h/IMG_24534.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2453" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2453" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bYkYXhNHAxM/VjuAl3rECLI/AAAAAAAAmy4/qwpIsDbBGlE/IMG_2453_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="220"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q32DV1qJgG8/VjuA1bfAUjI/AAAAAAAAmzA/9F6LkUekqB8/s1600-h/IMG_24554.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2455" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2455" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xHOLpOyfEU/VjuA8_b9yVI/AAAAAAAAmzI/D_yn6TIlcKE/IMG_2455_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="228"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-upKhsRBtU2M/VjuA_KHSRNI/AAAAAAAAmzQ/1XGrztMZ2dU/s1600-h/IMG_24565.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_2456" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2456" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CFV_5Zc15zY/VjuBAWSafVI/AAAAAAAAmzY/c2G5wwQBhXk/IMG_2456_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="455"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Lots of Native fishing platforms on both sides of the river, but none were in use.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYbhSIKi4eM/VjuBBf476YI/AAAAAAAAmzg/LsRcOgzMyrM/s1600-h/IMG_24575.jpg"><img title="IMG_2457" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2457" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xijTfc5c-4o/VjuBCUgS2lI/AAAAAAAAmzo/3eONGoPoRss/IMG_2457_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOUqVmF7tY4/VjuBEmPXJSI/AAAAAAAAmzw/fS0wkObeuW0/s1600-h/IMG_24584.jpg"><img title="IMG_2458" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2458" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IAbzDeEOUCk/VjuBHe49yfI/AAAAAAAAmz4/8Q6d98urumw/IMG_2458_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a></p> <p><font size="3">After this, we’ll be headed west through the scenic Columbia River Gorge area, then through Portland to the coast.</font></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-90122692053871996512015-11-02T16:08:00.000-08:002016-02-22T18:42:07.602-08:00On the Road for real this time–Headed South!<span style="font-size: small;">Once Hailey got all the mice on the home place trained again, there was not much reason to stick around. I finished all the aerial photo work that was available this fall, everyone who was going to visit had done so, and the good weather was not going to last forever.</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-azRmFhR_4/Vjf4TIbBpjI/AAAAAAAAmlk/ymqbUD6DFj0/s1600-h/IMG_23947.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2394" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orcQEjBdHwA/Vjf4Z1_uI0I/AAAAAAAAmls/32jHbuK55wc/IMG_2394_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" height="335" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2394" width="599" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">We were going to miss the many turkey suppers at local community halls, and a couple pieces of mail failed to arrive, but we may have saved a few turkeys, and the mail will still be there in the spring!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">At any rate, the ‘alarm cat’ got me up early in the morning, and by 2 pm we were on the road. It took a bit of time to drain the water lines, add some antifreeze to the drains, turn down the heat, plug in the back up electric heaters, drop the blinds, empty the fridge, but most of the stuff was already loaded in anticipation of such a departure.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iUlRO2MVuD8/Vjf4gihx-8I/AAAAAAAAml0/Ixc_pnBjUZs/s1600-h/IMG_24008.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_2400" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OBEQz32GJEc/Vjf4lNaBBaI/AAAAAAAAml8/9LDVxpjL-HQ/IMG_2400_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" height="249" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2400" width="596" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qnp2hN9Ja1Y/Vjf4sCXVRRI/AAAAAAAAmmE/yWcLWxbcH5s/s1600-h/IMG_23994.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qnp2hN9Ja1Y/Vjf4sCXVRRI/AAAAAAAAmmM/L3SCHDracH8/s1600-h/IMG_2399.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2399" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ueJAUUoM66E/Vjf47rFoRaI/AAAAAAAAmmY/Jza3OUc0vbU/IMG_2399_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="299" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2399" width="397" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Hailey didn’t have all her border crossing paper work in order, so we stopped at the vet on the way through town to get her shots. She has a very, very short fuse and you don’t want to be anywhere close to her when she loses her temper, so I have the vet waiting with loaded needle when I whisk her in. When the vet approached her with the stethoscope, I had to insist on the needle first; any other examination would be a bonus. After the needle, she did get to listen to a low growl with her stethoscope, but when she offered Hailey a treat, that was the last straw! I managed to get her back out to the parking lot without anyone bleeding, and she pulled me to the safety of the trailer sitting there!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After that we were on the road for real. Southbound to the trans-Canada highway, then west through Banff we went, before turning south through my old stomping grounds of Kootenay National Park. Nice to see a lot of wildlife fencing under construction, as well as numerous wildlife underpasses. That should provide some welcome relief to the wildlife mortalities on the highway. When I worked there, picking up the smashed remains of the park’s wildlife was a daily ritual – while the park did not seem to have the courage to ‘request’ some of the speeding drivers to defend their negligence before a judge. The way I saw it was that the reckless speeders should ‘contribute’ to building fences and overpasses!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">At this time of year a couple decades ago, there would have been herds of a hundred elk grazing roadside, as well as deer, moose and various predators. I didn’t see a thing. They might be closing the barn door after the stock have all escaped?</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It was dark by the time I was immersed in the soothing hot waters of Lussier Hot Springs, an 18 km gravel detour off the highway south of Fairmont. The springs suffered some damage last winter when an ice-jam clogged up the adjacent river, but BC Parks seems to have done a great job repairing any damage and improving the walkways and rock work. While enjoying the stars from the hot pools with a cool beverage in hand, I decided that the winter travel season had officially begun!</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lo76h7ybpWM/Vjf5BqTGqaI/AAAAAAAAmmg/26F6hkW_B10/s1600-h/IMG_50746.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5074" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kcUM26pp_hM/Vjf5H5sQKxI/AAAAAAAAmmo/pOaviM3-n6M/IMG_5074_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="794" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5074" width="596" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjTZrAXOfY0/Vjf5NSiYrJI/AAAAAAAAmmw/KihaEPTT0NQ/s1600-h/IMG_50735.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5073" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uDrT7_gqRwI/Vjf5RDToWkI/AAAAAAAAmm4/IlozJfoZ--k/IMG_5073_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="389" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5073" width="293" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1hBRv4v_cWU/Vjf5XDR_DSI/AAAAAAAAmnA/k1-IRGQuN7Y/s1600-h/IMG_50755.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_5075" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOlTUMFxS80/Vjf5ar8HasI/AAAAAAAAmnI/ehMvkxjjtVg/IMG_5075_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="394" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5075" width="296" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Next day, after another early morning dip and these photos, it was back out to the highway, an on southward through Cranbrook, and down to the US border. Got into a bit of a conversation with the customs officer about working in fire lookouts and flying UAV’s, but then another vehicle showed up behind me, and we had to cut it short. My kind of border crossing!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Since then, we’ve spent a couple of nights in the rain near Sandpoint, Idaho, with a nice view of the Pend Oreille river, and then on a south-westerly direction through Washington state. Only a few times has the sun peeked out, and the rain almost constant, but no snow or freezing temps, so I’m happy with that.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Continuing south-westward on I-90, then onto 395, we decided to have a look at the town of ‘Warden’, to the west. Just past there are many public fishing access points indicated off the road and we took one to a deserted spot on the south end of Warden Lake. Back on the road, we crossed the dam creating Potholes reservoir,</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PCC41zvUx5I/Vjf5fFwEauI/AAAAAAAAmnQ/s_nEWJ7e9jw/s1600-h/IMG_24066.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2406" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NtRtpbROWpI/Vjf5hzXO6FI/AAAAAAAAmnY/9V90izMfGNo/IMG_2406_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="221" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2406" width="293" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O8kkBLGZWEU/Vjf5oudp2JI/AAAAAAAAmng/JojwxFsQLWU/s1600-h/IMG_24115.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2411" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9k9hbzbUQE0/Vjf5ra1zGyI/AAAAAAAAmno/PcOso8lODEc/IMG_2411_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="222" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2411" width="295" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">then checked out Potholes SP.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5D7O15_ErM8/Vjf50J1xvNI/AAAAAAAAmnw/ex6C3IN89Lk/s1600-h/IMG_24155.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2415" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLymU5NnT0E/Vjf54VI9swI/AAAAAAAAmn4/JNUqxz7ap6I/IMG_2415_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2415" width="297" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OuOgjpcQxZk/Vjf6BG6MwlI/AAAAAAAAmoA/zKWHMuXwiYg/s1600-h/IMG_24144.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2414" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hdXm-uY75yY/Vjf6En4mP-I/AAAAAAAAmoI/kBskvhNgOk0/IMG_2414_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="226" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2414" width="300" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It seems like a very nice and well maintained park, with prices to match. Fall colours were out, and the sun came out as well!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5wC_rqViFz4/Vjf6MDISWFI/AAAAAAAAmoQ/LULPK0ZJ1Q0/s1600-h/IMG_24134.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2413" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yd6i7U0B_s0/Vjf6PPs5cQI/AAAAAAAAmoY/Gb4nD_jVPow/IMG_2413_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2413" width="298" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s8XxfmqjJAo/Vjf6Vh1q6zI/AAAAAAAAmog/6nNaIhcebDU/s1600-h/IMG_24124.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2412" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--SZLD8NhCuQ/Vjf6YYxkfMI/AAAAAAAAmoo/Jtk8M83zcAY/IMG_2412_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="225" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2412" width="299" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-psY1GkRGJ-g/Vjf6eU_7YGI/AAAAAAAAmow/omfxPB10WH8/s1600-h/IMG_24235.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2423" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sFwMLouPjjM/Vjf6hyTEceI/AAAAAAAAmo4/9lbjiW9yBp0/IMG_2423_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="452" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2423" width="601" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After that it was more of a zig-zag route down through Othello, then down and across the Columbia River – which is not that huge at this point, before it is joined by the Snake River.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vo1YhVUDorc/Vjf6nEKHbMI/AAAAAAAAmpA/4yHQdwbkzgA/s1600-h/IMG_24255.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2425" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-80SSQOMGxtY/Vjf6qiHjpbI/AAAAAAAAmpI/TZ6K50gVXNc/IMG_2425_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="449" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2425" width="597" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Shooting south across I-82, and down through Sunnyside, we saw a tiny sign in Bickleton, indicating the route to Roosevelt, down on the Columbia River proper. Good thing too, as the GPS wanted to plot a route there almost 4 hours longer!! Whomever designed the next section of road was clearly drunk or stoned, as it winds aimlessly back and forth across the open rangeland, with a 30mph curve at least every mile! Luckily there was no traffic to be seen, and the pavement was excellent. I have never seen as many wind turbines as here – there were hundreds, as far as the eye could see! And they had them all running full tilt, making it extremely windy as we approached the river <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rD7UqVLrNXI/Vjf6sldeTcI/AAAAAAAAmpQ/Ve2cGEuQ0tk/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" />.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvsmPekrspo/Vjf6wsSGV-I/AAAAAAAAmpY/TChfvnSSTf0/s1600-h/IMG_24395.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2439" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tzYKEXiNVLA/Vjf6zeKKZEI/AAAAAAAAmpg/slSbxul4E1E/IMG_2439_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="223" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2439" width="297" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-epbOM8_271w/Vjf64kLB1TI/AAAAAAAAmpo/t_mtPi_fPh0/s1600-h/IMG_24384.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2438" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6x19rzZaKOs/Vjf66yos7nI/AAAAAAAAmpw/NPGW4xK0Sv4/IMG_2438_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="222" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2438" width="294" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">That’s it for now. Oregon in sight!</span>Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-75470424622472959362015-10-26T14:54:00.000-07:002016-02-22T18:42:07.634-08:00Back to the Mainland<p><font size="3">After crossing Vancouver Island from Duncan to Port Renfrew, we carried on along the coast of the south end of the island through Jordan River and Sooke.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I checked out Belcher Bay and went for a short hike along the coast before finding a quiet spot on a nearby mountain for the night.</font></p> <p><font size="3">While three friends in the area were all out of town or unavailable, I did manage to get together with two lovely young ladies in Victoria for lunch as I was passing through.</font></p> <p><font size="3">About that time, I noticed that the calendar was still ticking the days off and it was getting closer and closer to the day when snow might start falling again around home. I also had a request for some more aerial photo work back in Alberta. So with that in mind we headed for the ferry …</font></p> <p><font size="3">In the tight passage between Galiano and Mayne islands we first met a tug with a barge load of gravel.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6eMgr7eVfJY/Vi6eeQjX11I/AAAAAAAAmgc/HG-I-Eyjyz8/s1600-h/IMG_0094%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0094" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0094" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b23Q9l4uEBM/Vi6ehB753eI/AAAAAAAAmgk/4SbVW0QECnA/IMG_0094_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v4bIgMVDTfg/Vi6emoacFXI/AAAAAAAAmgs/lvfOQkNMqvU/s1600-h/IMG_0097%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0097" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0097" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0eOARgicCA/Vi6epEREnJI/AAAAAAAAmg0/3pBjlRZhQx8/IMG_0097_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="202"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Then, another BC Ferry came into view right on a tight corner!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_KeydYBNjAQ/Vi6es-KTY1I/AAAAAAAAmg8/yQrVorqilXs/s1600-h/IMG_0101%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0101" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0101" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i_seo54OFVo/Vi6evZiUNcI/AAAAAAAAmhE/rgTctHhpHK0/IMG_0101_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WfMs0TxS4-k/Vi6ezPudt0I/AAAAAAAAmhM/1i-Vj-FO0PM/s1600-h/IMG_0102%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0102" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0102" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oDU4CIqtX1U/Vi6e2cZNSVI/AAAAAAAAmhU/RSaKjo3v47E/IMG_0102_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kAUUKRqMSXU/Vi6e6af20RI/AAAAAAAAmhc/aog9ibEZ1JQ/s1600-h/IMG_0103%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0103" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0103" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QUhfYwqO74/Vi6e9XOM1mI/AAAAAAAAmhk/yAGcvtVN5WY/IMG_0103_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="400"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">For a while there, it was headed right for us!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AG0uwJ4uKn4/Vi6fBu1BMGI/AAAAAAAAmhs/wDwha2tGZpQ/s1600-h/IMG_0104%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0104" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0104" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l24lkg4AK9c/Vi6fE4JO9DI/AAAAAAAAmh0/L7fSnGPKAfk/IMG_0104_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="402"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And then passed by us on the port side.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dLrX0IzdN6U/Vi6fINU1vdI/AAAAAAAAmh8/3m12R8CRFbY/s1600-h/IMG_0106%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0106" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0106" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M1wFkajPT1A/Vi6fLNlVMtI/AAAAAAAAmiE/CJLgEvUazhg/IMG_0106_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"> Once on land again, the GPS was ignored and we followed the signs (!) to the trans Canada Highway and headed east. Beyond Hope (the town that is), we took the less travelled route through Princeton, Hedley, and Keremeos. Traffic was light, the fall colours were out which made for a pleasant drive on a road that I realized I had not previously driven!</font></p> <p><font size="3">There were still a couple more ferry crossings to go in this trip – for a total of 12!</font></p> <p><font size="3">We got a front seat on this short ride across the southern end of Lower Arrow Lake.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nxPv4zYA-Es/Vi6fPxTE6cI/AAAAAAAAmiM/Eok48GjVqXs/s1600-h/IMG_50615.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5061" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5061" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kM5Bv95IGOU/Vi6fTUlQSoI/AAAAAAAAmiU/kp3bPuYijXM/IMG_5061_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="453"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">A quick side-trip to check out St. Leon hot springs was cut short because it appeared that it would be relatively crowded during the nice fall weather.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w__7YBW7lbM/Vi6faNte-yI/AAAAAAAAmic/dxd76iwAztE/s1600-h/IMG_50634.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5063" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5063" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3bigpGhvbCE/Vi6fe2ciqbI/AAAAAAAAmik/29qcMySoSRc/IMG_5063_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="452"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The final ferry ride, and 12th of the trip was across Upper Arrow Lake.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YXIm6y_xUfY/Vi6fjfSnIOI/AAAAAAAAmis/_jYlyArjI6k/s1600-h/IMG_50654.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_5065" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5065" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G4qAw8pTYLE/Vi6fm-Hc7YI/AAAAAAAAmi0/qMEbWmrOhiQ/IMG_5065_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="462"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The ‘fuel pirates’ were ripping people off with the fuel prices in Revelstoke. It was $1.15/L when I headed for the coast, and up to $1.20 on my return a few weeks later. Prices were not even that steep at the north end of Vancouver Island! By comparison, the price in Calgary was $.89, and around here it is still $.92/L I realize that BC has higher taxes, but that is ridiculous.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Once back home, it was time to unload and winterize the truck camper, and start gearing up the 5th wheel for the southward migration. My friend Don, from </font><a href="http://www.drivingmissdonna.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Driving Miss Donna</font></a><font size="3"> stopped by and gave me a hand taking the camper off and moving the propane heater over to the 5th..</font></p> <p><font size="3">The weather was remarkably warm and sunny for this time of year, and even though the leaves are all gone, there was time to get up in the neighbourhood and take some fall photos.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vdc-HBOF7tk/Vi6fuBk2wOI/AAAAAAAAmi8/Aw1diSE55IA/s1600-h/PA2007305.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA200730" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA200730" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XPiNj-KKCDI/Vi6fyXrfwmI/AAAAAAAAmjE/gol_KsJIrZc/PA200730_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="452"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5bwCwLm-u8/Vi6f49H_rAI/AAAAAAAAmjM/FYl1whNUbFw/s1600-h/PA2007255.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA200725" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA200725" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6w29E1oatg/Vi6f7uuXq3I/AAAAAAAAmjU/sKF38g_oBZ4/PA200725_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="216"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rTmh26oJj4Y/Vi6gDNC4usI/AAAAAAAAmjc/DuH4xML6lMQ/s1600-h/PA2007224.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA200722" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA200722" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_g_9Z2tmzI/Vi6gF-chQaI/AAAAAAAAmjk/h0yO9CcNvG8/PA200722_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="230"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SSUVBQA1-6E/Vi6gOdbQ3tI/AAAAAAAAmjs/vLA7t3HyIl4/s1600-h/PA2007194.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA200719" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA200719" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YuTvrbl5Ax4/Vi6gRc3mZHI/AAAAAAAAmj0/1GPzGFeEbhg/PA200719_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="218"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OIifkqUP5Xg/Vi6gasVmy2I/AAAAAAAAmj8/XYGoglz-W3s/s1600-h/PA2007174.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA200717" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA200717" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crN8tFuy4_g/Vi6geD3rqfI/AAAAAAAAmkE/60lxg1yhyFY/PA200717_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="230"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Gv7K34kFgk/Vi6gnerL4FI/AAAAAAAAmkM/osbgHkWesQM/s1600-h/PA2007165.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA200716" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA200716" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LzAVp6g5fdI/Vi6grnVtgXI/AAAAAAAAmkU/jsmr7BYmfMs/PA200716_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="457"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m9RDSXsOD60/Vi6gyst0A9I/AAAAAAAAmkc/jau_8kbnzno/s1600-h/PA2007125.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA200712" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA200712" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-57aRjafuNLk/Vi6g2q1vYHI/AAAAAAAAmkk/AWS18cHieAc/PA200712_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="611" height="459"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">As soon as the last photo job is out to the way, or at the sign of the first snowflake, you can bet we’ll be on the road south. In the meantime, Hailey is enjoying the time at home and keeping all the local mice well behaved. For the first time in quite a while, I guess you could say that the blog is right up to date!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gYOtKmY7pqo/Vi6g6bXbTsI/AAAAAAAAmks/BfU0qPRVAJI/s1600-h/CIMG7112%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="CIMG7112" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="CIMG7112" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6K3YrhT14Y/Vi6hBltSchI/AAAAAAAAmk0/33gfJAxMSeM/CIMG7112_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="456"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Meanwhile, south of the line …</font></p> <p><a href="http://wheelingit.us"><font size="3">Wheeling It</font></a><font size="3"> Nina & Paul have been in the Williams area, planning to visit the south rim of the Grand Canyon.</font></p> <p><a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/"><font size="3">Bayfield Bunch</font></a><font size="3"> are enroute from Ontario to Arizona, one Cracker Barrel at a time!</font></p> <p><a href="http://travelwithjeanskip.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Jean and Skip</font></a><font size="3"> have been checking out the Lake Havasu area</font></p> <p><a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Wandering Willy</font></a><font size="3"> is making his way down 395 in eastern California, perhaps with Death Valley in his sights.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Looking forward to seeing everyone down south this winter!</font></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-41085010548563014292015-10-24T14:15:00.001-07:002016-02-22T18:42:07.652-08:00Island Hopping<span style="font-size: small;">You can’t get much further north on Vancouver Island than Port McNeil and Port Hardy, so unless we wanted to take the Alaska ferry (next time?), there was no where else to go but head back to the south.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">So south it was, retracing our steps through Campbell River, Courtenay, then Nanaimo. A few stops for some Tim Horton’s coffee showed that most of those franchises in the area have smokin’ fast and free wi-fi, so we took full advantage – not having our satellite system along for this trip.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--buh19lCRtI/Vivbqi4RPWI/AAAAAAAAmXU/YqexgirhoMI/s1600-h/IMG_00745.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0074" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MMWS44ac7ic/VivbuzCihaI/AAAAAAAAmXc/-Oy7fwnc9wI/IMG_0074_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="408" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0074" width="609" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">As we headed southwards down the coast, our next stop involved more ferry rides. Friends live on Hornby Island which requires the use of two ferries each way. This would bring us to nine ferry crossings so far on this trip. We spent a couple days visiting, hiking, visiting a meadery, and attending a popular show at the local community centre.</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C84I-JcmwTE/VivbytT84uI/AAAAAAAAmXk/EXUKDzZK8os/s1600-h/PA0206695.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PA020669" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j50YJUGKPn8/Vivb044wHyI/AAAAAAAAmXs/AsQv29G_R1c/PA020669_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PA020669" width="604" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">From there it was down to Qualicum Beach to meet up with another friend who is now retired and has written a book. This book is about his life growing up in Jasper National Park, and then becoming a Park Warden, and we worked together in the park.</span><br /><a href="http://robkaye.ca/"><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://robkaye.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/born-to-the-wild_front_72.jpg?w=432&h=648" height="273" width="182" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I picked him up and we headed for the west coast at Tofino, where we met up with a group of former park wardens and present staff from Jasper and the coast. A good time was had by all.</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxMgKyqnv9s/VivdGN0Dv7I/AAAAAAAAmX4/NNC47VDNj68/s1600-h/IMG_00045.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5QcTzFLrQoo/VivdINrIsAI/AAAAAAAAmYA/nDBUXFJHC9Q/IMG_0004_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="407" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0004" width="608" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQxnXB2kbCY/VivdNiHpyAI/AAAAAAAAmYI/8OCnOYhQkNE/s1600-h/IMG_00026.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3wi0a2uGq4/VivdQ24PoNI/AAAAAAAAmYQ/4s2oewAb1dQ/IMG_0002_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" height="324" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0002" width="608" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Another stop was made in the Duncan area, to visit yet another former park warden and his wife from Jasper, along with their many dogs, cats, ducks and cows!</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQN4h-EfBQg/VivxAOabfuI/AAAAAAAAmdI/mJYsL9FoVko/s1600-h/IMG_99942.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9g11vjXCWoI/VivdUm7dSKI/AAAAAAAAmdU/FwphTzykZ6A/s1600-h/IMG_999211.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9g11vjXCWoI/VivdUm7dSKI/AAAAAAAAmdg/nY-igWCOOLs/s1600-h/IMG_99922.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_9992" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LrQmWwt3mCY/VivdaSqp_5I/AAAAAAAAmY0/Fgr6V8wqBmw/IMG_9992_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="409" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9992" width="611" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQN4h-EfBQg/VivxAOabfuI/AAAAAAAAmds/AVBf9W5pjWg/s1600-h/IMG_99944.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_9994" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gcZVzyFrEP0/VivdgMlGDBI/AAAAAAAAmZI/80DrBU5OI3o/IMG_9994_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="408" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9994" width="610" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Other common island wildlife!</span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFPuPZ-9U6k/VivdhFL515I/AAAAAAAAmZQ/S89Qw4xhJSg/s1600-h/IMG_00721%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0072" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8jKZe1vKHc/Vivdi7oXNOI/AAAAAAAAmZY/EXO_MBUbpV8/IMG_0072_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" height="236" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0072" width="608" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And of course, the wildlife that travels with me!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O2mZsISA2gg/VivdpOqazdI/AAAAAAAAmZg/fy80bEPAJxw/s1600-h/IMG_99791.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_9979" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jUGSjPxXZyI/VivdsWgePAI/AAAAAAAAmZo/A2Cz9q-Rk8A/IMG_9979_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="211" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9979" width="314" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wolrLMb96gE/VivduOP1ERI/AAAAAAAAmZw/fs40j0aJ7CI/s1600-h/IMG_4910.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_4910" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IvzB8k8YKgk/VivdvE_5kHI/AAAAAAAAmZ4/FiMi0-Dk7U8/IMG_4910_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="209" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4910" width="277" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G-O2OetsPew/VivdxzYuFFI/AAAAAAAAmaA/asaVVYMvQoE/s1600-h/IMG_49093.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_4909" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_KESv7Q3ZY/Vivd3cnNgZI/AAAAAAAAmaI/zd6bQIchGi4/IMG_4909_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" height="223" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4909" width="329" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDNiZm8OAgQ/VivxtwnnOXI/AAAAAAAAmcc/GTzhPfB2Nvk/s1600-h/IMG_49032.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_4903" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tlIeCFItiOk/Vivxu9PBKVI/AAAAAAAAmck/XstWNmMhNaI/IMG_4903_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" height="249" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4903" width="262" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">From Duncan, on the east coast of Vancouver Island, we cut across to the west side to Port Renfrew. The road is now paved all the way. An exploration of another logging road along the way turned up another secluded camp spot with a view.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmrDxEULQTw/Vivxvv1ei5I/AAAAAAAAmcs/c6pQOXzsxCo/s1600-h/PA1306835.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PA130683" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SMCWHRjU8MM/Vivxyaha-cI/AAAAAAAAmc0/ufuLF_bm_Ws/PA130683_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PA130683" width="297" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WB4mxaE1yj0/Vivx0aHcAdI/AAAAAAAAmc8/-uIM2EzScgU/s1600-h/PA1306824.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PA130682" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWAqleuwyuc/Viv0M8S2w6I/AAAAAAAAmd4/sim5yafggCc/PA130682_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="225" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PA130682" width="299" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPEA6CkyfIw/Viv0SrXRARI/AAAAAAAAmeA/TuLpOUDSvaE/s1600-h/PA1306815.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PA130681" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBX8kflSkuw/Viv0UrFJ7ZI/AAAAAAAAmeI/gn-zwt8UhEg/PA130681_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="454" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PA130681" width="604" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pd50Hiq-v58/Viv0XEfM1_I/AAAAAAAAmeQ/BgE6YetzroU/s1600-h/PA1306795.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="PA130679" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4UI2i-FyVzY/Viv0Y2EB3tI/AAAAAAAAmeY/5daxYUodvhA/PA130679_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="457" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PA130679" width="608" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small;">In the morning, the mist in the trees lent itself to some more photos at Fairy lake.</span><br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fsjrK_-ycJM/Viv0cxIvL2I/AAAAAAAAmeg/ttKrSJ4yxZM/s1600-h/IMG_00874.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0087" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aqB2bFK65oY/Viv0du-phDI/AAAAAAAAmeo/BpS4f98SkIw/IMG_0087_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="408" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0087" width="610" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0_gkU1i-CU/Viv0iDFviuI/AAAAAAAAmew/YUZ7-84PWrY/s1600-h/IMG_00927.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0092" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLdvN4ajUFk/Viv0i_eVgOI/AAAAAAAAme0/T7kwksXPx8g/IMG_0092_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" height="272" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0092" width="183" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1m-L2OifYTY/Viv0lOo7pGI/AAAAAAAAmfA/LD8OMtV52zg/s1600-h/IMG_00905.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0090" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EYK8Ti8hdcQ/Viv0mt9KgAI/AAAAAAAAmfI/BrlsStZmW9o/IMG_0090_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="273" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0090" width="408" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vJtQNlPmGo/Viv0oTcy2FI/AAAAAAAAmfQ/8meqEEzNzvA/s1600-h/IMG_00896.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0089" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--izZoO4h4S0/Viv0pCFuNtI/AAAAAAAAmfY/mKTrFAg2Zao/IMG_0089_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="272" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0089" width="183" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhFqSCruvzU/Viv0stWFfaI/AAAAAAAAmfg/vHkPhUJEvwg/s1600-h/IMG_00885.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0088" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGqh4ywp2Yg/Viv0vrqDJrI/AAAAAAAAmfo/KCekdNGJvVM/IMG_0088_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="277" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0088" width="414" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZDXaavEC5Fg/Viv01dEcm1I/AAAAAAAAmfw/LvNOuyxMmpE/s1600-h/IMG_00935.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0093" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lbbs9paiQzU/Viv037BNciI/AAAAAAAAmf4/J241cg-VaYg/IMG_0093_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="399" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0093" width="596" /></span></a><br />As soon as we get home, it will be time to winterize this camper, then load up the 5th wheel to head for the south country. Many others have a good head start on my including stealth blogger <a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wandering Willy</a>, <a href="http://travelwithjeanskip.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Jean & Skip</a>, and by the time you read this, the <a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/" target="_blank">Bayfield Bunch</a> should be across the line making their way to the south-west!Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-85860770498069355302015-10-24T14:15:00.000-07:002015-10-24T23:30:40.677-07:00Island Hopping<p><font size="3">You can’t get much further north on Vancouver Island than Port McNeil and Port Hardy, so unless we wanted to take the Alaska ferry (next time?), there was no where else to go but head back to the south.</font></p> <p><font size="3">So south it was, retracing our steps through Campbell River, Courtenay, then Nanaimo. A few stops for some Tim Horton’s coffee showed that most of those franchises in the area have smokin’ fast and free wi-fi, so we took full advantage – not having our satellite system along for this trip.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--buh19lCRtI/Vivbqi4RPWI/AAAAAAAAmXU/YqexgirhoMI/s1600-h/IMG_00745.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0074" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0074" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MMWS44ac7ic/VivbuzCihaI/AAAAAAAAmXc/-Oy7fwnc9wI/IMG_0074_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="408"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">As we headed southwards down the coast, our next stop involved more ferry rides. Friends live on Hornby Island which requires the use of two ferries each way. This would bring us to nine ferry crossings so far on this trip. We spent a couple days visiting, hiking, visiting a meadery, and attending a popular show at the local community centre.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C84I-JcmwTE/VivbytT84uI/AAAAAAAAmXk/EXUKDzZK8os/s1600-h/PA0206695.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA020669" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA020669" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j50YJUGKPn8/Vivb044wHyI/AAAAAAAAmXs/AsQv29G_R1c/PA020669_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">From there it was down to Qualicum Beach to meet up with another friend who is now retired and has written a book. This book is about his life growing up in Jasper National Park, and then becoming a Park Warden, and we worked together in the park.</font></p> <p><a href="http://robkaye.ca/"><font size="3"><img src="http://robkaye.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/born-to-the-wild_front_72.jpg?w=432&h=648" width="182" height="273"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I picked him up and we headed for the west coast at Tofino, where we met up with a group of former park wardens and present staff from Jasper and the coast. A good time was had by all.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxMgKyqnv9s/VivdGN0Dv7I/AAAAAAAAmX4/NNC47VDNj68/s1600-h/IMG_00045.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5QcTzFLrQoo/VivdINrIsAI/AAAAAAAAmYA/nDBUXFJHC9Q/IMG_0004_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="407"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQxnXB2kbCY/VivdNiHpyAI/AAAAAAAAmYI/8OCnOYhQkNE/s1600-h/IMG_00026.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3wi0a2uGq4/VivdQ24PoNI/AAAAAAAAmYQ/4s2oewAb1dQ/IMG_0002_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="324"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Another stop was made in the Duncan area, to visit yet another former park warden and his wife from Jasper, along with their many dogs, cats, ducks and cows!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQN4h-EfBQg/VivxAOabfuI/AAAAAAAAmdI/mJYsL9FoVko/s1600-h/IMG_99942.jpg"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9g11vjXCWoI/VivdUm7dSKI/AAAAAAAAmdU/FwphTzykZ6A/s1600-h/IMG_999211.jpg"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9g11vjXCWoI/VivdUm7dSKI/AAAAAAAAmdg/nY-igWCOOLs/s1600-h/IMG_99922.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9992" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9992" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LrQmWwt3mCY/VivdaSqp_5I/AAAAAAAAmY0/Fgr6V8wqBmw/IMG_9992_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="611" height="409"></font></a></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQN4h-EfBQg/VivxAOabfuI/AAAAAAAAmds/AVBf9W5pjWg/s1600-h/IMG_99944.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9994" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9994" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gcZVzyFrEP0/VivdgMlGDBI/AAAAAAAAmZI/80DrBU5OI3o/IMG_9994_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="408"></font></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">Other common island wildlife!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFPuPZ-9U6k/VivdhFL515I/AAAAAAAAmZQ/S89Qw4xhJSg/s1600-h/IMG_00721%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0072" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0072" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8jKZe1vKHc/Vivdi7oXNOI/AAAAAAAAmZY/EXO_MBUbpV8/IMG_0072_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="236"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And of course, the wildlife that travels with me!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O2mZsISA2gg/VivdpOqazdI/AAAAAAAAmZg/fy80bEPAJxw/s1600-h/IMG_99791.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9979" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9979" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jUGSjPxXZyI/VivdsWgePAI/AAAAAAAAmZo/A2Cz9q-Rk8A/IMG_9979_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="211"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wolrLMb96gE/VivduOP1ERI/AAAAAAAAmZw/fs40j0aJ7CI/s1600-h/IMG_4910.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4910" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4910" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IvzB8k8YKgk/VivdvE_5kHI/AAAAAAAAmZ4/FiMi0-Dk7U8/IMG_4910_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="209"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G-O2OetsPew/VivdxzYuFFI/AAAAAAAAmaA/asaVVYMvQoE/s1600-h/IMG_49093.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4909" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4909" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_KESv7Q3ZY/Vivd3cnNgZI/AAAAAAAAmaI/zd6bQIchGi4/IMG_4909_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="223"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDNiZm8OAgQ/VivxtwnnOXI/AAAAAAAAmcc/GTzhPfB2Nvk/s1600-h/IMG_49032.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4903" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4903" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tlIeCFItiOk/Vivxu9PBKVI/AAAAAAAAmck/XstWNmMhNaI/IMG_4903_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="249"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">From Duncan, on the east coast of Vancouver Island, we cut across to the west side to Port Renfrew. The road is now paved all the way. An exploration of another logging road along the way turned up another secluded camp spot with a view.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmrDxEULQTw/Vivxvv1ei5I/AAAAAAAAmcs/c6pQOXzsxCo/s1600-h/PA1306835.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA130683" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA130683" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SMCWHRjU8MM/Vivxyaha-cI/AAAAAAAAmc0/ufuLF_bm_Ws/PA130683_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WB4mxaE1yj0/Vivx0aHcAdI/AAAAAAAAmc8/-uIM2EzScgU/s1600-h/PA1306824.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA130682" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA130682" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWAqleuwyuc/Viv0M8S2w6I/AAAAAAAAmd4/sim5yafggCc/PA130682_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="225"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPEA6CkyfIw/Viv0SrXRARI/AAAAAAAAmeA/TuLpOUDSvaE/s1600-h/PA1306815.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA130681" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA130681" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBX8kflSkuw/Viv0UrFJ7ZI/AAAAAAAAmeI/gn-zwt8UhEg/PA130681_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pd50Hiq-v58/Viv0XEfM1_I/AAAAAAAAmeQ/BgE6YetzroU/s1600-h/PA1306795.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="PA130679" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PA130679" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4UI2i-FyVzY/Viv0Y2EB3tI/AAAAAAAAmeY/5daxYUodvhA/PA130679_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="457"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">In the morning, the mist in the trees lent itself to some more photos at Fairy lake.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fsjrK_-ycJM/Viv0cxIvL2I/AAAAAAAAmeg/ttKrSJ4yxZM/s1600-h/IMG_00874.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0087" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0087" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aqB2bFK65oY/Viv0du-phDI/AAAAAAAAmeo/BpS4f98SkIw/IMG_0087_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="408"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0_gkU1i-CU/Viv0iDFviuI/AAAAAAAAmew/YUZ7-84PWrY/s1600-h/IMG_00927.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0092" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0092" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLdvN4ajUFk/Viv0i_eVgOI/AAAAAAAAme0/T7kwksXPx8g/IMG_0092_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="272"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1m-L2OifYTY/Viv0lOo7pGI/AAAAAAAAmfA/LD8OMtV52zg/s1600-h/IMG_00905.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0090" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0090" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EYK8Ti8hdcQ/Viv0mt9KgAI/AAAAAAAAmfI/BrlsStZmW9o/IMG_0090_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="273"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vJtQNlPmGo/Viv0oTcy2FI/AAAAAAAAmfQ/8meqEEzNzvA/s1600-h/IMG_00896.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0089" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0089" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--izZoO4h4S0/Viv0pCFuNtI/AAAAAAAAmfY/mKTrFAg2Zao/IMG_0089_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="272"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhFqSCruvzU/Viv0stWFfaI/AAAAAAAAmfg/vHkPhUJEvwg/s1600-h/IMG_00885.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0088" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0088" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGqh4ywp2Yg/Viv0vrqDJrI/AAAAAAAAmfo/KCekdNGJvVM/IMG_0088_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZDXaavEC5Fg/Viv01dEcm1I/AAAAAAAAmfw/LvNOuyxMmpE/s1600-h/IMG_00935.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0093" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0093" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lbbs9paiQzU/Viv037BNciI/AAAAAAAAmf4/J241cg-VaYg/IMG_0093_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="399"></font></a></p> <p>As soon as we get home, it will be time to winterize this camper, then load up the 5th wheel to head for the south country. Many others have a good head start on my including stealth blogger <a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wandering Willy</a>, <a href="http://travelwithjeanskip.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Jean & Skip</a>, and by the time you read this, the <a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/" target="_blank">Bayfield Bunch</a> should be across the line making their way to the south-west!</p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-66029368722248297792015-10-21T08:39:00.000-07:002015-10-24T23:30:40.715-07:00North Island<p><font size="3">After some lucky Humpback whale sightings, and wading a salmon stream and counting the spawners in mid Vancouver Island we headed further north on the island highway.</font></p> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/s9J16V2a4rU"><img title="Salmon_8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Salmon_8" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Jtu6oumPKM/ViewXEKWwhI/AAAAAAAAmOk/_G6p2BGQb8M/Salmon_8%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="593" height="335"></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@50.2458633,-126.6777502,3a,75y,176.39h,93.24t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-4XgKS_ewjv4%2FVg7QFzTPncI%2FAAAAAAAAl9g%2FhukGvbPDSGY!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-4XgKS_ewjv4%2FVg7QFzTPncI%2FAAAAAAAAl9g%2FhukGvbPDSGY%2Fw203-h101-n-k-no%2F!7i7680!8i3840"><font color="#333333" size="1"><a title="https://youtu.be/s9J16V2a4rU" href="https://youtu.be/s9J16V2a4rU">Video from previous salmon stream survey</a></font></a></p> <p><font color="#333333" size="3"><a href="https://youtu.be/s9J16V2a4rU">https://youtu.be/s9J16V2a4rU</a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Late afternoon was the time to start scouting out overnight camping spots. I found this one on a logging road just past the community of Woss. It also was the access road to the Woss fire lookout! There was a nice wide spot in the road with a good view, so we took advantage. I crawled up on the roof of the camper and took this photosphere – which provides a 360 view including up and down, and you can zoom in on any part of the photo!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Photosphere</font></p> <p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@50.2458633,-126.6777502,3a,75y,176.39h,93.24t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-4XgKS_ewjv4%2FVg7QFzTPncI%2FAAAAAAAAl9g%2FhukGvbPDSGY!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-4XgKS_ewjv4%2FVg7QFzTPncI%2FAAAAAAAAl9g%2FhukGvbPDSGY%2Fw203-h101-n-k-no%2F!7i7680!8i3840"><font size="3"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--JM0TEo86hc/ViewZEhjl2I/AAAAAAAAmOs/bq-wjvNzlWU/image4.png?imgmax=800" width="608" height="319"></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--zQIc295YBY/Viewbjzr79I/AAAAAAAAmO0/GYL4RxYlpXQ/s1600-h/P92906645.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290664" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290664" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A7TBIhOUQ5E/Viewc8Wt8xI/AAAAAAAAmO8/wa1nrz0ZHNE/P9290664_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="215"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nCc1n9AJhmg/VieweWds5FI/AAAAAAAAmPE/qo8-gO3_UU8/s1600-h/P92906634.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290663" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290663" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zuaST91oyPY/ViewfeBu6gI/AAAAAAAAmPI/94LbQ08JD3Q/P9290663_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">It wasn’t quite flat, but we took care of that problem with a strategic rock placement.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNIGJwFMmAM/ViewgrlL81I/AAAAAAAAmPU/IVjkoarY4BQ/s1600-h/IMG_49175.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4917" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4917" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N95yxTLAqVg/ViewhTfWxFI/AAAAAAAAmPc/FNp_2viW1Bg/IMG_4917_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="280"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oj-NGDL7P04/Viewje9lK8I/AAAAAAAAmPk/3HZlIaFNMtA/s1600-h/P92906625.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290662" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290662" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TmJXMtGg9ZU/ViewkVs9OxI/AAAAAAAAmPs/CmDzNo72atk/P9290662_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="288"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The helicopter was sent up to have a look around.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kSOT1O1NX8/ViewmAGFnzI/AAAAAAAAmP0/rz-qikd80rU/s1600-h/P92906614.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290661" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290661" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OeFoU0YyIxY/ViewnGcZGGI/AAAAAAAAmP8/J9CyOp87ZWw/P9290661_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKRNM-pVzv8/ViewpPf6ZgI/AAAAAAAAmQE/wPGatbeG8Yk/s1600-h/P92906584.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290658" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290658" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3s7_AeRBCz8/ViewqIAL5rI/AAAAAAAAmQM/0I0Eu4_d6fo/P9290658_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="222"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZHf6T1I9v40/Viewry_1aTI/AAAAAAAAmQU/1qVEIorL6Lw/s1600-h/P92906575.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290657" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290657" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5sPEuAPdSk/ViewtMarR5I/AAAAAAAAmQc/dRCCAi9I4io/P9290657_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="450"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQKcNGx_ETc/ViewuzNzXAI/AAAAAAAAmQk/R4JB9-WOrgI/s1600-h/P92906555.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290655" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290655" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hXasKAKKXyo/Viewv2SN3JI/AAAAAAAAmQo/2YODrmVIir8/P9290655_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="226"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJjf2ybHC8M/ViewxkWxYEI/AAAAAAAAmQ0/0gKXQpe1rr4/s1600-h/P92906545.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290654" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290654" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1TqQhO_Lqss/ViewyaqkssI/AAAAAAAAmQ4/PgAETX3sPx8/P9290654_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="222"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There was lots of firewood available from the surrounding cutovers, so the first fire of the trip was in order that evening.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vi6mYY_dObc/View0B6ddmI/AAAAAAAAmRE/1kKOjmCP2Ls/s1600-h/P92906515.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290651" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290651" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMwwZ8Q-mYc/View1Km9GMI/AAAAAAAAmRM/yTC0C39rhq0/P9290651_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="286"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oPG05Jt5w94/View2c6geOI/AAAAAAAAmRU/Bb0X_klBDAU/s1600-h/IMG_49205.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4920" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4920" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcA8xl4XtDo/View3f7fBmI/AAAAAAAAmRY/d8pcoFAuDPY/IMG_4920_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="286"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">A morning hike up to the fire lookout was scrubbed due to thick fog that blanketed the area.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Instead we hit the road further north to Port McNeil, then took another ferry ride across to Malcolm Island, a short distance north. Fog was still thick and the ferry was moving slowly and constantly sounding it’s horn. A nice little primitive camp site on the north shore had only one other camper, and there were no fees at this time of year. A short hiking trail down the shore leads to a beach where Orcas are known to rub themselves on the smooth gravel, but none were seen in my several days there.</font></p> <p><font size="3">A bald eagle ignored me as a hiked the beach beneath him, and there were lots of diving ducks offshore and lots of floating driftwood. When we arrived, the mist drifting off the bay was so thick that the trees above us were dripping, though it had not rained.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mrC4qBTwSCs/View7rjyA7I/AAAAAAAAmRk/AsRokH9JD4Y/s1600-h/image8.png"><font size="3"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ca7oZBJtoqg/View8_znXoI/AAAAAAAAmRs/nyakOKy80AE/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="267" height="248"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2OiSOG_oscw/View-NAkubI/AAAAAAAAmR0/TxRG8-gV-DA/s1600-h/IMG_49834.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4983" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4983" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-asplzeY9m8U/View_Ebla3I/AAAAAAAAmR8/DZ99_e7iZTg/IMG_4983_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="247"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hiking was possible both on the beach, and on a shoreline trail.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S82qnvg0m0I/ViexAQOXLWI/AAAAAAAAmSE/2CtZjt4jwds/s1600-h/IMG_49378.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4937" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4937" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EuhBNdpH4PM/ViexBaw0-9I/AAAAAAAAmSM/kHDBIryVkS4/IMG_4937_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="462"></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ge8jhtuREM/ViexCsacTLI/AAAAAAAAmSU/sb3KgZIVpHg/s1600-h/IMG_49856.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4985" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4985" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bkTEKk7hGpo/ViexDUk1jaI/AAAAAAAAmSc/1o3bUxxVzQE/IMG_4985_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="215" height="285"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JpmSXV1dVTk/ViexEzAVG7I/AAAAAAAAmSk/xTUYbrrkgAs/s1600-h/IMG_49826.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4982" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4982" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZjlTxZZRiQ/ViexF5qx0AI/AAAAAAAAmSo/Qd5hE5c7C50/IMG_4982_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="283"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1uqKrvQtqTs/ViexHQo3E8I/AAAAAAAAmS0/-A5W56mTqao/s1600-h/IMG_49814.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4981" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4981" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yF5fus--sGo/ViexIGcb9_I/AAAAAAAAmS8/0tJu18rBVBQ/IMG_4981_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8JAApbhBYI/ViexJtVIA6I/AAAAAAAAmTE/bl7CZC49Ae4/s1600-h/IMG_49804.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4980" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4980" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V93qohMDONE/ViexKfhCSNI/AAAAAAAAmTM/gYbtpQFrKr8/IMG_4980_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="224"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sAT3n-xPGw4/ViexMeELlAI/AAAAAAAAmTU/MXST9KGPwF4/s1600-h/IMG_00675.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0067" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0067" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpKVa_zzXfU/ViexNeadaTI/AAAAAAAAmTc/P6LxlZJ1TPA/IMG_0067_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="402"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ur5m4A16dMg/ViexOTHh0LI/AAAAAAAAmTk/fiIStFZ7Q0M/s1600-h/IMG_00654.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0065" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0065" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ise1HjirOoE/ViexPPHgnzI/AAAAAAAAmTs/OC5IDMRVjVA/IMG_0065_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="212"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wKFBdxxxKCs/ViexQCKq-rI/AAAAAAAAmT0/RUQCK1BFrbI/s1600-h/IMG_49464.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4946" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4946" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ippRr8Lj5E4/ViexQ1idGAI/AAAAAAAAmT8/N7SScVDL0OU/IMG_4946_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="210"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--xarzTQNF_w/ViexSOS0FbI/AAAAAAAAmUE/ySo6nktyViE/s1600-h/IMG_49445.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4944" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4944" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpmkcXSQXzE/ViexTI2En6I/AAAAAAAAmUM/MxZgm6vnTUs/IMG_4944_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="283"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zmdi5ubQ-YE/ViexUStnm1I/AAAAAAAAmUU/3JPjF1sJtPY/s1600-h/IMG_49425.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4942" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4942" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qgoFQsxUYpI/ViexVAHy_nI/AAAAAAAAmUc/7RZJ1QcckxE/IMG_4942_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" height="291"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hailey was impressed with the size of the trees as she contemplated climbing some of them!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nIR0PHomyV8/ViexWPpVX_I/AAAAAAAAmUk/z5tlR5MaFt0/s1600-h/IMG_49407.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4940" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4940" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CUJ9k_6xnwU/ViexW-KUJdI/AAAAAAAAmUo/BX9oot0_bcw/IMG_4940_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="328"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iQwOySvrXFA/ViexYxZ_rAI/AAAAAAAAmU0/kTeJTkEsUKk/s1600-h/image13.png"><font size="3"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s-n-umdtnqw/ViexaDG6ydI/AAAAAAAAmU8/zN_qz6CcfR0/image_thumb6.png?imgmax=800" width="349" height="337"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UPzFITdoP4I/ViexbbL3btI/AAAAAAAAmVE/B8gpIVaAuvg/s1600-h/IMG_49395.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UPzFITdoP4I/ViexbbL3btI/AAAAAAAAmVM/OvQQR_MT5rk/s1600-h/IMG_49397.jpg"><img title="IMG_4939" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4939" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RuGQQCEPcG4/ViexefLeLqI/AAAAAAAAmVY/9fKbDH1wKLw/IMG_4939_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="292"></a></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lkBZxfMkaxE/ViexfpH3axI/AAAAAAAAmVg/00yJDX2YX8w/s1600-h/IMG_49364.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lkBZxfMkaxE/ViexfpH3axI/AAAAAAAAmVo/VBWTk3RxYdg/s1600-h/IMG_49365.jpg"><img title="IMG_4936" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4936" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eppD2lwaruw/Viexi32Cg1I/AAAAAAAAmV0/HgkNWiR0yUk/IMG_4936_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The federal election was well underway, but this enthusiastic supporter had posted his sign well down a treed walkway, and hidden by his parked car! I had to stop on the road to get a glimpse of it!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QclUKlRYDoM/Viexjm7Jm9I/AAAAAAAAmV8/PiBtxbJXHTs/s1600-h/IMG_498818.jpg"><img title="IMG_4988" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4988" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2I1OJc7czto/ViexkmaPtGI/AAAAAAAAmWE/eTvoaaCoNiI/IMG_4988_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="617"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Some serious artistic talent was on display as we made our way back to catch the ferry.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XecVI0smzZ0/ViexlyAMTgI/AAAAAAAAmWM/AO5Jd0RbR9Q/s1600-h/IMG_49895.jpg"><img title="IMG_4989" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4989" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BTcSNyfFIzQ/ViexmyssabI/AAAAAAAAmWU/X-2bwUqZ4eY/IMG_4989_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="452"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xkGHiNOrbkI/ViexoWVu1PI/AAAAAAAAmWg/k-aJapDnf-c/s1600-h/IMG_49906.jpg"><img title="IMG_4990" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4990" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NHI_VqLLf-U/ViexpU9_I5I/AAAAAAAAmWo/Fye6PO9zGMc/IMG_4990_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="348"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XeZ26pmQFkg/ViexqW9O0TI/AAAAAAAAmWw/BHeD5SCK6PA/s1600-h/IMG_49279.jpg"><img title="IMG_4927" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4927" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQ1UrLv9gd0/ViexrgggOLI/AAAAAAAAmW4/J0D6BwbUKkA/IMG_4927_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="348"></a></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-38721867023696047752015-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:002015-10-24T23:30:40.751-07:00Something’s Fishy on the island.<p><font size="3">Our time in the Powell River area of the BC coast was not to be as long as planned.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Something fishy was going on over on Vancouver Island, and we wanted to check it out ourselves. Some things are always fishy on the island, but this is the fall season when the salmon are running!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--P8ATLzxLZI/VhwNnc8P3iI/AAAAAAAAmFg/jinX4bCJDos/s1600-h/Salmon_8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Salmon_8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Salmon_8" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kAy6ai_qkBo/VhwNofeBupI/AAAAAAAAmFo/-jDJ2ZHMhSk/Salmon_8_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="340"></font></a><font size="3">And we wanted to take advantage of an opportunity to assist in a count of Pink Salmon spawning in the Tsolum river. A friend and fellow former Park Warden was involved in the count, and invited me along. The friends also provided a good spot to camp for a couple nights and some island hospitality.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0jUiHVtvFog/VhwNpJPn4BI/AAAAAAAAmFw/rb0FBafiui8/s1600-h/Salmon_4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Salmon_4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Salmon_4" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V3kNblZjBIo/VhwNp8o1uUI/AAAAAAAAmF4/4WZaHxHpQz8/Salmon_4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="341"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We headed out in the morning and met others at the designated location, donned chest waders, acquired long sturdy walking sticks, and began to slosh our way down the designated section of the river, noting carefully the numbers of spawning and dead fish along the way.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rBEWph5ZXs4/VhwNqwq3LyI/AAAAAAAAmGA/ydg6fsnSym8/s1600-h/Angela2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Angela2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Angela2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c6pvuZ1VuJs/VhwNrS6BS1I/AAAAAAAAmGI/qh9OI3CIMKI/Angela2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="167"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XFYXpP9XNTE/VhwNsKKYwyI/AAAAAAAAmGQ/YHx6_gdoMD0/s1600-h/Salmon_7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Salmon_7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Salmon_7" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pfrC1pghLxw/VhwNs03nnSI/AAAAAAAAmGY/8-27MKsu6pc/Salmon_7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="170"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I also had my trusty GoPro camera mounted on the end of a small walking stick and used it to get some good close up footage of the fishy subjects.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aukOm0s8F7M/VhwNtuPOcoI/AAAAAAAAmGg/aE89RLmKAzY/s1600-h/Salmon_6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Salmon_6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Salmon_6" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uteezSnkpb4/VhwNuXXmUwI/AAAAAAAAmGo/krO4w427Plw/Salmon_6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="166"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsCHvA6KDaA/VhwNvxKyYGI/AAAAAAAAmGw/arCXt0EKaMM/s1600-h/Salmon_5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Salmon_5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Salmon_5" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NhdCwTPGf7Y/VhwNwimfdvI/AAAAAAAAmG4/jv4v7c5sI8A/Salmon_5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="166"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">A rather large black bear was also fishing in the area, and started to follow us downstream. Then he caught sight of us and rapidly retreated into the bushes until we were clear of his dining room!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OhOIcqDVbTs/VhwNxSsdmvI/AAAAAAAAmHA/hv9y04-yV7w/s1600-h/Salmon_3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Salmon_3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Salmon_3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GIkgyx4ZAro/VhwNyPLf7qI/AAAAAAAAmHE/phMmk00evj8/Salmon_3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="347"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">From there, our wandering route took us northward on the island through Campbell River, and eventually we pulled off the main route north to have a look at the coastal community of Sayward. Clearly logging is a major industry in the area, and this was evident on the waterfront. Countless log booms were floating in the harbour area, and I thought I could see where the logs were being removed from the water to continue their journey to the mill on truck or train. But it was not long before I realized that the opposite was in fact occurring. Logs were arriving on the waterfront on trucks, which were unloaded, sorted, tied, then dumped into the water and formed into log booms to be moved by boat.</font></p> <p><font size="3">A huge loader would pick an entire load from a semi truck in one lift!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J3NYPGjXBx4/VhwNzRWnUQI/AAAAAAAAmHQ/OZECC2T0-TA/s1600-h/IMG_0043%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0043" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0043" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QwYM3IXBaus/VhwN0BSuXjI/AAAAAAAAmHY/yNnWHtMB9E0/IMG_0043_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="401"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Logs were sorted, and in some cases, measured by hand …</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x0mUV5r3qlo/VhwN1bZ9hBI/AAAAAAAAmHg/G22-Q6SeegM/s1600-h/IMG_0049%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0049" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cr37hSkx940/VhwN2Z38juI/AAAAAAAAmHo/QMWVjRMO--o/IMG_0049_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="404"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Then other loaders would stack them with similar size/quality logs on temporary racks at the edge of the water.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BMJRcnSLWm0/VhwN3xg7CVI/AAAAAAAAmHw/-n0iTUS-ruc/s1600-h/IMG_0051%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0051" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0WQL3hX4xDU/VhwN47VLTCI/AAAAAAAAmH4/HRmze-oIw1c/IMG_0051_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Another machine would then come by and automatically wrap and tie the pile of logs with cables.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--M6Qv-PfJhQ/VhwN6bsLlNI/AAAAAAAAmIA/3U67-Rmq_so/s1600-h/IMG_0045%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0045" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0045" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oy649FftVjw/VhwN7ClimmI/AAAAAAAAmII/njVX1vXsYpk/IMG_0045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="196"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-hQup9rufU/VhwN8RSplKI/AAAAAAAAmIQ/mfRglQGyTAk/s1600-h/IMG_0044%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0044" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0044" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--CIlSALB83M/VhwN9HhsdTI/AAAAAAAAmIY/0HFuu0RSnl8/IMG_0044_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="195"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Then one of the machines would come by and push the tied logs down a ramp into the ocean with a mighty splash.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OlxfA5Gqc3A/VhwN-vzDwJI/AAAAAAAAmIg/_vWZLDHymIw/s1600-h/IMG_0038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0038" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BTCBOXpH7MQ/VhwN_tnwIaI/AAAAAAAAmIo/5-QCTmsVtu0/IMG_0038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="399"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Then the fun began! Tiny, but powerful log boats would push, pull, organize these bundles into neat log booms, and eventually wrap even more cables around the whole thing to keep it together. They were fun to watch, and I spent a long time taking photos of them – looking like they were ready to tip or sink at any moment. Clearly they do not, but they sure look like it!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOluiOTJwAQ/VhwOAh2fZMI/AAAAAAAAmIw/ACgg7ACajI0/s1600-h/IMG_0042%252520-%252520Copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0042 - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0042 - Copy" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HHZyjvbjIc/VhwOBr1Dv_I/AAAAAAAAmI4/p8GPazYWjPo/IMG_0042%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sxK__y_uoM8/VhwOCzBPjhI/AAAAAAAAmJA/h1w1poSjti8/s1600-h/IMG_0041%252520-%252520Copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0041 - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0041 - Copy" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0yvpZAYhw98/VhwODi-48_I/AAAAAAAAmJE/AZeP4lGO95o/IMG_0041%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xF63xeFhe6c/VhwOEn98cNI/AAAAAAAAmJQ/nOQuSmlsYq0/s1600-h/IMG_0040%252520-%252520Copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0040 - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0040 - Copy" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v61PlLmD12c/VhwOFqRPEAI/AAAAAAAAmJY/DkaRce-ditw/IMG_0040%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="406"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AffZshdO8BM/VhwOGqXV6vI/AAAAAAAAmJg/bbsyCydTB4I/s1600-h/IMG_0040%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0040" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0040" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7r_SHLx9E7k/VhwOHmxUALI/AAAAAAAAmJo/GQL8y2a26OM/IMG_0040_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_T7Yf3LVHsY/VhwOIxPoUsI/AAAAAAAAmJw/j9ngZrYIZuk/s1600-h/IMG_0012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0012" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0012" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7-3emb0D41A/VhwOJgIu1nI/AAAAAAAAmJ0/SrbvPSyGgeE/IMG_0012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-heJEz3b1CGA/VhwOLSzouoI/AAAAAAAAmKA/n2hdDfVeFTU/s1600-h/IMG_0011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0011" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0B60MYsx_w/VhwOMe11oYI/AAAAAAAAmKI/dQVytakCqRI/IMG_0011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AQRfYt4SsOM/VhwONaJRDhI/AAAAAAAAmKQ/1UzQsSZfFCc/s1600-h/IMG_0009%252520-%252520Copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0009 - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0009 - Copy" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lUH8CZuXmfI/VhwOOK1vTyI/AAAAAAAAmKY/VPzh1lJVaVY/IMG_0009%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KX1yPfxh5QI/VhwOPTiKUnI/AAAAAAAAmKk/mwvHNfEWTdY/s1600-h/IMG_0008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0008" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0008" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skDL1U4ZqhA/VhwOQXm0v7I/AAAAAAAAmKs/9KvItZ9YRg0/IMG_0008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q1u6HosIFB0/VhwORqHQ2vI/AAAAAAAAmK0/LomEKjZ9-XU/s1600-h/IMG_0006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_0006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0006" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-avTDB1PeLwo/VhwOSQQ2klI/AAAAAAAAmK8/_-NC6OAtj80/IMG_0006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T8oyjluhVK4/VhwOTZdGD7I/AAAAAAAAmLE/4tlP2KPVIRg/s1600-h/IMG_9986%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9986" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9986" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fn6jsY6HwWM/VhwOUQTfa_I/AAAAAAAAmLM/YwGkSj5-GGA/IMG_9986_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="332"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qEFtfn54yGo/VhwOV0CGdaI/AAAAAAAAmLU/LvwvND577Os/s1600-h/IMG_9985%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9985" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9985" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8hupLIhpEM/VhwOW36LxNI/AAAAAAAAmLc/P4tV1-76IPk/IMG_9985_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="399"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OI9WDaqjc4k/VhwOYelV-OI/AAAAAAAAmLk/jbudiqVWglE/s1600-h/IMG_9984%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9984" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9984" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tIOGAn2BrhQ/VhwOZOgO5JI/AAAAAAAAmLs/uJoi-P6E3xg/IMG_9984_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FhQ4g6Q-9Bk/VhwOagOOFvI/AAAAAAAAmL0/QdUSvfjDmMg/s1600-h/IMG_9959%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9959" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9959" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CS-k2KHNpn0/VhwObbjYbyI/AAAAAAAAmL4/4a6KmQFXCSs/IMG_9959_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="197"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The harbour where the booms are formed is protected by a group of old WWII ships that were anchored and sunk at the entrance. Descriptions of the ships histories are posted on nearby plaques.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pHV6f4QXd2Y/VhwOcsZb7VI/AAAAAAAAmME/f3_34L7vdLk/s1600-h/IMG_9954%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9954" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9954" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3nL-yePTHbQ/VhwOdQ96gkI/AAAAAAAAmMM/sZUJPJ_sr4o/IMG_9954_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-or2PxBg4mSk/VhwOeuMCJII/AAAAAAAAmMU/8oQ9JdlATrE/s1600-h/IMG_9951%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9951" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9951" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R4OPS-5wW-M/VhwOfvowEmI/AAAAAAAAmMY/nzU4iOOwKsg/IMG_9951_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="201"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I wanted to get a better view of the whole thing, so I fired up the helicopter and went up for a look and some more photos.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mWxqGYt8mK4/VhwOht-pUzI/AAAAAAAAmMk/OkakrFIFVB8/s1600-h/P9290644%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290644" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290644" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VThiQod_YTw/VhwOid141eI/AAAAAAAAmMs/UIb3Kuq0Kxk/P9290644_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="219"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TuTT_iKnvOY/VhwOkBtBuVI/AAAAAAAAmM0/0guVDAokv34/s1600-h/P9290643%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290643" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290643" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ROlj23Woms/VhwOlDnSdzI/AAAAAAAAmM4/zYjQ2t3LWQ8/P9290643_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4wXHZyfz5k/VhwOm9TjbvI/AAAAAAAAmNE/xA1oIH5bBwc/s1600-h/P9290641%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290641" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290641" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tnJUMqDlFZo/VhwOoPcQOsI/AAAAAAAAmNM/yOViI4boJ8A/P9290641_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyLsYWonJ18/VhwOpfAM7kI/AAAAAAAAmNU/LzZmsoUJYaM/s1600-h/P9290640%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290640" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhXjPfVQ4DA/VhwOqVbhL7I/AAAAAAAAmNY/tmwgo8EhUBI/P9290640_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="222"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6016Efg1EJM/VhwOrzQVduI/AAAAAAAAmNk/gIg9YORPwQU/s1600-h/P9290637%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9290637" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P9290637" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c1BJOmBKHy4/VhwOsj9Pw9I/AAAAAAAAmNs/k7A9R9OqX0Y/P9290637_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="219"></font></a></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-23855365996358115682015-10-08T18:08:00.000-07:002015-10-24T23:30:40.793-07:00Rushing Waters, High Tides, Big Tails<p><font size="3">Before boarding yet another ferry at Earls Cove, the extreme tides in the Skookumchuck Narrows presented a detour worth taking. The narrows is a narrow passage that all the tidal waters must flow through on its way to fill and empty the vast Sechelt Inlet. The tides rush by a point of land in the Provincial Park, making navigation very dangerous for large watercraft, but a well know play spot for kayakers. It’s close to an hour hike down to the narrows from the parking lot, and there are usually lots of spectators and kayakers when the tides are running high.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pj3EiLsoXUQ/VhcSVFcxUqI/AAAAAAAAl9o/qLjSQZHbjK8/s1600-h/IMG_9746%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9746" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9746" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dO1NzFnhON4/VhcSWFcgbHI/AAAAAAAAl9w/cJ3B-kz4IDk/IMG_9746_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="405"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kqtBIfBNIhU/VhcSXJPgVyI/AAAAAAAAl94/KKJl4fPYbSQ/s1600-h/IMG_9747%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9747" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9747" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V9yMqnIUy9c/VhcSX2rGgNI/AAAAAAAAl98/LdjuJgiaiRM/IMG_9747_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RzCIIMv82HU/VhcSY0th7SI/AAAAAAAAl-I/aRXg2ZaMpR0/s1600-h/IMG_9807%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9807" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9807" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lunSefpcYrM/VhcSZ_AWahI/AAAAAAAAl-Q/Fkv6r3Smc0o/IMG_9807_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="200"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Most boaters carry their boats just ‘upstream’ of the drop, then float backwards into the wave, before spending a few seconds to several minutes surfing the wave and performing a variety of wild manoeuvres. Some get swept back into the waves behind, and some boats flip! Although all kayakers at this level are experts at rolling upright again, a few got swept a long ways and had to roll 4-5 times before staying upright and fighting the current back to shore.</font></p> <p><font size="3">(When I was kayaking way back when, I could roll upright without even a paddle – with one hand! But that was also in a warm swimming pool <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pS74kQrxMCo/VhcSaZYEmuI/AAAAAAAAl-U/UoUL_CAogq0/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1jlQVbJgzc/VhcSbgIfBGI/AAAAAAAAl-g/ZQTDbhyhuls/s1600-h/IMG_9799%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9799" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9799" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4bELIQjdUSo/VhcScU1v5pI/AAAAAAAAl-k/CRg3VGcurkI/IMG_9799_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="403"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8M6ZKE8748/VhcSdeX4IsI/AAAAAAAAl-w/BDYJ-2hq-u4/s1600-h/IMG_9790%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9790" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9790" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sG2hf507Kog/VhcSeN4YmEI/AAAAAAAAl-0/b5fjN6Ii19Q/IMG_9790_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3j5mVTOmUII/VhcSfHJswMI/AAAAAAAAl_A/Uzh8JtXFSss/s1600-h/IMG_9787%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9787" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9787" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vP6pXQzKZfs/VhcSf0PGvsI/AAAAAAAAl_E/9xzCiEpKOUI/IMG_9787_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="201"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X-mNpSFQX40/VhcSg2TdnvI/AAAAAAAAl_Q/InfAUa9bKJM/s1600-h/IMG_9783%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9783" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9783" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CFd02Q89__o/VhcShqj0MFI/AAAAAAAAl_U/HvXn2HhRpYQ/IMG_9783_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="404"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sMgnlOHssIM/VhcSilJuzaI/AAAAAAAAl_g/y1dA7JhZ4b8/s1600-h/IMG_9782%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9782" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9782" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2ZF9JnOpuU/VhcSjbyw8-I/AAAAAAAAl_k/Yr4E4ECtYeU/IMG_9782_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="205"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FS6am2TkgKc/VhcSkIx9neI/AAAAAAAAl_w/I3cwJYdhUQk/s1600-h/IMG_9781%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9781" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9781" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KaYH0QdC8nY/VhcSk_ME0JI/AAAAAAAAl_0/-V3NT7xtnCQ/IMG_9781_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="196"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-afNkTtl2vqc/VhcSlu1Tn8I/AAAAAAAAmAA/k1dACuuQeh0/s1600-h/IMG_9777%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9777" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9777" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PxgPV5iwH4/VhcSmmWXV4I/AAAAAAAAmAI/6ZHfTod2N7s/IMG_9777_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="405"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8grZ7SNuKps/VhcSn1qhgyI/AAAAAAAAmAQ/RA1l96GdQJ8/s1600-h/IMG_9820%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9820" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9820" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--AAYahImwkY/VhcSoiFFf1I/AAAAAAAAmAU/7-VUs5wrp5w/IMG_9820_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="203"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6oQHgCn0H1c/VhcSptbV_3I/AAAAAAAAmAg/e4bZjGtlIh4/s1600-h/IMG_9770%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9770" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9770" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ll81IQv5YLU/VhcSqfAoFPI/AAAAAAAAmAk/VGLFwxoU2U4/IMG_9770_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FN1Iya5gdw/VhcSruNKdNI/AAAAAAAAmAw/V1VNT8Dz2c4/s1600-h/IMG_9831%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9831" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9831" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEUQbiISN94/VhcSsrwm1nI/AAAAAAAAmA4/Tzh5lQwnnvE/IMG_9831_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="406"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXijPT_znEc/VhcStbgmaCI/AAAAAAAAmBA/bF6l6yJv9SU/s1600-h/IMG_9768%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9768" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9768" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pNo4oLao9qI/VhcSuE7QwrI/AAAAAAAAmBE/mMgbhVdXCgQ/IMG_9768_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="201"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFxznHhWiAM/VhcSvbDB7zI/AAAAAAAAmBQ/v0zww-QdUgM/s1600-h/IMG_9762%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9762" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9762" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pKIOmA_M3Ss/VhcSwsWeWTI/AAAAAAAAmBY/bzskQqfAO2U/IMG_9762_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-exFtuthARm4/VhcSxkCVY7I/AAAAAAAAmBg/6BRXi3Z1bbM/s1600-h/IMG_9759%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9759" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9759" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-FLFiwAk8c/VhcSzEHFilI/AAAAAAAAmBo/cOm2MlkkJkw/IMG_9759_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="407"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlJPEKI4Ius/VhcSz4-pZDI/AAAAAAAAmBw/oSByIl4LqD0/s1600-h/IMG_9752%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9752" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9752" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yj5oUmpRZfY/VhcS0w7HORI/AAAAAAAAmB0/-IRA4Wy3Fps/IMG_9752_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGQRkK5oelQ/VhcS16BuZQI/AAAAAAAAmCA/DkQsZK87wPc/s1600-h/IMG_9739%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9739" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9739" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iXwde9Ww1co/VhcS2T1ikmI/AAAAAAAAmCE/Zzz0rz9R3Ew/IMG_9739_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lKIpz_VRZuY/VhcS-0mEFeI/AAAAAAAAmCQ/C9YzlFgbons/s1600-h/IMG_9743%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9743" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9743" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SOqWkVjDvzw/VhcS_o7HgQI/AAAAAAAAmCU/2Jdgodmha54/IMG_9743_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="405"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Finally, after several hours of watching the action, the tides were slowing down and the sun was starting to set, so it was time to move on and find a camp spot.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Next morning, we boarded the Ferry at Earls Cove and took the short ride to Saltery Bay, further up the coast.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Tv4rmLEDmY/VhcTAvN9dRI/AAAAAAAAmCg/1VWjyS6DPjk/s1600-h/IMG_9869%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9869" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9869" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ra8OmiiIseo/VhcTB0O6OLI/AAAAAAAAmCo/vqAg54vayzk/IMG_9869_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="403"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66TIw3Gai0E/VhcTC5TLVfI/AAAAAAAAmCw/WuNuhPxIxtI/s1600-h/IMG_9866%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9866" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9866" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PUXT5YShnJc/VhcTD2U9a7I/AAAAAAAAmC0/fDsys3bfSFE/IMG_9866_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="198"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-TBd486C9I/VhcTE2pM9sI/AAAAAAAAmDA/Ftt2mc4v-sU/s1600-h/IMG_9865%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9865" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9865" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Vgyngf1VpY/VhcTFgZ2LtI/AAAAAAAAmDE/uYCLQI5nyH4/IMG_9865_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hailey wanted to get out and stretch her legs, and I wanted to give any of the ferry traffic a chance to dissipate, so once on dry land again, we pulled off the road in Saltery Bay Provincial Park.</font></p> <p><font size="3">.</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E6U9q8H9eiA/VhcTGghSrKI/AAAAAAAAmDQ/EnW8PFjiJaE/s1600-h/IMG_4929%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4929" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4929" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3yvyFCb8uM/VhcTHiYTBfI/AAAAAAAAmDY/v9aaLdVJMZs/IMG_4929_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="265"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HkuHow7tcjc/VhcTI3eRkRI/AAAAAAAAmDg/LidHZ1_-Fvg/s1600-h/IMG_9943%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9943" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9943" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iA40kUP_54c/VhcTJtP1hVI/AAAAAAAAmDo/58G9ug4uc7E/IMG_9943_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="262"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">After wandering around for a bit we noticed some more action going on – on and under the water offshore!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4waaNHF3KS4/VhcTRZSa2cI/AAAAAAAAmDs/3bvzrJK5YSs/s1600-h/IMG_9915%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9915" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9915" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K0ZicDnt_oI/VhcTSUWhzfI/AAAAAAAAmD0/t3j-M9oX3X8/IMG_9915_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="395"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ziOJxYgDpbY/VhcTTGoL_9I/AAAAAAAAmD4/D1tydZ5t1qg/s1600-h/IMG_9909%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9909" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9909" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uc-fw7atgEU/VhcTT32wQII/AAAAAAAAmEE/Xp09WryxEyg/IMG_9909_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="283" height="210"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qIyaLEhhNR0/VhcTWk3EtmI/AAAAAAAAmEQ/yWncws7aD-0/s1600-h/IMG_9905%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9905" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9905" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y30-PT3b77M/VhcTcPdrC7I/AAAAAAAAmEY/5_iMa1w4tzI/IMG_9905_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="209"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ss-qcjxDiPA/VhcTcxPpQ_I/AAAAAAAAmEc/cD85QOH3omU/s1600-h/IMG_9902%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9902" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9902" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OA3ZtCfc7ow/VhcTeEGB8fI/AAAAAAAAmEo/Od4PYVb0c50/IMG_9902_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="595"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Apparently, some Humpback whales were putting on a watery show as well!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-WWcff0jjI/VhcTfhDh22I/AAAAAAAAmEw/8mk60w9Iao4/s1600-h/IMG_9904%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9904" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9904" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F7FULUq5H_E/VhcTgbN8EmI/AAAAAAAAmE0/mCO3ZoInpkI/IMG_9904_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="197"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4RslVxnzUk/VhcThnFDU5I/AAAAAAAAmFA/csewhx9cMEQ/s1600-h/IMG_9898%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9898" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9898" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ozn8itRldC8/VhcTiR0AKVI/AAAAAAAAmFI/a7y0RgcpnUM/IMG_9898_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="193"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Apologies to those with bandwidth limitations – I’m one of you, but some pics just <em>have</em> to be posted.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Coming soon – underwater pink salmon spawning photos, and perhaps video! We’re now on a slow migration southward on Vancouver Island, before eventually heading home to Alberta. There, we’ll swap camping rigs and decide when to head south! See ya on the road.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Thanks to Tim Horton’s restaurants for providing free high speed internet!</font></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551268533259020554.post-70081224521888987732015-10-02T13:13:00.000-07:002015-10-24T23:30:40.826-07:00Too soon to head South!<p><font size="3">With work done (at least for this year), and still a bit early to head south for the winter, there was only one viable option. A roadtrip! But to where? Out came the maps and Google Earth. East? West? North? After the little snow flurries at camp, I didn’t think it made much sense to head north and likely find more of the same. That left east or west …</font></p> <p><font size="3">But as usual, I headed out with no real plan in mind. I started out a bit to the south, but plans to meet up with friends in Calgary or further south did not work out, but at least I got to check out the new Bass Pro Shops at the Cross Iron Mills. The thought of hot springs then came to mind, and since there are not many (any?) in Saskatchewan, before I knew it the truck had turned towards BC. Weather was cooling off before departure and in a rare pre-emptive strike, I got busy one day and winterized both the fifth wheel and the truck camper! As luck and poor planning would have it, the very next day I loaded up the truck camper, and watered it up for the trip. We made the big pull over Roger’s Pass without the big diesel even downshifting, and visited a friend for the night in Revelstoke. Diesel prices in Calgary had been 88.9/L, and Revelstoke was 115.9/L, so we upped the fuel economy and found cheaper prices in Kamloops. Missed meeting up with some friends in Kamloops as I passed through, and took the less-traveled route towards Merritt. By that time, it seemed like it might be a good plan to push on and get through the downtown Vancouver traffic on a Sunday afternoon, BUT a convenient, scenic little lake side spot scuttled that plan. Weather was doing it’s best to be damp and raining, but that’s not much of a concern in a cozy camper. It was just getting dark, when I noticed Hailey intently staring out the back window. Sure enough, there was a very small black bear out there, feasting on the berries in the bushes!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F7By2cbRVmU/Vg7lBaiC7fI/AAAAAAAAl5E/UsVW4NCoKak/s1600-h/IMG_4823%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4823" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4823" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QAjPIR-C0wQ/Vg7lCK8MboI/AAAAAAAAl5M/HLog8V83u0o/IMG_4823_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="364"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UfwaWYx_WIo/Vg7lCxLQ2qI/AAAAAAAAl5U/CN78tkW1eRQ/s1600-h/IMG_4839%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4839" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4839" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ERr2yykvP8/Vg7lDn5ONnI/AAAAAAAAl5c/cmRvPv98yI8/IMG_4839_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="366"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOAwhe4exaM/Vg7lEVdFcrI/AAAAAAAAl5k/q7Crq-zQ9u0/s1600-h/IMG_8918%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_8918" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8918" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lPqE9PAdauk/Vg7lFEXkVTI/AAAAAAAAl5s/iWbclnmCvLc/IMG_8918_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="403"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Unlike the 5th wheel that has a shower on board and an ample supply of water, the truck camper does not, so we are always on the lookout for a convenient place to shower. We stumbled onto a very nice aquatic centre in Hope, and had a sauna and a hot tub to round out the deal.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We paid a surprise visit to that elusive, stealthy </font><a href="http://wanderingwillystravels.blogspot.com/"><font size="3">Wandering Willy</font></a><font size="3"> on our approach to Vancouver, which put us right in the middle of rush hour to get through the city! Luckily, there were <em>few</em> delays in the direction I was headed, but there appeared to be several multiple mile long backups in the opposite direction. We kept right on going onto the Sea to Sky highway, all the way right up to Squamish.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0-xAZHyaW4c/Vg7lGYRV_vI/AAAAAAAAl50/dzTUyGPFs1Y/s1600-h/P9210628%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9210628" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P9210628" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8x9km0Ug5YI/Vg7lHPuVbtI/AAAAAAAAl58/mbIE0TY_TpY/P9210628_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="452"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uEFlpqG0Ah8/Vg7lIPXasiI/AAAAAAAAl6E/SDD9O6M2RQQ/s1600-h/P9210627%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="P9210627" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P9210627" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LUosXW52syY/Vg7lI7EARKI/AAAAAAAAl6M/azHfQXRC6gs/P9210627_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="216"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hailey says it is about time we got on the road again. Enough with all those darn helicopters!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJTkPom6bBo/Vg7lJsVgmaI/AAAAAAAAl6U/af0qchAvlIU/s1600-h/IMG_4846%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4846" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4846" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2WlKjsbPVz4/Vg7lKXqn4eI/AAAAAAAAl6c/k0_Fbc7gCQY/IMG_4846_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="457"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">After visiting with friends for the night in the Squamish area, and checking out their new sailboat, it was time to hit the road again. But then a Facebook friend who lives in the area, whom I haven’t seen in years noticed I was in the area, and called me up for a short get-together. I think what I need is an app linked to Google Earth that plots everyone’s address from my address book on google earth or google maps, so I always know who lives in the area I’m traveling. That way, I would not miss as many friends or get reminded later who I should have visited!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Anyway, that still left a bit of time for a short hike up the bottom of the Squamish Chief, which incidentally is more very steep stairs than anything else. That got the lazy legs humming a bit.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We retraced our route back down the Sea to Sky and got us on a ferry boat at Horseshoe Bay and headed across Howe Sound to Langdale and Gibson’s – home of the long, long running Beachcombers TV Series. Did another short, steep hike there up Soames hill, for a nice view of the harbour, and rewarded my efforts with some ribs and beer at Grandma’s Pub – right across the road from Molly’s Reach (from the TV show). </font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fWyRJq5YoRQ/Vg7lLNEGIcI/AAAAAAAAl6k/zZQlSl1N7PM/s1600-h/IMG_4871%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4871" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4871" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jMjBNUAP-_k/Vg7lL9V0uiI/AAAAAAAAl6s/jH8HUG7spo0/IMG_4871_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="393"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wj4JUfXaSzs/Vg7lM375gWI/AAAAAAAAl60/uzSOPYIlW3w/s1600-h/IMG_4869%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4869" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4869" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9mjyEpKWOeI/Vg7lNqp4bAI/AAAAAAAAl68/PBZHOI3inzo/IMG_4869_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="392"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">On the way back to the truck, we found the Persephone on blocks by the street. Lots of boats to check out at the docks</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oIDXmqxpjzY/Vg7lOWqqhuI/AAAAAAAAl7E/ducuNRElXH4/s1600-h/IMG_9736%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9736" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9736" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lz7P3WlPht8/Vg7lPYh1rVI/AAAAAAAAl7I/yV2O_yZeRnI/IMG_9736_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="259"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9rtfliMIxP4/Vg7lQMANxSI/AAAAAAAAl7U/cEVslWnVdCA/s1600-h/IMG_4866%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4866" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4866" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uc4HQy2CIKw/Vg7lQ7VawzI/AAAAAAAAl7c/uxmDod3lw9s/IMG_4866_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="263"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WUCu58vx7VQ/Vg7lRy1ochI/AAAAAAAAl7k/IgCd_bcY6-o/s1600-h/IMG_9735%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9735" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9735" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VQqgdOI2KJw/Vg7lSjg8Y8I/AAAAAAAAl7s/4qvJkvT6dgk/IMG_9735_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="211"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fS0ChC4xO58/Vg7lTQMAlPI/AAAAAAAAl70/-okGCJIKP10/s1600-h/IMG_4868%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_4868" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4868" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SsUMCez7ebo/Vg7lUAc8wQI/AAAAAAAAl78/ExA-m27O_Fw/IMG_4868_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="210"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And another hike down to Smuggler Cove Provincial Park – where rum running boats used to hide out during prohibition while delivering to the US!</font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-61AwO4h2qqM/Vg7lV39Yp0I/AAAAAAAAl8E/JbUBXfNdg3Q/s1600-h/IMG_9734%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9734" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9734" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AuDVO-m4gpo/Vg7lXKdbbII/AAAAAAAAl8M/o78Idf1Rr1A/IMG_9734_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="396"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VpfV2lFDHdc/Vg7lYIAlCDI/AAAAAAAAl8U/IPutLf03O3s/s1600-h/IMG_9730%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9730" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9730" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0j0UkIzQLY/Vg7lY_LB9qI/AAAAAAAAl8c/ErmzuxryxR0/IMG_9730_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="408"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daFzkSEHPWg/Vg7lZjwAEKI/AAAAAAAAl8k/Tsi5T8BZYRc/s1600-h/IMG_9721%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9721" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9721" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rzdbpQB5cRw/Vg7laY9_KLI/AAAAAAAAl8s/T99AceFTg6I/IMG_9721_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="195"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FI4Q0mxxiaE/Vg7lbELsr0I/AAAAAAAAl80/Uo4Lmyk15mQ/s1600-h/IMG_9716%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9716" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9716" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-22G54vOBC8E/Vg7lb-3DiDI/AAAAAAAAl88/85aR2tQAl0c/IMG_9716_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="199"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hrTYSeUotfM/Vg7lcmKMrDI/AAAAAAAAl9E/ZZ2ceM2eDEE/s1600-h/IMG_9718%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="IMG_9718" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9718" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZ1Ptqp2kAA/Vg7ldd9Ig-I/AAAAAAAAl9M/pHYFUIeTtiE/IMG_9718_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="411"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">After a few days on the road, the rains let up and the ‘Sunshine Coast’ lived up to it’s name. We were usually able to locate remote, scenic, free spots to camp along the coast, but it would have been very difficult to do the same towing the 5th wheel. We picked up some small grocery items in Sechelt, and found yet another great rec centre with pool and hot tub – on special at $2.! </font></p> <p><font size="3">As we continued northward along the coast, there was yet another ferry to get us across Jervis Inlet. But first – Egmont, and the famous tides of the Skookumchuck Narrows!</font></p> Ivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168049287421499715noreply@blogger.com3