Different type of Climber

The last time through the Needles Eye Tunnel in 2021we encountered a Mountain Goat inside the tunnel. This trip through we encountered two rock climbers descending the actual Needle Eye.

Unfortunately, I did not get the descents recorded due to operator error. I have since learned how to record with my camera. I tried to get them to do it again and they said nope. Oh well hopefully I might catch it again this season. The Needles are eroded granite pillars and rock climbers delight in being able to climb them.

The highway itself is 14 miles of twist and turns with beautiful scenery. I enjoy the trip up this road because depending on the clouds you can see something different at every turn.

The thing I noticed this trip is how resilient the trees are because they take root in just a small crack in the rocks. They are sturdy and strong. I am always impressed with how things adapt in nature.

Upon our arrival back at camp I was able to meet a lady and her parrot, great way to top off the afternoon.

I also tried to catch a few bird photos of my own. I am still trying to get used to the camera and that afternoon I think I captured the perfect motioned blur bird shot I’ve ever seen.

Wow! It’s Summer Again.

Yes, it is. I’m so glad that we were blessed with cooler than mid triple digits when we packed. Here’s to hoping they continue. The goal until we get to Timber Ridge is to stay connected. I’m glad we packed my chair and Roy’s scooter so we can explore and still stay connected. Day one had us drive to Las Vegas spending the night and eating steak and king crab at Angry Butcher. (Yes, we also donated do the Vegas building fund.)

Setting up camp for one night Roy is already being goofy and this is only Day two. I will post one of him on day 105. Seriously I was trying to put the final touches on learning my camera. The moon was shot using my R7 and 100 – 400mm lens, I had it completely extended and this is cropped way in. The sunset in Beaver was not as colorful as I had hoped I was however able to catch some color on the mountains on the east.

We are in Fruita right on the very swollen Colorado River, I will be getting out and taking some pictures tomorrow as we are taking a break. The trip from Beaver UT to Fruita Co had some rest areas with wide open Vistas.

I even got some kitty therapy today at one of these pull offs. I was headed over to take a few pictures when this 9 week old kitten jumped of her owners shoulder and came over to me. She was all black had tiny ears and did not meow. I asked if I could hold her she said yes. It was so cool to snuggly her. I should have gotten a picture, I did ask Roy if I could keep her the answer was no. I understand Buki was the best pet we had and he is still irreplaceable.

I know that I will always be learning. One of the photo goals I have this summer is getting some lightening photography. We are in the perfect area to experiment with this genre. I am also planning some milky way shots over the badlands. Hopefully the wildfires will be non-existent, last time we were here we had the smoky way.

Raindrops and Rainbows

I learned a lesson never leave the trailer without a camera. We are spending our last night in Wall SD on the edge of the Badlands NP so we headed to dinner in Quinn. Quinn is the next town over and the sign states population 44, there is a steak house and bar – 2 Bit Saloon and Steakhouse (yes I did get a t-shirt). This place made Roy and I feel so at home the first time, we came back for a dinner a couple of nights later. That is when the rain came.

I have to say this summer we have encountered more rain then any of our other trips. It is enjoyable to listen to the thunder and watch the lightening although hearing hail is not a nice sound. This did happen one of the nights we were in Wall. Tonight though the cell that passed over Wall and Quinn had no hail only thunder and lightening and lots of rain. So after dinner we decided to take a drive to the Badlands and see erosion in progress. Wind and water has been working their magic on these mountains for eons.

So the sun came out on our way out of the park and we got lucky with a double rainbow. I am so glad I had my cell phone and can share the rainbow and cloudburst pictures. There is also a picture showing RVs camping on the wall that overlooks the Badlands. This is a boondocking site and it is on the side of the cliff, amazing views for sure and extremely popular.

So enjoy the pictures and I promise to bring a camera with me everywhere.

Getting Up Early….

Nailed IT!. Yes, getting up at 7 am to get on the road to retake Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse from the Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower. The best part of this was the fact that there were very few people here and the sun and clouds were perfect. I have to say to be able to see and take a picture of Mount Rushmore that is 9 miles as the crow flies is awe inspiring. Crazy Horse is 10 miles as the crow flies. With Rushmore however you only get Washington’s profile and Lincoln’s nose and chin. It also helps to know what you are looking for. Crazy Horse instead of the usual profile from the tower you are able to get full front. The interesting thing is the equipment on that mountain I was able to capture with my camera. These pictures are from the observation deck.

After I was able to get these pictures I head back to the car where I was able to also get a different perspective of both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. I was able to show a family the picture I took of Crazy Horse and then point it out to them with my finger. We headed down from the lookout and from a pull out I took these pictures looking back up the mountains. This area is also where most of the cell phone towers are for the park. The rest of the day was lazy we went into town to grab some much needed internet time and headed home for lunch. I was also able to catch up on my pictures and blogs. It is needed sometimes just to have a catch up sort of day. Roy, on the other hand sat outside and people watched.