Getting ready to go again.

The days shorten, and we are starting to pull things together for this winter's excursion.  This year our plans are for January in Bisbee Az, Feb and March in Sedona, beyond that we know we will return, but there are some places in Utah and Colorado we wish to visit a bit more before returning....

Its a long, long way

We are getting there - Eastern Time zone no less.

These were taken in Kearney Nebraska

 yellow headed blackbird  Kearney Nebraska

Heading Home the scenic way.

This year we are trying a more northerly route with quick visits to places worth much more extensive investigation, but with the aim of getting to Nebraska before the cranes depart for the arctic including Siberia according to a ranger.

en route Moab, Glenwood Springs, Estes Park.

Much scenery in between.

We made it to Kearney Nebraska in time, the cranes are here, but they are too far out in the vast fields to get any good photos Will go out tomorrow when we are rested to see what we can find.

I missed the shot of the Clark's Nutcracker, a jay.

Moving on,, heading home by degrees.

Leaving our rental tomorrow early

Moab is next, for 2 nights

lucky to get a room in spring break season

 but today, one last sedona hike

up Jim Bryant canyon and fortunately the sole on my boot did not detach until I was mostly back.

But first: I promised this lizard he would get to be on the internet

if only he would not scurry under a rock, or up a cliff

he was obliging, even though I had to switch lenses.

Blooms next, including the first cactus - that we will miss I am afraid.

The sky was amazing just enough clouds to make the incredible blue even more vivid

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Canyon of Fools

Really.

 

Interesting trail, the lower part of which goes through an arroyo, a very narrow one, which looks like it would be great fun on a bicycle

until you met a hiker in one of the narrow passages.

Then you go up and, taking other trails,

do a loop at the base of cliffs with the all too rare opportunity to record your companion as

officially difficult - or extreme, should that be your choice.

 

a variety of flowers

 

textures

 

interesting spider web

much fun