Life on the High Plains

 Although we've lived in Colorado for almost 30 years, we've never made a visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. A couple weeks ago we were in the area and decided to stop in for a quick visit.  We had to stop at the welcome sign for a photo.  It's always great how strangers will take your photo if you agree to take their photo.   Pulling up to the entrance station I was surprised to see one of my former supervisors from Yellowstone collecting entrance fees.  She transferred to the Dunes to get out of fees and work in Public Affairs.  She said it was her first day in the booth and she was out there because of "staffing issues".  We all know what that's about, don't we?  (My ranger friends who lost their jobs on February 14th have been notified they're being rehired.)   I wasn't sure what to expect at the Dunes.  It was much larger than I expected. I, of course, had to find out how all that sand got there.  It was thr...

One of my favorite things to do is to go for a hike surrounded by trees and running water. We live on the high desert of Colorado so to find trees and water we have to drive at least 25 minutes or so. Our go to place is the regional trail at the closest County Park.  It's also the park where I volunteer at one of the Nature Centers. It's not especially beautiful this time of year.  It won't be long until everything starts turning green and the blue herons return. Aspen is always up for a quick dip in the creek. At the nature center I volunteer for they always have interesting articles and stories to help keep the volunteers motivated.  One I read recently was especially interesting.  I've always known that being outdoors make me feel better--mentally and physically. There was a study done that says 20 minutes 3 times a week in nature will lower your body's primary stress hormone, cortisol.  It should be a stroll and not a workout and disconnecting from other int...

You have to love spring weather on the front range of the Rockies.  Intense winds and dry grasses.  On March 13th they combined with a spark to form the Meridian Fire.  Irv was driving home from golf around 12:30 and he saw where the fire started--someone's backyard and it was heading northeast.  We both have the Watch Duty app on our phones and it started sending our alerts.  We weren't too concerned at first because it was a good seven or eight miles to the west of us.   We were in a pre-evacuation zone though.  Irv hooked up the horse trailer just to be prepared.  I packed an overnight bag and then looked through the house to see what else we might need.  All I grabbed was our computers and our fireproof safe which contains our passports, our wills, and some other important papers.  I was going to grab one of my paintings if it came to that, but I really couldn't think of anything else to take.  I've digitized the majority o...

We made the long drive to Monte Vista, Colorado earlier this week to visit the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge and see the Sandhill Cranes. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes stop in the wetlands and nearby agricultural fields on their migratory path north. Thousands of Canadian Geese and ducks are there also. This pond was filled with geese and it was quite noisy. The cranes leave their winter grounds and start arriving here in late February.  The peak time to see them is the first week of March and they have usually left the area by mid-April. A big gust of wind came up and many of them took to flight. What an incredible sight it was to see this many cranes in one location! Monte Vista holds a Sandhill Crane Festival the first week in March.  I can't wait to attend next year! Linking with Skywatch Friday

A little more exploring while in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  This time is was The Gathering Place. My brother (Yogi-- check out his blog here ) is always posting about it so I had to go see it for myself. I had no map and didn't feel like looking it up on my phone so I just began to wonder.  I first came upon Peggy's Pond.  I love that they have small beach areas and many chairs to lounge in.  I probably wouldn't swim in there because there were signs in the area warning of snakes. I then meandered towards the Arkansas River.  They have beautiful trails up and down the side of the river.  One of the landmarks is this historic Tulsa Power Station that sits on the opposite bank.  My first thought was that it was a bit of an eyesore, but then I took a closer look and realized it has to be an historic place.  I did a little research and it's over 100 years old and it's still going strong! Look at this pedestrian bridge that goes across the river--how great is t...

A couple weeks ago I made the long drive to Tulsa to visit my brothers, SIL and nephew.  It was a strange trip to say the least. I arrived the night before a big winter storm hit.  I stayed in an AirBnB which was a beautiful, newly built duplex.   Ice arrived before the snow and encased everything in ice.  In addition the temps dropped below zero.  I sent this photo to the owner and she had someone come over right away to check it out.  I didn't want the pipes to freeze. The first day I pretty much stayed inside, but by day two the weather had cleared.  I was the only tenant in the duplex so I walked around the property looking for a garage or shed that might contain shovel.  No luck.  I once again contacted the owner and she had someone bring me this shovel.  Really?  I thought the proper response would have been sending a snow removal service over, but I guess not. Eager to get outside I took that shovel down to the bottom of...