Life on the High Plains

 We were in Florida in November and got the chance to visit Everglades National Park. (I'm a national park geek!) It was during the government shutdown which was very strange. No rangers on duty anywhere.  As a former NPS employee I really don't believe in leaving the parks unattended. One of the park concessionaires was still operating so we were able to get on a fabulous tour of the park. I've never seen so many great blue herons in one location. This guy was patrolling his territory. The view from the Shark Valley Observation Tower. This is a view of the tower.  Pretty amazing they built it out in the middle of nowhere. This guy was waiting at the start of the walkway to the tower.  Of course there were some tourons getting way too close.  Believe me when I say I gave it lots of space. Lots of interesting birds that I was unfamiliar with. This one appeared to be drying out its feathers. So beautiful! Lots of babies hanging out in the grasses.  Apparently...

Some amazing views from our visit to Yosemite National Park in September. El Capitan Closeup of climbers ascending El Capitan.  Have you ever wondered what a climber has to haul up the rockface with them?  We learned from a ranger that they need to take a gallon of water for each day (average climb is five days), food, weather protection, sleeping frame, plus they have to haul out their waste every day.  Yes, they poop on the side of the mountain and then carry it out. The Three Brothers rock formations. One of the best views in the valley from Tunnel View.  El Capitan on the left, Three Brothers on the right and Half Dome at the far end of the valley.  Breathtaking! Another view of Half Dome from our hike out to Mirror Lake.  The lake was dry, but what a spectacular view! View from the top of Glacier Point. Half Dome from Glacier Point. Amazing trip!  If you love the beauty of nature, Yosemite should be on your bucket list. Linking with Skywatch Frida...