Arches, Peeking Through the Window

Now we come to the section of the park where there are, indeed, arches to be seen. This is the "Windows" section of the drive.

Arches - More columns of Rock Reaching Skyward

The ubiquitous mesquite is framed by a wall of stone and the rock columns as we work our way through the park.

Arches: Balancing Rock et al.

Not far past the Courthouse Towers, we come to the Petrified Dunes. This is a series of rounded hills and mounds that vaguely resemble sand dunes. they happen to have the glorious snowy La Sal Mountains in the background so they make an interesting foreground for photos.

Arches Near the Entrance

More or less where we left off yesterday is with a look at the La Sal Mountains, so today we begin here again.

On the Way to the Arches

Driving south through Utah on I-15. North of Salt Lake City we drive through one of emptier sections of the country we've been through. But there are some nice mountains to see.

Mill Fork Cemetery

 

South of Provo, UT, after turning off of I-15 onto US 6 to head toward Moab, we passed through a place called Mill Fork. There is is no 'there' there...no town, no nothing...except this tiny cemetery.

Red Winged Blackbirds and a Significant Other

This place is full of these birds filling the air with their churrr and flute-o-phone-like calls. Of course, the colorful arm patch, like a soldier's mark of rank, makes them easy to identify.

On the Road Again!

We are on the move once again. With a cat-sit booked in Santa Fe, two Covid shots in our arms (and the additional two weeks need to be fully immunized), we filled the CR-V and hit the road. Along the way we stopped in Boise, ID. Not far from there, along the Snake River, lies the Ted Trueblood Wildlife Area. A spot filled with ponds and marshy bits that attracts birds and other wildlife.

A Very Sunny Day for a Walk

Today is crocus day. Some, like the one above, are caught early in their annual process.

A Few More From the Nursery

Sometimes flowers aren't simply brightly colored objects to "ooh" and "aah" over. Occasionally, one such as the one above are more melancholy and display themselves in a subdued fashion. With a little help in darkening the background and desaturating, this flower give a different view of the flower world.

Bayside Nursery

Since the quiz at the end of yesterday's post came on the first day of spring, today we celebrate with the answer to the question and a dive into some flowers that have the advantage of a warm place to spend the winter.

A Bit of Apres Snow

And after the snow comes water. Rain. And more water. Everywhere. And so the plants respond with their springtime urges unleashed.

The Slow Disappearance of the Snow

Today's set of images show a few scenes around town as the modest snow we got begins to melt. In the image above you get the idea of the connection between the winter rain/snow and the coming spring explosion.

Between Seasons

The snow added to the healthy foliage on the bushes, makes the snow seem artificial...it just doesn't fit somehow.

Of Course, the Weather is Unpredictable...

 

Just when you think that spring is just around the corner, here comes winter again with all his bluster and snow. On this fine day, we awoke to snow and the tracks of birds in the snow that had blown in onto the front porch.

On a Bright Afternoon

Occasionally, I feel it necessary to show you that it is not all gloom and rain here in the northwest. Every once in a while, we actually get some sunshine.

Color and Shape

I can also find mixtures of colors and shapes that are pleasing.

Life Emerges

The astute observer will notice that while I have been extolling the virtues of the blossoming of spring, you are not seeing azalea bushes full of flowers or pear trees blooming. What you are seeing is the Pacific Northwest taking baby steps toward a new season.

Spring Begins to Show Color in Her Cheeks

Although red berries have been around all winter on many of the trees, I thought another view of them was fitting for this post.

Budding Out

The shades of spring are coming, though you do have to look for them. Not everything is showing signs of life yet, but many are.

The New and Old

This early in the transition between seasons, there is a juxtaposition of last year's remains and the coming of the new year's production. The moss and lichen trying to take over this front yard fence are putting on their growing colors.

Things are Showing Signs of Growth

As I walk around Snoho I see growing signs that spring creeping towards us. The new growth on this evergreen gives it a clear indication that it is coming.

Spring May Be On The Way

Sometimes, to my surprise, I find a flower just blooming away even now in the depths of winter. True, winter is not so harsh here as it is in many places, but it is still in the 30's and 40's at night and the wind and rain are cold. Yet, life persists.

Home Again

After our short trip to Oregon, we headed back home to a mix of a little sunshine and lots and lots of rain. On one of the sunnier days (even by east coast definition), I got a few photos to try to hold your interest.

Cascade Sunrise

Finally back in Snohomish, we resume our morning routine of taking the grandkids to daycare. At 47 degrees north this time of year it still happens at or before sunrise. Once in a while, there is a break in the clouds and we can actually see the sunrise.

A Roadside Hawk

I do have one more set of images from our trip to Oregon. Beside I-5, on the way back north, we spotted this red shouldered hawk scanning about for his/her next meal.

Duck-y Creatures

Out on the various ponds around us as we crept along in our car, were many different sorts of ducks and their ilk. A fairly common one is the northern shoveler. A female is seen above.

Common and Uncommon Birds

Those of you who have followed this blog from the beginning, will know that I have posted plenty of photos of ibis in Africa and Australia. They are not so common here in the US. However, we do have one, the glossy ibis, and you can see him in the photos above and below.

An Eagle and Beavers

Ridgefield really is a place you need to visit. There is an amazing amount of wildlife here. This is one of the few places that I've seen a beaver.

Another Red Shouldered Hawk

Turns out that this wildlife refuge is a hot spot for red shouldered hawks. Here's another one perched in a tree looking about for his/her next meal.

A Brown Creeper...Creeping

It is not often that I am able to photograph small birds. They are usually much too quick for me to find, focus, and snap to get a decent image. I was lucky this day to find a brown creeper on the side of nearby tree out foraging for food.