Beach bums

Two little urchins at the beach, picking shells and playing in the sand.

Into the dress up box

all dressed up + nowhere special to go!

Oma says NO

"Oma, will you start the tractor for us?"

Capturing Canyonlands

I am writing in the colors of the Southwest--I love the reddish soils and layers of sediments that show in the strata of this area.  The weather has been so good, that we decided that Canyonlands was too pretty to just spend a day or two seeing it, and heading to another Park for two days.  So, we did a more thorough exploration of the area.  We did a very arduous hike into the interior of Canyonlands, about an 8.5 mile hike around a large crater which geologists debate about its origin--meteor, or just a push-up of mountainous area in the middle of a circular basin. It was a remarkable view of a huge boulder field which we had to cross, then a very green valley at the base of the canyon, and finally--we had to climb out.  What goes into, must come out of as they say!  At the end of the hike, didn't we luck out and see Big-horned sheep, which are somewhat elusive to tourists.  It was a special moment, which Allen captured on camera.  We also hiked on other days, and rode our bikes(Whew!) on the hilly terrain of the Park Roads.  I really like this part of Utah--Moab is really a big outdoor playground, and the town is a very laid-back community.  The breweries make good beer, too!  Off to CT., for a break for a week. Travelling Taylor

Hello friends and family!

Beautiful morning here in Moab, Utah.  We had a great time in Arches National Park and also in the town of Moab.  We had two days of really warm, nice weather, so we took advantage of it and did a long, 5 mile hike into the park to view some of the arches and strange formations along this trail.  The next day, we did several shorter 3 mile hikes into other areas where there are distinct formations and arches. What fun!  One night, we camped along the Colorado river, near a long bike trail, and biked for almost two hours, with towering spires above us.  Next, we head on to Canyonlands for some hiking, and finally, to Capital Reef National Park before we head back to Salt Lake City for my flight back to CT.  Looking forward to seeing my family, but will miss Allen!

Warm weather!!

Headed South after Vancouver--Allen was determined to wear a T-shirt, so here we are in Utah, near Moab--where the temperature is in the 70's.  Tomorrow, it is in the eightys.  On the way down, we stopped at a Service Station, in Idaho, where I found a message on the bathroom wall, near the toilet with the words like:  "I don't take kindly to anyone messin" with my clean bathroom. Shuks, it takes me a dern long time to clean the damn place up, so if you're fixin' to mess it up, then you just tuck yer tail tween yer legs and high tail it outta here now." On the way out, at the mirror, another sign was posted, "ain't you purdy!"  I loved it!  Gotta capture these unique moments to post!

     Lots to hike in Arches and Canyonlands, and the othe rparks here.  Then , I am going to CT for a week to visit my Grandchildren, as I need my Granma fix.  Will be there from 5/18 to the 26th.  Today was my Birthday--My best gift was a pass called the Golden Age Pass for $10, which gets me into all the National Parks with 3 other people, for life!  Cool! Will send pics in the next communique!

     One other thing--when we were in Idaho, we went to the Oregon Interpretive Center which gave us lots of history about the Oregon Trail.  The campsite where we stayed in Idaho, was on the Snake River, which was where many of the pioneers crossed.  I loved the history--will read more on this subject, later! 

Allen's son

Ryan just finished his first half marathon in 1 hr, 28 mins. We cheered him on!

march in vancouver

Accidentally came upon this protest march to legalize marijuana~probably would not see this in ME!

Back from Canada

What a great city Vancouver, BC. is.  It is the cleanest, most walkable city I have ever visited.  We walked probably 40 miles in three days, as it is so easy to get around the city on your two feet.  We had great food, and enjoyed Ryan, Allen's son, as a personal tour guide. Also watched him run a half marathon, which was fun.  I posted some pictures on facebook with Ryan's picure on it.  The neat thing about the city is the little shuttle boats that take you across the river to various points--they are so small that they don't even tie up when they stop at the various docks.

     We are back in Seattle to meet up with Audrey before we head to Utah.  Enough of this cold weather requiring a jacket!  Want to wear a T-shirt and shorts!  Tonite, I made a strawberry-rhubarb pie using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  One has to be willing to adapt to lack of kitchen items , while traveling!! By the way, Vancouver is very progressive--we saw a protest March to legalize Marijuana.  Don't think we would see that in ME.!!